As I moved
through the last couple of days I hesitated wishing people I encountered a Happy New Year.
Deep inside I see the hipocrisy because as I look forward I don't see a
happy year at all. With threats to the very foundations of our democracy and
some very personal, I just don't see a happy 2025 ahead.Personally, first is Social Security which
Republicans have been trying to get rid of since the days of Franklin Roosevelt
when it was installed. I depend largely on Social Security which I paid into
since 1958. Second, the place where I live is partially subsidized by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, a target in itself. Just considering those two I feel
like there is a big old target on my back and I am not alone. But even if they
survive there are other threats. It appears everything is going to get more
expensive. This was made clear by a comment from the head of Walmart who
despite his expected income of $1.66 billion BILLION this year, he says prices
in their stores will have to rise. And we wonder where inflation comes from.
The threats of potential attacks on our social structure, our very health, go
on and on while a Congressional majority stands ready to fulfill what they
think is a mandate and a packed Supreme Court sits ready to approve it all. So,
forgive me if I hesitate to say Happy New Year and while I attend to my discomfort
with it. I don't intend to give in and let it happen, but I have to wonder what
an 82-year-old Alaskan could do about it on my own. At present I am in process searching
for ways I can help stem this tide, I have some thoughts and meanwhile I think
Sen. Bernie Sanders has taken a good step.
