Almost everyone agrees that 2009 is ending on a troubled or fearsome note. That leaves little space for my tendency toward optimism. Yet I still remain optimistic.
Why? I believe that the activism of free individuals, alone and in concert, is an increasing force in the US and elsewhere in the world. This activism is near the tipping point of capability to overturn the heretofore entrenched oligarchies of the self-serving. In 2010, this revolt of the masses will begin toppling power structures that restrict instead of serving to enlarge opportunities.
Although some shifts may be radical, it won’t be a revolt led by radicals nor will radicals take over in its wake. The revolt toward individual freedoms will be by the majorities of common-sense pragmatists, empowered by modern means to communicate and organize despite statist efforts to stifle these abilities. Extremists and false populists will be more quickly exposed and rejected.
Whatever their political label, the entrenched oligarchies throughout the world are as one in their primacy upon feathering and protecting their own nests. In most countries their selfish actions are recognized as already or becoming over-reaching, with reckless abandon endangering existing or nascent basic freedoms and economic security. Rapidly expanding numbers of citizens are moving to activism, in the voting booths and the streets, as excuses, rationalizations, and lies are less and less tolerated.
Realities are unavoidable. Those on the left admit that their year of “hope” has instead been politically hackneyed, essentially hollow, and played out. Those on the right tend to get mired in the undeniable fears that across the board the acts of those in control of Washington have set us up for disasters, from economy-stifling taxes and spending to restricted and intrusive health care to weakened national security to fickled alliances. Those less overtly partisan struggle to even find a middle-ground between troubled and afraid.
In 2010, those who wish to lead and succeed will be innovative, constructive optimists who unite us to go beyond just complaining. The US is still the leader of the world’s aspirations because we are more selflessly optimistic, and act that way. As we, the people, again show the way, those elsewhere in the world will be encouraged to move in a similar direction toward demanding and getting increased freedom from failed oligarchies of greed.
The coming year will not be the end of statist profiteers, but the optimistic beginning of their end, at least for this generation.
Tracked: Jan 08, 12:37