Frazz by Jef Mallett for May 28, 2012

See, in Caulfield’s line in the last panel, where the word “one” is on its own line? Typographically speaking, a hanging word like that is undesirable, but I can’t help but notice how easy it would have been to move it up to the line before… It’s almost like it was moved down intentionally.

In typesetting, such words are called orphans (some call them widows). In this Memorial Day strip, is this little orphan a subtle, solemn nod to those orphans and widows of war?

I like to think so, but I’m probably just reading into it way too much.

Either way, it’s a lovely tribute.

hmm you may be right.

Amen!!

This the local memorial to the soldiers killed in Iraq.

Click on image for more.

The above images are not intended as a political statement, simply as a memorial.

Richard S. Russell: I know that Memorial day isn’t the appropriate time to be trying to make political hay. Let’s put aside our differences for now, agree that war is tragic whether it’s just or unjust, and get back to our usual political bickering tomorrow. OK?

war, a scourge of mankind. why oh why do clueless leaders think that war is a game? for all those political pundits who want war, send them over to afghanistan and do a combat operation. if they say they have an excuse, tell them the rumsfeld line that one goes to war with what they have.

Instead of remembering wars,I prefer to remember that it’s always out best people that get it in the neck. Less war please.

I hate English teachers!

as the Woody Guthrie song goes—

…Still I wonder whythe worst of men must fightAnd the best of men must die.

forget the nit-picking of grMMr and printing, etc. This strip is offensive. I observe Memorial Day to honor those heroes who gave their lives to maintain our freedom. Wars are shameful tho often necessary events and as such should not be honored. Thank God for those brave men and their sacrificw.

well done, Mr. Mallett!

applause and a salute

Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu – chapter 31

Good weapons are instruments of fear; all creatures hate them.Therefore followers of the Tao never used them.The wise man prefers the left.The man of war prefers the right.

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man’s tools.He uses them only when he has no choice.Peace and quiet are dear to his heart.And victory no cause for rejoicing.If you rejoice in victory, then you delight in killing;If you delight in killing, you cannot fulfill yourself.

On happy occasions precedence is given to the left,On sad occasions to the right.In the army the general stands on the left,The commander-in-chief on the right.This means that war is conducted like a funeral.When many people are being killed,They should be mourned in heartfelt sorrow.That is why a victory must be observed like a funeral.

My apologies to Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English for my failure to credit them for the translation above.

go the Israel’s method of service. Everyone serves including women, no exemptions. People won’t forget, I guarantee it.

Well said Mr. Mallett. Thank you for your insights and humor.

Joe Waskiewicz: They haven’t? Then where did they get the idea that being victims of genocide gives them the right to commit it on others – particularly Muslims and Christians who had lived in peace with Jews there for centuries? “Never again” must apply to all people, or it is just a meaningless slogan to hide the truth.

@masterskrain I do believe you have come up with the correct answer. .Nicely done Jef. Remember your moment of silence/remembrance today kids.

Bravo, Mr. Mallet.

I served 3 years on active duty, and 18 years in the Navy Reserve. I am proud of my service, and I have nothing but the highest respect for all my fellow sailors and soldiers – that’s why I want them out of these needless wars. Afghanistan and Iraq are hardly on the level of the Axis powers of WW II.SK1 Robert G. Pope, Jr, USNR-Retired

I do remember someone promising to do just that, except it seems that he found out that we really are fighting some really bad people. I wish war wasn’t sometimes necessary, but the only way to avoid it is to surrender to those who only wish us harm. Having been in the service during a time of war, I know what my response would be.

I know Memorial day started after the Civil War to honor the falllen soldiers. In 1971 it was made a day to remeber those who have fallen in defense of our country NOT to remember past wars. The honor belongs to these men and women and not some dark moments in our history.

My favorite line from protest music “the worst of men must fight and the best of men must die”. The writer was taught English, so the word men isn’t gender specific or if you prefer, mankind could be used instead.

Bless everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice. My heart cries for them all.

Well-said in many ways, Mr. Mallett.

Richard, WTF? Nothing you said made sense….but if you are trying to talk about your desires, and an effective Commander in Chief, that’s what we have baby, you’ll just never admit it. Best president since 2000. He doesn’t waste soldier’s lives needlessly, like the last one, but he gets the job done better, by any measure…I don’t think you even know what you want…you’re not even sure of what it is you DON’T want…

Regardless of the politicization of our current occupation of Afghanistan, the picture should not show cross-shaped headstones as our servicemen and servicewomen are members of all faiths, and some are not members of any. The stones at Arlington, for example, are rectangular with a rounded top. Why does the comic show only one with that shape? The cross-only photo in the comments only serves to perpetuate the myth that the cross is the only symbol that denotes a burial site.