By LEONARD GRAY

I often find myself chuckling at the latest quotes from our president, George W. Bush or, as I usually refer to him – “Bush Lite.”

Here’s a few choice ones, which could make you wish for some sort of civil service exam, just to run for office.

“I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.”

“I will have a foreign-handed foreign policy.”

“One of the common denominators I have found is that expectations rise above that which is expected.”

“I would have to ask the questioner. I haven’t had a chance to ask the questioners the question they’ve been questioning.”

“They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it’s some kind of federal program.”

And, just to pass around the hilarity, and here’s a few more from some of my favorite Republicans:

“I have orders to be awakened at any time in the case of a national emergency, even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.”
Ronald Reagan

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or another.”
Former president Bush

“We’ve killed health care; now we’ve got to make sure our fingerprints aren’t on it.”
Sen. Bob Packwood

“We didn’t get the pay raise – why work?”
Vice President Bob Dole

And, to be fair, here’s one of my favorites by former Vice President Al Gore –

“We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur.”

Yes, all this makes be proud to be an American – and to be a registered independent. That way, I can laugh at all sides.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur. He may be reached at (985) 652-9545.