CRY UNCLE!
Year ago when we, as boys, engaged in quasi-mortal combat we made occasional use of an expression which was available to us from adult thinking of that era, which enabled us to “give up”, “quit” or “stop fighting” without being considered as having been ”chicken”.
If a combat loser felt he was in such a desperate moment, he could always cry out the word : ”Uncle!”
Just exactly who or what this body-saving entity might have been I have not the slightest idea, but I do remember the magic word working at the extreme moment in which victim was flat on his back being physically choked by a bully seated on his chest.
When those gathered nearby hear that whispered gasp: “Uncle!”he witnessed the muscular assailant relaxed and released his grasp on the victim's throat. I sat up. I breathed deeply and he stepped away as he bystanders made a path ready for him telling all: “He said Uncle!” I had to show him who is boss around here – which he ain't He said 'Uncle!”
We need something like that today. It is needed in “combat areas” around the country and the troubled world as well. I have no trouble at all in accepting WAL-MART's “Always!” but I do find it difficult with the television networks who seem to be determined to celebrate “Aruba Forever” with continual delving, detailing and dredging into the Natalee Holloway case.
Enough!
Uncle! Uncle!
A.L.M. August 17, 2005 [c253wds]
