in article ke7id.350687$MQ5.178085@attbi_s52, Jay Honeck at
wrote on 11/3/04 7:58 AM:

Now that it appears that George Bush has been re-elected with a true
majority of the popular vote (the first president to do so in 16 years), let
me be the first to extend an olive branch to those here who may be
disappointed in the results.

What has made America strong, and allowed our democracy to thrive for over
200 years, is our ability to embrace the loyal opposition on election day.
We, as pilots, may be just as divided politically as the rest of the
country, but where we differ from the common electorate is in our shared
love of aviation.

This bond, in my opinion, transcends any fleeting election disagreements,
and I, for one, will be more than happy to see all this animosity evaporate,
so that we can get back to the fun of talking about flying!

Blue skies, all!

Thanks for those words, Jay. And even though the election didn't turn out as
I might have wished, I'm not only prepared to live with the results, I find
myself actually hopeful for the future. With Republicans enjoying an
unprecedented mandate, controlling the White House, having substantial
majorities in both Houses of Congress, and even an advantage in
Governorships and state legislatures, I'm looking forward to the following:

1. Fiscal responsibility
2. Balanced budgets
3. Smaller and less intrusive government
4. Greater personal liberties
5. A strong and all-volunteer military
6. Strong alliances and respect around the world

All of the above are, of course, the bedrock philosophy of the Republican
party. Or so I've been told my whole life. I can hardly wait for all of it
to happen.