Congratulations--And Beware!

Congratulations, my fellow democrats. We won. We kicked ass. We beat them like bad dogs. We crushed them like bugs. We sent them home crying to mama. Yes, that's even possible for McCain. (She's 96 years old but still kicking. That doesn't bode well for 2012...)

But I have just three words for all of you:

Don't. Get. Cocky.

I don't include myself in that admonition, primarily because I'm not going to. Get cocky, I mean.

I won't because I am aware that less than four years ago Republican pundits were crowing about a "permanent Republican majority". A lot can change in four years.

I won't because I know my history. In 1964 Barry Goldwater won 6 states in the presidential election, five of which were in the deep south and the sixth of which was his home state. Four years later, Richard Nixon--RICHARD NIXON!--was elected president. A lot can change in four years.

I won't because I know that if Ted Stevens wins his Senate seat, he will most likely be forced out, leaving Sarah "Doggone it!" Palin as the most likely prospect to take over his seat, leaving her with four years to establish her credentials as the new Republican frontrunner. A lot can change in four years.

I won't because I am a member of a Democratic party that couldn't beat George W. Bush--twice!

I won't because this president managed to install on the big bench 2 arch-conservatives who will likely be around for decades, and can easily undo any reforms instituted by a Democratic administration.

And finally, and most importantly, I won't because I know what can happen. Obama won on a campaign to change the way things are done in Washington, but the Washington establishment is well-entrenched, and changing it will be difficult, if not impossible, for him. There is also a lot that CAN'T change in four years.

So celebrate your victory, my fellow Dems, but do not ignore your history. And do not forget all those who made that victory possible. And, most importantly, do not crow too loudly about the "Death of the Republican party". It can take a lot of bullets to kill an elephant.