The Roads, the Weather, and Georgia

 In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elinor Dashwood admonishes her youngest sister, who is prone to asking questions that are considered impertinent or too familiar, to reserve her conversation with non-family members to the state of the roads or the weather. This is in hopes of curbing her enthusiastic interest in other people's lives, but only serves to create a stilted conversation. That all said, the weather around here is wacky. Two days ago, I got up and it was 15 degrees. Today, 43. December is not the cold, snowy month it was some years back, and the conversation about the weather has taken a turn to contention. (So take that, Elinor.)

I'm not a scientist, but I live in this country and on this planet. I understand the critical difference between weather and climate, and I also understand the link between them. The fraught nature of the climate crisis conversation is only going to get more so, as we sluggishly limp toward the first of many necessary deadlines to reduce carbon emissions. We have to try harder, and do some serious soul-searching in order to effect real change. 

Speaking of change, hooray for Georgia-- they have elected at least one sane person in a position to try to create opportunities for positive change. Rev. Warnock is a dedicated human being, and a good example of community caring. Mr. Walker needs to engage with mental health professionals soon-- I wonder if CTE is the problem. It sure looks like it in a lot of ways. 

The election of Rev. Warnock helps establish a little more balance in the sense that Mr Manchin and Ms Sinema won't be able to hold the forward progress of our nation hostage. I'm not saying that change can happen that simply; what I am saying is that throwing unnecessary blocks in front of a somewhat blind nation is cruel (Leviticus 19:14). 

So-- let's talk about the state of the roads (another post, another day-- Sec. Buttigieg deserves his own post), and let's really open up that conversation about the weather. 

Right now, it's pretty damp.

Stay dry,

C