The blackbirds of Beebe and other omens

Once again the New Year begins with hundreds of dead blackbirds on the ground in Beebe, Ark.

Just like last year, “Bible prophecy scholars” have weighed in, reminding us of the prominent role that Beebe, Ark., plays in the biblical book of Hosea. But I’m reminded, instead, of Ani DiFranco’s “Independence Day“:

and there was an exodus of birds from the trees
but they didn’t know, that we were only pretending
and the people all looked up, and looked pleased
and the birds flew around like the whole world was ending …

That seems to be the explanation for what happened in Beebe.

Here, as in general, I have to side with Ani against the Bible prophecy experts, because I’ve read all those biblical prophets too, and based on what they say, I don’t think war is noble, and I don’t like to think that love is like war.