[familyop]

"...their camp followers."

That's what scares me: the groups behind each of the two Democrat choices. The likes of Shalala, Albright and Reno, or those we see in Democrat leadership now. Obama will try to please everyone, IMO (as first black president), so the Democrats behind him would run the show (Kennedy and friends).

We're cruising for a bruising either way: faster with Democrats or only a little more gradually with Republicans. All are elevating the importance of economics today (interests of a few influential constituents) far above defense in the near future. Either party will keep the sons of Americans who manufacture on foreign soil in charge of our military forces. ...next thing we know, they'll be painting our whole cities gray...then putting red stars on them.

[backhoe]

I certainly agree with what you mention... as much as I have enjoyed watching the wheels come off of this:

Somehow, this is worse: