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2024 has been an incredible year full of surprises, and it ends as unpredictably as it started. Donald Trump accomplished what only one other president has, Grover Cleveland in 1892, in having two non-consecutive election victories. But although this triumph ranks as the event of the year, there are others. Joe Biden renounced his re-election bid even when he had the delegates committed to re-nominate him. And of course, the attempt on Trump's life in Butler, Pennsylvania. It was quite a year.
For Americans, there was a feeling of foreboding during this period. Wars raged in Ukraine and Israel, with peace threatened in the Levant. And although the economy improved and stock prices were at record levels, the fear of inflation remained. Many people were concerned with their own level of wealth and were not ringing in the New Year with any sense of confidence.
But the United States is resilient and most of us will face the New Year with hope. Many of us will make resolutions, promptly forgetting them within weeks. Yet the spirit of self-improvement that has inspired many an inventor, investor, and entrepreneur will spill over into 2025. Americans may growl and grouse a bit, but they retain an optimism not only for themselves but for their children, grandchildren, families, and fellow human beings.
Despite elections, political differences, and disagreements, citizens of the US have more in common than often supposed. This explains the spirit of generosity and goodwill that manifests itself during disasters and at Christmas. A New Year restores their hope that perhaps people can refresh and renew themselves.
And the nation can draw on history for comfort. America has survived many a challenge, including the Civil War, two World Wars, financial panics, and periodic spells of spiritual depression and doubt. But the individual is not lost if they try to push forward. All of us have been challenged from time to time and are tempted to throw in the towel. But if you vow to curb the tendency to despair then good things can come around -- many times when least expected. Politics and government cannot really change anyone's life unless the individual makes the first move. Happiness comes from accepting responsibility and refusing to blame others.
We can try to understand those who harbor opinions and attitudes contrary to our own. Instead of fighting on the same corner, coffee house, or lecture hall, we can try to see the world from another lens. I learned years ago that politics is a poor place from which to pick your friends. Admittedly, those for whom you may disagree with in civil affairs you might actually like more than those you share opinions but little else.
As we approach January 1, 2025, let's keep this in mind, politics can make no one really happy. The interaction between friends, and family (with a nod to our own mortality) can perhaps build a favorable appreciation of our situation.
In the spirit of hope, I wish all of you every good fortune in the next year.