Punctuation is Powerful

I saw this poignant quote this morning, and it made me think...  a great deal.  The commas (I believe) are all superfluous (and this link agrees), and the colon handles it adequately.

As frequent readers of JustJoeP already know, I have a proclivity for over-using the hyphen & dash.  I tried to apply it here...  but found it to be unsupported (same link, but check out the use of fun with hyphens at the bottom of the link).

Here are some more illustrations of altering punctuation or spelling hyphens to change meaning:

• In conducting annual self-assessment training, providers should seek help.
• In conducting annual self-assessment, training providers should seek help.

• The man dropped the bullet in his mouth.
• The man dropped, the bullet in his mouth.

• Watch out – man eating apes!
• Watch out – man-eating apes!

• We order merchandise and sell the products.
• We order, merchandise and sell the products.

• When I sing well, ladies feel sick.
• When I sing, well ladies feel sick.

• You will be required to work twenty four-hour shifts.
• You will be required to work twenty-four hour shifts.
• You will be required to work twenty-four-hour shifts.