15 Comments
User's avatar
Irving A. Lerch's avatar

At 18 when you commit to war to preserve and defend as you are persistently instructed, 70 years later all that remains is the taste of ash.

Josh Datko's avatar

Perhaps there is a bet on whether that taste will remain too! I knew of polymarket before, not really investigated it. It’s interesting perhaps in a hypothetical sense, but when you see it for real it’s a bit disturbing.

Adrian's avatar

The most 2026 thing ever. Everything is a casino.

Josh Datko's avatar

Will Adrian get 100 likes on a poem by the end of 2026?

I will take the yes side!

Adrian's avatar

Bro, we’re so close, You is right on the threshold. Can’t believe it to be honest.

Josh Datko's avatar

You will get there, I’m sure of it!

Martin Garcia's avatar

Josh! I laughed out loud when I saw the betting. It struck me as sick and deeply human. What a world.

I hope all is well!

Josh Datko's avatar

Yeah, what a world. Can you place a bet if someone is alive by the end of the year? This is prohibited, (it’s known as an assassination market) but there were bets on who became president. And well, if someone is dead, they can’t become president.

Things get uncomfortable very quickly.

But apart from that Martin, I am well and I hope you are too! It’s a pleasure to reply to your comments!

Daniel V. Gaglio's avatar

Butler knew what he was talking about

Josh Datko's avatar

I know. I think he might be the best counter-example to all of this. I tried to make this case in the essay. I have visited his grave in West Chester, P.A. It is one of the most basic grave stones in the cemetery. He could have opted for a reserved plot in Arlington. I think this tells you everything you need to know about the man.

Kim Nelson's avatar

Your creativity enthralls me!

Josh Datko's avatar

It was a bit of quick post — I will admit. But when I read the post bragging about polymarket I instantly got the idea and ran to the computer. Sometimes, we just have to let our inspiration sweep us away, and today for me it was polymarket, haha.

Janie Braverman's avatar

As if the obscenity of war weren't obscenity enough

Josh Datko's avatar

I know. What a crazy world.

Joseph Coleman's avatar

And now, Substack is in on the poly market game. Swell