We can all take a collective sigh of relief: 2020 is finally coming to a close. Though there is no light beaming on the horizon to comfort us in the year to come, there is reason enough to momentarily celebrate the end of this tumultuous year.
Collectively, we have gone through hell, but we have only grown even more divided. Though we are unlikely to catch a break in these last days before the calendar year graciously ends, it is a time to take a breath, be reflective on the year behind us and chart a path for the year ahead.
I am not one to make predictions for what is to come. Who could have predicted the madness of 2020? However, I do have some hopes- however wishful- for the year ahead.
Our goal should try to be to address the roots of the racial and economic issues that have defined our year. If there is anything that could attempt to undo the damage of 2020, it would be a second stimulus check to help the millions of Americans harmed in the economic recession incurred by the coronavirus pandemic. Other measures like another lockdown accompanied by a massive economic recovery plan should be taken as well.
COVID-19 and the political tensions of our country will not go away when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Despite the campaign promises of our president-elect, there is no returning to normal, especially if neoliberal austerity is the ticket back. We can only move through our current moment by ensuring working Americans are protected by instating national rent cancellations, providing everyone- regardless of income or ability- with a stimulus check and providing free medical care to ensure no one has to worry about providing for themselves in addition to navigating the stress of the pandemic.
Next year will not be guaranteed to be better than this one, but with some work we can make it so.
