The good, the bad and the anciently weird

Labor supporters in West Virginia got a boost recently when a Kanawha County judge issued an injunction temporarily blocking the implementation of the recently enacted right to work for less law. I hope she takes her good old time in making a decision, although the case is expected to be concluded within 90 days. It's totally OK with me if it goes longer.

On the downside, outgoing senate president and gubernatorial candidate Bill Cole came out for more mandatory minimums and building more prisons in a state that can't even afford to do adequate flood relief. This would undo the fairly recent growth of common sense on the subject that is supported by many Republicans.I'm hoping that's a nonstarter.

Then there's this odd item about ancient South America from the BBC. Enjoy!

An image of a day

Yesterday was a day rich in images destined to be replayed for a long time to come. But for me, the most memorable image came unexpectedly, after the official events had been televised.

At the West Virginia Veterans Memorial outside the state capitol on a cold and windy afternoon, I saw a solitary African-American man carrying an American flag and walking calmly, silently, slowly and mindfully around the monument. It was at once a very public and very private act, full of dignity and gravity.

I could imagine any number of thoughts and feelings that motivated this walking vigil, any number of interpretations, such as memories of past sacrifices, a feeling of inclusion and pride, a veteran's solidarity with the fallen, or many other possibilities. But to have interrupted this solitary procession would have been a profanation.

I asked no questions. It was enough to stop, look and remember.

NOW WHAT? Here's one take on what lies ahead.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Esquire looks back at the last eight years here.

STUDIES OF PREJUDICE may suggest ways to overcome it.

THE FIRST AMERICANS. New genetic evidence suggests two separate early migrations to America.

GOAT ROPE ADVISORY LEVEL: ?