or to feel well represented by them

By Vianney Gomez & Andrew Daniller @ PewResearch.org, Dec.7 WITH CHARTS

Nearly six-in-ten U.S. adults (59%) see a great deal of difference between the two major political parties, up from 55% just two years ago and substantially higher than in prior decades. Yet as in past years, there are wide age differences in these views: Younger adults are less likely than older adults to see a great deal of difference between the parties, and they are less likely to say that either party represents the interests of people like them well.

In its probe of an alleged chemical attack in Syria, the OPCW shunned the critical investigative area of forensic pathology and censored a recommendation to pursue it. The Douma killings remain unsolved.

By Christopher Mele @ NYTimes.com, Dec. 5

Former presidents and political leaders recalled Mr. Dole’s dignity, sense of humor and lifetime commitment to public service.

The NYTimes obituary: Bob Dole, Old Soldier and Stalwart of the Senate, Dies at 98 Mr. Dole, a son of the Kansas prairie who was left for dead on a World War II battlefield, became one of the longest-serving Republican leaders.

Civil society is what keeps the beasts at bay.