Not at all stupid!

AP has called Virginia for Webb, and, with that, Democrats have taken control of both houses of Congress.

A collective sigh was taken across the land. Seriously; did you feel even Republicans taking solace in the results, realizing that the grownups have come back and will be handling things from now on.

Okay, so that's a little over the top, but...

I am not a believer in efficiency in government, particularly not in a representative republican democracy like ours. Gridlock is good, to paraphrase Mr. Gecko. At its best, gridlock allows for reasonable debate and compromise among those people of good will who are trying to represent their constituencies to the best of their ability.

Now, as for Speaker Pelosi and whomever will be Senate Majority Leader (Senator Murtha, anybody?): please do not squander this. As of today, the party is campaigning for '08. Please let's act like it; be examples of civility and decency.

The party is full of good people; please make it clear you are doing their work.

[8:36pm update: Well, it would seem I did not imagine that sigh of relief. Check out this nugget from Rush Limbaugh himself:

The way I feel is this: I feel liberated, and I'm going to tell you as plainly as I can why. I no longer am going to have to carry the water for people who I don't think deserve having their water carried.

And then he gets back to his typical douchebaggery, but, still. It was nice that for two sentences, Rush admitted he was a bullshitter. Admitting it is the first step, Rush, as I am sure you know.]