Two lessons on how conservatives and Republicans might approach the future, and a look at the meaning of Barack Obama.

Lesson one: Golf star Phil Mickelson this week complained about taxes—"I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state"—and suggested he may leave California. Before anyone could jump down his throat, he abjectly apologized: He didn't mean to hurt anyone, he shouldn't have said it, taxes are a "personal" issue.

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