In yet another display of oratorical brilliance and inspirational leadership, President Bush had this message for the good people of Iowa, who are dealing with major losses as a result of widespread flooding. In his speech yesterday, Bush “praised Iowans for the way they’ve responded to the flooding and expressed optimism the state would recover.
“You know oftentimes you get dealt a hand you didn’t expect to have to play and the question is not whether you’re going to get dealt the hand, the question is how do you play it,” Bush said, “and I’m confident the people of Iowa will play it really well.”
Play the hand really well? He’s using a poker metaphor here, right? 
Is Iowa a big gambling state? Do they teach poker in the public schools there?
Oooh, I know. Maybe they should they follow the fine advice from Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”:
You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.
Is that something dealers say to the players at the table? Hey, man, you played that hand really well!
If I’m in Iowa, and my farm is under water, and my very livelihood is threatened, and all of my life’s memories have been washed away, I’m sure the last thing I’m using is a poker metaphor to guide me through one of life’s biggest challenges.
[slapping forehead]
Filed under: politics, rant | Tagged: Are you kidding me?, Floods, Iowa, Kenny Rogers, poker game, President Bush, rant, Slapping forehead, The Gambler
about as insensitive as a 44 year old woman stating how really proud she is of her country… for the first time in her adult life.
Boy, just when I thought he couldn’t get any more insensitive, he goes and shoves his foot in his mouth…again!
Thanks for your comments on my blog. I knw that potty training can seem interminable, but you’ll look back one day hardly be able to believe he was ever in diapers. But I don’t have to tell you that…You’ve already gone through this twice! Just keep up the good work! :)
HA! To continue the Texas Hold ‘Em analogy: Those pucky Iowans played the River Card poorly
Curt, that’s hilarious. I wish I had thought of it first!!!
Everything I know about life, I learned from Poker After Dark.
I love Iowa…and the floods suck! My dear U of Iowa will not be the same for a long time…
By the way, they did NOT teach us how to play poker in Iowa public schools — kinda wish they would have…
Traveler, I knew you’d weigh in. You and yours have been on my mind a lot lately. When I started recognizing the city names on the news, I knew it was bad. Hope Keokuk fared OK.
You can come learn poker from me & the ladies in the ‘hood anytime!!