For many people, New Years’ Day is viewed and used as a new beginning. Hopefully, the new year will provide an opportunity for a fresh start.

However, for me – one who has lived most of my life dealing with winter in the Northeast, Spring is that time of the year in which hope, and new beginnings, occur.

The great English poet, Alexander Pope – who is the second most quoted English author in The Oxford Dictionary (to William Shakespeare) wrote in his writing, ‘An Essay of Man’ in 1732; “Hope Springs Eternal.”  

Personally, I equate that line to springtime and the emergence of new life all around us.

And while my ‘hope’ each Spring is usually reserved for personal matters, in 2024 with our county and the world in turmoil, my ‘hope’ takes on a much greater yearning.

This year, my hope is America can come together and stop allowing our politicians to divide us. No matter which side of the political aisle you’re on, we need to remember, first and foremost, that we’re all Americans. It’s not about race or gender, it’s about character and doing what’s right for all of us.

Here is one of many magnificent quotes by the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”

How Americans have allowed themselves to become so divided is aggravating. Having worked in the News Media Industry for a substantial portion of my career, I have specific beliefs supported by facts that provide answers to this alarming situation…but those thoughts and information are for another blog. Let’s keep this writing positive and about HOPE.

Regarding hope, do you recall this great line (below) from the movie The Shawshank Redemption? It was delivered by Timothy Robbins, who played the character of inmate Andy Dufresne. It was said to his prison friend Ellis “Red” Redding, played by Morgan Frieeman:

“Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be hoping that this letter finds you and finds you well.”

So, as we move forward into the beautiful Spring season, join me in hoping for ‘the best of things’ for all Americans and our great country. Only love and caring for each other can bring us back together. Please, don’t allow others to drive us apart. That’s ‘their plan.’

The concept of ‘Divide and Conquer’ goes back to the days of Philip II of Macedonia. It was utilized by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar and the French emperor, Napoleon. The meaning is quite simple…it is the policy of maintaining control over one’s subordinates or opponents by encouraging dissent between them, thereby preventing them from uniting in opposition.

It’s not rocket-science. It’s actually quite simple if one pays attention.

So, please remember this year…Hope Springs Eternal.

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