Jonah: Yes, I think all that’s separating us here is a slight difference of temperament. We both know that in the U.S.A., of all places, the moral issues will have to figure in any argument on public issues; and we both know that a lot of cold political calculation figures too. I do think there’s some sort of quasi-Boyle’s law in play, though–that as public exasperation with govt. goes up, the willingness to engage with the moralities goes down. I envy you your hike. I have a l-o-n-g one planned right here in NY, but am waiting for some cooler weather.