The 1984 movie Starman is one of my favorites, not because of the actors, who are all consistently great, but because of what it says about humanity and ice hockey (at least in mythologies): You are at your very best when things are worst.

The results of the U.S. election feel like awaiting the results of a group project in school: Amy and I did our part, but I think the rest of youse might have really fucked this up (modified from facebook).

What can be done to make this better?

Sure the Canadian immigration site has been collapsing all night, Australia is a long ways away, and those countries have their own problems.

But for now, at this moment, I’ll go back to the humanity of Starman, and tomorrow worry about how I will chat with my five daughters, the girls I coach in hockey, and people generally around the world who are writing and saying, WTF? How did a lying, misogynist, racist, financial idiot huckster and game show host win the U.S. presidency?

Mark Shermin: Have people from your world been here before?

Starman: Before? Yes. We are interested in your species.

Mark Shermin: You mean you’re some kind of anthropologist? Is that what you’re doing here? Just checking us out?

Starman: You are a strange species. Not like any other. And you’d be surprised how many there are. Intelligent but savage. Shall I tell you what I find beautiful about you? [Shermin nods] You are at your very best when things are worst.