Now that the election is over, it is time for Republicans to start engaging in their favorite pass-time - offering unasked for advice to Democrats.

Before you start the usual denunciations of 'concern trolling', please take a moment to think about the possible motivation for this behavior. Is the advice offered from the goodness of their hearts (clearly not as they don't have them). Is it expected that Democrats would take advice from Republicans at this particular instance? So far the only advice on offer seems to be 'don't behave like we have just behaved for eight years', which is to completely miss the fact that the whole point of the campaign was to do as closely the opposite of the GOP approach as is possible.

No, the real reason the GOP offers this advice is that it really wants to receive some advice in return but does not quite know how to ask.

So this morning, please take some time to offer a Republican some gratuitous, unasked for political advice. You will feel better for this generous donation of your time, believe me.

My view is that if they want to rebuild the party and make it electable again they should introduce a rule that anyone who attacks the patriotism of an opponent is immediately expelled from the party, likewise anyone who employs guilt by association character assassination smears. The party must utterly reject McCainism if it is to become a viable political force again.

Don't worry, the whole beauty of concern trolling is the fact that there is not the smallest chance that the intended recipients will listen to, let alone follow the advice offered. I am writing this Monday night. If all goes to plan Tuesday, the Republicans will by now be settling down to a nice uncivil party war that makes Palin's stump appearances look like a blessing by the Dalai Lama.