"The Still"

Dear Friends,

Let me begin by saying that I did not serve in the military. I was turned down by the draft board in Houston, Texas because of two debilitating football injuries. Nevertheless, I quite often seek stories from the military. They make very good illustrations for life.

I am told that when there is some kind of calamity on board a British Naval vessel, the highest ranking officer orders the sounding of what is called "the Still". "The Still" sounds a bit like a whistle which commands the crew to a moment of silence. This means that a crisis is at hand. All sailors understand that he or she must stand still for a moment and contemplate the wisest thing to do in order to avoid a disaster aboard the ship.

Maybe I'm the only one who believes that we are in a crisis but if everyone notices this poisonous polarization, maybe we should ask the speaker to call for "The Still".

Warmest regards,

Emanuel Cleaver, II