Dang, but it is difficult not to become overwhelmingly pessimistic as a result of reading the newspaper or watching television, including cable, news. Certainly not helpful are the near hysteric comments from those on both sides of the aisles, each fanning the flames (as the saying goes) of the extreme views embraced by their cohorts. Lost appears to be the current, very impact on the lives of the average American family.
The economy stinks. Political hyperbole abounds. Compromise for the good of the whole nation isn't on the horizon. Government intrusion expands, seemingly exponentially. Popular rating of Congress is abysmal. This can be characterized as the no-so-grand theater of the absurd, though the impacts are very, very real and dangerous. Responsibility and accountability are lost on those who place themselves above the average family.
Should the average American family rush or walk towards 2013? Is there hope for improvement? Does the horizon hold forth promise for a better life? Are the elected officials, to whom we entrust the care of our governments, truly concerned about us, or are they more focused on their own political and economic power? Will the value of our homes increase? Will another recession be created by those in elected office? Will petty bureaucrats issue, unchallenged in most cases, ridiculous and counterproductive regulations? Will judges at various levels continue to make law rather than interpret it? Will the average family have the healthcare it needs, in realistic terms at reasonable cost? Will the retired population be able to survive on their savings and social security? Is it really the role of the federal government to intrude into every aspect of my life? Will race relations continue to deteriorate? Will the media outlets continue coloring their reporting for whichever political party and view they endorse? Will our servicemen and -women continue to go in harm's in pursuit of disjointed, flawed strategic objectives? Will our nation continue to be the beacon of liberty and freedom?
Will we be better off in 2013 than in 2012? Not a campaign slogan, but the harsh reality. Not defined by others, but by our own aspirations and goals. (I, for one, am sick of politicians purporting to tell me how happiness is defined.)
Far more questions than answers. But, from my perspective, the
questions I and others have reveal an overwhelmingly pessimistic view of
the world. So it's hard to judge whether we should rush forward with
high expectations or walk cautiously to the beginning of the new year, concerned about what the future holds.
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