One ... two ... three strikes you're out!

Or is it ... going, going ... you're Gone-zoles?

I'm old enough to remember when John Mitchell ran roughshod over and through the Justice Department under Richard Nixon. It's like deja vu, except that Mr. Bush isn't nearly as strong a President as was Richard Nixon who, by comparison looks like Captain America (also now deceased, I understand) in retrospect.

Three simple reason why President Bush should swallow his pride and his loyalty to his (truly) loyal Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales:

Strike 1! The revelation that the administration has been eavesdropping on the overseas phone calls and e-mails of Americans and others in the United States--without court-approved warrants. In so doing, he/they didn't bother with the FISA courts (the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act), which Congress passed and the president signed in 1978. Likely, this was the reason that John Ashcroft whisked off the scene before the fit hit the shan.

Strike 2! The continuing (from the time of Mr. Ashcroft) and ongoing searches of our personal records under the USA Patriot Act -- without "probable cause," this is likely a Federal crime to boot.

Strike 3! The recent mass-firings of federal prosecutors -- as well as Gonzales' limp excuse and willingness to take the full blame for the way in which it was conducted.

You're OUT, Mr. Gonzales!

If not for the country, Mr. President, you might escape an embarrassment to the Republican Party as well. Do it gently ... but quickly! Fire Alberto Gonzales NOW!

After all, you are the decider, aren't you?