MY CRYSTAL BALL IS FOGGY

It is that time of year for reflection, both looking back at the year ending and anticipating the New Year.

If you were to assign one word to describe 2011, “turbulent” comes to mind immediately.

Start with the weather: worldwise, I can’t recall one year with so many natural disasters, ranging from earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan to a plethora of tornados in America.

Then look at politics across the world: the Arab spring in northern Africa and the Mideast , a spring that is increasing to four seasons and even infecting Russia.

Then look at nations. Even the Chinese are facing problems of handling growth and a rising middle class wanting their fair share. India is going through growing pains. Democracy is beginning to sprout even in Burma (Mynamar). Iran is going through internal battles between the clerics and secular leadership with a suppressed democratic movement. Iraq, with the Americans out, seems to be heading for more religious warfare between the Sunnis and the Shiites. Syria is facing a civil war. Israel and Palestine are same old , same old, squabbling, hating and nullifying the attempted peace process.

Then look at the economies of Europe. Europe is in deep doo-doo with the southern members deeply in debt and the richer nations balking at long-term solutions involving their wealth. They are stemming the flow of fiscal blood but not facing up to long-term solutions to stimulate economies and create growth. The euro is feeling the pain.

Then look at us in the U.S.A. A bitterly divided partisanship has infected the governmental process, preventing us from doing what needs to be done for job stimulus, tax reform, growing the economy, et al. We would much rather call each other names and shout at each other, while governance suffers the consequences of inaction.

Yes, I think “turbulent” is the apt word.

And what for 2012? More of the same, I’m afraid. I hope the weather will improve with a minimum of disasters, but my crystal ball doesn’t work too well in that area.

Growing expectations among those seeking more from life will continue to be the norm, I’m sure; once you’ve turned that faucet on, it’s a lot harder to turn it off because of the pressure generated.

I worry about the Middle East and pray that Iran-Palestine-Syria-Israel won’t blow up, igniting a conflagration far beyond that geographical area.

2012 could be the year the euro either lives or dies. Right now it is in terminal condition.

Here in the U.S., perhaps the election will make us move in new directions and create some political and economic actions. But that isn’t until November, so we’re probably faced with more of the same problems of governing.. The only bright light is the economy does seem to be, slowly but surely, reviving.

What do you think and see? My crystal ball is wearing out. In any case, one sure thing, I wish you all the best for an improved and constructive and happy New Year.