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Sunday, February 16, 2003

FOR SOME AMERICANS, the study of foreign affairs is viewed as not especially relevant, notwithstanding that the nation's fortunes depend on interaction with the world. Fortunately, isolationist indifference is far from universal. Long before Americans began seriously to focus on Iraq, an association existed to promote discussions and debate about important global issues affecting the United States. We refer to the World Affairs Councils of America, made up of 81 independent councils in 42 states with 432,000 members nationwide. One of the best exists in Pittsburgh, and that's not just our parochial opinion. The parent body recently gave its first President's Award for Outstanding Achievement to the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, naming it "the most dynamic world affairs council in the nation" in the medium-sized council category (which comprises about half the nation's councils). Among other things, the Pittsburgh council was honored for its programs, which last year reached approximately 17,000 people.

THE THREAT of war with Iraq has plucked many reservists out of their regular lives and into full-time active duty, but the absence of one will have a greater effect than most: State Rep. John Pippy, R-Moon, a 1992 graduate of West Point and a captain in the Army Reserves, had to leave his family and his constituents. He also had to leave his own campaign for the state Senate seat left vacant when Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair was elected to Congress. Capt. Pippy has decided to stay in the race and has received permission from the military to do so. As his departure to serve his country is entirely honorable, most voters are unlikely to hold a grudge. His Democratic opponent, Paul J. Gitnik, may even wish the bugle hadn't sounded as a distraction before the March 11 special election.

IF SPORTS are a metaphor for war, consider the news from the Pittsburgh Penguins: On Wednesday night, the team distributed Joe Mullen bobblehead dolls to fans, but only as they left Mellon Arena. Officials were concerned that fans upset about the Alexei Kovalev trade might use them as projectiles if they got their bobbleheads before the game. What is the technical term for bobbleheads thrown onto the ice? Probably the same as for artillery shells -- incoming.