Here are a few random thoughts to chew on while you savor the delicious return of Chris Sale and a lovely Red Sox 15-2 victory.

My bride, a true Mainer, was born at old St. Andrews Hospital and raised on the banks of the Damariscotta River. She agreed to live in the Midwest for a time, but it was always a temporary arrangement. She liked to say she was a Mainer living in exile.

When we retired and moved, she explained she grew up in Maine, knew the climate, and said we did not need a house with air conditioning. As usual, she was right. We usually don't need AC.

But, as last week's heat wave nearly boiled our brains, I wondered if it was a good decision.

Or has the climate changed, even in Maine?

Our TV screens depict terrifying scenes of raging western forest fires. The nation's weather maps show images of towns recording daytime highs in the triple digits. The other day, the United Nations experts released another report urging us to curb fossil fuels usage and clean up the atmosphere. They said it was a red flag crisis. Few noticed. It was just another one-day story on the news.

I know there are other things to think about that are more important than the weather. But are there?

In the middle of a pandemic, we are distracted by arguments over masks, vaccine mandates and whether our officials have the right to suggest we do what public health experts say will keep us, our kin and neighbors from visiting the nearest hospital.

In some locations, folks are protesting efforts designed to protect schoolchildren. Even some health care workers, bless 'em all, would rather lose a paycheck than get a vaccine shot that might keep them from becoming patients in their own hospitals.

It has become a hot political issue as office-seekers, and their acolytes on TV/Internet, jump on the bandwagon attempting to pick up a vote or rating point or two.

But do our individual rights trump the possible effect on others? Does my right to throw a fist end at your nose?

I know we are distracted by political events. Recently senate Democrats and Republicans smoked a peace pipe (is this legal now?) and agreed on a zillion-dollar bill to repair our nation's infrastructure despite threats from the former president who threatened to call down the wrath of Hades on anyone opposing his will.

I guess the group of defiant Republican senators figured a big fat chunk of pork for the folks back home outweighed the consequences of standing up to a political leader who got whipped in the last election.

The GOP dissenters figured voters are tired of ragged roads eating their new Michelins and rusting bridges with danger banners blocking the span.

It is human nature to focus on the distractions – like today's problems – and postpone tough long-range stuff, like climate change.

We have lots of "today" problems to think about. Remember, we are in the middle of a pandemic that has killed more than 600,000 of our fellow countrymen. Today's news reports tell us some hospitals are overwhelmed by the new Delta version of the virus.

Out in the West, a bitter battle over water rights is on the horizon.

These immediate distractions make some question our nation's ability to tackle bigger issues. For example, if we refuse to sit for a free vaccine shot, what will we do when our nation's leaders combat changing weather patterns by proposing major changes to our economic system?

Think about that for a minute. Imagine the potential political fights when leaders propose to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Major manufacturers are already phasing out gas guzzlers while replacing them with electrics.

What about proposed windmills in our coastal waters? Will you oppose a change in the view from your patio? Bet on opposition from local fishermen who see this as a threat to their livelihood.

But, dear readers, many of these problems will be addressed by the next generation. Soon, the names of heavyweight politicians who have ignored efforts to combat climate change will shift from the front page to the obits.

It will be up to the next generation to put out raging wildfires, tamp down worldwide storms and stop the seas from flooding the basements (and summer homes) of seaside communities. Who will foot the bill? How will we cover the tab?

Many of today's leaders and senior citizens won't be here to witness the fights or the outcome, but I'm betting on our kids and grandkids. I believe they will succeed.

Stay tuned.