As we approach Christmas, I have much to look forward to. I enjoy Joan’s energy that is directed to making our house perfect for our family’s visit. Our grandchildren are becoming ever more interesting as they enter their teen age years. Only one of the six can still be identified as a child.
For some time, I have purposefully refused to discuss anything related to ongoing political issues. Politics is too divisive. I focus now on the privilege to have lived in such a glorious era. Born before WWII, I was raised during the war without its directly effecting my family. And after the war, life became a series of opportunities for my contemporaries. When I graduated from high school in 1955, there was no one who did not think that they would not get a job that would support a wife, children, a house and automobile. Their aspirations were realized regardless of whether they took college preparatory classes or were educated in general courses. Life was open to all sorts of possibilities.
And so it went until the 80’s (some may say 1970). We entered a stage where higher education made a significant difference. The income disparity become more prominent. The trend would continue on an ever escalating pace that now is problematic. Wealth is now narrowed to the top 10%, if not the 1%. The strong middle class is not existent. Working 40 hours a week is no longer commensurate with a livable income, especially for those who are married.
Since Newt Gringrich emerged in the 70’s, our politics started to become more divisive. Government no longer operated within the give-and-take of the middle. Compromise became impossible. And it happened, this shift in government was accompanied with a gradual, but consistent, thrust to more complicated and, potentially, dangerous situations. War now started to be controlled by lethal weapons. More and more nations have nuclear weapons and other agents that can achieve their lethal intent at a distance. The ability to kill is becoming possible without land-based soldiers. The danger of nuclear war, while ominous, is now clearly a danger to our world.
Our world has become more complicated, albeit with many positive outcomes, by the gift of internet. Internet precipitated all sorts of innovations extremely fast. Smart phones emerged in the 90’s and became in short order so pervasive that ordinary behavior has been effected. Brain studies are now zeroing on the effects of such technology on the brains of children. All of our lives have been changed by the advancements of technology. There are reasons to consider that artificial intelligence will eliminate the need of half the population to be employed. While there are potentially harmful ramifications from the advancement of computer power, no one would likely give up their use of internet. The benefits are so dramatic.
And now, we are confronted by the implications of global warming. And just as one nation cannot make the world safe from nuclear war, so global warming can only be addressed adequately by all nations joining in a massive and urgent effort to control the pollutants causing the increase in our global temperature.
As I then approach Christmas season and the end of another year, I am most thankful that my life span was commensurate with so many opportunities. It is difficult not to feel fortunate that my life will be spared from confronting the possible serious problems that our world may experience. The problem that I, and others of my generation, have is that we are concerned about our children and grandchildren who will undoubtedly be involved in some existentially critical situations. What will they think about their ancestors?
I have to hope that the awesome possibilities will be addressed by our national leaders. The alternative is too painful to consider. But the world’s problems surely making dying take on a more positive hue! The problems confronting our world will deserve the best of our leaders I only hope that the challenges will bring out the best.
While I have concerns about the future, I am a happy camper who appreciates his life. I could not ask for more. A beautiful wife, wonderful children, a great experience with the Veterans Administration, and great health. I wish the same for everyone and hope that, somehow or other, the younger generation will measure up to the burdens that confront them.
