Decompressing

I decided to write something here.  Get it all out in one long document and move on with life.  I'll share my thoughts and move on.

I am disappointed in the results of the election.  I really am. With the exception of State Legislature (both chambers) and US Congress, every one - EVERY ONE - of my votes failed.  So, now, what do I do with this?

1. As a Christian, I have to remind myself that God is not surprised.  He's known how this election, and the next one, and the next one, and the next one, will turn out.  That doesn't excuse me from my responsibility in the process, but I can rest in His overarching knowledge and goodness.
2. After $6 billion - $6 BILLION - dollars in campaign spending, we got the more of the same at the national level.  The House and the Senate have basically the same make-up, and so that will mean more gridlock. The last two years will probably prove to be a repeat of the past two years.
3. Historically, sencond-term presidencies are a waste. Many are bogged down by scandals, party in-fighting, media backlash, and an emboldened Congress. W couldn't do much his second term. Clinton bounced from scandal to scandal and was ruthlesslessly attacked by those in the media he thought were allies. Regan was dominated by the Iran-Contra scandal and Congressional battles.
4. Ironically, the Supreme Court will, most likely, move more conservative.  It's widely accepted that Breyer and Ginsburg are two of the most liberal members of the Bench, and Obama will be hard-pressed to find two equals to replace them.
5. Unfortunately, it looks like abortion will be left unchecked for another generation.  That's a travesty.
6. MN is in for a tough couple of years.  An untempered Dayton will be an interesting ride.
7. The Republican Party needs to evaluate itself.  Their traditional voting block is evolving, and to remain viable, it will need to understand the values of a wider base.
8. Christians are going to need to be more eloquent in how we address social issues.  I'm not talking about compromise, but we will need to be more savvy in how we communicate our message.  I think back to the church's early response to AIDS versus today.  We need to be able to address the issues respectfully without compromising our biblical standards.
9. We will continue.  Things may not look great right now, but we'll survive this. 

Thank you for letting me decompress.