Mood:
celebratoryTopic: "Talibanme Banana"(8)
The President announced during his SOTU that a goodly number of the remaining troops in Afghanistan would soon be coming home. That, certainly, was good news, but what the announcement meant to Frodo was that even people he admires can be wrong, especially when it comes to issues of war and peace. For the record, Frodo wants all of the troops out of Afghanistan, now. How wonderful it would be if Frodo could document such happenings on the anniversary of his founding and the 1200th posting of his literary endeavors, both of which are imminent.
"Mr. President."
"Yes, Mr. Frodo is recognized from the audience of those who have attended my visit to a preschool program in the lands of the Shire this day."
"Mr. President, thank you, and welcome to the Shire."
"It is always good to be here Mr. Frodo, and to get a good look at a program where people and government work well together."
"Mr. President, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but let me add that I wished to take the opportunity to tell you that even though I have fought for you, and never regretted a nickel of the cost, I think you are just flat-out wrong when it comes to the continuing presence of US troops on the ground in Afghanistan."
"Well, Mr. Frodo, I'm sure you're aware of my committment to withdraw all troops by the end of 2014. . ."
"Almost exactly 96 years after what was dubbed 'The War to End All Wars."
"Point taken."
"Mr. President, that guy Karzai is possessed by the Ring. Can't you see, as Presidential Nominee John F. Kennedy did during his debate with Richard Nixon that Afghanistan is not worth the "bleached bones of a single American soldier?"
"The reference being to the islands of Quemoy and Matsu bordering The People's Republic of China and Taiwan, and the cries for US involvement which Kennedy opposed."
"Yes Sir. It is Frodo's opinion that nothing will be gained by the loss of more lives. Despite the sacrifices, there is only the religious institution existant in that society, and that is not enough to support societal change."
"I have made that argument myself, in the days before my Presidency."
"I understand Sir, and you were confronted by a diplomatic and military counsel who argued the opposite, just like we heard in the early 1960's in Southeast Asia and before we invaded Iraq little more than a decade ago. You were right then, you are wrong to continue following that flawed counsel."
"Mr. Frodo, I appreciate your input and will do all I can to bring all of our troops home as quickly, and as safely as I can."
"I believe that Sir. No matter what, please do not let me down. For the boys."
"For the boys."
