Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for October 24, 2008

Ok, I admit it.   I don’t get it.   I’m sure it’s me. I’m a moron.   I guess some of the brilliant minds who frequent this comic will have to explain to me why this should be funny.

At least he knows the name of the tree that blocks his view, so the class wasn’t a total waste of time.

Does he? I dunno. Wikipedia says, “Typical examples of conifers include cedars, douglas-firs, cypresses, firs, junipers, kauris, larches, pines, redwoods, spruces, and yews.”   I’d think if he’d learned something he could be more specific.   But, I dunno. I admit it. I have no clue.

Christ, UncaAlby, for someone who doesn’t like this strip, you sure spend a hell of a lot of time commenting on it. Can’t the rest of us just read it in peace, for once?

I’ll give it a try, UncaAlby. You see, when Sarah was asked about what she knew about foreign policy, she started her answer by stating that she could see Russia from Alaska and then expanded on that fact. Many people, including me, thought that it was a pretty absurd answer. GT is satirizing that answer.

But maybe that was one of those “gotcha” questions, like asking her what newspapers she reads.

It’s functioning on two levels: mocking Sarah Palin, and mocking college students. (I’m a professor, and I have uttered the words spoken by the prof in the first two panels–though about English, not botany.)

DoctorDan, it is absurd. The only place in all of Alaska whence one can see Russian territory is Little Diomede Island, and, according to its 150 residents (most of whome don’t even know who Sarah Palin is), she’s never been there.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/30/you-can-see-russia-from-here/

Maybe she visited a Russian Orthodox church once and figures that counts.

The_Jerk_Store says:

Christ, UncaAlby, for someone who doesn’t like this strip, you sure spend a hell of a lot of time commenting on it. Can’t the rest of us just read it in peace, for once?   Nobody’s forcing you to read my comments!

Susan001 says:

This is the poster who just last week stated that anybody who doesn’t think as he does is “uneducated”, and should not vote in November.   There is now no doubt whatsoever. Susan001, your reading comprehension is ZERO.   You just can’t argue with a fascist.   Sure, you can argue all you want. [Yawn!] Wake me when you find one, and I’ll show you how it’s done.   In the meantime, it’s challenging to argue with someone with the reading and analytical skills of a 6-year-old, who knows little more than ad hominem and strawman attacks. But, Susan, I don’t mind, I do it anyway.

Mr. Harris, since when does a conifer have leaves? it’s a Pin oak, you Pinhead!

Leaves aren’t mentioned, but there’s a lot of conifers in Alaska - and - ‘Mr. Harris?’ in the third panel - Zip’s unable to keep what there is of his ‘mind’ on the topic at hand - been there - seen that -

This is getting wonderfully absurd, which is seldom gut-bustingly funny, hence it’s lack of great popularity. The Absurd usually doesn’t resolve the conflict in any clear-cut way, rather leaving many doors, and/or windows, open for the audience to develop it’s own conclusion(s) - rather like life - the prof will likely get to the point of wondering, not only why Zip is in his class, but how he got into the school in the first place (Oh, wait - are we talking about Walden, here?) - and Zipper will drift off in his usual vague fog, his ‘mind’ occupied with whatever next crops up in his immediate field of vision, or why his iPod isn’t working, or his cell phone has no messages, or he’s hungry - y’ know - the really important stuff -

doctortoon says:

Looks like UncaAlby needs a medication adjustment  

Susan001 says:

No, doctoortoon, UncaAlby needs a straight-jacket and a padded cell!   Both of you need to brush up on your insults. I’ve heard better on a grade-school playground.   Is that where you think you are?   Why don’t you hush up and let the adults have a civilized discussion? Many of us have varying disagreements over varying issues, and we’re able to hash them out without throwing insults around.   We may not change each other’s minds, but we might at least challenge each other.   Maybe when you’re older, you’ll understand.

Keep it clean… petty name calling and belittling someone’s character is unnecessary, especially if the antagonist has never met their intended victim. Leave the mudslinging to the professional politicians.

Mom used to tell me: Just ignore them and they’ll just go away. (That doesn’t usually work though)

It takes one to know one. ( Usually the antagonist WAS what they were calling me.)

Treat others as you wish to be treated. (Ah yes, lead by example. I try so hard and come away with thinking I’ve done my best)

My dad never raised his voice to us kids and never laid a hand on us in anger that I recall. I’m still trying to be just like him.

Consider the source, yes another good one. Do it all the time then try to ignore that source. I’m trying to develope a “HAPPY PLACE” like Opus.

I’ve noticed some people thrive on insults so they CAN retalliate. If something sounds like a possible insult I try to see it as a slip-of-the-tongue and let it pass.

Alby, there is hidden humor in the strip and you are NO moron.

He who takes offense when none was offended is a fool. He who takes offense when offense was intended is a bigger fool. -Various Attributions   BIGOT, n. One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain. -Ambrose Bierce   Play nice, children, or we’ll have to close the sandbox.

ccdesan - Bravo for the Ambrose Bierce quote. I’m sure Dorothy Parker learned much of her best technique from Mr. Bierce.

Susan001 says:

“No, doctoortoon, UncaAlby needs a straight-jacket and a padded cell!” &nbsp ITYM “straitjacket.

I just want to say, I’m not the one who came in here and started calling people “troll”, asking GoComics to ban people from the board, calling people a “nut-case”, suggesting that people take their “meds” or be placed in a straitjacket.   I think I’ve made some fairly rational arguments regarding the comic strip, Trudeau, Republicans and Democrats. I don’t expect everybody to agree with me. And I’ve read some rational responses. But even some of the rational responses have been sandwiched in insults.   But that’s Ok. I know that’s how these forums work. I’ve been wearing asbestos underwear in public opinion forums like this probably before some of you could walk. So go ahead, flame away.   Just remember, it can and will go both ways. Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.

Did Palin ever say anything about seeing places from her window? (As far as I know, that was Tina Fey.)

Ms. Palin did say, early on, that she could see Russia, “… from my house, &#8221, which was a dead quote in the first SNL bit.; Some thought she was trying to be facetious. Maybe she meant if she was standing on the roof …

Thanks, Eugeno.