Our Pledge Drive ended just now, with glorious piles of silver dollars rolling in to the station upon golden tables. Thank you one and all for supporting community radio in general and this deserving station in particular.

At the same time, the election is almost over, too, and the eight years of G.W. Bush are about to come to their inglorious end. Finally.

For those of you having difficulty letting go of the past and embracing the future, author Gene Stone has written a self-described "instant" book: The 12-Step Bush Recovery Program.

Of course it's a goof, a parody, a way to grab your hard earned dollars, at least the ones you didn't send to KZYX, and get you to send them to Random House. It could be worth it.

Inside this quickly written and somewhat heavy-handed satire lie a series of short guest essays, also written instantly, by illustrious experts. These essays are incisive as well as brief. By themselves they elevate The 12-Step Bush Recovery Program from back-of-the-guest-room toilet to favorite reading chair.

And the jokes. Jokes definitely will be part of your recovery. In "Step 5: Undergo Detoxification" Stone writes, "Detoxing from George W. Bush requires... the ability to laugh. Have you realized how ridiculous this administration has been? If you haven't been laughing at it for the last eight years it's time to catch up. The cathartic act of laughter helps to exterminate the toxic karma that has infected you."

Picasso, Einstein and George W. Bush arrive at the Pearly Gates at the same time. (This is unlikely in a temporal reality kind of way, but stay with me.) Einstein is first, and St. Peter asks him to prove he is the famous physicist, not just any guy named Einstein. So Einstein borrows St. Peter's chalk board and proceeds to delineate the theory of relativity, both general and special.

Then it's Picasso's turn. He grabs the slate, chalks a remarkable portrait of St. Peter, and it's "Welcome to heaven, Mr. Picasso."

Then George W. Bush clears his throat. "Ahem, I'm George W. Bush." St. Peter looks at him and says, "Both Einstein and Picasso were able to prove their identity. How can you prove yours?"

Bush's face goes blank. "Who are Einstein and Picasso?" he asks.

St. Peter sighs. "Welcome to heaven, George."

So much for the jokes. The serious essays include Andrew Tobias on Money ("live beneath your means; diversify") Gail Evans on Women, James Glieck on Science and more.

James Glieck recommends the following steps to recovery from the Bush years: Put the scientists back in charge. Let the light in, as in don't hide unfavorable research. Keep private money out. Take the muzzles off government scientists. Reopen the borders to foreign scientists attending conferences and symposiums.

The author has his own useful suggestions. For "Step 9, Make Amends," he suggests: Get to know the constitution. Vote. Keep in touch with elected officials. Make your money speak for you through groups (and community radio stations) you support. Become a green machine through personal conservation. Go back to school. Be a good citizen.

I'm liking this book more and more. I can feel the joy. I'm on the way to full recovery from the Bush administration.

I see a light coming towards me. It's a plug-in hybrid getting 150 miles to the gallon.

Aired Sunday October 26, 2008 at 10:55 am and Wednesday October 29, 2008 at 1:00 pm

Orders/Information:

The 12-Step Bush Recovery Program by Gene Stone. Villard Books paperback $10. ISBN 9780812980363.

The author's resume: http://genestone.com/index.html

Affirmations (from the book):

Today I accept that George W. Bush is no longer president.

I am entering a new and blessed phase of my time on earth.

The worst day after January 20, 2009, will be better than any of the 2,922 days before it.

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life without George W. Bush as president.

I believe in a power greater than myself: The U.S. Constitution.

I trust the Constitution to guide me through all legal and political conundrums.

Because my life is free of George W. Bush, my days are filled with joy and wonder.

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Copyright © 2008. All materials posted here are copyright protected. Please do not copy or distribute without contacting Tony Miksak for written permission.