And on that note, I’m attaching my year-end round-up of what went right for The Wall Street Street Journal that highlights the vibrancy of democracy in 2024 and promise of medical breakthroughs and social media rethinks and economic stability.
Much has been written recently about half the country feeling optimistic while the other half is pessimistic or even in resistance mode. The fact is that we all face the same extremely serious challenges, and at least some degree of bipartisan support is required for durable solutions. Examples? We have to bring Federal spending in line with revenues, otherwise your grandchildren will exist at a fraction of your living standard. We all agree we need a coherent, enforceable immigration reform - let’s get to it. We all know Americans are historically unhealthy, both mentally and physically. This is not a red/ blue issue. Maintaining the solvency of Social Security is a fundamental pact between our government and its people. It’s easy, it just requires political will. So listen. The election is over. Put your partisan politics on the shelf for a while. Let’s pull together and move the country forward.
I've printed this excerpt out and left it next to my computer: " It used to be that a subversive act was to stand against the harsh edifice of self-serving consensus. That meant challenging religious pieties, artistic sensibilities or political orthodoxies. Today, in a world full of rage and anger and dark rumblings, being optimistic – focusing on the boundless potential of silver linings and the better angels of our nature – is subversive."
Thank you for your clear and salient message. Staying informed, working to understand the world around us, and the people we interact with while staying optimistic, is made easier with publications like this. To that end too, I laud Substack for what they have brought to free speech and provicative ideas. But ultimately it rests with each one of us to remain informed and seek understanding for the benefit and growth of what is rich and worthy on our planet. Thank you.
Thank you for clearly articulated messages. I feel very optimistic about our future - even as I recognize serious challenges to tackle.
I believe a few loud voices - by elites and press - have caused our citizens to be divided. Seemingly some very educated people have allowed their personal biases to interfere with their professional duties and have done serious harm to the country. We need to focus on the merits of the issue rather than focus on what person or which party or what person is bringing it up.
As a recently diagnosed cancer patient I look forward to your medical news and all the positive events to come in the new year. Fingers crossed that there will be good news to broadcast in 2025.
This is a new world. The technological ability of anyone with enough money or expertise is limitless to manipulate a vote. All the data is at hand about all of us. The threat is beyond Gerrymander and visible voter suppression. Those are old fashioned ways to swing votes.
Much has been written recently about half the country feeling optimistic while the other half is pessimistic or even in resistance mode. The fact is that we all face the same extremely serious challenges, and at least some degree of bipartisan support is required for durable solutions. Examples? We have to bring Federal spending in line with revenues, otherwise your grandchildren will exist at a fraction of your living standard. We all agree we need a coherent, enforceable immigration reform - let’s get to it. We all know Americans are historically unhealthy, both mentally and physically. This is not a red/ blue issue. Maintaining the solvency of Social Security is a fundamental pact between our government and its people. It’s easy, it just requires political will. So listen. The election is over. Put your partisan politics on the shelf for a while. Let’s pull together and move the country forward.
I've printed this excerpt out and left it next to my computer: " It used to be that a subversive act was to stand against the harsh edifice of self-serving consensus. That meant challenging religious pieties, artistic sensibilities or political orthodoxies. Today, in a world full of rage and anger and dark rumblings, being optimistic – focusing on the boundless potential of silver linings and the better angels of our nature – is subversive."
thank you so much
I like the "optimist" part! We are winning many battles: physical, moral, spiritual, and social and recognizing the path ahead.
Thank you for your clear and salient message. Staying informed, working to understand the world around us, and the people we interact with while staying optimistic, is made easier with publications like this. To that end too, I laud Substack for what they have brought to free speech and provicative ideas. But ultimately it rests with each one of us to remain informed and seek understanding for the benefit and growth of what is rich and worthy on our planet. Thank you.
Eloquent and thought provoking. Thank you.
thank you
Thank you for clearly articulated messages. I feel very optimistic about our future - even as I recognize serious challenges to tackle.
I believe a few loud voices - by elites and press - have caused our citizens to be divided. Seemingly some very educated people have allowed their personal biases to interfere with their professional duties and have done serious harm to the country. We need to focus on the merits of the issue rather than focus on what person or which party or what person is bringing it up.
yes, and thank you for that...
Thank you for the work you’re doing to keep things in perspective.
thank you
As a recently diagnosed cancer patient I look forward to your medical news and all the positive events to come in the new year. Fingers crossed that there will be good news to broadcast in 2025.
fingers crossed for you indeed
This is a new world. The technological ability of anyone with enough money or expertise is limitless to manipulate a vote. All the data is at hand about all of us. The threat is beyond Gerrymander and visible voter suppression. Those are old fashioned ways to swing votes.