The villain origin story…

8JAN2025; 1234, WED– Balto., MD, USA

First and foremost: Sincerest condolences and regrets to the victims of the recent Las Vegas tragedy; as well as those of the New Orleans revelers terrorist attack. May there be some sort of semblance to convalescence in the suffering; if I may.

My heart breaks for each and everyone of the Families in these terrible circumstances. Lastly, in this regard: My prayers are up for comfort from the Heavens themselves.

Somber solemnities notwithstanding, thank you all for coming to my TedTalk. Show of hands: Who all has seen the ‘18 classic, The Equalizer 2?

I only ask because I felt every ounce of the pain in the main antagonist’s heart when he expressed himself about why he decided to become a supervillain; in a sense. Before I get to far ahead of myself though: Congrats to Mr. Denzel Washington for his recent receiving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; no less than the highest honor of possibility for a civvy in America.

It was long overdue; if you will, my good Sir. Praying that my younger Brother; who was named after you, gets to continue to humbly aspire to emulate yourself.

Back to the film. The costar to Mr. Washington, the world’s almost similarly beloved, Mr. Pedro Pascal, was featured as the antihero, Dave York.

A certified killer who led a team of guns for hire; was a rogue CIA agent; and a former U.S. military member on Robert “Mac” McCall (Denzel Washington)’s team.

When confronted by Mac, York made it clear; in no uncertain terms that he and the rest of the team felt like useless tools, that were only good for casting aside once they served their purpose of varying degrees of vitality in support of Uncle Sam’s missions. That one indictment of Unc hit me in my core.

Not necessarily because I believed that it was my fault us Veterans get tossed away and like useless disposable pens. Rather, it hit me because I feel that it was a nearly flawless condemnation.

To quote a popular Twitter colloquialism, “I just witnessed a live [redacted].” Uncle Sam was literally eviscerated by the executive producers and writers of this feature film in that particular scene towards the middle of the movie.

The vitriol was visceral; simple and plain. It was consequently felt; spiritually, by yours truly.

I am reminded of my own personal run-ins with the long arm of the law recently. Fun factoid: The “Free” State, aka Maryland (MD), has no self-defense laws in place; whatsoever.

Unless you’re a lawmaker; and/or law enforcement officer, you better be a praying/believing individual that you never have to, “break anyone down.” That’s a word to the wise.

Seriously tho, why do we treat oft highly specialized military members like disposable, inkless pens; and/or worn out N95s? “Does not compute.”

I know that the tongue in cheek adage is something to the effect that “Over specialization leads to death.” Conversely, I’m fairly certain that the philosophical concept is not necessarily supposed to be applicable to those who Serve(d) their country with distinction and honor.

Call me biased and/or based; if it suits you so. Either which way, doesn’t change the fact that global leadership is currently a vacuum; existing in a parallel realm, essentially.

I guess that the crux of the issue really boils down to: Who better to lead the world than those who were; for all intents and purposes, sworn to, as well as tasked with protecting it. As an arguably decent close to this latest thought piece, I posit a couple of the now infamous and world renowned colloquialisms: 1.) “Asking for a friend.”

And, 2.) Because, “I know a guy…” Honestly though, I know a lot of guys and gals who Served; and thereby deserve leadership positions in the country that they fought, bled, and nearly died for.

At the same time, what do I know. Just a certified killer who Loves his country more than anything…

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Prayers up that one and all received something pertinent and/or timely from this piece. If you did, please think about considering a paid sub; as well as a potential tip/like/comment.

I’ll be forever grateful for even just the feasibility of a thoughtful share also. As with all my entrepreneurial endeavors: NLT (No Less Than) 21% of all profits go to nonprofits that fight tooth and nail on behalf of the hopeless/homeless USA Veterans.

As far as I am concerned, merely one Vet in such circumstances is one way too many. Thank you very kindly again.

Peace; blessings; and favor. Salutations too.

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