"Father Christmas" - The Kinks
(Seems to be the Christmas song that best captures the zeitgeist.)
Happy holidays to one and all. As the year winds down I wanted to thank all of you for reading and especially those of you who have commented -- you are frequently the best reason to stop by here. I was going to name names, but then feared leaving someone out and causing inadvertent offense -- but you know who you are. It's nice to be part of a community that ranges as far as the jungles of Brazil and the cities of Australia. I've also greatly enjoyed having had the opportunity to meet and break bread (or clink glasses) with a number of you -- big bad wolf, kathy a. Jeanne Marie, Mandos, T.R. Donohue -- during the year. As pleasant as virtual community can be, there is really nothing quite like seeing people face to face. I hope I get the chance to meet more of you during 2012.
As for 2011, it had a lot of bleak moments, but I am hopeful that we are seeing a little bit of a turning tide both politically and economically. If things continue to perk up in the economy (let's hope Europe muddles through), then I think the 2012 election could have a respectable outcome -- one that will keep the White House and Senate in Democratic control and stymie the worst impulses of the right. And hopefully we will take back the House and send Scott Walker packing as well. It's uphill on several of these fronts, but doable. We all need to be clear that whatever our frustrations, it remains vitally important to win these electoral battles.
Whatever happens, I am looking forward to sharing it with you. In the meantime, I hope you all have great holidays and a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.
