WIPEOUT

Germany obliterated Brazil in the World Cup semi-final, 7-1, with five goals in the first half, an unimaginable result.  France can take comfort from the fact that it held Germany to a 1-0 loss.  There is something peaceful and satisfying about observing a sport one neither follows nor understands.  A bit like hearing news of a theological dispute at Brigham Young University.  I recall in 1955 attending an incomprehensible cricket match at Lord's in London.  Somewhere, far in the distance across a beautifully manicured lawn, were several figures doing something mildly athletic.  Every so often the chaps around me would put down their tea cups, applaud politely, and say, rather languidly, "Well done."  The English student who had persuaded me to accompany him explained that it would all be over in two or three days.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has been quoted as saying that "Bill never stopped reaching out to the Republicans," an implied rebuke of Obama.  I fear my old age is not going to be the triumphant ideological consummation I eagerly anticipated in my youth.