Think about how quickly these past two years have gone by. Well two years ago, most of you didn’t even know me. Some of you did. I can probably count them on one hand. OK, more like two. Fewer than a dozen.

Anyway, it’s just flown right by. The point is, so will the next two.

And it won’t be long before people start knocking on your door, stuffing your mailbox, robo-calling you at every hour of the day and night. Yes, that’s right. Just 654 days from now we’ll be voting for the next President of the United States.

But here’s the thing. Whoever we elect will be inaugurated just two short years from today.

I don’t talk about it much, but I’m a political junkie in real life. I’ve been looking at the would-be candidates on both sides of the aisle. I like John McCain a lot, and I supported him in the 2000 election. But I have to say, I was really disappointed when he started talking about sending more troops to Iraq. I don’t think this is what we need. I don’t think this is what most of America wants, and I don’t think the United States Congress is going to just stand by and allow it.

As I’ve said many times, I’m an independent or “undeclared” voter and I consider candidates from both parties. I’m also very impressed with Iowa’s Governor, Tom Vilsack. In stark contrast to McCain, he was the first of the candidates to reject the idea of sending more troops. But that’s not all. He’s got experience balancing budgets in his tenure as governor. He knows the importance of energy security to our national security and how alternative fuels need to be a priority for America’s future. I could go on and on, but I won’t. I know how people hate that.

But do me a favor. When John and Rudy and Mitt come knocking on your door… When Joe and John and Chris and Barack and Hillary come ringing up your phone… Keep Tom Vilsack in mind. Listen to what he’s got to say. And of course you’ll make up your own mind.

Just two short years. It should be very interesting!!