Skepticism is still strongly warranted. Paranoia isn't unreasonable, for that matter.

The fact that it took just two weeks isn't reassuring, even if I've cheered every flipflop and walkback and alt-right-doublecross. It speaks volumes about the cynicism and incipient corruption of the impending Electoral College President Trump's administration that he so easily jettisons his campaign promises, however toxic.

I'm sure it's tactical. Trump the showman wants to stage his "Presidency: The Apprentice" starting with "Triumphal Entry Into Austria", not "Siege of Stalingrad".

After that? Look at the rest of his actions, especially his cabinet picks. Trump's not draining the swamp, he's carving out a bigger wallow for himself, his family, and his cronies. Maybe the king of the deal is offering us a deal? Sort of a protection proposition: Nice country ya got here, be a shame if somebody burned it down. Why dontcha just let me loot this Treasury here, and everything's asbestos. Got me?

And I can't overlook the fact that he's still playing kissy-face with Putin. Two autocrats snuggling has way too much of an Axis Powers vibe for me.

I really sympathize with the search for hope, Steve. But I have no intention of being played by Trump...the way he's already played his followers.