2024, Here We Go....
It's going to be chaos, but we have a message for you.
“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Just a quick note from The Banter to wish you all a very Happy New Year! While we often sound pessimistic about the state of the world (and particularly the United States), the truth is we’re fundamentally an optimistic bunch. Bob, Justin and I would not be doing this if we did not believe that decency and compassion will ultimately prevail. 2024 is going to determine the trajectory of human history in a number of different ways — from the US election to the Ukrainian battle for survival — the global order is going to be severely tested.
Pessimism is an easy trap to fall into, and one that is probably pointless. No one knows what the future holds — we get to decide it with our actions. So we might as well believe things will turn out for the best given that belief can spur action. As the great Muhammed Ali once said, “Once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen."
Things happened in 2008 when the first African American got elected to office in a nation that once used black people as slaves. Things happened in 2020 when Americans saved themselves from despotism by booting out a tyrant. Things can happen in 2024 too as democracy teeters yet again on the brink. So keep the faith. We’re going to need it.
Ben and the team at Banter
Hi Banter gang, I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year. I agree with you, Ben, that we do have the power to make things happen; we shouldn't just give in to feelings of pessimism, especially during this crucial election year when we have the power once more to reject the dictates of a would-be dictator who aspires to the highest level of authority in the land just to get back at his political enemies. This is not why we elect a president!
I look forward to hearing your analysis of burning issues of the day in 2024 as put forth in your weekly podcasts and to your insightful articles. May this momentous year end favorably for all of us!
Happy New Year!