OPINION: Hope?

Many of us pin our hopes on future events that are out of our control. Oftentimes, the events we can't control never had a chance in any other universe --even in those universes we could imagine. 

What am I driving at?

The world has changed quite a bit since the start of the world pandemic -- the freedoms that seemed immutable at the start of 2020 may never return. Travel to other countries may be predicated on proof of immunization-- and worse yet, not all vaccines are created equal. The present Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being held back until enough data can address the issue of potential blood clots. The clotting, for the most part, occurs in women of child bearing age. Pharmaceutical companies are slowly positioning themselves with newer COVID drugs and vaccines -- in the hopes that life can return to something resembling normalcy. The pharmaceutical giants hope to not lose their profitable edge by having their scientists throw the kitchen sink at the problem. In a previous post, I listed the COVID pipeline drugs, and they numbered well past 50. 

While many corporations will go out of business, the loss of jobs and profit streams will change the face of the planet. It might drive some countries to wage war on neighboring countries or their cold war adversaries. It may turn into a humbling experience, and I dare say one where suffering will be ignored for the sake of expediency. 

In the past, when suffering wasn't acceptable, the well-off helped their poor. Governments (as some do, presently) stepped up aid and gave their citizens a sense of security. We entered the current  fiasco because many seemingly could not remember the lessons from the past. The Great Depression of the twentieth century may be a reminder that -- 'there really isn't anything to fear but fear itself..' While we have as yet to enter Depression-like circumstances, we need to remember we control our own destinies. 

The Issue of Hope?

The aphorism, 'hope springs eternal,' should remind us there will be better days ahead. However, for many, the current circumstances seem to dictate change is on the way. With nearly 25% of the US population not wanting the vaccine, troubling times maybe dead ahead. For anyone who remembers the movie, Titanic, the quotation “ice berg dead ahead” may seem appropriate. While I am personally hopeful, I issue the following warning to those who doubt the direness of the situation: ‘be careful what you wish for!’