*Health-care institutions, our educational system, businesses, and the emotional/psychological well-being of our nation were ravaged by the Virus.
*Food lines stretched for blocks, even miles, in the richest country in the world.
*The U.S. became deeply divided politically during the 2020 presidential election.
*African-Americans Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd were killed by white civilians or police without provocation.
*A Cyber breach, likely initiated by Russia, went undetected for nine months, possibly jeopardizing several government agencies, banking systems, electric grids, transportation, etc.
*Around 20% of Americans recently polled said they would be reluctant to take a Corona Virus vaccine.
AND YET...
*Over 155,000,000 U.S. citizens voted in our November presidential election during a pandemic.
*Our democratic institutions remained intact during protests and judicial appeals.
*At least four private U.S. companies developed a Corona Virus vaccine in warp-speed time.
*A body of expert scientists approved the safety of two of the vaccines before distribution to health-care workers in December, 2020, and the general public thereafter.
*Americans demonstrated limitless devotion, generosity, and empathy toward those in need. For example, health-care workers struggled to the point of exhaustion and self-sacrifice. Handicapped kids organized toy drives. A national group of women baked lasagna for distribution. Food pantries and church groups served thousands every day. National organizations such as Feeding America and Meals on Wheels became lifelines.
*On December 20, 2020, Congress passed a $900-billion relief package for direct payments and jobless aid to the needy.
*American citizens and corporations experienced a social awakening by taking action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
And so,
2020 LEAVES US WITH A BANG...
and a whimper.
MAY 2021 BRING HEALTH AND
HEALING TO OUR NATION.
