The Quill Volume 2 Issue 6

Quill

The The

A NIGHTTO NIGHTTO

TRI-SPORT CHAMPS BY

KOCH KASEMSANTITHAM

The

QuillApril 2015

Contents AROUNDICS 4 6

If You Don’t Know What Wii Worship is...

Senior Session

Volume 2 Issue 6 April 2015

Pomme Chaiyakiturajai

Eye 8 Eagle Sam Wongmahapaul

ATHLETICS

10 Tri-Sport Champs

AROUND WORLD the

12 Turkey recalls ambassador after Pope’s

LIFESTYLE

16 Reinventing Education

The Emerging

19 Trend of Liberal Arts Education

OUROPINION 20 An Army of Waikay

Armenia genocide speech

14

Why Saudi Arabia has bombed Yemin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LAYOUT DESIGNER

ADVISOR

EDITORS

Punpun Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg Ms. Lissa Scott

SECRETARY Poom Sethabutr

PHOTOGRAPHERS Pann Sermchaiwong Surawut Withayarukson Time Chaiteerath

Pann Sermchaiwong Surawut Withayarukson Young Kwang Shin Poom Sethabutr Prim Thientanakij Khem Somsak

WRITERS

Keshav Garg Win Leelamanthep

Fayfay Prasutchai Poom Chiarawongse Poon Vorapanyaskul Kitty Rodchareon Grace Hsieh Tom Choi Poom Sethabutr Khem Somsak Young Kwang Shin Gid Jiranuntarat John Kim PunPun Chaiyakiturajai Koch Kasemsantitham

Mr Manny and his band led the Wii Worship by singing songs.

Photo by: Coleman Weimer

If You Don’t Know What Wii Worship Is… FayFay Prasutchai by

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It is probably time for you to know more about what your peers are up to, like seriously.

One significant day that unifies almost all Christians around the world is the day celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection, or Easter. Easter, as we know it, is depicted by the popular culture as the festival with colorful eggslaying hares. The origin of those symbolisms should be a subject of another discussion, as Easter has

a more profound and important significance to the Christian communities of the world and ICS. As a community endeavoring to transform its members to be followers of Christ, ICS has not ignored the occasion to glorify Jesus Christ’s divine feat of rising from the dead. Sure, we haven’t seen any Easter bunnies hopping around, laying Easter eggs anywhere around the campus.

However, it does not at all say that ICS is disregarding

or missing the true meaning of Easter. In fact, ICS has put on appreciable effort to make its members realize the actual essence of Easter: being grateful for Christ’s salvation and realizing that he saved humankind from sins.

Apart from the sentimental Easter chapel that involved members of the ICS community to express their faith to the community, ICS’s hebdomadal Wii Worship has seized this occasion of

juice that represented Jesus’s flesh and blood.

The Easter Wii Worship was a momentous spiritual experience for most of those who attended the event.

“It was quite a change. It took me out of my normal clichéd standards of an easter worship,” voiced Sarah Shin, sophomore, over her experience in the Easter Wii Worship

If you did not know what a Wii Worship was, now you do, plus you know something about Easter!

Frankly, Wii Worship would be cooler if it involved REAL Wii Consoles! later’. Take out that wallet, and expel the cash. We are investing for ourselves.

The worshippers enjoy their singing time.

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besides traditional Wii Worship elements, Easter Wii Worship featured stations with a variety of activities for worshippers to know God better, let God know them better if not knowing themselves better.

Worshippers, for example, lamented troubling burdens, confessed wrongdoings, and wrote out what has been hindering their relationship with God.

Apart from spiritual activities, worshippers engaged in symbolic activities to remind them of Christ’s divinity and sacrifice such as crafting crosses, washing friends’ feet the way Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet, and eating bread and grape

AROUNDICS

the resurrection of Jesus for worshippers to get even closer and intimate with God. Wii Worship, as the name says, is not a worship of Nintendo Wii consoles with which we play with our family and tricking ourselves into thinking that we’re actually “exercising”.

Sure, it is an awesome console, but the bad news is that Wii Worship does not actually involve Wii consoles.

Wii Worship is a gettogether that takes place at school on the first Friday of the month, involving, of course, worship, singing, and fellowship. It features the talented worship band and moving speakers.

But on Friday 10 April,

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SENIOR SESSION with Pomme

BY

Poon Vorapanyasakul

Photo by: Time Chaiterath

Pomme studied hard in her class.

Congratulations on your acceptance into John Hopkins University! What will you be studying?

Pomme: Chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Why did you choose to study this subject?

Pomme: I’ve always liked chemistry and physics, so it made sense to combine the two together. It’s also one of the branches of engineering that can help a lot of other people, eg. medically and environmentally (the latter being something I’m really 0 interested in) 6

Chaiyakiturajai

What is your dream job?

Pomme: I don’t know yet, it depends on where college takes me. I’m hoping that I can really find myself and what I’m passionate in when I go there.

What steps did you take to prepare yourself as a quality candidate when applying to John Hopkins and other schools?

Pomme: I mapped out all my tests years in advance, leaving room for unpredictable events. I also continued with activities that I was passionate in and explored deeper into

each topic. I guess I also prepared for the worst; it’s better be safe than sorry.

What other suggestions do you have for younger students who wish to pursue higher education at top universities such as John Hopkins?

Pomme: Have an optimistic mindset. If you really tried your best (whether its with academics or other things) and don’t receive the outcome you have hoped for, be happy with what you have and tell yourself you did what you could do and don’t look

back. Trust me, I’ve been in this boat before with SATs and keeping on thinking about what i couldn’t accomplish isn’t a healthy thing to do.

certain aspect or topic that intrigues you and just dive into it. You’ll be surprised what you find about yourself and what you want to do.

What about those who are interested in chemical and biomolecular engineering?

Any final wordsof wisdom for the underclassmen?

Pomme: I think this applies to everyone. Find a

Pomme: Do what you like, dont just join a club or a team just because you think

‘colleges will like it.’ Be true to who you are, trust me this will come out in your essays and interviews.

Lastly, chill out and remember that you don’t have to be the best and perfect in everything.

EAGLES

Sam Wongmahapaul EYE BY

Poon Vorapanyasakul

with

Would you rather go about your day naked or fall asleep for a year?

Sam: I would like to be naked because I want to show everyone that fat can be cool too.

Would you rather be hairy everywhere or completely bald?

Sam: I would like to be bald so I can make the sun shine.

Would you rather be able to only whisper or only be able to shout?

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Sam: I don’t have to choose between the two choices because I always shout already.

Would you rather smell farts forever or smell like a fart forever?

Sam: I would like to smell fart, it smells good (sometimes) and my fart smells the best.

Would you rather use sandpaper for toilet paper or vinegar for eye drops?

Sam: Sandpaper for toilet paper sounds good to me.

Would you rather have no knees or no elbows?

Sam: I don’t want to have both of them. No elbow means no homework, projects, and tests. No knees mean no school. Still, I choose to have no knees so I can use my elbow to hug someone that I love.

Would you rather every time you put on shoes there’s poop in them, or every time you poop a shoe comes out?

Sam: I choose that everytime I poop a shoe comes out. Everyone can wear my poop.

Would you rather live in the pocket of a giant kangaroo, or have a pocket on your own stomach that has a tiny kangaroo in it the whole time?

Sam: I choose to have a tiny kangaroo so that when I am hungry I could eat it.

Would you rather eat chocolate-flavored poop or eat poop-flavored chocolate?

Sam: If the poop tastes like white chocolate, then…

Yes! I will eat it.

Would you rather never brush your teeth again or never brush your hair again?

Sam: I don’t want to brush my teeth because it always smells good to me.

Photo by: Time Chaiterath

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ATHLETICS

Photo by: Tommy Withayarukson

TRI-SPORTS CHAMPS

ICS Tri-sports Girls Team 2015 Top: Coach Lissa, Tassanee, Molly, Minon, Mint, Praise, Jade, Sierra Bottom: Yelly, Ning, Jiwoo, Nan, Tammy

ATHLETICS

April 2015

During the third week of March (19-21st), ICS held the Tri-Sports Tournament, featuring three other schools. This tournament consisted of three sports being played, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. ICS shared first place with CMIS.

The four schools included in this year’s TriSports Tournament were ICS, ASB, WIS, and CMIS, all the way from Chiang 1 Mai. The tournament was 0

by

Koch Kasemsantitham

split into two sides for the schools, male and female.

The points from the results of each game would then be combined to decide the winner.

The ICS Boys team grabbed wins in all three sports. They bested ASB, finishing with a score of 1-0. After losing the lead to CMIS, they narrowly tied with Wells from a last minute penalty from 9th grader striker Happy Nishioka. In the boys’

basketball category, ICS were defeated by ASB and CMIS, but won their game against Wells easily. The boys tied with Wells and ASB in volleyball.

On the girls side, ICS dominated the standings, with numerous wins once again in all three sports. At the end of the tournament, the winners were decided by the final boys’ volleyball game against CMIS. ICS lost in the first set but were cheered on heavily

hopefully see ICS host another successful TriSports tournament as well as supportive parents and students as usual. the 22nd against ASB, another home game against TCIS on the 25th, and an ISB tournament on the adjacent weekend.

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Andrew tries to block the ball from the opponent.

and 12th grader Tammy Sririntrachai.

With both teams gaining gold medals, ICS handed the trophy to CMIS, who travelled all the way from Chiang Mai to participate in the tournament. This signified a two-year tournament win-streak for ICS. Next year will

ATHLETICS

by the girls team as well as the ICS parents. They won their last set and thus grabbed first place spot with CMIS.

ICS students that made it into the TriSport All Star team were 10th graders Ji Woo Park and Andrew Barnes, 11th grader Tassanee Sanchez,

The boys are waiting for their teammate to serve.

Yelly is doing her best to keep the ball away from the other team.

Photo by: Tommy Withayarukson

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AROUNDTHEWORLD

Turkey recalls ambassador after Pope’s Armenia John Kim genocide speech by

Photo by: ktfnews.com

Pope Fransis greets the press.

On April 12th, Pope Francis marked the one hundredth anniversary of the massacre of Armenians by referring to the killings by Ottoman Turks as “the first genocide of the 20th century.” Turkey immediately responded by recalling its ambassador and accused Pope Francis of spreading “unfounded claims.”

Pope Francis issued the condemnatory pronouncement during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which was attended by highprofile Armenian church 1 leaders and President 2

Serge Sarkisian. President Sarkisian later praised the pope for “delivering a powerful message to the international community.”

Historians estimate that up to one and a half million Armenians were brutally murdered by Ottoman Turks during World War I, an event most scholars view as the first genocide of the 20th century.

Turkey, however, repudiates the accusations that genocide took place. It has insisted that the death toll has been ridiculously inflated and those who lost

their lives were victims of civil war and unrest.

Francis made a penetrating remark to decry the stance of Turkey by stating that “concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it.” He further remarked that similar massacres are occurring against Christians who are “publicly and ruthlessly put to death – decapitated, crucified, burned alive – or forced to leave their homeland.”

The Pope exhorted the global community, heads

Church’s Aram I thanked Francis for his clear condemnation and recalled that “genocide” is a crime against humanity that requires reparation.

The definition of genocide has long been contentious, The United Nations in 1948 defined genocide as killing and other acts intended to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, but many dispute which mass killings should be called genocide and whether the terms of the U.N. convention on genocide can be applied retroactively.

Pope Fransis gave his speech in St. Peter’s Basilica

Quill April 2015

Vatican’s envoy in Ankara, and then publicly announced it was recalling its own ambassador to the Vatican for consultations.

Several European countries recognize the massacres as genocide, although Italy and the United States have avoided officially using the term given the importance they place on Turkey as an ally.

Francis’ words had a deeply moving effect amongst Armenians who were in the basilica. At the end of the Mass, the Armenian Apostolic

The

of state, and international organizations to recognize the truth of what transpired to prevent such “horrors” from repeating themselves.

“The pope’s statement, which is far from historic and legal truths, is unacceptable,” Turkish Foreign Minister Melvut Cavusoglu expressed his displeasure through his twitter account. “Religious positions are not places where unfounded claims are made and hatred is stirred.”

The Foreign Ministry then summoned the

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by

Why Saudi Arabia has Bombed Yemen

Tom Choi

Anti-Houthi protesters demonstrate in Yemen’s southwestern city of Taiz

AROUNDTHEWORLD

April 2015

Sunni Saudis and their partners contend the air offensive in Yemen is meant to halt Shia Iran’s drive to expand its regional influence by backing Yemen’s rebel Houthi tribesmen in their battle against Saudi-supported president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

However, Iran’s connection with the Houthis is marginal at best and Saudi Arabia’s new king, Salman bin Abdel Aziz, has powerful domestic reasons for waging a war. He is seeking to unify subjects split between 1 ultra-conservatives and 4

reformers, solidify his hold on power with a military victory, and prepare the way for a favourite younger son, Mohamed to ascend to the top rungs of the succession ladder.

Born to Salman’s third wife, Mohamed was given the key defence portfolio ahead of senior and more qualified brothers. Claimed to be aged 30-35 but said to be, in fact, 26, Mohamed is seeking to make a reputation for himself by waging a successful campaign.This is a risky venture. The Houthis

Photo by: www.businessinsider.com.au

enjoy the backing of wellarmed units of the Yemeni army and air force loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh and are determined to counter the Saudi offensive, so far confined to air strikes.

The Saudis have already lost the battle for hearts and minds in the north due to the destruction wrought by their bombs; many south Yemenis reject Hadi’s return and all Yemenis fear al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Islamic State and southern secessionists will use the fighting to seize territory.

Salman’s ambitions and

kingdom’s founder Abdel Aziz ibn Saud to a competent grandson.

Salman appears to believe that if Mohamed succeeds as a warrior in Yemen he could top succession ladder but if he fails he could very well be relegated to the bottom rung.

People gathered to protest against Saudi-led airstrikes

April 2015

Salman, 79 and a stroke survivor, fears he may not have a long reign and is seeking to promote Mohamed while he can. Salman’s halfbrother Muqrin bin Abdel Aziz (69) is crown prince and Mohamed bin Nayef (55), the son of a third half-brother, is next in line. His appointment was meant to ensure a peaceful transition from the remaining elderly sons of the

AROUNDTHEWORLD

rivalries within the ruling family also appear to be driving him to alter policies adopted by late king Abdullah. In a bid to restore unity in the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council, Salman has patched up relations with Qatar, strained over Doha’s support for the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and radical Sunni insurgents fighting in Syria and Iraq.

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Reinventing Education

by

Keshav Garg

As our human endeavours advance us into a new era of thinking, we must take into consideration a paramount yet neglected query: Are we truly educating our future generation to be apt for their aspirations?

My opinion is a definitive no. Although most critics would argue that reinventing education is virtually inconceivable and would lead to nothing but an addition to our already chaotic universe. However, I contend with such nonconformists.

Firstly, the foundation that

AROUNDTHEWORLD

April 2015

Photo by: adntechglobal.com

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they build their argument is completely flawed.

Secondly, it is paramount that rather than clinging onto traditional educational standards, we, together, as a community, succumb to novel ideas that are derived from the opinions of “today’s generation.” Despite my coherent detestment of the conventional educational system, I do hold some reverence for the longestablished systems, and therefore won’t wholly debilitate the blemishes found.

“Nothing is impossible,” has been a cliche quote repeated thoroughly throughout history, including being said by my overly optimistic grandfather.

Although nonconformists of my opinion abide by classical thoughts, it comes as a surprise to me that such an extensive saying is overlooked.

Another fascinating controversy that is inspired by their logical fallacy is that these heretics of “in-vogue” ideologies are intimidated by experimentation. Undeniably, only experimentation has led

It has never been a rational idea to clasp to vintage ideologies. As a history scholar, said with great pride as I tenaciously grip onto my plunging AP World History grade, I can assuredly assert that adhering to preceding thoughts solely drives to negative consequences. Take for example the French Revolution, indeed, those who chose to stick to the ancien regime were ruthlessly slaughtered by the guillotine.

Yet another illustration of a similar trend is testified by people who chose not to support the advancement of the computer, and today struggle with everyday life, considering how essentially every action involves the usage of a data processing machine. Although there are a multifarious number of evidences to further verify my convictions, the principal concept I am referring to is simply that changes are an integral part of society, and

AROUNDTHEWORLD April 2015

to our advancing societies; starting from the creation of simple stone tools (during a time era that is disputed), to the accidental invention of the original chewing gum, humans have had an admired reputation for experimenting.

Undeniably, I don’t recognize that my viewpoint is perfect either; however, there is a distinct and foremost defect in the opposition’s argument that lends it a notorious stature for being untenable.

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not yielding to such changes singularly results in adverse conditions.

Of course, my entire principle would be obsolete if I didn’t refer to a solution.

As a cautionary notice, the following theory and its byzantine branches are solely based off of my speculation and opinion rather than that of an analytical and profundal research. Our education system’s imperative goal is to transform us to become holistic citizens and be able to face a diverse number of situations. For example, schools today institute a policy that requires students to attend a foreign language class for at least 2 years so that they can better communicate and interact with people. I, however, propose a contradictory point of view. I believe that rather than emphasizing on the creation of well-rounded people, institutes of education must achieve the formulation of a atomistic system. One plausible proposal is that a student should be permitted to choose one of the following career paths from the entrance of high school itself: humanities, maths and sciences, business, or arts (suggesting music, drawing, etc.). This would lead to stringent specialization which 1 8

would in turn transfer to efficient global thinkers and achievers. For example, the following high school schedule (only the classes listed are the ones the student takes) may be possible for a student interested in maths and sciences: 9th Grade: Geometry Algebra 2 Physics Biology Chemistry Computer Science A 10th Grade: Pre Calculus Statistics AP Physics 1 AP Biology AP Chemistry Computer Science B 11th Grade: AP Calculus Linear Algebra (Real College Class) AP Physics 2 Biology 1 (Real College Class) Chemistry 1 (Real College Class) AP Computer Science 12th Grade: Engineering Basics (Real College Class) Theoretical Algebra (or some similar class) (Real College Class) Physics 1 (Real College

Class) Biology 2 (Real College Class) Chemistry 2 (Real College Class) Computer Science 1 (Real College Class)

As readers you can observe the advantages and disadvantages associated with such a system; however, for a minute, take the chance to imagine a completely specialized world in which every field was being excelled at at an unimaginable rate.

Within years we could inhabit Mars, find accurate evidence of our human history, or replicate great pieces of music and art. I once again will state my conviction, change is a mandatory law of our universe and in terms of early education, it is an especially vital and urgent task that we must bring forth adjustments and modifications to. Whether we choose to welcome the advent of change is exclusively controlled by you readers.

God Bless.

Photo by: online.brescia.edu

The Emerging Trend of Liberal Arts Education

by Punpun

Since the past centuries, the world of education has always been very heavy on the Math and Sciences. The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment both set a concrete foundation for these two fields; however, this base has been knocked down. Our world now calls for the wellrounded individuals- those who receive Liberal Arts education.

The term Liberal Arts itself derives from Greek language, which translates directly to “worthy of a free person.” Education in which one explores all possible fields whether it is Humanities, Social sciences, Natural sciences, or Formal sciences

is essentially Liberal Arts education in a nutshell.

While liberal arts majors may have a tougher time settling that first job than someone with an engineering degree, those with liberal arts majors sure have a brighter future ahead. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ study earlier this year, people with liberal arts degrees earn an average of $2,000 more than those with professional or pre-professional degrees during their peak years.

98% of the top-notch U.S universities are liberal arts, with more on the way. Liberal arts education broadens one’s mind to various fields,

Chaiyakiturajai

and with that being said, big companies prefer it over professional degrees. They rely on what is called On-the-jobtraining, where the company trains one to master in a specific area of the job rather than having the individual come in with a professional degree.

We see a trend potentially circling itself: Math and Sciences, then Liberal Arts, then maybe the world will loop back to Math and Sciences? Anyway, employers surely see and apprehend the importance of Liberal Arts education, so if your next step in life is university, be sure to chose wisely!

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Photo by: Tommy Withayarukson

An Army of Waikay

OUROPINION April 2015

by YoungKwang

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So the seniors, as per tradition, sailed to an island. It was our final hurrah, a celebration of our achievements and flaws as a class. Not that we remember it as such: I, for one, remember the masseuse who misheard my yelp as a plea for extra-extra pressure on my sole and how our boat slithered into a nearby river to see the fireflies, only to realize how completely the starry night eclipsed the light of their swarm. All in all, it was a journey of

crippled expectations. The starry night that eclipsed these insects, however, was the sharing time on the final night of the trip.

The mic was ours; the instructions ceased, and the memories reveled.

And the night was not one to discriminate: strongly worded (and strongly felt, might I add) disgust with a certain teacher’s fireand-brimstone rhetoric accompanied lightweight, bygone gossip. I brandished my share in earnest; I didn’t

Shin

want to be left out. But some people were definitely left out. And the exclusion was self-enforced. People chose to remain silent. Pretty soon, the session became a conversation, a conversation that halted and scattered into inattentive whispers once a non-participant took the mic. Then we all went to sleep. So the seniors, as per tradition, sailed back to the city. And school started again for us.

I’ve written about my problems with pretensions

their Waikays that preside over the conversations of their group. And those who felt out of place borrowed the silence of their own Waikays. Frankly put, the last night of the trip was no victory. It was a deafeningly quiet reminder that we as a class failed to overcome our Waikays and could not connect to each other, to all of us.

Just you wait, reader.

And no, don’t ring the ward either. You’re ringing for depression? Quit that. I am not depressed. Far from it.

I don’t say it, but I’m pretty darn happy to be in the Class of 2015. Maybe the 12 years have eroded my defenses, but I have high hopes for everyone in the team. Even those I am not close to, - this is not Waikay speaking - I believe have awesome selves that I (or for that matter, they) haven’t discovered. I’d like to believe in the best of people. And I believe in these awesome selves will bloom with or without my help. When I wrote about nihilism a year back, that failed to faze me.

An army of Waikays is a mild cold in comparison.

And it won’t ail us for long.

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some sharing, some silent.

Waikays are born the day we begin interacting with other people. They are social tools - armors that protect the weaknesses inside and project an image of strength (they are also a host of interrelated psychological vocabulary, but it is much easier to label them all as ‘Waikay’, given the title of the column). In brief, they cope once one realizes there is a disparity between desire and reality by capitulating to one or the other, whichever is easier. Like the lack of class unity, they are nothing to be ashamed of. But we shouldn’t cling onto them, like we shouldn’t cling onto class unity. It’s probably why we constantly hear ambiguous advice to ‘be authentic’ or ‘be yourself’.

Waikays aren’t always crowd pleasers. They aren’t bound by the number of people present. They can be introverted and shy.

But they are always fake. I sincerely doubt most of the seniors were, to borrow the phrase, ‘themselves’ when they shared that night. I don’t mean to negate the value of their memories. But many of those who spoke were only calling upon

OUROPINION

of class unity plenty, so I’ll just summarize it in brief: it doesn’t exist, at least not here. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and the best course of action is to admit it doesn’t exist and continue to be decent people to those around us.

But the topic that spurs my mind today isn’t just class unity. It’s Waikay. Waikay is a ghost. He’s an excuse for my writing to become disorganized and unhinged for the sake of articulating an opinion. He is also a talker. When Waikay talks, it is lightweight and cheerful.

He discriminates, so he only appears to a few, and never in places that demand formality Just you wait, reader.

Don’t ring the ward yet.

Waikay is fiction, yes - I admit. But he is useful fiction. And I suspect there are Waikays abound, most unnamed, some unnoticed.

I suspect some Waikays are world leaders and master diplomats; some are homeless and beg, lie, and cheat for the single penny.

I don’t track the affairs of Waikays who aren’t known to me. They just aren’t my priority. But I know that there were Waikays on every seat on that island that day,

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