The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: For Iraqis to Win, the U.S. Must Lose

Great rhetorical device for Kerry: "Just Trust Us."

I would draft a speech that sounds a bit like this:

"As national and world events unfold and more and more Americans become exposed to poverty, joblessness, insecurity, hostility from other world citizens, and real danger from avowed terrorists, the Bush administration's response has been to say 'Just Trust Us.'

"Just Trust Us."

"Over 2 million jobs lost since this adminstration took office.

"Just Trust Us."

"Tax cuts for the wealthy that have not benefitted the middle class.

"Just Trust Us."

"Deficits as far as the eye can see.

"Just Trust Us."

"The revamping of Medicare where many of our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers now have to pay more for their prescription drugs.

"Just Trust Us."

"The likely dissolution of Social Security.

"Just Trust Us."

"The dismantling of environmental regulations that protect our children from exposure to higher levels of mercury and air pollution.

"Just Trust Us."

"Promising to run as a 'uniter, not a divider,' George Bush has created the most divisive political environment in a long while.

"Just Trust Us."

"Over 500 deaths of our soldiers in Iraq since Bush played dress-up on an aircraft carrier declaring 'Mission Accomplished.'

"Just Trust Us."

"Weapons of Mass Destruction have never been found in Iraq.

"Just Trust Us."

"No evidence of any ties between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein.

"Just Trust Us."

"Despite inaction and silence on the grotesque abuse suffered at the hands of some of our military officers, Bush still believes Donald Rumsfeld can still be an effective Secretary of Defense.

"Just Trust Us."

"Despite evidence that the Patriot Act has been used more and more for non-terrorism prosecutions, Bush has urged its renewal.

"Just Trust Us."

"We've trusted you long enough. We, the people, are now going to take our country back and right its course. We're going to protect our troops in Iraq, and make sure that Iraq becomes a legitimate and free country. We're going to work with other nations to make sure that we don't shoulder this burden alone. By doing this, we will protect America and Americans abroad. We will ensure that the environment is a safe place for our children and their children's children. We will protect our nation's seniors, to ensure that they can afford medical and prescription drug coverage. Finally, we will ensure the security of our working Americans."