Thirty Paces

Nick Illyanov

“A Southern California mayor tonight faces charges
of misdemeanor battery after she reportedly punched
a fellow councilmember in the head during
her last city council meeting yesterday.”

The mayor's got it right: If you haven't evolved beyond smashing the head of your adversary with a stone, if you can't tolerate his politics, policies, or attitude, don't call in the Marines, the Screaming Eagles, the Riders of the Apocalypse. Settle your differences instead with your own fists, with sabers in the cool dawn, with pistols at thirty paces. I hear Saddam Hussein challenged President Bush to a debate, but the While House declined. Earlier, I'm told, the Iraqi leader challenged Mr. Bush to a duel. Now I'm no fan of Saddam — he seems like a real prick. Nevertheless, I've got to say, he did have one good idea.