In October 1985, a London Times columnist, David Watt, viewed with alarm American gratification over the capture of the Achille Lauro terrorists. Sciolistically citing [Alexis] de Tocqueville, Watt fancied that American democracy is governed by little more than a rush of blood to the head.

Safe in the hand of one disposing Power, Or in the natal or the mortal hour.

The tea was served in the plate.

What links the kids in most of these games is their relative ordinariness, forcing us to face their perils without special powers.