A New Year, a new opportunity

Welcome to 2025. This first month of the year gets its name from a mythical Roman god named Janus. A study in contrast, Janus is described in Greek literature as a mix of the future and the lingering past and has appropriately been depicted in history with two faces, one looking forward and the other looking back. January is a month of contrasts, the old and new. In another archaic work of literature from much later, the theme of contrast gives rise to another old saying from the world of the ancient mariner. You may still occasionally hear it today. The often quoted line of moral direction is actually meteorologically accurate; ”red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning”. Now it might be starting to feel like eighth grade English class, and I am not abandoning my New Year’s resolution to be more positive and hopeful, but so far this year the dawning sky of 2025 seems to be tinged with an expanding red glow and a slightly ominous tone. We are not even at the middle point of January, and the unsettled state of the world unfortunately seems to be increasing in its “unsettledness”. Whether it’s the anguish and sorrow brought about by the senseless acts in New Orleans in recent days, or the conflicts and threatening situations that are continuing to bubble in trouble spots around the world, there is a spreading evil at work that seems to have all the characteristics of a “warning”. Seldom have we seen more territorial, zonal and regional upheavals and armed clashes going on simultaneously on this planet. I’m not a “one world” advocate, but it is hard to argue the proposition that ripples emanating from one side of the globe don’t affect life on the other side. We can debate the causes and the cures of the challenges facing us at home and abroad, but more importantly, we should realize that this country is now at a unique crossroads. For a small window of time, we have the opportunity to pull forward from four years of a muddled, disorganized morass of national missteps, stumbles and deception and establish a pragmatic, business-like approach to government that will counter the failed liberal policies, the diminished respect for laws and simple justice, the far-left progressive ideas, and the overreaching regulatory culture that has weakened the power and influence of our country and its economy and global standing. Even though it is barely recognizable now compared to former years, America is still first and foremost in terms of the freedoms and way of life that inspire people around this world. The path ahead for citizens of this country who believe we can do better, regardless of party affiliation, requires a personal commitment to honestly examine, engage and participate in the direction and future of the land you call home. You may not always agree on the views or the conversation, but you can always be present and always be a part. It is not exaggeration to say that your future, the future of your family and the collective future of this country can only reach its true potential with an America united in purpose. January, 2025 can be a restructuring of what we knew as the best of America and what we know is possible once again in the America of tomorrow.

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