There are a lot of cynics out there, and I am not one of them. (I am almost always skeptical, yes. Cynical, no—there's a big dif.) And a lot of cynics out there talk about how the country/world/etc. is going to hell in a handbasket.

I didn't used to agree with them. But now, things like this, a kiss goodbye from Tom DeLay, are making me to think they may be on to something:

The 11-term Republican from Texas said it is customary for departing lawmakers to "reminisce about the good old days of political harmony and across-the-aisle camaraderie."

"I can't do that," he said. "For all its faults, it is partisanship, based on core principles, that clarifies our debates, that prevents one party from straying too far from the mainstream and that constantly refreshes our politics with new ideas and new leaders."

Can Tom DeLay really believe this? Can he really believe his right-wing, corporatist, anti-gay, pro-war, pro-deficit, anti-women's-rights, pro-torture chunk of the Republican Party is mainstream?

While DeLay is going away—hopefully, for 10 to 20—make no mistake: These loons are still in charge of our country. They're in charge of our Legislature here in Arizona. And people vote for them, even though it's not in their best interest.

Sigh.