Afghan Losses, Then and Now

Caro Maestro,

How've you been? So many of us keep wondering where you've gotten to now. (I hope you'll forgive the apostrophes; my rhythm is guided by ear, that organ you prize so highly.)

I was reminded of you recently on stumbling upon an interview. Watching or perhaps re-watching it, and reflecting a few hours later on your wonted critique of the current predicament, I was struck by the discipline it must have taken to maintain a pleasant manner while talking about such unpleasant things. Then, only a few hours after that, happy chance brought my eyes to a line you'd written about Samuel Butler:

foo bar

Too bad you don't say why it's unwise. We can guess easily enough, but a confirmation would have been nice.