North Carolina

Yes, most of these places voted Republican. I remember looking it all up on the map, after the last election.

There are a lot of "kill the drill" petitions out there. I signed the one at the League of Conservation Voters.

Growing up, my family owned a home on South Topsail Island before it got a bit overbuilt IMO. I remember looking at the sea oats and red-winged blackbirds flying around and perching on them. We took photos of sunsets, too. Yours capture that beautiful softness and diversity of color I remember. Mesmerizing.

I will say the growth of Topsail Island did, in away, help the sea turtle hospital. When it just was getting off the ground, a lot of wealthy families started contributing, along with school children, etc. Now it is world renowned. When I was more physically active, I volunteered there from time to time.

Roy Cooper should get on this oil drilling thing. He's from Rocky Mount, and must surely feel an affinity for coastal NC. Played in those oceans as a kid, I imagine. How can you grow up so near and not feel it. Good political issue for him.