The Slice: Sometimes one punch deserves another

I’m not an advocate of violence.

And I realize that fantasizing about same is not a hallmark of psychological balance or emotional well-being.

But I want to tell you about my favorite scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

It’s when the teacher’s husband, Mr. Welch, decks George Bailey in the bar. Love that.

I think we can all agree that our old building and loan pal had it coming.

As you undoubtedly recall, a snarling Bailey had insulted Mrs. Welch on the phone. Called her stupid and silly. Blamed her for his dopey kid not knowing enough to keep her coat on. Then he challenged Mr. Welch to a fight when the crying teacher’s husband came on the line.

Yes, I realize Bailey was under a lot of stress that day.

But speaking on behalf of all those whose spouses have worked in public service jobs that included being verbally abused by miserable cowards, I would just say: Well done, Mr. Welch.

And if I may paraphrase Burl Ives in this season of peace, “Hit him once for me.”

How do you look in a Santa hat?: “With my now almost white beard, I look a lot like the jolly old elf himself,” wrote John Petrofski. “I also don’t need a pillow for the Santa suit.”

Today’s Slice question: Are the days leading up to Christmas just a little bit boring in homes where there is not a cat that might, at any moment, climb the yule tree and cause all kinds of commotion? A) Those families aren’t really missing anything, unless they would get a bang out of playing a tight zone defense around the tree when Snowball gets that crazed look in her eyes. B) Maybe a little bit. Because I can tell you it is pretty exciting to hear five family members simultaneously shouting “No, no, no!” while the resident feline scrambles up the trunk and ornaments go flying hither and yon. C) It depends on whether you crave the sort of excitement that comes with having a leaping predator knock the Christmas tree right out of its stand. D) No. E) That’s nothing. You should see what it’s like with three cats, all of whom do pretty fair impressions of Rocky the Flying Squirrel. F) Other.