Patch Blogs: An Inside Look at Afghanistan

Chris Day, a Rocklander who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, gives Patch readers insight into how the 11-year war jibes with the ongoing struggle for the White House.

Day—whose brother is currently deployed, and whose father works as a Rockland County legislator—lays out how President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney differ in their Afghanistan strategies.

And they don't differ much, according to Day.

"From the Obama camp, we have a 'plan' that seems directly cribbed from the 'Vietnamization' concept implemented by President Nixon," Day pens. "Declare the Afghans ready, and leave before the door hits us on the way out."

Day's assessment of the Romney stance isn't much of a departure.

"Governor Romney, meanwhile, has signed on to a slightly softened version of the same story—apparently out of fear that if he openly endorses a removal of the withdrawal date, he will tank his chances in the election," he writes.

Day's essay goes on to tackle the state of the Taliban, and the role of U.S. allies. It's a must-read for those interested in international affairs—see it here.

In a more festive blog, Sharon Rowley discusses kids and their love of Halloween costumes. This year's possibilities include black cat, Frankenstein and cheerleaders.

Oh, and Big Bird.

Also on the blog front: the greater significance (and stress) of teaching your teen to drive, which pets need homes and what a second term under Obama might be like

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If you're interested in blogging for Patch and sharing your story, insights, opinions or photos, email kevin@patch.com.