Season of hope

"I am looking forward to 2020," I wrote six months ago, "because I'm feeling optimistic. I can't say why, exactly, but when I think of the year ahead my heart lifts a little, so I'm going to listen to my heart, despite the scandals, rumors, lies, and devastating events that are sure to come in the new year."

I wasn't wrong about the scandals, etc., but I still feel optimistic. Oh, I know we still have the virus to contend with; we still have racist killings and politicized violence and a mafia-like government eroding democracy. We're not finished with all that.

But consider how—not just in the U.S. but across the globe—millions of people of all ages and races and colors have marched in support of Black Lives Matter, recognizing at last the depths of systemic racism and the unending cost to innocent people's lives. Look at the quick response to remove Confederate flags and monuments—actions unimagined a year ago. See the yellow BLM murals stretching down city streets across the country and tell me this doesn't deserve a little optimism.

There are other reason for hope as well. We can thank the virus for clarifying the unconscionable economic inequality that's been allowed to grow almost unrestrained for the last 40 years. It has shown us that the people we owe the most to are those we treat with disdain, taking them for granted while ignoring the accompanying degradation in healthcare, education, housing, and more. To solve a problem one first has to recognize it, and the virus has exposed the deep cracks in our society in ways nothing else could. I welcome that.

Yes, there are no easy fixes. Yes, we are still a divided country with a weakened economy and a threatened democracy. And yes, the problems are complex and may take generations to rectify.

But I know we are on the cusp of change and beginning at long last to recognize our common humanity. When that happens, when enough of us know without doubt that we are one, the world can change on a dime.

And that's why my heart is still telling me that 2020 is a year for optimism.

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A few days ago a friend sent this segment of a video interview. I had not heard of Zack Bush M.D. but I was and am impressed with his ability to so clearly communicate what offers hope to us all. It's just 11 minutes, so if you can, please watch.

https://youtu.be/aLaVutWXju0