Today, President Bush said, “I haven’t made any decisions about troop increases or troop decreases, and won’t until I hear from a variety of sources.”

Now that the elections are over, it appears that real work is starting again in Washington. And that’s good news. Because, I don’t know about you—but I was more than a bit tired of political ads, mudslinging, and debates…

In any case, clearly one of the largest issues facing our government now is what to do about Iraq. It’s an urgent issue, because lives are in jeopardy daily.

Today, Bush said, “I haven’t made any decisions about troop increases or troop decreases, and won’t until I hear from a variety of sources.”

Hmmm…

My first thought after reading this was--I’m so glad that my son isn’t in Iraq. You see, it would be so painful for me to think that he would be missing the turkey on our table at Thanksgiving, or his gifts under our Christmas tree, because Bush hasn’t heard from a ‘variety of sources’ yet.

So, let me take this opportunity to, on behalf of the American people, apologize to those of you who do have family in Iraq for Bush’s statement. I hope you know that most of us want to see your family members returned safely home as quickly as possible.

I also want to apologize for Bush’s obvious lack of empathy and compassion. It appears that he doesn’t feel your loss as personally as we do. He’s still busy ‘playing’ politics, instead of asserting his leadership as Commander-in-Chief.

And you'll have to forgive us on that one--'cause I don’t think we can stomach another apology for him for his lack of common sense.

Still, I want you to know that the rest of us are aware that only a buffoon would spew such arrogance into your faces. And, we also know that his comment is shortsighted, because whatever he ‘decides’ will need to be ratified by the now-Democratic Congress.

Sigh.

I guess he didn’t think of that, either.

I hope you'll find some consolation in our knowing that many of the folks in Congress are all over this issue (Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-New York, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Delaware to name a few)—devising plans, talking with their constituents, and creating coalitions so that, if Bush doesn’t get around to it soon enough—they’ll be ready to take action.

And that is, perhaps, the smartest solution of all.

For, if Bush fails to lead us successfully and victoriously out of Iraq, he might as well retire early to his ranch in Texas. He’ll have become the ‘lame duck’ in the Oval Office, months before his term ends. And as such, we’ll give him the lip service we usually reserve for lame ducks, and go on with the business of government...including seeking his replacement….

You know, I have a feeling that that’s what will happen anyway. After all, 2008 is only 13 months away…