I'm not a very religious sort of person, but I think it's appropriate sometimes. So, here and now, I offer up an entreaty to whatever gods, demons, or other invisible creatures might live in the sky: Let me have my ignorance back.

I want to talk trash about the Oscars. Or complain about music. The way things are now, I can't do that -- not with that sense of gross irresponsibility I once had. I'm terrified to watch the news, since I have friends in the Gulf right now. I'm concerned about what's happening to them (even if it's nothing).

Please, please, please; take us back to a time before the phrase, "Let me just stop you there. We have just been informed..." caused my heart to jump up into my throat. Once, almost a hundred years ago (it seems) I could casually go out shopping without wearing a portable radio, for fear that I'll miss something -- I want those days back.

I used to be able to ride the bus without having my patriotism questioned. The constant presence of the question, "So what do you think..." has changed from something that I thought I wanted, to something I dread. I would like prisoners to go back to their families.

I would like the dead to come alive.

If I can't have these things, I would very much like a speedy end to this goddamn war. Here's hoping that we win.

-B. C. Silvia