When I heard the news that Israel was once again sending its military might against the people of Gaza, I suddenly remembered something I had heard on the radio a little over a year ago.

I was working on some small project at a small workbench I’ve set up in our garage.  I had my laptop set up nearby, using it to listen to WCPE, a classical music station based in North Carolina.

The announcer came on, and announced that the next offering was by request, and shortly I found myself enjoying the strains of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.  Despite the by now unavoidable association with a certain airline that shall not be named, I have always loved this piece.  The sheer energy, the americanness of it has always had the power to move me.

The piece ended, and the announcer came back on:

“That was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, played by request… for Muhammed, in the Gaza strip.”