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January 1, 2012
People welcome the New Year in many different ways, mostly depending on their circumstances in life. Some who had a rough time last year – lost their jobs, benefits and/or privileges as an aftermath of a bad economy, or simply had to face life’s difficult challenges – couldn’t wait to see the year 2011 end so they could welcome the New Year and a chance at better opportunities with open arms. On the other hand, others who had it easy and good last year could either care less or, given the choice, would really rather hang on to the old year a while longer.
With all the 2012 predictions hitting us from all directions, we still wonder what the New Year has in store for us? Will the US economy get significantly better or will it get even worse? Will there be jobs for the displaced workers? What awaits our college graduates whose lives hang in the balance while they debate the prudence of going back to school or simply waiting for the elusive employment opportunities?
Are middle class people, if there are any of them still left out there, going to survive further economic onslaughts? Will they be able to stay in their homes, keep their jobs and afford health care insurance? Is there any room left for their future plans- a dream car, a long cherished vacation or cruise with their loved ones or just a nice piece of jewelry or some personal effects they have been thinking of buying but kept on postponing until things get better?
Of course, welcoming the New Year, whether done reluctantly or eagerly, always takes place against a backdrop of either the prophecies of gloom and doom or the more optimistic predictions of a recovering economy. Many economists give their fearless forecasts and political pundits pronounce unabashedly their views for or against politicians and government leaders. And since it is election year, we expect a lot of noise from these people, candidates, pundits and media people alike, inside or outside of Washington.
However, would it be wise to place our hopes on these politicians? Is election the answer to our economic woes? And do you honestly believe changing our leaders is going to solve our problems? There will certainly be a lot of talking and grandstanding by these candidates. But actions that will result in good, effective and fair policies aimed at fixing what’s broken in our system always gets lost in the din of political rhetoric and drama. The question is, can you tell who’s honest and sincere among this bunch of pretenders?
How do we brace up for another challenging year? What can we do to cope with the demands of another very difficult time? Who do we turn to for help and support? Do we simply give up the fight and let our willpower and determination get carried away by the current of despair?
We know we can be frustrated and mad but we can’t give up hope. Hopelessness leads to physical and mental paralysis and depression. Once depression sets in, we lose. It all goes downhill from here and we will never be able to recover. The ugly face of economic recession will take over our lives and nation and strip us of our last ounce of decency and pride.
The American way of life as we once knew it deserves a fighting chance. To get it back, we must wake up from our sleep and know the enemy. Search the Internet for answers to our nagging questions and understand the events and facts that led us to this horrible state. But exercise caution to avoid being deceived by propagandas. If we sharpen our reason, somewhere, somehow, our investigation will lead us to the right answers, to the leaders and the policies that brought us to this dismal economic condition. Know also the leaders who vote for legislations according to their conscience.
Having found the truth and identified your allies, do what a well-informed, intelligent and responsible citizen does. Come November, vote the guilty leaders out of office and rally behind and send the candidates worthy of your trust into office!