Probably one of the most valuable and certainly the most enjoyable course I took in college all those years ago was a course on Mark Twain. He became my hero and Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn have served as role models. I learned to look at life with a little humor and to accept the stupidity and frailty of the other members of the human race. I have even learned to accept many of the ridiculous views of the human race regarding its many religions. I learned from Mark Twain and Huck Finn that there are other views than my own which are worth considering.
I wish that President Bush had taken the course on Mark Twain rather than his MBA from Harvard. He might be able to get us out of Iraq and also deal with the Democrats. Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer were masters at the art of conning. Take the white washing of the fence for example. Bush in his new approach to Iraq could say that he wants an immediate withdrawal of all troops. That would immediately provoke a response from the Democrats that they want to increase troop strength and continue the war. He could tell the leaders of Iran and North Korea that he supports and wants to assist in their development of an atomic bomb. They would immediately disarm. That’s the way Tom Sawyer would handle the problems and probably have much success achieving his real goal.
Mark Twain loved to deal with opposite effects and role reversals. I know he would find ways to manipulate Jesse Jackson, women appear to be his weakness. Harry Reid could be manipulated with perks for his employees and an even more plush hotel room which he wouldn’t have to pay for out of his campaign funds.
Bush could learn much from my friend Mark Twain. I think I may send him a few of my books.