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oday, it is hard for me to keep my thoughts just on California. The recent election and inauguration of a new President have shown deep divisions across America.While no one knows what the new leaders will actually do, there are signs that are disturbing. We have seen the bald assertion of ‘alternative facts.’ We have heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy – truth, civility, working together – have been obscured or swept aside.But in cities across the country, we have also witnessed a vast and inspiring fervor that is stirring in the land. Democracy does not come from the top; it starts and spreads in the hearts of the people. And in the hearts of Americans, our core principles are as strong as ever.So as we reflect on the state of our state, we should do so in the broader context of our country and its challenges. We must prepare for uncertain times and reaffirm the basic principles that have made California the Great Exception that it is.EDMUND G. BROWN JR, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, USACALIFORNIA – THE GREAT EXCEPTION“WE CANNOT FALL BACK AND GIVE IN TO THE CLIMATE DENIERS. THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR. THE DANGER IS REAL ”T034 G7 MEMBER STATES