Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for November 01, 2011

I think classes started 2 months ago.

It takes awhile . . . .

Extra credit for slacking.

Already paid the tuition and other fees at Walden? Then don’t worry about it, Ray – you’ve passed the course.

If the check passed they stamp your diploma on the back.

He’s in luck. Colleges are closed in Connecticut because of storm damage.

I’m looking forward to finding out what the class is.

Ok he’s moving in the right direction. Now just to pick up a little steam.

Whee. Here we go…back home again…in the world again…

I have a bad feeling about this.

pray for no cars to backfire, pray for no flashbacks……..

You can see the excitement and hope that BD feels for Ray in BD’s eyes. It says a lot about BD as a friend and GT as an artist.

“You can see the excitement and hope that BD feels for Ray in BD’s eyes.” I can’t resist contrasting lwp’s nostalgic reading with B.D.’s actual prototype, Brian Dowling.When Brian Dowling walked into a class at Yale on its first day, all the students applauded—-not because Dowling was a famous football player, but because his choosing the class meant that it was a “gut” (slang for a course with minimal demands).Too bad B.D. is no longer a student at “Walden.” He could steer Ray into all the easy classes.

“Ray may be a bit wobbly in the doing, but he’s got the right attitude. I think he’s gonna be fine.”

Hear! Hear!

#Ray forgot about his wife.What is he going to do about her?# I think Trudeau wants to illustrate what happens to returning vets. B.D. is one case, and kudos to Boobsie and young Sam for helping him. Ray may not be so lucky when it comes to help from his wife, but he’s getting help not only from Sam and Boopsie, but more importantly from the greatly recovered B.D. himself.

“Ray only thinks he’s recovered enough but his lapse here says he should wait a bit longer. Let a doctor tell him when.” 

 Ray has taken already-significant steps in the direction of recovery. He’s come to war-buddy BD for help, and BD is giving it. Huge credit to both of these returning vets in the direction of recovery. Your point is well taken. Actual professional help is needed for Ray. He does need a medical doctor.

People are not perfect, but they are precious. (It’s taken me a lifetime of learning and relearning to understand and better understand this truth, which has its roots in the teachings of Jesus and other sages.) I think Trudeau understands that, at least he does now, and his strip reflects it. That’s a major part of the reason I read and comment on it.

D’you suppose Ray knows about the time B.D. dropped out of Walden?

“This dude’s got issues he’s not yet fully facing due to his multiple CHIs.” What does CHIs stand for? Closed head injuries?

Check out the story arcs that begin on February 28, 2011 and May 9, 2011. They give a strong background to this weeks strip.