If 2020 were a novel, it would most assuredly have been written by Stephen King. It ushered in the worst pandemic in over a century that has infected nearly 20 million Americans, and over 337,000 of our citizens have lost their lives to this deadly virus. The lack of an immediate, coherent national response to this pathogen resulted in draconian measures that have devastated the economy. Racial strife and violent civil unrest have plagued the nation in 2020. Extreme political polarization before, during, and after the most contentious presidential election in U.S. history has resulted in a nation deeply divided along partisan lines. The ominous year brought about what could be called a “cold civil war.” Family and friends are not speaking to each other because of ideological differences.
I am not, by any means, the quintessential optimist. As a matter of fact, I am frequently accused of being the “glass is half empty” kind of guy. However, 2021 fills me with optimism. In my humble opinion, there is indeed hope on the horizon.
There are currently two vaccines being distributed and administered, and there are more vaccines in clinical trials, as well as therapeutics. Once a sufficient number of people are vaccinated, we should achieve “herd immunity.” Quantum leaps in computing and scientific knowledge shared across the globe have resulted in an unprecedented reduction in the time required to develop safe and effective drugs.
The new year brings us a new White House administration and the promise of much needed “hope and change.” I am confident that “both sides of the aisle” can come together for the common good. I am cautiously optimistic that politicians will embrace altruism over self-interest and place policy over party.
I am sanguine about the prospects for a peaceful, prosperous, and healthier 2021. My great expectations for the new year are that people will employ logic and engage those with whom they disagree in rational, intelligent dialogue, and last but not least that empathy and compassion will replace hatred and selfishness. In retrospect, I see 2020 as a year that taught us harsh lessons that will provide a path to unity.
“Our human compassion binds us one to the other, not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” -Nelson Mandela
