CRAWFORD, Texas — President Bush addressed the nation today to give every U.S. citizen an entire month off from their normal duties of work and responsibility, and to apologize for not making the decision sooner.

“I’m sorry, how rude of me,” Bush said. “I’m taking the entire month off at my massive Texas ranch and I didn’t even think of the American people. I now pardon you all from work and duty for one month. Enjoy it. See you next month!”

The President’s approval rating immediately jumped to its highest mark ever, and pundits were quick to claim that Americans saw the move as a sign of strong leadership on the part of Bush.

However, many citizens were just happy to get out of work for an entire month. “I hate Bush, can’t stand him or what he’s done to this country,” said area schoolteacher Sarah Murry. “But I could really use this vacation to get caught up on some rest. Bush gets my support on this one.”

Citizens had been lobbying the President for a vacation for several weeks.