Derek was so politically savvy.  He could understand the complexities and idiosyncrasies of politics with very little effort.  He was also faithfully a Republican despite how unfortunate that now seems.  I wish he were here to voice an opinion on the state of the GOP, on the state of the country, and on the state of the world.  His view would cut decisively through whatever gibberish was being offered and undoubtedly inflict pause on anyone anywhere of any political persuasion.  I miss that critically sharp mind.  Sure, it was heavily slanted to the right, but I found the means to slice that angle into manageable chunks so that he had to face the unbiased truth and admit opinions of that ilk.  That’s what I’d love to hear right now.