MY TURN-Online, print columnists and the TV “talking heads” are either revisiting their predictions made this time last year … or coming up with their crystal ball predictions for 2015.
I’ve done a lot of perusing of their efforts in order to come up with words of wisdom for this final column of 2014 but to no avail. I think it’s because I have mixed emotions about the celebration of the New Year.
On one hand, psychologically speaking, it becomes a blank slate and anything is possible.
We are going to lose that 20 pounds finally and engage in an exercise program; go after that piece of business that was so elusive; spend more time with the kids; volunteer in organizations that do good work; meet the love of our life; rekindle the romance with a spouse; be nicer and more understanding to our in-laws … yada … yada … yada.
I’m not being cynical. It is therapeutic to think we can accomplish these goals. Most people, whether they physically write it down or make a mental list, do some self evaluation at the end of the year. Of course studies show that only 20% actually accomplish some of these New Year’s resolutions.
What about the grandiose plans for New Year ’s Eve? Most people feel as if this has to be the best night of the year and I’ll bet that 90% are disappointed that it didn’t live up to their expectations.
What was so wrong with the old year that we have to have this false gaiety to usher it out? Yes, for some people the year brought loss, illness, financial worries, personal disappointments. This happens every year. But for most of us, 2014 turned out much better than we expected in many respects.
On a macro level the stock market, GNP, unemployment, healthcare coverage accomplished great gains. Yes, the world is not enjoying the freedom from violence; the economic opportunities; the general health that we in the U.S and particularly in Southern California almost take for granted. Bad things still happen to good people.
I have come to hate those late night commercials where dogs are being abused and killed; children have no schools or drinking water, and Veterans need support from non-profit groups because the government isn’t doing its part.
“For just $19.00 a month” it says we can cure all these ills. If only that were possible. Talk about inducing guilt? The people developing those TV Ads should come up “Why You Must Vote” commercials. A little guilt is good if it accomplishes something worthy.
Yes, I have signed up for those monthly donations for various causes, as I am sure many of you have. I must admit I do check out their validity and overhead costs first. I am not completely gullible.
We are moving into this year 2015 with lots of baggage.
1) Economic Inequity- The ramifications for this continued growing gap between the top echelon and the rest of the working population can eventually destroy our way of life. Remember Marie Antoinette and her immortal “Let them eat cake.” It is also a root cause for many of the other challenges we face.
2) The Police Force in Minority Communities- Perception becomes a reality and the tension and resentment between the two in many communities must be altered. There is blame on both sides. Where are the community leaders who advocate for kids staying in school, respecting their teachers and each other and probably most important…where is the parental influence?
On the other side there is a huge gap between the minorities and the white communities in both arrests and “stop and frisk”. That must change if we are to progress as a society. Are there bullies in the police force … of course there are … as there are in all parts of our society.
3) Education-I don’t know if the “Core” program is the answer but with all of the smart people working in the educational sector there has to be solutions. We as a society can’t afford to have an illiterate populous. There are so many inspiring teachers who are involved in successful programs across the nation. Maybe using them to develop curriculum, instead of administrators making the decisions, might be an answer? It couldn’t hurt!
Higher Education should be available to all. It doesn’t mean a strictly academic program. It means advanced training in those things that the individual can master…whether it be plumbing or nuclear science that gives him/her personal and financial satisfaction; grows our economy and makes life easier for all of us.
4) World Conflicts- Personal opinion: I don’t think the U.S. can solve the world’s problems. I also don’t think that we can remake the world in our own image. At the same time, we also CANNOT allow genocide. There are so many people professing to have answers to all of the world’s conflicts. I am NOT one of them! I do agree with some of the experts that what we are experiencing now is the new “normal.” This baggage is not likely to be checked in my lifetime.
5) Leadership- We as a nation do not encourage great leaders. By the time one is elected to a leadership role they have compromised on so many things, that mediocrity and masses amounts of money is what wins elections. One may have a great message, but if there aren’t sufficient finances to get the message out…it does no good. Where are our future leaders coming from?
Those are some of the more important macro hangover baggage from 2014.
Since all politics is supposedly local … what do we Angelenos have to look forward to in 2015?
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I know some of you will disagree but hopefully it is more of the same. It seems like criticism for local government is at an all time low. We have a primary election coming up in March. Half of the City Council are either up for election or are being termed out. Only one City Council member is running unopposed .
There has been some good starts. Being able to look at our total financial picture with the click of a mouse makes an opportunity for a much more informed electorate. Fixing potholes, cleaning the streets, building a feeling of City unity are all positives and hopefully will continue.
We have a lot of carryover baggage to solve:
● City Pension Growth
● Earthquake Retrofitting
● Water Distribution and Conservation
● Transportation Issues
● Infrastructure Fixes
● Uncompetitive Business Ordinances
● Education Conflicts
● Minority Community Police Conflicts
● Apathetic Voters
I am sure you will let me know others which should be added to the list.
Are we going to find solutions to all in 2015? Not a chance. We can only hope to make some progress.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Neighborhood Council System (NC). I have been both an observer and an activist in this movement and its potential to help our City is still enormous, and dear to my heart.
It faces a real challenge going into the future. It is poised at a fork in the road…either rising to a higher, stronger position in the City or gradually dying out. Its biggest weakness, in my opinion, is lack of new leadership. There is no mechanism to encourage young people to participate. There are too many NC’s where the leadership rotates among the same group of people. For many it is a “power trip”-
I do want to express my appreciation to all of you who have allowed me into your reading space. I hope I have stirred the pot a little and discussed issues that affect all of us living in this imperfect but wonderful City. My gratitude to CW Editor Ken Draper for his vision and relentless search for multiple opinions on the news.
The demographics show that CW readers are many of the movers and shakers in the City. It receives 3.5 million “hits” per week and even though its focus is on Los Angeles, readers are spread out in many corners of the world.
And so, we look forward to this march into a new year and fervently wish that we make progress on both our national and local challenges and that each of you continues to do what you can … when you can.
As always comments welcome.
(Denyse Selesnick is a featured CityWatch columnist. She is a former Publisher/journalist/international event organizer. Denyse can be reached at: [email protected])
-cw
