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This is nation building. This is nation building 101 in the most fragmented country in the world. Fareed, we’re talking about Afghanistan. And we’re talking about America in the middle of the great recession. I feel like we’re like an unemployed couple who just went out and decided to adopt a special needs baby. You know, I mean, that’s really kind of what we’re doing. And that’s like, whoa, y’know, that terrifies me.
I’m also not sure Friedman knows what “nation building” actually is. Restricting U.S. assistance to Afghan ministries and focusing it on agricultural security-sector development — I mean, argue with the wisdom of it if you’ve got concerns, but “nation building” is not an adequate description. Nor, for that matter, is it an argument. And he’s calling Afghanistan a retard?
Tags: looooooooong war
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“Little Tommy” has been tasteless ever since he went on Charlie Rose and told Iraqis to Suck. On. This.
Has the euphemistic treadmill gone so far that “special needs” is equivalent to “retarded”? If Afghanistan doesn’t have special needs, does that mean we can leave?
This is his new “analogy” for our foreign policy towards Afghanistan; he’s used it on Charlie Rose and a coupla other places as well. It’s what passes for clever among Tom Friedman’s pals.
No reason to get offensive Spencer. He said Special Needs because he knew that saying retarded was offensive and hurtful to people with special needs. Yes, they are human beings with feelings and have asked you not to use the word retard or retarded. Shouldn’t be too hard to follow.
Before I had a child with special needs I probably was like you. I just didn’t get how hurtful it was to hear the word retarded. Now I know better. I’m hoping you take this in a good natured way. I’m not trying to take away your right to use the word retarded. Just asking why you would when you know how hurtful it is.