Down by the river early this morning trying to find some lesson about the election. Bright sun, cold wind, whitecaps. Seagulls riding the waves. Couldn't find much comfort. I think we're in for a dark time in this country, a self-selected one. I think the crop of Republicans elected -- and I don't just mean Bush, whom I cannot stand, and I don't mean Republicans in general, but I do mean these -- are intent on eliminating the public realm. Their understanding of "smaller government" will bring us less health care, less education, more huge cars and higher gas prices, dirtier air and water, and a lethally arrogant refusal to participate in the world community except through undeclared war. I'm disgusted.