Farris Hassan is sure to draw a lot of attention, not to mention “book deals” and film and television offers, for his ridiculous decision to skip a week of class in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to try to witness firsthand some of the goings-on in Iraq. While some may consider the 16-year-old student innovative and courageous, the word that comes to mind in evaluating his junket is stupid.

It is encouraging to note that his parents were quick to yank him out of the limelight upon his safe return. Hassan realizes the media will have a field day with his foolishness and he doubtless will have opportunities to profit monetarily from the attention. He says he fears the media more than any threats in hostile Iraq, and he deserves some tough times now that he is beyond the danger of capture, torture, exploitation and slaughter by insurgents in Iraq.

All sorts of excuses and rationalizations are being offered about this “energetic, intelligent, curious” youngster. An aunt says he “went to tell people (Iraqis) that democracy is good. But when he went there, he saw a totally different picture. He didn’t realize how dangerous it was.” It’s obvious about all Hassan realized about his self-serving trip was what a “kick” it would be.

If Hassan was a cat, he might have used eight of his legendary nine lives. Just imagine the propaganda value enemy forces could have gained from capturing him and seeking the release of dangerous criminals in exchange for setting him free.

And who would have been to blame if Hassan had been caught or killed? Why the United States, of course, for not being able to work some miracle to gain freedom for a doltish youngster who put himself in such danger. We waste enough dollars without pouring more down the drain for a fool like this.

“You go to, like, the worst place in the world, and things are terrible,” he told the Associated Press. “When you go back home, you have such a new appreciation for all the blessings you have there, and I’m just going to be, like, ecstatic.”

And, like, more sensible in the, like, future.