Despair

I often get in a mood that's described perfectly by Soccerdad's pose at the Left Coaster:

I stare at the computer screen at articles of Bush’s lies, American atrocities, corruption, etc sick to my stomach unable to muster enough rage to overcome the deep sense of despair that pervades my everyday. Despair that originates not only from the shear repetition of immoral, illegal and pre-fascist acts of this administration but also from the lack of response of most people in this country to these acts, the lack of response from the Democrats, and the lack of response from Religious leaders. It would be unfair to say there has been no response by people, but I find it meager in light of the magnitude of the ongoing events. And, in large part, the despair comes from my own inability to do anything of any real value to change anything or anybody’s mind.

But, then I try to remember that the long march of history seems to be on the side of the progressives. As Digby pointed out recently, by almost every measure today's society is more liberal and progressive than at any time in the past, notwithstanding the idiots who are temporarily mucking things up.