Like many on both sides, I am weary of the polarization, the rhetorical din, the constant sniping and mean spiritedness that has described the goings on inside the Beltway for too long.  Whether palpably overt or buried deep in the viscera, we the people know that the fleecing we've been taking by power hungry politicians now threatens Uncle Sam's sovereignty, so I for one would love to see the Democrats reverse their recent course and fly straight.  Unfortunately, there are signs that we will be disappointed.

Speaker to be Pelosi started by shunning some of the  more talented and right (as in correct) thinking leaders for the same old hacks.  The poster girl for this power play is Rep. Jane Harman  of California.  Considered by many a talented policy maker on the House Intelligence Committee, and most importantly one who understands the gravity of the jihadist threat, Harmann was overlooked for Alcee Hastings, previously impeached federal judge.  Not a great start for a "New Direction", eh?

Now we hear that Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont is pressing for more and more documents relating to CIA policy on detainee interrogation under George Bush.  Never mind Harry Reid's appearance on Face the Nation dismissing a subpoena spree after the Dems take over.  The sharks smell blood and they'll stop at nothing to continue the attacks.

So while I started the post election season with genuine hope and optimism, my bubble has burst, the mule has kicked me, and it's business as usual.  The question is, and will remain until 2012 by my reckoning:  Who will be Ronald Reagan's reincarnation?  Only a small government, traditional values, orator par excellence will do.  Maybe Mitt can catch the ball and throw out Obama at home, but only time will tell.  One thing's for sure.....we're in for an interesting New Year.