[Overpaid Slacker]

James - thanks for the heads up about this; I'd abandoned this, um, thread, about the point it seemed like these people believed that for some reason I should give a f*ck about their disappointment or the resultant impending departure.

You wanna leave? Go. Buh-bye -- why do we want you here anyway?

This is not purgative intolerance: this is not "I want you to go" b/c you're a Democrat; this is honestly "why on Earth do I want you to stay if you're so ready to leave b/c of an election disappointment?" Are you that important that I should care? Are we losing a national treasure? Really, if that's how you are, then what do you add by your presence? Certainly the subtle, nuanced minds can discern the distinction I'm getting at.

If this election, this loss for you (somehow it's a loss some of you have personalized, but you're more the "therapeutic culture" than I am) so distresses and disheartens you that you want to leave -- go. We'll be stronger for your absence.

Fleeing in a time of adversity or after having suffered a setback is about as un-American a character trait as there is.

For you syllogistically-impaired out there, I'm not saying it's anti-American to be upset at the loss of your guy, I'm saying it's entirely contrary what America is about (un-American, v. anti-American, capice?) to want to run from the issue -- especially if running involves leaving America, your home.

I don't want our guys fighting and dying to protect your right to b!tch if you want to leave; nor their blood spilled so you can indulge your petulant tantrums. Put your money where your mouth is and go. You can still p!ss and moan about America from abroad -- many others do, right here on this very board. You'll be different, just like everyone else.

Sorry for having to be so literal, and pedantic about the last few paragraphs for those of you that got it right away... it's a result of the a surplus of caution in setting forth EXACTLY what I'm getting at, prompted by the manifestly evident limitations of the hostess of this thread.

JP