A photo-note from the "99 Percent" arrives in my e-mail box today from my friend Carmen, sparking my possibly-feeble attempt at caption-humor...

‎((SEE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE))

"...and I am being held captive in this teachers' lounge by my principal, with a Magic Marker, this sheet of paper, and a security camera my only hope of rescue. Please send HELP!!" 

Earl Merkel Now, Carm-- I don't want to sound unsympathetic; some of my best friends (and close relations) are teachers. But of all the various arguments to be made, points to debate, and issues to parse ... well, others more competent than I to do so have made 'em-- and will continue to make & debate & parse-- on this rather complicated economic and social question.

Me, I just couldn't get past the sense that, off-camera, Ayman Al-Zawahiri (Al-Qaeda Local 261, United Brotherhood of Terrorists) was holding a gun on this poor woman...

I await your cards & letters...

-- Earl Merkel

(Follow subsequent turmoil at http://www.facebook.com/earl.merkel)