The Family Giuls

The New York Times ran an article today by Michael Powell that prodded through the prosecutorial portfolio of the infallible underdog superhero, Rudolph Giuliani, the red-nosed pain, dear. Luckily, the article strayed from heavy-handed moralizing and outright condemnation, to paint a vivid picture of a man with unwavering “moral certitude.” Giuliani’s record against the Cosa Nostra is undoubtedly intimidating. The man’s got stones. But, moral certitude frightens me. It’s like the overzealous, obstinate, family-vacation-loving father who, hijacked by his own hubris, doesn’t realize there’s a Portland, Maine AND a Portland, Oregon. Technically, he’ll get to Portland, but he might not have hotel reservations. He might be a kick-ass driver, but damn the mule for not observing the map. He might be cognizant of the rules of the road, but what harm is a little detour or shortcut, just so long as we arrive at where he saw fit. What it comes down to is, if you’re a passenger with unflinching loyalty, the trip might offer some perks, i.e. a Snickers. But, when you’re the pedestrian at the crosswalk, I’d consider stepping back off the curb a few steps to avoid being splashed by the cesspool that auto is likely to kick up.

Currently listening to Albert Ayler – Live in Greenwich Village