Dear Mark, July 4

Dear Mark: This week Iraq officially took charge of its own security, as U.S. troops pulled out of the country's major cities. Shouldn't this troop withdrawal signal a victory for the United States but also serve as vindication for former President George W. Bush? -- Winning the War From Wisconsin

Dear Winning: Of course this day signals victory and vindication, but with today's sorry excuse for media, let's see how much press this historic moment garners.

This is a huge day for the citizens of Iraq. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki even declared a national holiday, complete with parades and fireworks. Hmmm, sounds strangely American. At least Iraqi President Jalal Talabani showed his nation's appreciation when he said, "While we celebrate this day, we express our thanks and gratitude to our friends in the coalition forces who faced risks and responsibilities and sustained casualties and damage while helping Iraq to get rid from the ugliest dictatorship and during the joint effort to impose security and stability."

I won't hold my breath, but personally I think that President Obama should admit his mistakes and publicly declare victory -- he owes it to our fighting forces. He should also acknowledge that the terms for this troop withdrawal have been met, including a military victory that laid the foundation for a democratically elected government.

While I dream about winning the lottery, I might as well fantasize that Obama will give credit to his predecessor, as well. It was Bush's perseverance in the face of intense criticism that made this exciting day happen for the Iraqi people. The violent insurgency will probably continue, but I am cautiously optimistic and pray that peace and stability can take hold in Iraq during the security transition.

Dear Mark: I need your advice. My fiance has a good heart and tends to be somewhat of a tree-hugger.

She really likes the "cap-and-trade" legislation recently passed in the House. I disagree with her. What should I do? -- Hoping for Harmony in Hoboken

Dear Hoping: Ah, young love. Your fiance may have a good heart, but legislative decisions should be made with one's head. If your fiance even remotely favors this piece of environmental waste called "cap-and-trade," seek premarital counseling immediately. Your upcoming nuptials will cost you a pretty penny, but that will be chump change compared to what this legislation will run you.

The Congressional Budget Office would have you believe that this legislation will only amount to $175 per household. An analysis by the Heritage Foundation found the costs could actually run into the thousands of dollars per household. Common sense dictates that the price of all goods and services will go up significantly when the price of energy is increased.

Liberals also want you to believe that "cap-and-trade" will save the planet, while many experts admit that the temperature reduction could only amount to two-tenths of a degree by the end of the century. Brrrr ... pass me a parka.

Dear Mark: I am tired of seeing Michael Jackson stories every time I turn on the television, open the paper or log on to the Internet. Am I being unreasonable? -- Michael Mania Meltdown in Maine

Dear Meltdown: Join the club. Jackson may have been "The King of Pop," but his passing should not be treated as if he were the king of a major country. As a boy, I roller-skated to the Jackson Five, and as a frat rat, I danced to "Thriller," so I cannot deny his greatness as an entertainer.

On the other hand, as a father I cannot ignore his weirdness or his highly publicized perversions with children. I suggest that the media as well as the public moonwalk back to reality and focus on more important issues, like Iran, North Korea and the economy.

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