A Year That Was

Another 365 days in the life of our planet will be marked by a number around the world. The end of another decade will be dissected and discussed as humanity still finds itself grappling with the eternal questions of war, poverty, nuclear weapons, terrorism, hunger and the destruction of its home, planet earth, and the species that share that space with them. Yet we seem to hope and seek promise, even though the future seems much too worrisome to pass on to our children. As without "hope" humanity is left with nothing but its own demise.

It is customary this time of the year, for the press to scurry around highlighting the high and low moments of the past, notably mention famous people who have passed on, and pick their "person of the year". It is also a tradition for people to gather in the streets and living rooms around the world to welcome the sun as though it were brand new. All in the act of celebrating the obvious.

The essence of humanity is to believe in a better tomorrow, while all its actions and behavior are largely in contradiction to it, mostly clouded by greed, consumerism and the incessant need for self preservation at the detriment of what gives it sustenance. We still believe we can turn the clock around and control the environment we live in. The recent collapse of the Copenhagen Climate Summit was a glaring example of how humanity is still segregated by borders even when its own survival is at stake. While individual citizens recognize the futility in trusting their governments, and take action in as mundane ways as turning off the light when they leave the room, a daunting question stares us in the face, is it too late?

As history proves, individuals with lofty ideas have always changed the world in seismic ways. In this new year the question one should ask one self is, can I be that person in my own small way? It is what it is.