Happy New Year! A Wish List for 2021
Wishing everyone a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2021! The last year really kicked our collective behinds, and as we start a new one, here is hoping it is much, much better for the everyday man. With that, here is a wish list for 2021:
Saying no to extremity and tribalism (aka, MGAA: Making Government Accountable Again)
2020 seemed to be the culmination of a long stretch of divide and conquer politics, and whilst many movements had good intentions, it’s my strong belief that several often end up as an artful distraction. Whilst people fell into strongly opposed camps on lockdowns, Trump, Black Lives Matter, Brexit and gender pronouns, how much focus was left on what our governments and politicians had promised? Here’s to more unity and improved transparency, healthcare, schools, economies, infrastructure and responsible spending budgets (can’t believe I said that) receiving half as much attention in 2021.
An end to wokeness (or maybe not)
I’m torn on this one, as it has been just as hilarious as it has been alarming. Besides, we’ll likely need some more laughs this year.
A holistic, public health policy around Covid-19
This means just as much investment and focus on promising treatments, as vaccines have received, so that lockdowns stop being the default option. It also means continued care for those suffering from other illnesses, and taking mental health seriously in these difficult times.
Respect for our civil liberties
Not just by our governments, but even more importantly, by us. At the end of the day, we’re the ultimate beneficiaries and the ones with the most interest in protecting them. I came across this (admittedly harsh) quote by Benjamin Franklin, which resonated. It highlights what a lax attitude to our rights might lead to, particularly in the face of continuously extended lockdowns and ever-shifting goalposts:
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
Defending and restoring free speech
Following on from the previous wish, here’s to a 2021 of vigorous and lively debate again. Last year saw unexpected affronts to free speech and diverging views. People were “cancelled” for the slightest of comments, with many losing their livelihoods for having a different opinion. Social media censored both news and ideas, dismissively labelling them as “misinformation” or “conspiracy theories”. As many wise people have said, in an open society bad ideas are routinely exposed and come up short in free debate against good ones - it is strangely paternalistic for anyone to decide what we can or cannot be exposed to. Control and funneling of information can only breed distrust (we’re already witnessing this) and throughout history, has always been synonymous with more restrictive societies - never freer ones. I’ll continue to have faith in our collective ability to discern right from wrong, and the outlandish from the truth.
The return of (investigative) journalism
It’s a sad state of affairs to have learnt more on certain issues from fringe media and political commentators, than through our most esteemed news outlets last year. Of course there were, as have always been, outstanding journalists who wrote courageous pieces and in addition, there’s undoubtedly the fight with editors on what actually goes to print. In any event, media seemed to get more politically polarised last year, leaving room for dangerous blind spots on what is actually going on in relation to important topics. Until this wish is granted, it seems we will all have to be more proactive about the news we consume.
And finally, just getting back to normal!
If we learnt anything in 2020, it is about the basic human need for contact and connection. Many people who lost loved ones will not be able to just simply get back to normal this year, and here is hoping that the New Year offers them much needed solace and relief, and that in addition, as many of us as possible are able to raise a glass with more of our friends and loved ones, and can touch and hug them with abandon once again!
