And for Under-Secretary, Mark Aguirre

One of the big surprises of '06 is the resilience of Donald Rumsfeld. We always knew the man could do a lot of push-ups and put on a good show at a press conference , but retaining his job as Secretary of Defense despite a shaky-at-best situation in Iraq and no discernible public or behind-the-scenes support is more than any of us could have expected.

The Septuagenarian has stayed in The White House's favor despite an intense remove-Rumsfeld lobby led by President Bush The First. Many commentators have linked W's refusal to take his father's counsel on Rumsfeld's job worthiness to a rebellious streak that stretches back to 1972 when the younger Bush challenged the elder Bush to a fist fight after Bush Sr. confronted his son on his drunk driving.

I think there is something else going on. I believe W. would be perfectly happy to heed his dad's advice and replace Rumsfeld. The problem is, no one wants what would likely be a thankless and darn-near impossible post.

Luckily for W. and the nation the perfect candidate has emerged.

Isiah Thomas.

Everybody knows what a great point guard he was, but that doesn't really translate to DoD success. Like the man he is destined to follow, Isiah really cut his teeth in the business world.

His first "executive position" was in 1994 when he became part owner and executive vice-president of the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors were 67-189 during his tenure. But if you take into account the unfavorable US/Canada exchange rate that was more like 91-165.

Fresh on the heals of that success Isiah put together a group that purchased the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in 1998. His stewardship brought the league to such great heights they decided to fold up shop in 2000. In show business, they call it leaving on high note.

A coaching job with the Indiana Pacers followed. For three years Isiah dutifully shepherded the Pacers through the awkward period between championship caliber teams.

For his next job it was the Big Apple and a President of Basketball Operations post with the New York Knickerbockers . This is where Isiah truly made his mark and displayed the skill set needed for a secretary-level government position.

In a short period of time, Isiah accumulated the largest payroll in the history of the NBA. The league's salary cap didn't stand a chance against a man of Isiah's ambition and cunning -- and he did this all while facing multiple accusations of sexual harassement!

Just imagine if Zeke had taken over for Rummie a few years ago. There would have never been a Zarqawi. Isiah would have handed him a 7 year 90 million dollar contract and buried him deep on the bench right after his first roadside bomb. Did I say 90 million? We're not talking mere Cablevision dollars anymore. More like 900 million. Secretary Thomas would be giving 90 million dollar deals to Baghdad street thugs. In fact, as long as the Chinese keep buying Treasury Notes, Isiah would be comfortable buying off every man, woman and child in Iraq.

Worried about relations with the rest of the world? Consider how pleased the Russians will be when Secretary Thomas offers to trade state-of-the-art military equipment for Chechen rebels.

Sure many Americans would say, "why would you trade valuable military equipment for Chechen terrorists when you already have a roster full of Iraqi terrorists?" That's the beauty of Isiah. It doesn't matter. He just does.

Rumsfeld may be blunt and dangerously inflexible, but Isiah is tactless and completely illogical -- it's a natural progression.

Plus, Isiah is willing to take on any job. Just ask Larry Brown.

And think how happy Knicks fans will be to see Isiah "promoted."