Okay, so this particular report takes on more of an international flavor, but with a domestic angle.

As most know, on last Sunday, center-right politician Nicholas Sarkozy of the Rally for the Republic Party convincingly defeated Ségolène Royal of the Socialist Party in the race for president of the French Republic. Upon his declaration of victory, winner Sarkozy immediately stated his intention to ensure that France is seen as a friend to the United States - a marked contrast to his Socialist Party opponent, who went as far as to tell a Hezbollah lawmaker in Lebanon last December that she agreed with him when he talked about the “unlimited dementia” of the Bush administration.

So, how did left-of-center political blogs based in the United States react to France's exercise in democracy?

Certainly the American political left that dominates the liberal blogosphere would be ecstatic with Sarkozy's election, who despite his desire for closer US-French relations, still opposes President Bush's Iraq policy, right? Certainly the US political left would hail the victory of a candidate elected with over 53 percent of the vote in an election that saw 86% turnout, right?

First, here is a sampling of what center-right political blogs had to say about the election of President-elect Sarkozy:

Flashreport's Duane Dichiara: "The humorous aspect to this French election, and our election in November, is that the Sarkozy won by promising the French a closer relationship with the United States, a tougher crackdown on terrorism, and a more free economic system, while the Democrats took control of Congress by promising a closer relationship with Socialist France, a policy of retreat on terrorism and the war, and a less free economic system."

Flashreport's Michael Der Manouel: "It seems that 53% of French voters have had it with big government socialism.  As a result of their decision, and the words of (gasp) conservative President - elect Sarkozy, I can now release the power of my personal income on the consumption of French products again."

Townhall.com's Terence Jeffrey: "Last Sunday, conservative Nicolas Sarkozy was elected president of France. Now, many American conservatives may wish they could find a candidate like him to run for president of this country."

And here are the voices from the American political left on influential Democratic Party websites:

Dailykos.com's "Lupin": "We are American expats with dual citizenship who moved to France in 2005; we both voted for Ms Royal."

Dailykos.com's "Lorax": "It's a disappointing development for our French friends and for the whole world."

Smirkingchimp.com's Tony Hedra: "I'm worried. Really worried. How can you have made Nicolas Sarkozy, the pint-size tough guy of the hard-right the leading contender to be next President of France?"

That represents just a very tiny rundown of the conversations ongoing in the blogosphere, but one theme remains constant in numerous internet postings. American center-right political bloggers are hailing the results of an election where a world leader has pledged to be a "friend" of the United States, while "liberal" and "progressive" bloggers are depressed and disappointed that a pro-American candidate was elected by a free vote of the citizenry.

Contrast the sadness of the American left's blogosphere with their elation over the election of Socialist Party leader Jose Luis Zapatero in the 2004 Spanish national elections. From Dailykos.com founder Markos Zuniga himself:

"Fact is, Spain was taking casualties -- in Iraq and at home -- for a war in which it had no reason to be involved. Bush lied to get his war, and Spain's Aznar was a willing and eager accomplice. The Spanish people opposed the war and their nation's involvement in it, and spoke the way true Democracies speak -- via the ballot box.

The system worked. Democracy won. Spain won."

Well, it has been three days since the French election that drew an 86% turnout, and so far no congratulations to the French people from Mr. Zuniga. Zuniga is considered the Democratic Party's most influential blogging activist and web-based fundraiser. Zuniga hosts an annual political convention that attracts national Democratic Party luminaries and top-level elected officials.

The responses of those on the political left are telling of the psyche of today's left-wing activists, many of whom now hang out in anonymity on Democratic Party-financed websites. When international leaders critical of the United States win elections, the system "worked," and that nation, as a whole, is a winner. When citizens in Mexico, Germany, Colombia and now, France, elect pro-American candidates to lead their nation, it is a sad day for both that country and the world at large.

As for me? I'm with my Flashreport colleague Michael Der Manouel. I am going to acknowledge and celebrate the election of another proud US ally from right here in San Bernardino County.