Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for April 17, 2009
Transcript:
Kelly: The president's made a real commitment in Afghanistan, Jeff. We need every experienced hand we can get in the field! Jeff: When would I start? Kelly: As soon as possible. Jeff: Well, I'll think it over, but this really isn't fair. Kelly: What isn't? Jeff: Sending a really hot agent to recruit me. Kelly: My bad back, fried hair, three kids and I all thank you.
prasrinivara over 15 years ago
Actually GEE1A, there is a simple way to handle Afghanistan: don’t try to rule it, even by proxy–as many who tried have learned to their sorrow.
ChiehHsia over 15 years ago
The only people who can successfully rule places like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as matters stand now, are those with no conscience, no concerns about human rights and/or dignity, and a need for power so overwhelming that they are willing to kill or enslave the entire populace in order to satisfy it. People like the Taliban, or the Revolutionary Guard, or a resurgent Ba’athist party. Are you saying we should get the heck out, and leave those people (I admit to using the term loosely) an opening?
NotFromIceland over 15 years ago
Bad back, fried hair, three kids and – as Benj. Franklin said of older women paid attention to by younger men – grateful.
BlueRaven over 15 years ago
Jeff, that was suave. You’ll be a good “company” man for sure.
RinaFarina over 15 years ago
Roger, but not THAT one…: I agree with your analysis of the situation. I’ve been listening to commentators on the radio (Canadian), and they pretty much say the same thing.
prasrinivara over 15 years ago
Roger but not that one stated “The only people who can successfully rule places like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as matters stand now, are those with no conscience, no concerns about human rights and/or dignity, and a need for power so overwhelming that they are willing to kill or enslave the entire populace in order to satisfy it.”
The “as matters stand now” part can be safely deleted, especially in the case of Pakistan–as evidenced by its history!
Durak Premium Member over 15 years ago
prasrinivara says: Actually GEE1A, there is a simple way to handle Afghanistan: don’t try to rule it, even by proxy–as many who tried have learned to their sorrow. — The problem is even when America thinks all we’re trying to do is help it always gets interpreted as empire building or ruling by proxy. No matter what the intentions.