Well, it’s 2015.
Seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the Millennium and trying to figure out how to pronounce the “00” years. Now it’s half-way-plus to the ‘20s.
From annual Christmas letters to TV news shows, we’ve reviewed and analyzed the past year from nearly every perspective imaginable. The McLaughlin Group opened its 2014 recap with circus music. That made its own statement.
So, now we look ahead – eyes bright with hope, yet slightly squinted with skepticism.
The Meet the Press Nerd Screen declared the majority of Americans feel more optimistic about this year than last. That might have more to do with the price of gas than the pundits realize. Still, Market to Market predicted the U.S. economy will expand by 3 percent in the coming year.
Hopefully, we’ll use the surge in enthusiasm to focus on more important issues than the President’s summer suit.
Hopefully, we won’t forget this country thrives on opportunity for ordinary people (as our middle class continues to be relegated to the ranks of the working poor); our economy depends on consumer spending; and the American Dream depends on public education. Quality of life depends on health and access to healthcare; and on maintaining a livable planet.
Wiser people than I will debate the ‘how to get from point A to point B’ part. But we need to keep our eyes on the prize – an America that works for everyone, not just a select few.
The key here is, of course, if we all want to be included, we all have to be involved. Bill Moyers in his Sunday morning show welcomed a new generation to the fight. Voter turnout numbers like the last election (less than 30 percent) are simply not acceptable. I don’t care on which side of the fence you sit, that’s a pathetic statistic.
A democracy, by definition, requires participation of the body.
As for me and my house, I’m looking forward to a year of interesting work and good times with friends and family. There will be a lot of community activity as the town ramps up for its triennial July 4th Celebration. The cousins have already promised a visit.
I hope to find the time to be a bit selfish; making time for growth – in health, in intellect, in spirit.
There will no doubt be challenges, but those too can be good things. It’s always beneficial to get the blood and adrenaline pumping.
I guess when a year starts with sub-zero temps and a bout with the flu, it’s hard not to look ahead with optimism.
So, in the words of MASH’s Colonel Henry Potter – “Here’s to the New Year. May it be a damn sight better than the old one.”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!