News and Nostalgia... Its 
 
Ambassador Abe

Abe, why are soldiers writing messages in the bombs they throw in Afghanistan?
Farsighted

Dear Far sighted,

I am not sure what messages they are writing, but I will suggest three things.  
Writing a message on bombs makes the act of dropping that bomb a bit more 
personal. 

1. If the people writing these messages are not directly involved in the military 
action against Afghanistan i.e. non-combatants, then it is a means of manifesting 
their anger and frustration at the crimes directed against the US and its citizens.

2. If the people writing the messages are the same ones who are dropping these 
bombs, then it allows them to take, in some small way, responsibility for their actions
 - either to derive some vague feeling of vengeance or because they are ill at ease 
with the idea that they are killing people. 

3. 1-800-Call-ATT doesn't work overseas.

Abe

Dear Abe, I'm a Fletcher grad and my life is 'supposed' to go on after Fletcher, but I find it 
so hard to do so.  I still dutifully read every issue of the Fletcherledger.  Just can't get it out 
of the system, is this normal or should I seek professional help?

Dear Always and Forever,

Let's take a look at your question. You think there's life after Fletcher? What exactly 
does "after Fletcher" mean?  Do you really read every issue?  Did you do that when
you were here?  Did you take Jacque?   Furthermore, do you really consider my 
work to be amateur help?  (I like to think that there is a certain sense of 
professionalism in this column.)  You are quite normal, in the end, although I suppose that
depends on what the norm is. I have a solution--The PhD application deadline is 
December 1. See you next year!

Abe

Comments? Write us at letter@fletcherledger.com

[return to Home Page]