Coronavirus, divisive politics have autumn optimism in short supply

I made it through the summer of COVID-19 – though I’m thankful that neither I nor any of my family have contracted the novel coronavirus.

I know that the summer doesn’t technically end until Sept. 22, but I got through June, July and August.

It wasn’t easy for me or anyone.

Every Monday, I went on a diet to lose my “covid 19” – as in the 19 pounds I put on during March, April and May – because by...