Here is the oldest battle strategy of all times. Absalom used it to try and overthrow his father, David. The allied forces used it to defeat Germany. And children, at increasingly younger ages, have used it on their parents. I tell you, no cuffs forged on earth bind more tightly than the words, "Mom said I could."
Pete was barely three when he launched his first campaign against the citadel of parental authority.
"That will be quite enough of that, young man!", said Pete's mother, when she caught him slurping milk from his bowl at the breakfast table.
Pete stopped, and leveled the edge of the bowl until his mother's eyes were in his sights.
"Daddy does it", he declared, confidently.
Pete's mother glared across the table at her sheepish husband.
"Yes, he does", she said. "But that doesn't mean it's okay for his children to do it."
"Daddy said I could", added Pete.
"Now, wait a minute", said Pete's father. "Surely, dear, you don't believe that I..."
But it was too late. The division had been made-- the conquering begun. From that statement forward, it would not have mattered if Daddy had told Pete he could drive on the interstate. And so, while his parents took up the new battle, Pete declared victory with a slurp and a grin.
God, save us from these little generals!
