The more things change, the more they stay the same.
At least that's how it feels a lot of the time.
Take, for example, today's all-time political tug-of-war over everything from nukes to nuts.
But take solace in the knowledge that politics always has been an all-or-nothing proposition in which everything feels bigger than it is in the moment.
Want proof?
We just celebrated July 4, our Independence Day. It serves as America's birthday, dating back to 1776.
Did you know the day and holiday and particulars of the event officially were not squared away until well into the 1800s because, in large part, John Adams and the Federalists could not see eye to eye with Thomas Jefferson and the Republicans?
In the end, Adams and Jefferson were able to reconnect as friends before each died on the same day in 1826.
That day, of course, was July 4.
Speaking of the great unknown
This week, Searyl Atli Doty was born in British Columbia.
Searyl, experts believe, is the first baby born without a designation of male or female.
Searyl, you see, was born outside the medical system and skipped the inspection at birth, according to the group Gender Free I.D. Coalition. Not surprisingly, that group's stated purpose on its website is "to remove all gender/sex designations from identity documents."
Searyl's parent, Doty, identifies as a nonbinary trans, which is, well, I'm not exactly sure.
Confused yet?
"It is up to Searyl to decide how they identify, when they are old enough to develop their own gender identity," Doty said in the statement. "I am not going to foreclose their choices based on an arbitrary assignment of gender at birth based on an inspection of their genitals."
As if lil' Searyl's name wasn't confusing enough.
Saturday star
We have been bullish in this space on Fred Fletcher, who officially stepped down this week as Chattanooga's police chief.
He was diligent, direct and dedicated, and his style was easily embraced because he was comfortable leading by actions and example.
There are many needs within our city, but finding an able replacement is every bit as important a hire as the county's much-scrutinized search for schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson.
The city needs someone who can continue the momentum Fletcher generated in his time here and figure out a way to unite the D.A.'s office and the mayor's office in our growing fight against gang violence.
For today, though, we'll tip the visor to Chief Fred and simply say, "Thank you for a job done well."
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.