According to his creator/illustrator, what philosopher provided the explanation for the antics of this most unsuccessful of all hunters?

George Santayana ??

"A fanatic is one who redoubles
his effort when he has forgotten his aim."

Spit - You is 100% correct and for once it appears the Wall Street Journal is accurate!

(Believe it or not, this appeared in an editorial on 9/8/03 about campaign finance reform!)

A saying I remember from my childhood:
When you are waist deep in aligators, it is hard to remember that your original intention was to drain the swamp.

I have no idea who first said that, nor will I look.