The start of a new year is traditionally a time for sweeping out the old and welcoming in the new, when we resolve to do better and be better, and make positive changes.
On a lot of wish lists for the new year is a heartfelt, fingers-crossed plea that COVID-19 would disappear into whatever malevolent alternate universe it came from. That virus has left us as a land divided.
Some people fly the Canadian flag to show their support for our country’s leaders, while others fly it for the opposite reason. At some point during the height of the pandemic, vaccines transformed from something medical into a highly-politicized issue, to the detriment of our entire society.
Canada became less law-abiding, less polite and definitely less tolerant – it was our choice. It could also our choice to reverse that decision.
On that note, we wish people would stop looking at homeless people as dangerous, and start seeing them as fellow human beings. Most of us are only a few paycheques or run of bad luck away from joining their ranks.
As the cost of housing, food and fuel continue to rise, while people on government benefits and pensions see little or no increase in their already meagre income, it is inevitable more people will lose the battle to keep a roof over their heads.
We can only hope that the start of a new year leads more of us to resolve to be compassionate and generous, and to remind our elected leaders whenever necessary that we did not vote for them to make sure their well-heeled friends are looked after. We voted for them to make sure all Canadians and Ontarians are looked after.
Our wish for the new year is that they remember the future will not judge them by how well they responded to the wants of the rich, but to the needs of the poor.
Locally, we wish climate change were no longer an issue, with its flash flooding, droughts, blistering heat waves, and ferocious storms.
Yes, there is a need for top-level support for scientific discoveries and worldwide climate initiatives, but there is an even greater need for grassroots actions, however small. Speaking of which, grass roots and the roots of all other plants do a lot better without cigarette debris and toxic chemicals dumped on them.
Locally, we wish the new year will bring a new resolve to stop bullying wherever it happens.
The new directors of Hockey Canada have it wrong – positive change will not be something that happens at the top and trickles down. It is something that is already happening at local arenas and is finally making its way to the top levels of sports.
Our sports leaders, be they international stars or the assistant coach of a little kids’ team, have not only the power but the responsibility to show the way – good sportsmanship, decency, ethical behaviour and generosity of spirit belong not only on the ice and sports field, but in the home, classroom, office and on the streets.
In 2023, let there be more people who choose not to let fly with venomous diatribes either verbally or via social media. Too many of these outbursts end up being racist or sexist in nature, and there is no room for that in a world that is becoming more crowded. When there are a lot of noses within easy reach of our fists, it behoves us to keep those fists at our sides, not flailing in all directions.
Let there be more of us who choose to keep our tempers in check, especially when driving. Let road rage become as socially relevant in 2023 as … well, a spittoon.
Wishing you and yours a kind, thoughtful and generous 2023.
Happy New Year!
