The bell ringers and the flag fondlers have been busily peddling their notion that to make America Strong, we must march in close and obedient ranks, to the sound of their little tin whistle. The life-adjustment educators in strange alliance with the hucksters of consumer goods, have been doing their damnedest to make us all think alike, look alike, smell alike and die alike, amidst all the pockety-queek of unserviceable home appliances, our armpits astringent, nasal passage clear, insurance program adequate, sex life satisfying retirement assured, medical plan comprehensive, hair free of dandruff, time payments manageable, waistline firm, bowels open.

[T]he whole thing had seemed like a long bath in yesterday's dish water. The house lights faded the stars, but I looked up at them and told myself my recent vision of reality had been from a toad's-eye view. The stars, McGee, look down on a world where thousands of 4-H kids are raising prize cattle and sheep . . . . Many good and gentle people have fallen in love this night. At this moment, thousands of women are in labor with the fruit of good marriage . . . . Good men have died today, leaving hearts sick with loss. In quiet rooms young girls are writing poems. People are laughing together in safe places.

You have been on the underside of the world, McGee, but there is a top side too, where there is wonder, innocence, trust, love and gentleness. You made the decision, boy. You live down here, where the animals are, so stay with it.