Vlad the Impaler; Soros Redux April 11, 2003February 23, 2017 But first . . . Breaking News from the Borowitz Report: IRAQIS TOPPLE GIANT STATUE OF SADDAM LOOK-ALIKE ‘Just to be Sure,’ Jubilant but Cautious Iraqis Say [Shipping any minute: Who Moved My Soap? The CEO’s Guide to Surviving in Prison, by Andy Borowitz.] And now . . . BAD VLAD Joel Margolis: ‘Those of us who are not part of the secular left will have to take responsibility for all of those individuals who did things in the name of religion which violate the commandments. But at least we know that there are plenty of people in the world (some of whom appear to be your heroes – e.g., Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King, Jr.) who did good things based on their religion. Let’s see who you have on your side – Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Genghis Khan, Vlad the Impaler. I guess their actions, in your view, are more deserving of honor and recognition.’ ☞ Now, Joel. In the first place, I think Vlad the Impaler gets a bad rap. But leaving that aside – and understanding that you obviously don’t think I really was saying that people of faith are ‘responsible for all of those individuals who did things in the name of religion which violate the commandments’ – I guess what I am saying is that I hope people of faith will pray for the wisdom and strength to do the right thing . . . but determine what is right based on logic and common human decency. Most people of faith have these qualities in abundance. Some, though, can come to feel they are on a divine mission, and that feeling can sometimes – despite what in their minds are the purest and most devout of intentions – lead to illogical actions that go very badly wrong. No? (And of course I’m kidding about Vlad the Impaler. I am embarrassed to say I have only the vaguest idea who he was, and he wasn’t very nice.) GEORGE SOROS REDUX In light of the wonderful news coming out of Iraq – and it is wonderful, particularly compared to what might have been – celebrants would be well advised to re-read this piece by George Soros. Basically it might be summarized: Right war, wrong way – watch out. Have a great weekend.