It’s the first Monday of 2021.

I’m overwhelmed by the possibilities. For myself, for my country and the international community.

I don’t think of myself as an optimist or a pessimist. I’m a realist. But even so, I’m realistically hopeful.

Believing that no good comes from the bad is unpalatable to me. The divisions in our country have angered, depressed and frightened many, but isn’t it good to know the truth? The divisions were always there. The first step in addressing and correcting a problem is admitting you have one. Oh we have one, or two, or 22.

So now we know. Let’s work it out, because I for one, do not want a divorce. After all, we have a growing child between us – democracy. She’s fragile and for now not thriving. I say let’s stay together for the kids and watch this one take off and grow.

I read the other day about someone jailed in Saudi Arabia for having an opinion and expressing it. Instantly I felt ashamed for complaining about my country. Ever. As unpleasant as it is, our fighting – our wonderful fighting – is possible because we live in a democracy. You got your opinion and I got mine.

It’s 2021. I’m ready – now who wants to fight?