I'm reading news articles on the internet while watching and listening to the Tucson memorial

[Atticus]

service. President Obama just about to speak---and I cannot escape the feeling of sadness and resignation that I feel.

Simply stated, I am afraid that things are not going to get any better. There will be occasional temporary exceptions, but I fear that we have started a slide toward darkness and ignorance that will not be reversed, at least not within the lifetime of anyone now living.

As I listen to the inspiring and kind words of those speaking in Tucson, I read that the latest CBS poll finds that most people don't think that the violent political rhetoric of the last several years had ANYTHING to do with the tragic shootings this past weekend.

I don't know what to say. I don't know how to respond to this.

If these people are rational and reasonable and intelligent, what does that make me and most of those I care about?

If these people are totally wrong---as I believe them to be---what difference does that make? They are in the majority and their ignorance will prevail. Their ignorance will rule me and my children and my grandchildren.

This will likely pass. I will likely not crawl into a hole and renounce political activism but, damn, tonight the light in my soul is dim and I need to pause, reflect and regroup. I may have a wee dram or two while I sort things out.

Later.