In the brief but storied history of public officials interacting with fictional characters there has never been anything like this. The Mayor of Springfield, Illinois has pledged loyalty to G.I. Joe‘s villainous criminal group Cobra, and awarded Cobra Commander with a key to the city. The leader of the terrorist organization is quoted as saying “Springfielders near and far, I accept your Mayor’s generous gift. And let it be known that I too bring a gift for every man, woman and child of this city that is so near and dear to my heart; an invitation to join with me. Join Cobra!”
The A.V. Club reports that “Apparently, Houston met with Cobra Commander to promote an upcoming G.I. Joe convention that Springfield is hosting in April, but we know there’s something more nefarious going on. Basically, don’t be surprised if a lot of Springfieldians suddenly find themselves with new jobs that involve constructing giant lasers and pointing them at the moon.” Abraham Lincoln must be so proud of his hometown, and perhaps a little envious of Houston’s penchant for publicity. After all, Lincoln’s shade is probably kicking himself for not thinking to pose for an official portrait with The Count of Mont Cristo‘s Fernand Mondego or Magua from The Last of the Mohicans.
