A Blend of Traditions and Politics on September 2, 2025

Here we are, set upon an intriguing blend of a day, characterized by being both a Tuesday and the marker on our calendars that acts as the bridge between Labor Day and the upcoming grind: September 2, 2025. It also happens to coincide with World Coconut Day. The day brings an interesting mix of traditions, like the celebration of National Grits for Breakfast Day, as well as National Blueberry Popsicle Day, and the culturally significant Calendar Adjustment Day. It was on this day, back in 1752, that a sizeable 11-day leap was made to align with the solar year, decreeing that following September 2nd would come September 14th, causing quite a commotion!

In addition to these varied commemorations, the day also marks one of the significant milestones in international history: Victory over Japan Day. This day marks Japan’s surrender in 1945, leading to the culmination of World War II. Nicole Gelinas, a prominent conservative writer of the New York Times, penned an op-ed piece on this day, titled ‘If you aren’t a Mamdani fan, strive for better’. This piece makes it to the news primarily vis-a-vis its argument about Mamdani being the best possible option for a NYC mayor from the Democratic Party, a conclusion reached acknowledging his competence and sanity, albeit his plans show signs of impracticality.

The idea proposed by Mr Mamdani of launching city-owned grocery stores, according to Gelinas, fails to address the core issues resulting in inflated food prices. Similarly, his assurance to put a moratorium on rents for controlled apartments would merely mask the actual housing expenses, creating difficulties for landowners coping with escalating fuel, labor, and tax costs.

Although Mamdani’s proposed reforms lack realistic perspectives, the article focuses on the absence of any promising contention against him. His adversaries seem to be stuck in focusing on his comfortable demeanor and appealing promises, failing to propose a more convincing approach or candidate. However, stating that Mamdani is the best Democrats can do for the next US Presidential election might be limiting and also worrisome.

Although various potential names from Democrats who might have a shot in the Presidential race are being discussed, none seem to make the cut. Newsom’s chances are slim because he hails from California, and Pritzker’s excessively progressive stance might become a hurdle. At the moment, the only democrat I am moderately inclined towards is Mayor Pete. In fact, any reasonable Democrat is preferred over Trump in my books.

Switching our focus from the political sphere, a fascinating discovery was made off Tortuguero on the east coast of Costa Rica. A vibrant orange nurse shark, scientifically known as Ginglymostoma cirratum, has been spotted in this region. What seems to have caused this color alteration are two mutations combined. It’s important to note that this species, in this specific geographical area, is classified as ‘vulnerable’.

‘What has happened to the rogue Democratic Senator, Kyrsten Sinema?’ you might find yourself pondering over this, as many did with Tulsi Gabbard. Sinema has transitioned towards advocating causes that hold esteem amongst Republicans. Having gone through a singular, turbulent Senate term as a Democrat and then as an independent, Sinema’s path has been far from ordinary.

During her term, Sinema has been part of significant negotiations on infrastructure and gun control whilst rejecting the Democratic push to increase taxes on corporations, private-equity managers, and high-income households. Her rebellious political stances included casting crucial votes for the Democrats’ main financial laws in 2021 and 2022, all while the Democrats were maintaining a majority.

However, her actions sparked resentment within the party after she obstructed the Democrats’ movement to eliminate the 60-vote Senate filibuster threshold. This has indeed restricted the party’s ability to advance initiatives related to immigration and election alterations.

Ending our review on a different note, on a recent Sunday, a legal order from a federal judge prevented about 600 unaccompanied Guatemalan children who had migrated illegally to the United States from being deported back to their country of origin. Due to this intervention, one of the airplanes already in the air carrying some of these children was forced to return.

This incident has stirred up significant concern among activists for immigrant rights. The Trump administration stands accused of potentially having violated the rights of these unaccompanied and undocumented minors. As the situation continues to unfold, it becomes ever more apparent how these stories, whether political, social, or environmental, reflect the complex tapestry of our global condition.