capturing the essence of the form

[larvatus]

…It is entirely appropriate that the Army never acted upon suspicions raised by [Maj. Nidal Malik] Hasan’s earlier, perhaps troubling to some, behavior. It is appropriate because—and we must continually restate this as almost a mantra until progressivism sets our collective heart in the right place—he is an American whose very presence completes our national identity. And although we deplore the acts of violence Hasan allegedly committed, we deeply cherish his contribution to America’s diversity.

—Doug van Gorder, Stars and Stripes, 28 December 2009

…Some propose overturning laws that made schools gun-free zones even for teachers who may be licensed to securely carry concealed firearms elsewhere. They argue that barring licensed-carry only ensures a defenseless, target-rich environment.
    But as a progressive, I would sooner lay my child to rest than succumb to the belief that the use of a gun for self-defense is somehow not in itself a gun crime.

—Doug van Gorder, Boston.com, 28 December 2009

Learn from a master…