This is typically the time of year when we conduct a short mental inventory of the past twelve months and look ahead to the new year. I'm no different. These thoughts mix the personal aspects of life with the public events we've experienced over the last year, and some expectations for the new year. So allow me to ramble a bit about Last Year and Next Year. I hesitate to make actual predictions. Those who do skate on very thin ice, and run the unenviable risk of looking silly. At my age, I do enough to look silly without purposefully inviting it.
Beginning on a personal note, I can report that my immediate family and I have weathered the year in pretty good shape, all things considered. We have had a few notes of concern about the health and well being of friends and some in our extended family, but have had no major losses or sadness. One never knows when matters such as these will change, but I am always grateful to know that strong people of great character, and uncommon kindness and love, inhabit the space closest to me and form the fabric of our family.
Our family has also been fortunate to enjoy continued success in our professions. As economic conditions stagnate and contribute to uncertainty, we've all kept our jobs and we've been able to support ourselves and each other through difficult times. Many around us have not been able to do this, so we have also tried to contribute some relief to members of our community who need our help, as well as our personal and political commitment to creating a more just world.
Even though I shy away from making predictions, there is one I can make with absolute certainty. Our family will greet and cherish a new member of the family in early January. Our younger daughter and her husband will present the world with a new baby girl to join her brother. She will be our fifth grandchild. This is a personal joy to us, and even more reason to work hard for a better world. Each new child represents great potential, and a great responsibility for those who come before them. I refuse to see the world through the narrow lens of my own lifespan. Instead, I find it more purposeful to embrace the duty of creating the best world possible for those who will inherit it. Will the next generation blame us, or thank us for the world we've left them?
The last year contained both horrible public events and some very heartening events as well- but isn't that the way of most years? It was a year of disasters: Japan earthquake and tsunami, Brazil landslides, New Zealand earthquake, U.S. east coast Hurricane Irene, Alabama and Missouri tornadoes, Texas drought and wildfires, Turkey earthquake, Bangkok and Philippines flooding, U.S. mid-Atlantic record snow storms, East Africa drought and starvation- just to name the major ones. Tens of thousands died and many more were left to suffer the ruins. It was a year of political upheaval here and around the world. World leadership changed in some countries with the death of both tyrants and heroes- while some were just replaced in the midst of global economic turmoil. Wars dragged on while others ended with no victory- no defeat, only the legacy of lost lives and limbs, and lost treasure.
This year we witnessed the near total breakdown of our political process as stubborn ideologies battered each other, seemingly forgetting their primary purpose of governing. Our government, and most particularly our Congress brought shame upon itself for acting foolishly. The real heartbreak of this year has been the steady erosion of the middle class, as more and more Americans slip into poverty. This has happened while the most wealthy have relentlessly increased their own wealth at the expense of the rest of us and with the complicity of the Congress, who are bought and paid for by the rich and powerful.
But, I did say there was heartening news too. I found it very encouraging that so many people here and around the world have exerted self determination for freedom and justice in the face of governments that could not, or would not do it on their behalf. The "Arab Spring" is a sign that humanity retains the spark of hope against tyranny and repression. Certain elections here last year tell us there is hope. The "Occupy Movement" reminds us that our liberties, and our sense of justice were born in protest against the Crown by our founders, and gave rise to our country. It tells us the voice of the People will be heard. This is a voice that has been too long silent- now awakened.
Our political season gets underway in earnest in January. If you've read my earlier blogs you know I've had some fun writing about the early posturing by the Republican field. But now it's time to get serious. This country has serious issues and must find a serious direction. So far, the Republican class of 2012 hopefuls have not distinguished themselves as worthy to lead this country. "Corporations are people, my friend", "there are serious questions about his birth place","yes, I would approve of water boarding", "oops","if you're not rich..blame yourself", "I would send the Capital Police to arrest them" (Federal Judges), "999", "in poor neighborhoods the children can clean the schools", "the fence would be electrified" "God told me to run", "God told ME to run"(different candidate). Republican audiences cheered executions; booed an active-duty, war zone serviceman who is gay; and shouted to let the uninsured die in the streets----silence from the candidates...................This is pathetic- and it not us.
We have allowed this crop to engage us in a race to the bottom- to see who can be the meanest, most backward thinking, science denying, reality ignoring, egomaniac who would be President. They have played upon our worst instincts and fears. My wish for the next year is that sanity will return and serious people will emerge who will restore decency and sensibility to the process. The next election will give us clear choices. But, I fear we may lose civility-I fear the race issue will boil over- I fear more polarization. I hope we all demand more and reject the usual politics of hatred and division. We need each other, even when we disagree with one another.
Over the last year I've attempted to expand my own interests and activities more. This blog is one such effort. I thank you for allowing me to share it with you. I've been heartened by the response I've gotten, and been encouraged. I am absolutely convinced that no matter how old we are, they is always room to explore new things- and it is the exploration of new activities and interests that keeps us vital, youthful and alive. I will make every effort to meet new people and experience new things in the year to come. I know these aren't the kind of essays you can look at for a few seconds and move on. Reading these blogs takes a few minutes, but I was determined to put something down that required some real thought on my part- and hopefully caused some different thoughts on your part. Whether you agree or disagree, I'm grateful to be part of the conversation and I thank you. I look forward to the next year- I know it will be an exciting year for me, my family, and all of you as we march together into the future.
Thanks for looking in.
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