I'm back, folks

I'm not beaten yet. I'll admit I've had something of a breakdown. Trying to make sense of human behavior is taking its toll. But something drives me on.

 

I guess it's all those little humans out there who haven't even had a chance to screw up yet. Tiny little humans have so much love, courage and desire to be good. It's tragic to give up on that kind of potential.

 

I took a few days off to relax. Had a flea bath. Laid around and watched the family doing its thing.

 

And what do you know. When I finally log back on, we've actually knocked off one of the bad guys. We know who to thank, and it's not the ones calling the shots. It's the ones firing the shots and dodging them.

 

I don't know whether his death will prevent terrorism -- there are probably dozens more waiting to fill his shoes. But at least they'll know what they're getting into. If they want to be martyrs, we will oblige.

 

Folks, please don't accuse me of disrespecting the troops. I've done no such thing.

 

And you don't have to remind me that "freedom isn't free." But when you're asking someone else to pay the price, make damn sure you know exactly what you're fighting for -- not some vague concept, but a realistic goal. (More on that here.) Make sure you have a plan. Make sure you give them what they need to do the job right, and that you take care of them (and their families) mentally, emotionally and physically. Don't drive them into despair and desperation while you're busy swapping sound bytes and setting off political smoke bombs to distract the masses. And don't abandon them when they've served your purpose. You humans treat your thoroughbreds and greyhounds better than that.

 

And now for something completely different...

 

Florida holds its breath

...and the rest of us are praying for you. All you blogging kitties and humans down there make sure you take care of yourselves. You might have to. But let's hope we've learned our lesson there.

 

Don't mess with Jack

What he lacks in claws, he makes up for in confidence.

 

This is Cruxley, saying keep the faith, and remember that a crazy look in your eye can come in real handy, especially if you're unarmed or declawed.