Spreading leprosy and joy wherever they go . . .

My first internet bon mot was Jane's Law:  the devotees of the party in power are smug and arrogant.  The devotees of the party out of power are insane.

Red State offers proof positive.  Because you know what the Republican Party is missing?  What the electorate really wants from conservatives?  Secret police.

I've been impressed by the way a lot of thoughtful commenters have avoided the nuthatchery that followed 2004, whereupon the activists denied that Bush had kicked their ass halfway to Texas, and alternately blamed Republican dirty tricks, an American electorate full of bigots and boobs, and their excessive moderation.  A lot of commentators yesterday and today have written articles on how exciting it is to have the first black president, and how yes, the Republican party needs a gut rehab.

But of course, every time any movement suffers a major defeat, there are the folks who decide that the biggest priority is to form a circular firing squad and hunt out the members of the fifth column that destroyed the party from within.  To be sure, the McCain staffers trying to hang the whole debacle on Sarah Palin's narrow shoulders have not exactly covered themselves in glory.  But honestly, guys, they're not your main problem.