Revolution Day 4

I am only now coming down from Tuesday's incredible high and, being a workin' stiff, just finding the time to post this. Here are some stream-of-semi-consciousness ramblings.

Great hope: That this country is finally rising up and living out the true meaning of its creed.

Great fear: Dubya, in one last delusional binge, attempts to use a terrorist attack as excuse for remaining in office.

Old friends: The immediate aftermath of victory brought to mind mainly all the faces of folks with whom I have worked for this moment, and my pride at those associations. That's when I bawled like a baby.

New friends: Having landed in a state that is just this side of the purple divide, I'm getting to know some good folks, but finding out that the depth of passion might be greatest where the pickings are slim and none.

Analysis: What the pundits still fail to see is that the source of Obama's appeal is in his character. He has the good will of 2/3 of the public at his back, and an opportunity to remake the electoral map for a long time. He will fulfill his promise not by providing instant gratification to everyone, but by providing a steady hand on the tiller, and progress toward the goals he laid out. That is what is expected of him.

Implication: Barring major mistakes, which the president-elect has not made so far, this is not the low tide for Republicans. They can expect still more losses for some years as they struggle to understand why their current brand of politics has been rejected (hint: it's what Lincoln said).

Further implication: Keep working to turn blue those areas of the country that haven't got there yet. There is more to be gained, especially among the young, who voted and worked in record numbers. There is a whole new generation behind them who will be eager to cast ballots in 2012.

Holiday wishes: Live long and prosper.