Wholesalestrictly editorial

November 28, 2006

From time to time, a wholesale delete is the only solution.

Reviewing the latest data of injured and dead drew tears to her eyes, as Air Force One made low altitude sweeps over areas devastated by radiation fallout. Transferring to Marine One for a closer view, Victoria flipped through papers, cross-referencing casualty lists with topographical maps, directing her pilots to areas of greatest damage. Witnessing the anxiety on her face, as she walked through hospital wards and overflowing hallways of dead, injured and dying, George tried as best he could to comfort the president while monitoring events set in motion by her executive order, signed the previous day. Watching cable news analysts on the return flight, they silently watched fellow Republicans broadcast criticism for her lack of action. Placing the latest rating numbers to the side, George reassured the president, “well, latest polling shows the entire country favors annihilating Iran.” With eyes remaining fixed on the flat screen monitor, Victoria added, “my son reminded me of an old military axiom, that twice as many troops are required to hold onto, than it takes to seize a place.” Eyes red and with exhaustion written on her face, she looked away from the screen, through the aircraft’s windows to the rust colored sky refracting light from the setting sun. “I won’t commit this country to any action or expedition unless there’s a reward other than revenge.” Turning her head back to the screen, she continued in a lower tone, “we’ve shed enough blood being the world’s policeman with little or no return; I intend to change that."

This is a tunnel. A very long tunnel. Somewhere, god willing ....