The next four years will be very tough for non-liberals in Massachusetts--that is, if they allow these years to be.

Deval Patrick's tenure as governor of Massachusetts will be a test of courage for those who don't subscribe to left-wing orthodoxy. Those of us who felt that Kerry Healey was a far superior choice for governor can sulk, can move--or we can act.

We have a unique opportunity: an opportunity to cast a spotlight on "progressive" excess, an opportunity to point out the logical fallacies of extreme liberalism, an opportunity to (hopefully) return a Republican to the Corner Office in 2010, and perhaps even to put more Republicans into the House and Senate.

This will be a fight--and do not be afraid to fight! If you love this state, if you cherish this state, if you don't want to see this state return to the economic morass of the late-1980s, you cannot be afraid to fight.

Be as forceful in your arguments as Patrick's supporters are in theirs. Be as desirous for political victory as Patrick's supporters were over the past two years. Get hungry. Get passionate. Don't be disillusioned by Healey's defeat. Remember when the late Gerald Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in 1976? Just four years later, Ronald Reagan knocked off Carter. If you don't like the "change" Patrick offers, then work for even more change.

Patrick's supporters are mobilized; they see the new governor as a political deity, and they won't be hesitant to condemn nonbelievers. Don't be afraid to stand your ground. Point out where he's wrong. Ignore the morons who will try to intimidate you by calling you mean-spirited, bigoted, etc. The bigotry's coming from them, not from you.

If you believe that Patrick will wreck Massachusetts, then work to save Massachusetts. Speak your mind. Fight the good fight. Don't let the elitists send this state into ruin.

Get ready for four years of harsh ideological conflict...and get ready to win.