First Contact. . .

(First Contact. . .)

Happy New Year's ! Over the last months, going all the way back to Halloween, now one is at the end, looking forward to the next twelve months. That being said, many people attempt to make a promise to themselves that something will be different or "changed" in the New Year. In the vernacular, these would be referred to as New Year's resolutions. These alterations can be things like losing weight, drink or eat less (or more, depending on the situation). To be nicer, more environmentally conscious and so on. As this is January 1st, all these resolutions are fresh. However, by February 1st, how many of these resolutions will already have been "violated ?"

Human resolve is no match for human weakness. Wanting to get clean is a lot harder than making a declaratory statement to the contrary. That would go for any other vices, A typical New Year's resolution seldom survives the first dose of reality, Therefore, when was mainlining Champaign at the New Year's Eve party, one's determination, even if inebriated, can seem profound.

So, there can be a collective disappointment that people do not have the will power to hold to a New Year's resolution. But such promises are only the first part of the year. And, as this is only Day One. It is the expectation of what comes next. That is a good question. Aside from abrogated resolutions, there is still two active wars and this is an Election Year.

What had been the plan for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine ? In anticipated at most 48 hours of combat when Russian formations assaulted Ukrainian territory before Kiev's capitulation. It will have been three years come next month and currently things seem in a stalemate, the edge to Moscow.

In Gaza, Hamas fighters are getting tickets to Paradise in bulk. Was Israel's reaction anticipated ? Was October 7th meant to have such a shock value that Jerusalem would be cowed ? By October 8th, Hamas targets in Gaza were being bombed and a few days later, a ground operation began in earnest. That is where things stand going into the New Year.

And, by November, a President will be elected. Biden ? Trump ? Someone else ? As mentioned the other day, Biden could be impeached and Trump could be convicted. That is to assume that Trump still makes it on to all 50 Primary Ballots. In years past, some Democrat and some Republican would get Nominated and would win or lose the General Election. This year, however, one has plenty of drama.

All that being said, it is still only January 1st. You might actually be keeping to your resolution. But give it time.