Actually, ever year is like no other but this past year we have had the horror of the Christchurch mosque shootings and recently the White Island tragedy.
This disturbed me somewhat when it was announced a criminal investigation would be held though the ‘criminal’ aspect was later withdrawn.
Despite the magnitude of and heartbreak caused by the eruption we need to realise and accept the unpredictability of Mother Nature despite what science may teach us. Farther afield we have the impending impeachment of the President of the United States, arguably the most powerful – and to some the most successful- man in the world, and the Brexit shambles which, if it ever comes to a conclusion, could effect New Zealand’s world trade operation.
This may not entirely be a bad thing as necessity, being the Mother of invention, could well bring about some lateral thinking and create new products for new markets.
While we spare a thought for those who have undergone trials and tribulations we need to look positively towards the festive season and the meaning and message behind why we do what we do. Political correctness has tried to usurp the wishing of ‘Merry Christmas’ and temper it with ‘Happy Holiday’ to avoid offending those who have other than Christian religious beliefs.
While religion has always been the instigator of fiery debate we tolerate others when they celebrate Diwali, Ramadan or Hannukah, for example, without having to be openly critical but also accept there are extremists in every religion.
As for the ‘happy holiday’, while thousands are able to enjoy a summer break, let’s think of the thousands who are still working to serve those on holiday – tour companies, shop staff, hotel and motelliers, taxi drivers, medical staff whose days often pass without number and many others, police, firefighters and those on stand-by. When one faction is enjoying a time of ease there is always another faction providing it.
The Focus has enjoyed another year of bringing local news to a gradually growing audience largely thanks to a wider media coverage and a growing and changing community. We expect this growing and changing will probably accelerate in the coming decade and we thank and respect those whose efforts are a part of the change and those who contribute.
What 2020 will deliver we know not but it is the beginning of a new decade and so let’s take time to smell the flowers over Christmas and return in the New Year with renewed energy or at least sufficiently re-charged to be positive, tolerant, keep our own house in order and not concern ourselves with things that don’t concern us or we cannot change.
From the Focus team, Rob, Rich, Melody, Julia, Bex, Gael and Worzel, thanks for having us at your place in 2019 and we wish you all both a Merry Christmas and Happy holiday.
