JOHN E. SETTLE JR.
It’s that time of the year.
To sing “Auld Lang Syne,” toast with champagne, light fireworks, etc.
The poem penned by Robert Burns is set to the tune of a traditional folk song.
Traditionally, it is sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
It’s common to hear people say that they can’t wait until 2020 ends and a new year begins.
But will the experiences of 2020 -- be they good, bad or indifferent -- change at 12:01 am on Jan.1?
Most people want to erase 2020. To have a redo. A mulligan. To go back to “normal.”
In all honestly, life as it was before COVID-19 arrived in the U.S.A. will most likely never be the same.
Our grandparents said this about their way of life after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Many readers can relate to a life-changing event like the destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept 11.
Unlike Pearl Harbor and 911, the pandemic have not rallied Americans to defeat a common enemy.
Efforts to stop its spread and develop vaccines have not unified the nation, inspired mass sacrifice for the common good, or focused frustrations on the pandemic versus a political party or cause. And with the rollout of vaccines, the media
And with the rollout of vaccines, the media debate on whether or not to be vaccinated has caused more division among citizens.
Maybe it’s time to start a local campaign with that slogan -- “Beat Covid.” Pass out lapel pins, bumper stickers and face masks with that slogan.
Such a campaign could be a unifier, a cause that ALL citizens could believe in, endorse and support.
A “Defeat Covid” movement would certainly link the good and bad of 2020 with the reality and hopes for 2021.
Think about it. What would be a better way to say good-bye to a forgettable year than with the promise of a new start?
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE December 30 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.