Pat Oliphant for September 11, 2013

“Stroke” force.

Along came a spider. . .

So Kerry is just Obama’s caddy hum? How fitting!

Not only is this some great artwork, but it accurately prophesies what is going to actually happen.

huh? does anyone have a solution to offer instead of just endless criticism from the left and the right? I don’t really get this toon anyway other that it’s part of the endless criticism.

Excellent cartoon, with artwork and message. This is an example of why I’ve admired Pat Oliphant all these years. Mission Creep could the modern manifestation of a new war-related god. We have Ares, Phobos, Deimos, Hate (from The Iliad), and probably Rumor (from the Aeneid). Maybe blind Plutus, too.

MIchael: agree totally on the humanitarian aid issue! After Katrina, a small number of Americans learned what it is to be “refugees”, but in a land with huge wealth to accommodate them, and there wasn’t a war. The world refugee situation, in many places, remains a critical threat to world “security”.

“Mission creep” is indeed a serious concern ANY time the U.S. becomes involved. Yes, we’re big, but too often I’m reminded of Lenny, in “Of Mice and Men”.

…are you suggesting it would be better to have Putin as pres. of the U.S.?…?…

I’m an ordinary citizen. Even at my age, I still have more questions than answers. I will ask them of you and others in this forum:.What do you consider effectiveness in a national leader? What past president would meet your qualifications as to effectiveness?. Russia has had several leaders even tougher than Putin – but why is it still such a socially disfunctional nation? Do you think that with Russia’s huge oil reserves increasingly under Kremlin control that Putin will make better social conditions – or, first thing, will he try to bring former Soviet satellites back under control?. In the late 1950s, as Krushchev tried to repair damage done by Stalin, he warned of “the cult of personality.” Does a leader’s projected personality nevertheless still play a big role in his effectiveness? If so, why is that? Do leaders really still think of themselves as tribal leaders and their nations as tribes in competition with other tribes? At what point might that change, and into what new form? . I am begging the question on that last one, I realize. But really, does tribal politics make sense in a world with 7 billion people and chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction available to just about anyone? Will we ever become mature enough to look beyond the shell of personality and weigh the value of ideas?. With advertising dollars tainting true political discourse, is that possible? I really think there are vested interests – financial, religious, whatever – that strive to keep us immature in that regard in order to form the world to their advantages. .See, I deteriorated into personal opinion, again. I should stick with questions.

Some of you guys need to get your own blogs. These are supposed to be comments, not treatises! Also, what an excellent cartoon, slightly humorous and very frightening. Mission creep reminds me of cancer. Nice job.

@emptc: I guess it’s the poet in me, but I do see your point. And also, in your case it is a compliment because I think your blog would be thoughtful and interesting. I would subscribe, then make concise and brilliant comments at the bottom. (Not so for ypoons). Tyftc. Lol, etc.

incredible artwork.

Our commander n’chief. sigh!

Yeah — so much better to plunge headlong into another war where we can’t win or even have much influence. Let’s see Viet Nam comes to mind, then Iraq comes to mind, then Afghanistan comes to mind. For God’s sake, don’t stop to think about this — just jump in. And for what better reason than that you said something pompous and stupid a year ago (i.e., red line).

TYFTC: I had to look it up in Urban Dictionary (many disgusting, filthy phrases there) , but it wasn’t there, exactly. Most likely means Thank You For The Comment. My usual sendoff is “Thank you for your time.” Even if we disagree with each other on certain things, it’s interesting to at least read other viewpoints. Have a good weekend.

“….American exceptionalism is fading…‘being eroded and undermined by the very person who professed, to the world on his apology tour and thereafter, that we (America) are not an exceptional nation nor an exceptional people…”.On the other hand, the last leader to expound his country’s exceptionalism with visions of extending the “master race’s” reach through militarism, came to a rather bad end, along with his country. .Putin actually had some good advice for the arrogant in his op-ed essay.

“…..When Putin looks into Obama’s eyes, what do you think he sees?… ".Oh come on now…..you’ve been talking to George haven’t you. And look how accurate he was.

“…….and he’s got Obama right where he wants him in a deadly chess game… …”.That would explain why Putin decided he better play ball after Obama brought up use of the military. And now everyone’s talking – so far, so good. Brilliant I’d say.

I don’t care what anyone says, Kerry is fun to watch. He would have been more fun than Bush in the white house.

“…very unlikely the votes for such authorization will ever come from the US Congress…”.So what? The president as commander in chief can lob a few Tomahawks at strategic military targets, and Assad or Putin are not prepared to take that chance. Unfortunate Congress wouldn’t strengthen his hand with support, but what else is new. This president is accustomed to having to go it alone.

“…..“Gypsy8-the-dhimmi” has an amount of truth to it, don’t you think?….”.Give me something worth responding to.

dear gypsy8dhimmi proofs you requested

http://rt.com/usa/fifth-warship-stout-syria-173/

http://rt.com/news/navy-warship-syria-mediterranean-800/

http://www.examiner.com/article/verified-chinese-warship-marines-enter-mediterranean

Sure, that’s why Mr. O. has given up the “Military Option” in trade for a all expenses paid (by Assad, or course) junket to Syria to play a round or two on Syria’s newly opened “Sands of Doom” golf course? Yeah, right!

^Well that’s true, but at least the pigeon would be more honest about it!

Phew! Endless and fairly limited insight being constantly chewed over here. Roosevelt recommended “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” That is precisely what Obama has done in this case, neatly putting Congress into the equation to “hold him back,” and scaring Vladimir into proposing that we take away from one of his customers the very weapons that we wish to take away.

My, how simple you all are in the sweep of your vision. Obama plays the role of an “innocent” but gets results. George played another role and was much less effective.

I’ve lived under thirteen presidents and this one is one of the most clever “Unqualified, ineffective” ones you’ll ever see. He plays three dimensional chess to your two dimensional thinking. Against some of the most unbridled hatred and opposition to anything he suggests, he has managed to keep the nation safe and on a steady path, regardless of the denials of the haters.

So sorry, but his successes are clear to those who are not limited by “red mist.”

Gypsy8-the-dhimmi is the truth in a name. Obama is Putin’s beech.

I can’t see one thing you folks have brought up in facts. We proved the US Navy was at risk. You deny the facts. Putin punked Obama. That is a cold fact.

Honestly, your side is nothing but abject cowards who would stand no chance in a fight or a war.

You’re an effeminate Dr. of philosophy who is Canadian.

I doubt if Canada has any soldiers who are trained in Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Warfare. So, you don’t comprehend what has to be done in Syria. Idiot.

Strange, it’s weird to see a wuss come to the aid of a Canadian wuss.

Neither of you two ignorant nimrods knows what it takes to decontaminate Sarin or Tabin chemical agents in artillery, mortar, or rocket rounds. Obama just signed the US military to dispose of Syria’s toxic waste.

“Cerebral Games”, you both are ignorant cowards who let better men do the heavy lifting and claim a halo for your cowardice.

“We aren’t a dictatorship yet so stop trying to push the president to be one.”.Whoa. From which of my comments did you conclude that??

Libs, your anti-war sentiment is irrelevant here – your Immaculate Leader has spoken – there WILL be a solution. And please don’t suggest that your Lord and Master made a newbie MISTAKE by flapping his gums when he shouldn’t have been…

Oh, did I hurt you by calling you both ignorant and a coward? Well, puke, if the shoe fits.

Both of you idiots are clueless about Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare. Neither of you fools understand it will take nothing less than a division of fully trained solders to clean out the toxins.

Gawds you leftists are so stupid. I

Is this one going to be uup for as long is the one of Sister Mary Adolf and the then pope?