Taking a Look at 2009

Where are we headed in 2009? A new administration lies in wait. The degree of hope, anticipation, and expectation is palpable. The number of challenges in every conceivable sphere seems overwhelming. What to do first? How to prioritize? How to avoid the many pitfalls? Can Republicans and Democrats, or even Democrats and Democrats really work together to solve problems? In the words of the President-elect, how will 'this time' really be different from all the other times?

Let's take a look at the challenges. First, there's the domestic front. The recession doesn't seem to be going away. The infrastructure stimulus appears to be the first order of business. There is the ongoing bailout of the auto industry. What's to be done with the remaining billions in the Wall Street bailout - can we at least add greater accountability as we continue to spend these funds? Are we looking at additional bailouts down the road? Do we need to do more about housing, which was the initial culprit in the present crisis? What about health care and energy initiatives? I think you get the idea.

Let's not forget international affairs. Can we find at least a semi-positive resolution in Iraq? Are we in danger of plunging too deeply into a new quagmire in Afghanistan? What about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process? We have just learned that Israel has started bombing in Gaza. That doesn't seem to be helpful. How are we going to enhance the stature of our country overseas? What about Iran and North Korea, or India and Pakistan? What surprises are out there that we may not even be thinking about now?

I understand that the President-elect has found himself in the dark as he vacations in Hawaii. In fact the entire island of Oahu wound up without power. What kind of an omen is this? Does this signal a sense of impending doom as we try to tackle the oncoming problems we face? Perhaps, rather, it suggests that we are starting out in darkness or with serious problems; but the lights are about to come on, if only slowly, as we begin the new year of 2009. I find the latter a much preferred interpretation of the darkness omen.

One thing is certain, there will be no shortage of issues and stories for reporters to write about, and bloggers to blog about in 2009. It would be nice if we tread a bit gently on the new adminsistration. Let's give them a chance to get their feet on the ground. Maybe we can look for small and gradual successes instead of expecting the waters of the Red Sea to be parted in the first week. Unquestionably the enormity of the task is daunting. But as the old chinese proverb tells us, the journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step.

Happy New Year.