Grandpa collected a series of 350 or so photos, reprints and postcards from World War I when he was an American soldier. For some reason he wanted to save all the pictures and they fill almost two albums.

Maybe it was knowing that one day someone like me would look at the pictures and reflect on the true nature of war. Who knows. But whatever his reasons I'm glad he saved them.

As the year draws to a close, we Democrats must take stock of where we do and don't stand. 2008 is the year that the Bush's leave; thankfully as otherwise we would probably lose again. Assuming it all means anything and makes any difference, we Democrats have a great chance at winning in November of 2008. Of course we thought the same in 2000 and 2004 but managed to self destruct.

To say the USA is in a health care crisis is an understatement. The United States is the only First World nation without some sort of universal health care coverage. The reason that countries like Britain and Canada and Germany have universal coverage is that it is the right thing to do. Beyond that as we are finding out in the United States, it also makes great business sense.

We Americans are a selfish bunch often becoming "patriotic" only when it helps our pocketbook.

Our vote has become a self interest vote which is part of democracy's strength and also part of its weakness. The poor vote one way and the rich another; the poor vote hoping to get a free piece and the rich vote to keep all of their pieces and not have to share any.

It was a masterful campaign right through to Texas. Just before Texas Obama admitted they had let up for a few days and could have perhaps won or closed the gap with a stronger finish.

This was to my recollection the first time Obama admitted his campaign had made a mistake. Up to that point it was by most accounts a masterful campaign; in fact, an almost perfect campaign.