SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT:

THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK – FROM FOX:    New York City dropped the ball again on New Year's Eve, but perhaps not as much as its mayor, Bill de Blasio did.  Critics are laying into the Big Apple's leader for dancing on national television while the rest of the city was told to stay inside and socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic.  Against the backdrop of a mostly empty Times Square, de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, danced on stage together at the famous landmark. Typically, it is packed with people doing the same on New Year's Eve.  "The View" co-host Meghan McCain tweeted: "You've always been basically the worst politico in modern history - but shutting down the NYC but having your own private party in Times Square is really the most tone deaf thing I may have ever seen a Mayor do. Everyone hates you DeBlasio."  He is a socialist, a fan of Fidel Castro.  A man who is never right.  And New York elected him.  We get the government we deserve.

IS IT NEWS WHEN THEY RIOT IN PORTLAND? – FROM FOX:   Fireworks set off in downtown Portland, Ore., on Thursday night had little to do with New Year’s Eve celebrations – and more to do with continuing the unrest that has plagued the city for nearly a year, according to reports.  Once again, city police declared a riot as a gathering estimated to be about 100 people targeted a federal courthouse, FOX 12 of Oregon reported.  "Participants have thrown multiple firebombs at officers and launched commercial grade fireworks at the Federal Courthouse and Justice Center," the Portland Police Bureau wrote on Twitter just as the new year arrived early Friday.  A string of messages included a warning to those congregating in the streets.  "If you do not leave you are subject to arrest, citation, and/or the use of force," the police wrote, "including but not limited to impact weapons and tear gas."  Rioters also smashed windows and set fires in the area, Portland’s KOIN-TV reported.  Police began using pepper spray or mace against the crowd, as well as what appeared to be rubber bullets or pepper balls, KOIN reported.  Does anyone move to Portland these days?  Does anyone admit it? 

January 1, 2021