George,

Some reflections, the morning after.

Notice how the transfer of power happened without violence. Notice how Albemarle County went over to the Dem side for the first time in a long time. Notice how Tonsler has 250 new voters registered.

We didn't quite know what the message was when Meredith broke ground with only 36% of the vote. We now know what the message is. Some learnings are just more costly than others.

I am grateful that no matter who is president, of whatever stripe, the health of this nation, and of all nations, is not up to him or her. I am grateful that our vocation is still to witness to our core convictions, our beliefs, and to do that together. It's nice to wake up the morning after and still have a job to do.

David Lee (electronic mail, November 9, 2004)