The 2008 election in the US produced more than the usual amount of mud-slinging, distortion of facts, outright lies, and character assassination. Not surprisingly, these came primarily from the Republican Party side. What is remarkable is how my side of the political spectrum responded not so much with venom but with humor. Perhaps this is a reflection of the stark differences between the two visions for the future we had this year: on the one side we witnessed intolerance, hatred, willful ignorance, and anger. On the other, hope, altruism, openness to new ideas, and optimism.