chapter 51: welcome back, america

the united states of america really is a baffling country.

they can bungle along for years, corrupt, greedy, cynical, aggressive and mean, until the country's downfall looks predictable and swift.

and then, out of nowhere, we see the qualities that have made the united states great. a country that specializes in bold, courageous moves that change the world.

tonight's election of barack obama felt like that. it felt like one of those moments people tell their children and grandchildren about. it felt magical, like a new era of compassion, hope, honesty and solidarity that unites people around the world. the great phoenix has regenerated and risen from the ashes again.

know what?

after tonight, i like those yanks much better.

welcome back, america. we missed you.

chapter 50: really america? really?

i can barely contain myself.

we knew sarah palin was no einstein, but this is ridiculous. she spoke to one of quebec's radio pranksters who are known as the "masked avengers" for six minutes, and never caught on that she wasn't actually talking to french president nicolas sarkozy.

this is the woman who the republicans want to be president if john mccain were to die in office.

simply stunning.