Where might you run across an editorial saying things like this? “For two years, American sergeants, captains and majors training the Iraqis have told their bosses that Iraqi troops have no sense of national identity, are only in it for the money, don’t show up for duty and cannot sustain themselves.

“Meanwhile, colonels and generals have asked their bosses for more troops. Service chiefs have asked for more money. : And all along, Rumsfeld has assured us that things are well in hand.”

The source was, collectively, the Army Times, the Air Force Times, the Navy Times and the Marine Corps Times. All four publications used those remarks as a springboard to call for replacement of Rumsfeld, advice President George W. Bush finally heeded on Wednesday.

Columnist Clarence Page gave added impetus to the issue by writing:

“Since the weeklies are owned by Gannett Corp., unlike the military’s official newspaper, Stars & Stripes, amateur spin doctors wasted no time in dismissing the editorial as some sort of ‘liberal media’ plot. But veterans know the truth. The military weeklies report and opine from the perspective of military insiders, not Michael Moore.”

With Rumsfeld out, a new man, Robert Gates, heading the Department of Defense and the political fabric so sharply changed after Tuesday’s elections, how long before new imaginative, intelligent and innovative moves occur in the national interest? Though the Democrats have won in many respects, can they now govern with the caliber of statesmanship it will take to get our affairs in better order? Will the returning Republicans be unselfish enough and smart enough to work with the newcomers and give President Bush the kind of input needed for better decisions than have occurred?

All of this goes far beyond petty politicking and inter-party bickering. American citizens have made it clear they are displeased with what is happening and want significant new actions and policies, immediately where possible.

The climate is ripe for the Democrats to show they deserve their rise to new prominence and for the Republicans to show they care more about America than their party and themselves. Miracles won’t happen overnight, but there is ample opportunity for everyone to cooperate and compromise and perhaps take some corrective action.