From the Department of Denial, Tangents, and Small Thoughts.

An April 9, 2008 Associated Press poll showed that 28 percent of Americans approve of the overall job Bush is doing.

The cluster survey involved telephone interviews with 2500 residents of Dymphna Meadows, named for the patron saint of neurological disorders and epilepsy; Bernadine Siena Forest, named for the illustrious saint of public relations; Elmo Village, named to honor the patron saint of ammunition and explosive workers; and Justin Park, a township that honors the patron of apologists.

The same survey showed that 54 percent of Republicans from Thaddeus, named for the go-to saint for desperate causes approve of the President’s economic policies. “My stocks took a nosedive and I lost nearly everything, but I've put what's left on laddered CDs earning less than 2 percent. But I feel good, the surge is working and victory is within reach,” said Itsma Story. “I know we’re spending a lot of Yuan in Iraq, but the tree of liberty must be nourished from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants,” said his partner, Donny Deranged.

The cluster survey respondents said they were pleased that the media is finally focusing on the real story. “We needed someone to blow the lid off the Veep’s sunglasses, and identify the imaginary naked women standing in front of blue sky and no fences,” said Kristol Light, a Dymphna-ite. “I am glad that the Fourth Estate is finally focusing on the real issues,” said Nan Nonsequitor, who wore a shirt with the legend, "Avenge 9/11, Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Gail Vida Hamburg is the author of The Edge of the World, a novel shaped by American foreign policy and war. Visit Mirare Press for details.