From the comments

Zalm, thanks for the nice words and music suggestion. I need to be reminded that all is not lost.

dave left some great comments, including this observation on history and religion: "One thing that is sharply different is the intermingling of church and state. When de Tocqueville wrote he marvelled at the restraint of the clergy. They seemed to take pride in not mixing religion and politics. The rest of the nation seemed to feel the same way."

And UBUB is back and witty as ever. Don't miss his take on Rex Curry: "UBUB is intrigued, UBUB really is. UBUB would like to humbly share UBUB's opinions on ths matter and UBUB urges others to do so as well."

or my favorite: "VOTER ALERT! CODE RED! VOTER ALERT! GAYS ABORTING FLAGS WHILE STANDING ON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS STATUE, FAILING TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, AND SEIZING OUR GUNS, POSE SERIOUS THREAT TO YOUR MARRIAGE AND THE ECONOMY! ACT NOW! GO SHOPPING! OPERATORS ARE STANDING BY! NOW HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY?"

Good stuff.