As 2017 comes to an end, I look forward with great trepidation and apprehension about what will happen in the New Year. The world appears to be worst off than it was before. The harsh consequences of climate change appeared regularly while politicians debate whether or not humans are partly responsible for its continued acceleration. The administration of the world’s largest contributor has buried its head in the sand, preferring to sacrifice the environment on the business alter of multinational corporations. So sad, so sad, and so dangerous!
The United States and Russia have begun another power struggle, particularly in the Middle East. However, Russia’s President Putin has conveniently cozied up to President Trump by pulling the wool over the latter’s eyes. What a joke! Putin will win another election with any legitimate opposition being silenced, imprisoned or mysteriously murdered! Meanwhile, the American President continues to fluctuate his support for NATO whenever it suits his mood. Trump has even managed to piss off Turkey’s regime — a major NATO ally in the Middle East — by proclaiming that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Any chance for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians has being stalled for some time to come and violence in the region will continue next year.
North Korea is now a nuclear power, representing a continuing threat to that region. President Trump began a spitting contest with North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong-un, threatening to eradicate North Korea and its people from the face of the earth. In the meantime, Trump’s Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, continues to reinsure our allies that a diplomatic solution is still being sought. With further intercontinental missile launchings by North Korea, the United Nations once again imposed additional trade sanctions on that country — none of which have had much impact up to now. Meanwhile, North Koreans continue to starve and are deprived of many essentials.
Volumes of stories about sexual harassment or assault by American and Canadian celebrities surfaced in the main media and on social media. It all began with allegations by numerous women against renowned Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. All of a sudden, many other women were encouraged to bring forward their own complaints of sexual harassment against other well known celebrities. Women began to use the hashtag #MeToo on Twitter if they can relate to the disgusting stories of sexual assault, launching a full blown movement in the U.S., Canada and other countries. Indeed, while the result of full disclosure and support is encouraging, the extent to which sexual harassment and assault was disclosed is certainly discouraging and a blight on men everywhere. Sexual harassment has no place in today’s workplaces, and should never be covered up by employers, no matter who the culprit is.
These are a few of the things that I’d rather forget about this past year, the least of which is the inauguration of another misogynist Donald J. Trump as the American President. This past year has been a disaster for the American people and many U.S. allies, including Canada. His America-first policies in respect to trade, foreign policy and the environment have created a great deal on unnecessary uncertainty and instability. As a member of the international community, I do not foresee any great future improvement in these areas of concern. I can only hope that the American people will wake up to what is happening and exercise their democratic rights to reverse these destructive trends.
Have a happy New Year everyone, and good luck. You’ll need it!
FROLITICKS 