Beginning Wednesday I'm taking a commentary break, which will go into the weekend. I'm traveling to Southwest Missouri to visit my mother, who has recently succumbed to ill health. Today I'm getting my papers in order for the perilous border crossing into Trump Country; I wouldn't wish to fall afoul of my virtuous fellow Americans who have so recently taken their country back (which would be my mother's Native-American country, which those virtuous, immigrant white folk stole more than 200 years ago). If I've time and an Internet connection, I may tap out a few desperate messages from America's sclerotic heartland. So do check back on occasion. Otherwise, I shall see you in a few days. Take care.