A-muse-ment, June 2013

Chicago, June 2013 - A close examination of the word, "amusement" dictates a common understanding of both root words and their adjoining prefixes and suffixes.  In this case we look at muse - to inspire.  A-muse, then means to detract or take away from something.  A-muse-ment then means the state of having things taken away.  I find it a bit shocking, as the number of people who expect me to judge their behavior seems to grow monthly, that "for my amusement" is a valid choice for their behavior.  Surely they have something better to do than distract themselves.  If they don't, then we are surely a damned species.  I think of the tasks that need accomplishing on any given night, and I weep false tears for those who have nothing to do.  They know not the intense pleasure of a job well done or a project finished.  They prefer to spill their issue and their intricate mental frailties upon the general public.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is why we can't have nice things.

Yours,

J. Clay