The Ides of December

 It has been a while since I've written.  Last time I was excited by the prospects of Congestion Pricing. This is no longer true. As the plans have developed, they have revealed a great deal of financial inequities for the residents of New Jersey and may create environmental problems for those living in Bergen County, Harlem, Washington Heights and University Heights in the Bronx.

At the same time, I've been saddened by the global events. Actually traumatized. I feel that the world is upside down. I'm frustrated by the politics of war. Most notably those in Gaza and Israel. Too many innocent people have been killed. Any hope for peace have been dashed, and the dreams of a two-state solution fade further from our imaginations.  

And while the rules of war have not been observed in the Middle East or Ukraine, they have also not been observed in the African conflicts that the mainstream press has ignored. Thousands have also been killed in Congo and South Sudan. Additionally hundreds of women have been raped and children have been abducted. Homelessness and famine are constant reminders of global instability. 

I fear for this generation. How can they have confidence in governments or the humanity of their elders? How can they navigate the false narratives that nation states spread to justify wars and suppression?

Once again, I'm frustrated by our national politics. The fight between Republicans and Democrats is promoting stagnation.  Antisemitism is being used as a weapon by people who don't like Jews.  Abortion rights are being teased as a religious issue with criminal penalty. Border migrants are transported to northern cities as a stunt to force national discontent.

Of course, the shadow of Donald Trump is becoming representative of all that is wrong with America.  January 6th stands in as the playbook for the 2024 election. Meanwhile the former president is facing multiple criminal cases. He continues to break every social norm and his party refuses acknowledge his wrong doing.

What is clear is that our American society is being pulled apart. Americans are being thrust into global issues at a time when political chatter is promoting isolation.  National and international knowledge is at an all-time low and everyone has an opinion. Ill-informed Americans generate more conversation than informed ones. There is a mistrust of the press and mainstream television news. Yet, loyalty to networks overshadows liable lawsuits.

At the end of the 20th century, America's role was to be the voice of reason and justice. Since the beginning of the 21st century, America's claim to this title is becoming increasingly suspect.


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