[klnbgqr]

many, many things are judged by past performance, political parties included. Did the events I spoke of not occur under democratic leadership? This is the obstacle that will have to be overcome. Confidence in the party will have to be earned, it's not a gift.

I agree completely with this view. As much as partisans might want to deny it, parties conform to their previous track records on most issues regardless of who is the leader or candidate.

Indeed, not only are the same policies endlessly recycled, but so are people. The number of Reagan/Bush1 flunkies that were re-hired by Bush2 is astounding.

This pattern is quite consistent in and outside the USA.

Indeed, as a new 'conservative' government is sworn in here in Canada, I expect 1/2 of all 'flunky' appointments to go to ex-Mulroney flunkies that were thrown out 12 years ago. Same ole game.