The stress test of democracy is over, for now. It remains to be seen how much lasting damage has been done. The greatest threat to our republic has been, perhaps always was, institutional inertia. An authoritarian system, once built, is hard to dismantle. The system thrives, relies upon, survives through institutional drift.

What now? This is both the elation of change and the fear of failure that comes with historic moments. The nullification strategy hatched in the aftermath of Obama’s historic victory of 2008, has been given its just reward of failure. The principle architect of this strategy, Mssr. MM, will be forced to yield the remainder of his time. It is time for those who believe Congress exists to accomplish goals, not obstruct, to step into this moment. Divided government has not gone away, but we cannot, must not continue to reward low-minded obstructionism.

What now? Govern again. This is the message clearly sent by the voters of Georgia. Govern again. A new energy has been handed to you. Get up. Move about. Flex and stretch your muscles. This sclerotic old body known as the Senate should feel rejuvenated once more. Think big, yes. But there is utility in the small, the targeted and the well-designed. What to do? That’s simple enough. We are facing a common enemy, the pandemic. The calculus to treat this enemy as a distraction, or weirdly (though not by American standards) as a badge of political identity, has left us weak and divided. Defeat this enemy, but do not lose sight of the need to fortify us against future threats.

And for the rest of us? The governed? Stay engaged. Stay attuned. Speak, listen, hear, consider, weigh, rework, rally, support, sympathize, mobilize. Do not seek perfection, for then you will surely abandon this great experiment in self-governance. Do not give into malaise, lethargy, and despair. Yes, there are so many problems to choose from. But make a choice, choose to act. And take pride in your choice.