“I don’t have to prove my life. I just have to live.”
– Daniel Berrigan, American poet, peace activist and clergy

Otto was known for building the best barbed wire fences in the county. Straight and true mile after mile. The wires were so tight one could almost pluck them like a guitar string. Otto was immensely proud of his handiwork. Otto was equally proud of his wire gates: four strands of barbed wire with three perfectly placed pickets. The gates were so tight that no one but Otto could close them. With effort, Otto’s wife and young son could open the gates but closing them proved to be impossible. Otto would allow his family to struggle for a time and then, when defeat was inevitable, he would walk over and with great flourish, position the picket in the l...

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