I had a conversation with a state Senator friend last week who was suprised to hear me spout some idealism.  The Senator wondered how I could be an idealist, because I am also a cynic (by his account.)

“The cynicism,” I said, “is based on idealism.”

With that as a backdrop, I have a thought or two on world events that contains no cyncism whatsover.  When you pick up the newspaper and read about an election in Venezuela that could lead to socialism, and an election in Russia that could lead to dictatorship, and yet another election in Cuba that could maintain a dictatorship, you have to appreciate our system.

Greg Ballard won an election in which the other party had all the money and controlled the election machinery.  And now he says he’s getting all the cooperation he needs to take over the government.

We expect to hear that, but often forget how unique it may be.  (Idealism)

Now if we could only get more people to take part in our democracy.  (Cynicism)