Sorry But It's a Day of Political Musts!

President Bush quit playing golf in 2003 during the second Iraq war because he didn't think the commander-in-chief should be seen fist-pumping a killer chip shot as servicemen were coming home in body bags. He extended this ban through Katrina and until the end of his presidency.

Today, servicemen continue to come home dead from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is Obama's Katrina and the president unapologetically hit the links on Sunday. What the hell is he thinking?

Look, let's be intellectually honest here. In today's world of cellphones and laptops, whether the president is playing golf during a crisis is merely window dressing, but I think it's important window dressing. Perception is half of leadership. Don't appear callous and indifferent. Don't fiddle while Rome burns. Intellectually, I know that your fiddling doesn't affect the fire, but it still affects ME.

In fact, Obama has reportedly played golf seven times since the BP oil rig went kaboom and killed 11 workers. Window dressing, sure, but we're all looking through this window for leadership. I don't want BP CEO Tony Heyward yachting until the leak is fixed, and I don't want Obama over-tipping cart girls as blackened pelicans are crying blood in front of news lenses.

Obama himself has called this the worst environmental disaster of our lifetime and has vowed to do everything in his power to improve the situation – except, apparently, quitting golf. The White House tried to spin the situation by saying that Obama playing golf during the crisis is good for all Americans, leaving the impression that the president would go crazy and order more rig detonations if he doesn't unwind on the links once a week.

Maybe a letter will provide sway.


Mr. President,


Hey, I know you are busy right now with a horrible oil spill and a tough dog-leg par 5, but I just wanted to drop you a note of support. I root for you to do well and make America a better place, but come on. Golf? Now?

I know you have a tough job and people criticize you for everything. That sucks. You know what else sucks? You taking a Big Bertha to anything but a leaking pipe.

Ask yourself, "What would I say if Bush did this?" and then act accordingly.

I appreciate the difficulty of your job. In fact, I am on record that every president should be allowed to smoke five packs a day to relieve the stress. If you have to play golf, play it secretly. Like how you smoke.

BTW, other things you shouldn't do publicly at this time:

• Appear shirtless and laughing in front of pelicans

• Feed grapes to Tony Heyward while spooning on a Mobile beach

• Announce re-election bid


Sincerely,


The BOG