Once a dire action is taken, there is a short while when its consequences have not yet occurred but when those consequences become inevitable; when those involved become helpless to change the outcome of what is happening. "…Ask Questions Later” is an exploration of the brief moment of inevitability between such an action and its impact.

Having lived with the work for some time now and heard different ensembles interpret the music, I've realized that it means something a bit broader than I first realized. The unpredictable outbursts throughout the piece among music that is much more regular, sometimes prayerful, sometimes even light hearted, is not just about these arms that so dominate our national discourse.

It is about a society that simultaneously promotes ideals of individual freedom and universal rights while also being very much accustomed to being ruled via the threat of violence, whether by their fellow citizens or by the state itself.

Here, despite the piece engaging in frequent episodes of almost jovial, serene music, the listener is always aware of and awaiting the possible next strike.

Though we like to think of sanctioned physical violence as the outlier scenario, the threat of it is in fact the core tool of control over groups in a society that has opted for hierarchy and domination over altruism and well-being. Unfortunately this piece has remained relevant since its creation, perhaps more so now than ever.