Friday the 13th has always been fun to speculate about. Unfortunately, this year it coincides with the events unfolding in Iraq, which, though they're not surprising, are sad to most Americans and must be infuriating to those who lost loved ones there. When the U.S. abandoned South Vietnam, its fall was almost immediate. It has taken several years for Iraq to fall. Although it was beset by violence, there seemed a glimmer of hope. Many of the soldiers trained by Americans are leaving their posts. The Kurds have not. They may finally get the homeland they have long sought and they will prove they deserve it by fighting fiercely. Hopefully they have enough men and resources to repel the enemy. If only they had enough to rule the entire country. How ironic is it that Iranian troops are on the ground in Iraqi cities, fighting al Qaeda, desperately trying to preserve the democracy U.S. forces created? Of course, that democracy is probably doomed even if the present government pulls off a miracle rally and wins the day. And once we leave Afghanistan, what's to prevent it from suffering the same fate? Islamist fanatics must feel rejuvenated. In what will be hundreds of years of this war, this round goes to them. It is doubtful Iraqis other than Kurds will fight to the death, despite a call to arms by influential clerics. I wonder if the one U.S. forces called Mookie now regrets having pushed for the exodus of our troops. I'm sure our most ardent leftists are gleeful. Those with common sense will recognize this as a bitter defeat that may result in dire consequences. The price of crude oil will likely be the first we experience. I suppose that will make the environmental lobby happy.
On another continent, the World Cup soccer tournament is underway. When I told Barry Spunt, author of Heroin and Music in New York City, I have no interest in it, he sniffed. The crew in Delmar pizzeria are excited about it. It was playing on the TV. Miguel, who makes the pies, is thrilled that Mexico won its first game. I know it is a great event to most inhabitants of the planet and I wouldn't spoil their fun, so I just keep quiet about it, although I won't lie if someone asks my opinion. If only it created the good will its organizers claim it does. Too bad the most contentious issues aren't solved by who wins an athletic contest. Such is man.
The floating book shop was lucky in terms of weather, as the skies cleared for several hours, but unlucky in terms of sales. My thanks to the lady and gentleman who donated books in Russian.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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