SecDef Hegseth recently used the word "decimating" as a synonym for what he and Trump are touting as the "obliteration" of Iran's nuclear facilities. He may have been stating an unconscious truth. Someone should tell him that, strictly speaking, to "decimate" something is to reduce it by one tenth--which could be the actual extent to which we've reduced Iran's nuclear program. But, in all fairness, it's a common mistake. We've lost the original sense of the word. --S/f, EFP
(Palm-Print
Photo by Edward F. Palm)
Photo by Edward F. Palm)
About Me

- Edward F. Palm
- Forest, Virginia, United States
- A long time ago, my sophomore English teacher, Father William Campbell, saw something in my writing and predicted that I would someday become a newspaper columnist. He suggested the perfect title for my column--"Leaves of the Palm." Now that I have a little extra time on my hands I've decided to put Father Campbell's prediction to the test. I'm going to start using this blog site not just to reprint opinion pieces I've published elsewhere but to try to get more of my ideas and opinions out there. Feedback is welcome. To find out more about me, please check out my Web site: www.EdwardFPalm.com (Click on any of the photos below for an enlarged view.)
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025
My thought for today
My thought for today. Michael Paul Williams--writing for the Richmond Times Dispatch--points out that "woke" is an acrostic for Wisdom, optimism, kindness, empathy. Contrary to what Trump and Company think, we need more "woke." --S/f, EFP
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
My thought for today
If ICE agents believe in, and are proud of what they are doing, why do they wear masks and otherwise conceal their identity? Secret police are unAmerican and evoke a disturbing historical parallel. —S/f, EFP
Sunday, June 8, 2025
My thought for today
I can't help but feel a Rubicon has been crossed with Trump's decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles. This is the same president who once suggested shooting protesters in the leg. Are we headed toward martial law? --S/f, EFP
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