Today is one of those days when you're glad to be alive and living in Los Angeles. It's sunny, cool (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit), kissed by zephyrs of clear, soft air.

Now I remember why I moved here. Me and several million other people. The population exploded after WWII, as returning veterans, armed with service benefits, went looking for the American Dream.

Are we living the American Dream now or are we terrorized by the American nightmare of an ineffectual president, a man willing to compromise with thugs, and a predatory legislature, willing to burn and pillage in their crazy need to destroy this president? I never understood before the depth of rage experienced by racists--and at heart, I believe their opposition is based on race and religion.

Time to hunker down (I'm still recovering) and take care of business--answer phones, analyze data, write reports.

I guess we just do the best we can in our own spheres of connection and hope for the best, since we have no control over what happens nationally.