But not without considerable harm to the body politic, public health and the environment, with 6 long months left for that painful passage.

Turns out there is another connection between kidney stones and Bush administration environmental policies. Global warming -- about which the administration has done nothing -- reportedly will contribute to increases in kidney stones, according to a study by University of Texas researchers published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

With increased warming of the planet, researchers projected increased incidences of dehydration that in turn are known to contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

"This study is one of the first examples of global warming causing a direct medical consequence for humans," said Margaret Pearle, professor of urology at University of Texas Southwestern and senior author of the paper.

"When people relocate from areas of moderate temperature to areas with warmer climates, a rapid increase in stone risk has been observed. This has been shown in military deployments to the Middle East for instance."

The Bush administration. Global warming. Kidney stones.

Makes you want to grimace all around.