As for the new administration in 2008, the choice we’re going to be faced with, I suspect, is whether we are going to get raped up the bunghole with a 5 foot pole, or a 5 inch pole. The only difference is that getting raped up the bunghole with a 5 inch pole is generally survivable, while the 5 foot pole… not so much. But either way, we’ll still be raped. The media conglomerates have made sure of this by marginalizing any candidate not intending on raping us as “crazy” or “not serious” or just disappearing them altogether (e.g. Edwards after Iowa, where he came in second but… his name was never mentioned in the post-Iowa reports of the outcome).

If we do not have a new president and (especially) vice president by the end of that day, maybe there are enough old-style conservative GOPers around to dissuade the neocons from the course of action described by the old bumper sticker as “Putsch/Chicanery.” If not… well, then we will be cursed with living in interesting times.

[i’m also hoping that both worries are just products of an overactive imagination]

I wouldn’t doubt that – if there is a way, a cat will find it.

[i also worry that my howard hughes cat has found some way to get inside the walls]

You are an incurable optimist, Bryan. BushCo hasn’t paid any attention to the Constitution up to this minute. What makes you suppose they’ll start now?