It is a mixed bag of news.
The redistricting maps in Suffolk county were voted upon and the legal hurdles were overcome. And this just hours before the county legislature was ceded to Republican control!
But (as per Newsday), despite Friday’s vote, the fate of the map remains uncertain. The court battle is expected to continue in the new year, and County Executive Steve Bellone, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, has not said whether he will sign the legislation.
On a national scale too, Dems did not fare too badly. It’s interesting that Republicans were playing defense in some places because of demographic shifts.
As for the “bad and the ugly” consider this:
“The next US civil war is already here – we just refuse to see it”
It is a pretty convincing (and depressing) opinion piece in The Guardian. I quote: “…The legal system grows less legitimate by the day. Trust in government at all levels is in freefall, or, like Congress, with approval ratings hovering around 20%, cannot fall any lower. Right now, elected sheriffs openly promote resistance to federal authority. Right now, militias train and arm themselves in preparation for the fall of the Republic. Right now, doctrines of a radical, unachievable, messianic freedom spread across the internet, on talk radio, on cable television, in the malls….”
Even our mild-mannered neighbors to the north agree and are discussing contingency plans: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-american-polity-is-cracked-and-might-collapse-canada-must-prepare/
I am vacationing in the Caribbean (on Turks and Caicos). This morning we encountered a turtle. It might have been a (a) leatherback (b) green (c) hawksbill or a (d) loggerhead according to local tourist websites. Some local Jet ski enthusiasts diagnosed the turtle with an injury and I contacted the local preservation society. But islanders retain a culture of turtle use, with the current regulated and legitimate harvest likely to be one of the largest among the Caribbean Islands. One of the presumed rescuers joked that he would catch the turtle and offer it to me for supper. I think the turtles probably have a more uncertain future than we do, civil war or not. And certainly, they don’t deserve their fate.
R&R - Reachout and Rebuild 
Thanks David I read that article last week ,and it does not look good for this country. Last night on Frontline they had a program on these Fascist groups.It is frightening what is happening ,and I think the average person is not taking it seriously. I think with COVID spiking again ,that’s where people are focused. Also climate change is a real and present threat, and how many battles can you fight. It is all overwhelming . Trump has destroy this country he gave the green light to these groups , and the Republicans in congress and the Supreme Court are lining up for a take over in this country. I hate to sound so dismal , but I don’t see any clear path to overcome these events.
At least you are enjoying some good weather and relaxing. Let’s talk further.
Hi David, and Happy New Year!
We just returned from Hawaii, where (more good news) the humpback whales appear to be doing just fine in their winter breeding grounds.
Marc
Sent from my iPhone
>
super! welcome home
Hello David,
Further to your email to MCS regarding the injured turtle, we have been in touch with our contacts in TCI. It seems this is a very badly injured Hawksbill turtle, that has sadly lost its two front flippers. It is currently in veterinary care, but due to the extent of the animal’s injuries it would be most unlikely to survive in the wild in the future. Unfortunately, the prognosis is not good.
Best wishes,
Ann
Ann Hunt
Enquiries Officer
phone: 01989 566 017
email: info@mcsuk.org
Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Linkedin | Instagram