Oh, To Wear The Glass Slipper

How delicious this is. Yesterday, on the Fourth, about a thousand people were sworn in as naturalized citizens at Cinderella's Castle at Walt Disney World. When I saw that in this morning's edition of The New York Times, I couldn't help laughing. For a moment, I thought maybe I was reading The Onion. Sure enough though, it was true. Talk about a scene from out of a black comedy. It was strangely apropos though. With the way things are going in this country, fantasy and escapism are about all that is on offer for most of us. The good jobs just keep going away, and opportunity keeps drying up for all but the most privileged. Well, you new citizens, remember this. A dream is a wish your heart makes, but also remember that Cinderella's coach turned into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight, and George W. isn't a rescuing prince. It's back to scrubbing the floors on your hands and knees for you.

325 foreign-born members of the U.S. military were also naturalized in Iraq. They're not as lucky as their new fellow citizens at Walt Disney World. They just might end up coming back in flag-draped coffins.