Mathematics in Louisiana

In the Southern United States there is a slow, lazy river known as the Dirac river that empties into the gulf of Mexico. At the the mouth of the river there is a port city that is the local cultural capital. Like many cities, the poverty stricken live in the city and the wealthy live outside the city in the delta area. Every year the social leaders of the city hold a ball at the country club. It is the big social event of year at which the local debutantes are brought out.

Because of the present unsettled social conditions there was a severe danger this year that there would protests and possibly even a riot. Hence the social leaders requested the protection of the National Guard. The local commander, being the soul of Southern gentility, agreed to detail a unit to guard the ball. He was concerned, however, that there would not be enough space to station his troops so he sent a lieutenant over to check. The lieutenant inspected the grounds and reported back, “It’s all right, Sir. The Dirac Delta Function has unit area.”