Absurdities in the time of crisis
After its customers raised a ruckus, the Czech Post Office decided to resume its policy of airmailing heavy packages to the United States. Česká pošta will now use freight aircraft to transport the packages, because they aren't subject to strict new U.S. anti-terror rules on heavy parcels on passenger aircraft. The U.S. is increasingly isolating itself from the rest of the world with absurd policies that are nominally intended to protect it. Each new absurd policy worsens the situation and leads to the imposition of other absurd policies for remedying the situation. For now, recalcitrant Czechs and other foreigners can respond by circumventing the policies or by severing or curtailing ties with the U.S. This is feasible in a time of relative peace, but imagine what absurd policies might do in times of real crisis. The damage could potentially extend far beyond U.S. borders and be next to impossible to avoid.
Glossary of difficult words
to raise a ruckus - to cause a disturbance or commotion;to airmail - to send by aircraft (as opposed to by ground or sea transportation);
parcel - a thing or collection of things wrapped in paper in order to be carried or sent by mail;
to remedy - to set right (an undesirable situation);
recalcitrant - having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline;
to sever - to put an end to (a connection or relationship);
to curtail - to reduce in extent or quantity;
next to impossible - nearly, almost impossible.