A modern fable.
Or conflict resolution Marxist style.

Little Red Riding Hood tried her best not to cross the path of the big bad wolf! The "conflict" between her and the wolf was well known- him trying to eat and her trying not to become food! A group of concerned do-gooders formed a peace committee to arrange a negotiated settlement between the two. The task was difficult. The wolf agreed to some small talk . But Red Riding Hood adamantly refused. One fair morning the committee cornered her- because she had left a door unbolted- and brought her kicking and screaming to the negotiating table where everything was in readiness thanks to careful planning (by the same committee). The committee chairman banged his gavel , then opened his mouth to read the rules and some appropriate statemens when lo and behold without warning the wolf leaped across the negotiating table, snatched Little Red Riding Hood and dissappeared into the woods !

The following morning the committee received a telegram stating: "I hate long, boring sessions. Better shorten them next time or I'll get mad. Bring food as usual. The Wolf."

The peace committee felt compelled to issue a white paper about the happening saying: "It's better trying and failing than not trying at all. Responsibility for the breakdown of negotiations rests squarely on the opponents. We regret the demise of our beloved citizen Miss Red Riding Hood. We shall treasure her memory."

"On the other hand we have increased our respect for wolves. No way could they be called boors, sending telegrams and all that. A modern wolf seems to be open, direct and decisive. In a world of declining values and crumbling morals the committee finds the wolf, well, different."

Signed the Peace-at-any-price Committee.
Gunnar Unneland.
Seattle, Wa.