Predictions, Hopes

When you have four children, you know that there is seldom one thing they all agree upon. However, I know this is one instance when it would happen. There is a unanimous opinion among my Fabulous Four that invariably my predictions seldom or never come true. Admittedly, they are correct, but who knows, there is always a first time so here goes.

PREDICTION:

2016 will be remembered as the T and C year. The two candidates will dominate the news, and the fun of the political theatre we enjoyed during 2015 will dissipate rapidly as the election draws closer. The political seers will be louder and more dismissive of the voters’ opinions, and both candidates rhetoric will spiral downward as the race gets closer. Their words will take on a decidedly sharper edge, and accusations will flow with ease.

The deciding factor will be either an unexpected event or affirmative recognition of either of the candidates by the young independent voter, and this will ultimately trigger the selection of a new Leader for our country.

I was blessed to spend time over the holidays with a bright young woman, and of course, the conversation led into the current political arena. I queried her not so much on her personal choices, but those of her peer group. Surprisingly, she said their candidate of choice was neither T nor C, but S. She admitted it was an unrealistic program he proposes, and her friends were aware of that, but they liked the political utopia he suggests because in her words, “It is our future to decide.” However, she then went on to acknowledge, that while her contacts had strong opinions and views, few of them planned on voting. I was unable to hide my shock, and while she understood my disapproval, she did not believe any of the candidates in the current political arena will be able to change this mindset during the upcoming months. A paradox that will indeed contribute to making 2016 a highly interesting year.

HOPES;

I spent six hours in a local airport waiting for a delayed flight over the holidays due to weather. The Terminal was literally wall to wall people; some with young children clutching life size animals, others carrying musical instruments, and more than a small percentage of aged travelers sitting in wheelchairs waiting for their flight.

The combination of an unusually warm morning, and the amount of people in the area resulted in an overheated situation uncomfortable for everyone.

Still I cannot recall such an outpouring of consideration, concern and thoughtfulness for fellow men as I encountered that day. Christmas spirit may explain some of it, but I must believe the tensions of 2015 also contributed to the atmosphere. If I could hope, it would be to see such incredible concern for all mankind continue throughout the coming year.

DREAMS;

Ah, dreams, do not need a basis in reality, do they? If I have one, it might be that an invitation I extended during the year that has past would be accepted in the days to come.

Meanwhile, hopefully, 2016 falls into the category of “The Best of Times” for all of us.