The New Year is almost here. What will 2015 bring?
Will there be war or peace?
Feast or famine?
Harmony or discord?
Those are questions we always ask as the old year comes to an end and the new
year begins.
Like everyone, I would like to be optimistic that 2015 is going to be even
better than 2014.
But looking back at that year just past, it is hard to say that things will get much better, as events seem to go on of their own inertia. There are some bright spots, but overall, I expect more of the same of what we have had in 2014.
On the international scene, you can bet there will be more war than peace in 2015. The Middle East is not a promising place for peace. It is a powder keg waiting for a spark and we can only hope and pray the fuse is not lit in 2015.
We don’t hear much about the conflict with Russia and the Ukraine as 2014 draws to a close, but there is no indication that conflict will be resolved in 2015. It is quiet now, but who is to say that in the halls of the powerful plans are not underway for something more.
The spread of Ebola has dropped from the front pages as the disease now seems confined to Africa. The virus may go back into the jungle in 2015 and be dormant, only to emerge at some future date more virulent than ever. Unless we act in 2015 to find its source and a treatment or cure.
Nationally, our government gives no indication it has the stomach to solve the problems gnawing at our social fabric. The president will continue to act where he feels he can and leave Congress to dither, which it has now mastered as an art form.
Meanwhile, we’ll argue over the minimum wage as high-paying middle-class jobs continue to disappear. More companies will get out of the health insurance game, as premiums continue to increase and government is willing to take on the responsibility of the uninsured.
Locally, expect more conflict among us — black vs. white, men vs. women, young vs. old, immigrants vs. native born, representatives of the establishment vs. regular people.
According to radical history professor Howard Zinn, this conflict among the masses is how the powers that be keep us poor regular folks busy while they go about running and robbing the country.
The bright spots on the 2015 horizon?
The price of gasoline keeps falling, which means more money in the pockets of everyone. It should also result in cheaper goods and cheaper food as the cost of transportation and shipping drops.
Science continues to do wonderful things, making life easier and giving us more choices about how to live our lives and how to be entertained. And it provides more learning and education at just the click of a keyboard.
Life may be a struggle to some because the rich exploit the poor and weak, and to others because man is fallen and cannot return to paradise. Nonetheless, this is the best life out there.
So no matter what comes our way in 2015, the best attitude to have is to embrace life. Love it, cherish it, share its goodness with others.
When bad things happen, grieve for it. Where you see injustice, work to correct it. And where you see beauty and wonder, love it.
Happy 2015!