The Year Past and the One Ahead

by HarryT

The year 2024 was a whirlwind of technological marvels, global wars, and political shocks. At the dinner table on New Year’s day, Dad, Mom and the children discussed what had happened during the last year and the possibilities for the year ahead.

Steven, a freshman in college, was excited about the major breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology. A concept many thought was still in the future, but was now a reality.

Steve said, “Goggle, Apple and Microsoft are promoting their own forms of AI.”

Dad is the owner of a career placement company, and he agreed with his son, saying, “You are so right about AI. AI has taken over those tedious tasks for my business, including data entry, invoicing, scheduling, and accounting. It has freed our employees from working at a desk and allowed them to be in the field, engaging in face-to-face interviews with clients and employers. I also like the fact that we can use AI to sort through job applications and highlight top candidates, a real time saver. Our business is growing thanks to AI.”

Dad gazed for a moment at the crystal chandelier sparkling over the dining room table and said, “But I'm worried about the coming year regarding the environment, climate change and politics here and on the world scene.”

Mom chimed in, “What about the Supreme Court who took away a woman’s right to decide what she could do with her own body?”

“Right on, Mom,” Laura, a senior in high school, said.

Mom said, “Okay, time for me to bring dessert.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Mom, about both the denigration of women and the problems with climate,” Laura said. “Unchecked greenhouse gases and melting Arctic ice will cause the sea level rise over a foot by 2050, devastating coastal areas. And who is going to pay and take care of all these unwanted children who will be born because of the Supreme Court decision?”

Steve said, “I’m concerned about climate too. A climate denier has been elected president and says he is going to defund the clean energy programs and wants to keep drilling for more and more oil.”

“And there are more problems around the world,” Dad commented. “Genocide in Africa, religious wars in the Middle East and that attempted land grab by Vladimir Putin, plus the uniting of China, Russia and North Korea creating an axis of autocracy. Our world truly seems to be on the edge of a global eruption.”

Laura walked over to Dad and put a hand on his shoulder. “So, Dad, do you think 2025 will be as bad?”

Mom came into the dining room carrying a chocolate cake. “Hey, how about some chocolate cake and coffee?” She brightly said.

“Sounds good to me,” Steve said. “Nothing beats chocolate cake after a good meal.”

Mom cut four pieces of chocolate delight, and Laura poured the coffee.

Dad took a sip from his cup and looked at his wife and said, “One thing I know for sure, in the coming year, our family will stick together. As for the country and the world, I have deep concerns.”

“Why so, Dad?” Steve asked.

“I’m afraid the man our country elected as president is not up to the tasks of making our country and the world a better for all people. He seems so intent on punishing his enemies, helping his rich supporters and deporting people. I’m afraid I see not one bit of empathy or kindness in his soul. To put it concisely, his lack of humanity is the reason I’m so worried about our country over the next four years.”

“Yeah, but, Dad, don’t you think it’s good that he wants to Make America Great Again? You have to admit that prices are too high. He says he will give the middle class a tax break, and we know the border is a problem. And don’t you think like he says other countries take advantage of us?”

“You know, Steve, you must listen carefully when he speaks. He often lies. I think he would like to bring us back to the America of the 19th century.”

“What do you mean, Dad?” Laura asked.

“Well, we know from history that the rich controlled government for their own benefit in the 19th century and women had no voice over their own bodies back then and they were not accorded the same rights as men. For another thing, his saber-rattling about Panama and maybe going to war over Greenland are not issues that should be considered. I’m also fearful of what he will do since the Supreme Court has exempted his political actions from criminality, much like a king. He also wants to install punishing tariffs on imports, which will cause prices to go higher and we consumers will pay the price. Most economists say household items may increase as much as 35% over the next four years. Also, I don’t like his statements about using the FBI and the Justice Department to seek retribution against people he perceives as his enemies. Another thing is his chant of 'Drill, baby, drill.' We don’t need more oil, we need renewable energy sources. In short, I am fearful of the direction he will take our country.”

“Dad,” Laura said, “you have me worried. What do you think will happen?”

“Like I said, no doubt because of his tarriffs, prices will rise. I think the president will alienate many of our allies, especially those in NATO by giving his pal Putin what he wants. Climate change will remain a problem. I pity the poor people who came here looking for a safer, better life and who might face deportation because of ICE actions, despite having green cards or having been brought here as children. But, look guys, I don’t think 2025 will be all bad. I believe positive things may also happen, especially with the growth of technology. For example, education, for one, will benefit from instruction designed to fit the unique needs of individual students.

Steve interjected, “My professors are already using AI to enhance our learning opportunities.”

Laura added, "My teachers are using it to help us understand complex math problems."

"Yes, that's the kind of progress I am happy about. Also, I believe medical treatments will continue to improve but, there is a large caveat here, only if the person the president appoints to oversee our national health is qualified. I fear 2025 will be difficult under the oligarch, but I have hope for 2026."

“But Dad, do you think our country will be okay?” Laura asked.

“I do. We survived the first time when the man was in office and you guys and your friends are old enough to vote in 2026. I think your generation is a generation that can bring positive change to government. And most important, we need to pray that our democracy survives the next four years.”

“I can do that, Dad,” Steve said.

Laura nodded her head and Mom said, “Amen to that.”

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Family discusses the past and the future.

The Year Past and the One Ahead

by HarryT

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