The degree to which our national leaders lack a sense of contrition, or even decency, today is staggering.

When the seas go up because of climate change, the beaches and bluffs go back, and this should have added new urgency to the region’s coastal planning.

The controversy involving both East Hampton Village beach-parking permits and the mayor’s attempt to take over the East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Association might not seem related, but there is an obvious way they are linked — and that is politics.

Other than buying a set of tires, a cabin air filter, windshield wipers, and keeping up with the oil change schedule, my Honda Clarity has had no costs other than for electricity — about $2.50 for 45 to 50 miles’ charge.