DeLay's Demise, War in Iraq, Abramoff Scandal, Plame-Rove Case

Let's catch up on some news – and review some of this year's predictions:

Matt Long, the injured New York City firefighter: As of Friday, the word on Matt is that he had just had a series of orthopedic surgeries and was still in critical condition. But – thanks to God, to doctors and nurses

So, let's all keep praying for Matt – and for others that we know of

So, let's all keep asking God to bring Matt Long through this.

As predicted in last week's "Predictions 2006" column, the Abramoff Scandal is already having a huge effect on D.C. DeLay's decision not to seek a return to his former post of majority leader is yet another step into the inevitable: Delay's ultimate exit from the political scene.

Although he declared yesterday that he will run for re-election in November, that is a long, long way off. The way the dominoes are falling, DeLay will be in such disrepute by then that the wise thing will to just exit the scene and move on. Besides, why does he want to become a ‘back bencher' after having been majority leader?

No, I stick with my prediction: DeLay doesn't even run in November, despite what he is saying now.

Iraq is spiraling even more out of control by the minute. With 17 American soldiers killed on Sunday – and 30 in the first week of the New Year – how long will the American public stand for our soldiers stuck in the middle of an Iraqi civil war?

Indeed, that is what Iraq has become: Sunnis and Shi'a exacting revenge for past injustices and repression. As long as Saddam was in charge, everyone lived in absolute fear of him and his murderous thugs. But with Saddam out of power, the U.S. has replaced him as Iraq's strongman. This is a role we

U.S. soldiers are

As things continue to deteriorate – the so-called ‘new' Iraqi government now may not even be constituted until April – the vacuum will be filled by Iran. And that is the worst news of all.

And it was all so predictable.

Yesterday, Pat Buchanan used the phrase "dynamiting the outhouse" to describe this spreading cancer on Washington. He predicted a huge congressional turnover.

Today, on Imus' radio program, Newsweek's Evan Thomas predicted

If that was true, then why would the Justice Department cut a deal with the main lobbyist? If members of Congress didn't break laws, then why would Justice want the cooperation of the lobbyist who handed out the cash?

This scandal is still in its infancy; it has yet to take shape. But the fear on Capitol Hill is real. And DeLay's decision to seek his old post is a tip-off that more is to come.

The grand jury heard new testimony last Friday at 9:30 a.m. Special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald is steadily moving ahead – with the intent of indicting Karl Rove for perjury and obstruction of justice. That case is

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