In 1944, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote this title song for the film Here Come the Waves. The lyrics encourage us to: Eliminate the negative, Latch on to the affirmative, Don’t mess with Mr. In-Between. I admit since November 5th it’s been difficult for me to be positive.

As I read the newspaper or the news apps on my phone, all I do is shake my head in total disbelief. Loyalty to a demigod equals a cabinet post, a director position, or an ambassadorship. While this practice also known, as the patronage or spoils system, is not new, it is unfathomable in the 21st Century. (Andrew Jackson ushered in the spoils system of patronage in 1829.) I suspect, though, Jackson didn’t use sexual offense charges and FOX news personalities, as criteria for coveted appointments. Further, by all accounts, the majority of foreign countries are laughing at America for allowing inexperienced, ill-qualified folk to assume national positions. Of course, I could rail on about tariffs, mass immigration, and women’s rights, but what good will it do? The amoral, narcissist maniac will assume office in January.

With Thanksgiving next week, Happy Holiday celebrations around the corner, and the inauguration 56 days away, I’m embracing the Epicurean philosophy–eat, drink, and be merry. Or as the song lyrics say: You’ve got to spread joy up to the maximum, Bring down gloom to the minimum, Have faith, Or pandemonium, Liable to walk upon the scene.

Forget the boding pandemonium. Join me in celebrating “the most wonderful time of the year” with exhilaration for the next eight weeks. It may very well be democracy’s final moment. Yet, America survived the lunacy of Andrew Jackson. Accentuate the positive, and best wishes for a festive Thanksgiving!