Burning Man

Wow...is letter writer (Tues. page 13) Robert Burns of Mountain View mad at Republicans. His description reads; "despicable as the Taliban...imposing extreme provisions of Islamic law...ultra conservative Christian theocracy...religious zealots". And why is Mr. Burns so..burned up? He doesn't want Republicans interferring with Terri Schiavo's life.

Leaving aside whether Mr. Burns disparages Ms Schiavo's own religious beliefs as well as the failure of her husband to produce the living will that would have resolved the matter, the Burning Squirrel feels Mountain View's Robert Burns might sooth his savage breast by reading Scotland's Robert Burns:

Here's to Thy Health

Here's to thy health, my bonie lass,
Gude nicht and joy be wi' thee;
I'll come nae mair to thy bower-door,
To tell thee that I lo'e thee.
O dinna think, my pretty pink,
But I can live without thee:
I vow and swear I dinna care,
How lang ye look about ye.

Thou'rt aye sae free informing me,
Thou hast nae mind to marry;
I'll be as free informing thee,
Nae time hae I to tarry:
I ken thy frien's try ilka means
Frae wedlock to delay thee;
Depending on some higher chance,
But fortune may betray thee.

I ken they scorn my low estate,
But that does never grieve me;
For I'm as free as any he;
Sma' siller will relieve me.
I'll count my health my greatest wealth,
Sae lang as I'll enjoy it;
I'll fear nae scant, I'll bode nae want,
As lang's I get employment.

But far off fowls hae feathers fair,
And, aye until ye try them,
Tho' they seem fair, still have a care;
They may prove waur than I am.
But at twal' at night, when the moon shines bright,
My dear, I'll come and see thee;
For the man that loves his mistress weel,
Nae travel makes him weary.

Robert Burns (1759-1796)