So Long, Tony!

(Sigh)

It seems only yesterday that Tony Blair stormed the UK Parliament with his charisma, and a Labour party that had been slowly building up its armoury of right-leaning fiscal policies and left-leaning social policies as it languished in the shadow of Thatcher's Conservative juggernaut.

I've watched Mr. Blair go from a fresh, young, impassioned and dashing Prime Minister, through the inevitable popular dissatisfaction of his middle years, blossoming into one of the most consistent, ideologically pure, effective modern leaders in the world.

And now it's time for him to go.

I loved him for reengaging the process of devolution.

I was annoyed by his inability to dramatically reform the NHS.

I hated him for joining up with Bush in Iraq, wishing that he could have held on to his judgment long enough to review the circumstances before jumping into a culture war that his inwardly-traditionalist nature dictated must be won by "our side".

I loved him for having the peace of mind to start withdrawing troops when the glimmer of winning was finally gone from that conflict.

I'm sure if I were British, I could develop a much more conprehensive and balanced list of his successes and failures. But there is beauty to feeling a sense of real admiration from afar. It's like crushing on the Prom Queen, not knowing that she gives hand jobs in the back seat of all the bad boys' cars.

Talk of Gordon Brown's succession has been in the mill for years, and I have my fingers crossed for him. He will never be the golden boy - sidekick to caped crusader is an impossible transition - but he does have the opportunity to continue with his moderate fiscal policies, and with a calculating brain like his, bring a lot more of the British social institutions under some semblance of control.

I don't for a moment doubt his ability to play on the world stage - he is a big personality that has been the wind under Tony's wings for so long. He could benefit from a more personable public image - a few paparazzi photos of him engaged in his personal exercise regime, and walking dogs with the Queen should handle that.

He also presents a slightly tougher persona, and is likely to be a good sparring partner for Bush in his last days. Mr. Brown is no follower, and will likely play an important role in encouraging a withdrawal from Iraq, as well as offering a more practical mentality in global politics.

But I assume too much.

The contest is about to begin, and I will be jealously monitoring the short, egalitarian, platform-focused election, awaiting the results with baited breath!

But for now...

Farewell, Mr. Blair! You have been much loved, and will be sorely missed.