“Society today seems to be easily offended. We are quick to anger, and some people believe every offensive act, no matter the intent, requires a swift rebuke. The hardest thing any hero can do is to forgive. It is easier to storm the hill, fight the fire, and stop a madman with a gun. It is hard to forgive, because we are afraid. Afraid that forgiving will take away the anger that drives us, the hatred that motivates us, the righteous indignation of being wronged. We want more than anything to harness the outrage, feel the power of injustice, and the fury of discontent, so we can lash out at the offender and feel justified. We think that retribution, no matter how small or how large, will soothe our soul. It will not.”
William McRaven
For 45 minutes Alexander rode in a helicopter while receiving a crash course on the historic sites of New York City. The ability to hover in the air while moving 110 miles per hour was surreal. He began to wonder if perhaps he had died on the battlefield and was now in some level of the afterlife. Everything was too extraordinary to believe.
As they were nearing the conclusion of their flight Alexander examined the topography below with a general’s eye.
“Where are your city’s defenses?”
“What are you talking about?” Sammy responded.
“What would prevent an invading army from laying siege to your city?”
“No one would ever invade us.”
“Such hubris makes it likely at some point.”
“The oceans protect us from our enemies and Canada is our ally. It would never happen.”
“Fascinating. I bet I would find a way to do it.”
“But why would you want to.”
“It is my destiny to create empires. This city would have to be conquered and rolled into my empire.”
“The United States Army is too powerful. You would never stand a chance.”
A half dozen battle plans were floating through his mind.
“I think I could do it.”
“Who are you?” Sammy asked.
“I already told you. I am the great king ...
