THE LIGHTER SIDE

God bless America, and how’s everybody?

■ Mayor Bill DeBlasio and protesters painted “Black Lives Matter” on Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower. These protests risk inciting a voter backlash like they did for Nixon. This year, I learned that those who do not learn from history are not that good at any other subject, either.

■ Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wants to replace a statue of Stephen Douglas in the state Capitol with a statue of Barack Obama. Recently Obama helped Biden raise millions in a Zoom party gathering. At the end of Obama’s fundraising pitch, Joe Biden smiled and said thanks, O.J.

■ New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea faced down a New York attorney general inquiry into NYPD’s violent behavior during last month’s riots. The chief detailed the historic bravery of New York’s police officers, adding that he will never forget 9/11. I should hope not; that’s his telephone number.