By Glen Turner – Special to the Sydenham Current
I recently heard a program on CBC radio (Cross Country Checkup) in which they asked Canadians to call in and tell what they were optimistic about for the new year.
Personally, I have mixed feelings…
I’m optimistic that winter will end, but NOT optimistic that it will end soon.
I’m NOT optimistic about the future of politics in this country, and elsewhere. We have Trump down south, Trump Jr. in Toronto, and a now shaky Liberal majority – and we know what that means… US-style ‘attack ads’ will be starting soon.
I’m optimistic that some common sense will emerge in the U.S., but not counting on it.
I’m optimistic that our new Mayor and Council can do something to heal the fractures of forced amalgamation – but seriously wonder what can be done.
I’m optimistic about the weather – I haven’t (yet) had to fire up my snowblower, but…
I’m now celebrating three years as a volunteer with Community Meals, the Soup Cellar and Soup Pantry at Knox Presbyterian Church, but I’m not optimistic about the serious needs in this community diminishing soon.
Often I recall an old saying I heard years ago – “How do you define a pessimist? A pessimist is simply an informed optimist.”
I so hope that’s not true, yet…
