Every four years Republicans get just a bit more Republican, Democrats more Democrat, and Americans, one hopes, a bit more American. And few are shy about wearing their convictions, if not on their sleeves, at least on their lapels.

Not everyone sees all this hoopla as annoying. Collectors of political memorabilia especially cherish all the hoopla -- posters, placards, ribbons, hats, noisemakers and stuff related to American political campaigns of the past -- as colorful reminders of our democratic history. They also like the idea that every four years their collections become more sought after and more valuable.