The Realization

Two ongoing, exorbitantly priced wars; thousands of U.S. casualties. An economic collapse now crowning above the surface of the murky, fiscal depths. A $10,000,000,000,000 escalating national debt. The indefatiguable threat of Islamofascism. Iran's distemper, still pursuing nuclear capabilities. Russia champing at the bit to be a world player again, dusting off Cold War rhetoric and chest-thumping. A 6.5% unemployment rate as of this morning - the highest in 14 years. The unrealistic expectations of a country all-in on your streaming concepts of change and hope.

It must be a hell of a thing, that moment you realize the American people have accepted your application for employment. Congratulations! You've just been hired for the loneliest job in the world. In Thomas Jefferson's words: "The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a splendid misery."

Welcome to your two-month orientation program, Mr. Obama. Splendid, miserable work begins on January 20.