Not that there's ever a bad time to be an American, but a year that has seen such an explosion of liberalization across previously benighted portions of the globe was especially heartwarming.  The relentless spread of our Judeo-Christian values--democracy, capitalism, protestantism--is the Anglosphere's great gift to the world and it is always the season for giving.  

Meanwhile, we'd like to thank all of you for the joy that your participation in this community brings to us.

May you all have a healthy and happy Christmas and a splendid 2012.