Yeah, I had a similiar reaction when her pending retirement was announced. "Whythe#uck NOW? I mean, my GOD, why?" Yeah, yeah, family matters, twilight of life, yeah, my deepest sympathies and all ... but it seemed like she waited until the worst possible moment. And yet, looking back, what moment would have been less inopportune? Would it be reasonable of us to expect her to hang around forever being our last-hope bulwark against all-out fascism until she crumbles to dust? Would that have made the difference?

And another thought often occurs. I'm inclined to envision the kid with his finger in the dike. The vapid and bilious townspeople pass by, jeer, throw rotten fruit, and delight endlessly in giving him wedgies, day after day - until he finally collects his dignity, withdraws his finger, and strolls to the nearest high ground from which to watch the whole place drown slowly in its own fecklessness...

*sigh*

Still, now, of all times...

:-/