If Dr. Phil were president...

In President Bush's Thursday evening speech about ceasing combat operations, he reaffirmed his foreign policy strategies and promised to prevent future terrorist attacks against the homeland by seeking out any nation abetting terrorist regimes. Without condemning any "anti-American" countries by name, Bush assured he'd be a "loyal friend" to the nations joining America on the anti-terrorist campaign. \nThe return of battle-worn soldiers will undoubtedly welcome family reunions and consummations of love; however, one child in particular will remain amid a broken household. \nLady Liberty, daughter of France and the United States, was once the "pride and joy" of the two countries. For more than a century, she was the product of an amiable international bond, but three months ago, the flaming torch of love between her parents smoldered. Ever since France prevented a UN Security Council resolution to engage war with Iraq, the two have been separated on unpleasant terms. Attorney General John Ashcroft left Sunday for Paris to break the silence between the two countries, but perhaps the remedy these two burned-out lovers need is the counseling of a more effectual, specialized expert.\n"How you argue -- especially how you end an argument -- can determine the long-term success or failure of your relationship," Dr. Phil said.\nIf Dr. Phil McGraw of the "Dr. Phil" television show were mediating, he would lecture the quarrelers on the rules of "fighting fair." Following his crucial steps could salvage the alliance.\nThe first rule is "take it private and keep it private." Dr. Phil said, fighting in the presence of children is abusive. Hateful words and animosity can cause emotional scarring; therefore, sending Ashcroft to represent the United States instead of President Bush is a wise decision. Exposure to this feud seems to have already inflicted trauma upon our President and resentment toward French President Jacques Chirac.\n"I doubt he'll be coming to the ranch any time soon," Bush said in an Agence France Presse report, referring to his Texas property only a select clique of world leaders are invited to visit. \nThe second rule is "keep it relevant." Dr. Phil asserts that stirring up old grudges only detracts from the current issue. For example, despite America's role in freeing France of German occupation, France's lack of involvement in the war with Iraq wasn't a display of ingratitude toward this country for ending World War II more than 50 years ago. \nNext, both parties should "avoid character assassination." Dr. Phil wouldn't approve of Americans quoting from Mark Twain's "Notebook" "France is miserable because it is filled with Frenchmen, and Frenchmen are miserable because they live in France," nor would he suggest some French people to persist with degenerative vandalism of American McDonald's restaurants in Strasbourg and Paris.\nLast and most critically, "remain task-oriented." If the ultimate goal is to rid the world of terrorism, it's essential all parties collaborate on a cooperative resolution. While France authorized a U.S. plan on Saturday to partition Iraq into three zones and initiate a stabilization force that would exclude itself and Germany, America should in turn allow the European Union to have a greater contribution in the defense and postwar development in compromise.\n As of yesterday, France and America have sustained 225 years under the ratification of two treaties proclaiming their commerce and amicable relationship, but under the circumstances, no one celebrated the milestone anniversary this year. According to a report by the Associated Press, French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte was supposed to speak at Valley Forge, Penn., but after organizers of the event heard a massive response against France, they uninvited the guest. Are this country and France too proud to reconcile a 225-year-old union?\n"Arguments should be temporary ... don't allow the ugliness of an argument stretch on indefinitely," Dr. Phil said. "Get real, and get smart"