What a wild year! People keep asking me if I’m excited for 2021. In jest, I tell them that I have to be at this point. Since today is New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be appropriate to analyze 2020—the year of infamy.
The Damage
But seriously, I know that it’s been a rough year for most. Post March-2020, many people have struggled financially, physically, and emotionally. In 2020, many Americans lost their jobs, lost family members, and lost a whole year of life due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the harsh economic shutdowns.
As an American citizens, we witnessed many worrying events and trends.
Rioting during the summer months decimated many large American cities. Criminals destroyed small businesses and shops in the name of “social justice”.
President Trump—the face of American conservatism—likely lost a presidential election that many view as fraudulent—whether through voter fraud or media censorship. Even worse, the Democratic party can gain control the House, Senate, and Presidency if both Georgia Senate races go in their favor. At that point, we can expect court-packing, the statehood of Washington D.C./Puerto Rico, and less economic freedom
Americans’ civil and religious liberties were trampled by power-hungry governors and mayors. Throughout the year, arbitrary rules and unconstitutional edicts controlled the lives of American patriots both west and east of the Mississippi river. Apparently, the Bill of Rights need no longer apply in the United States. We couldn’t go to church for a few months, but strip clubs and weed dispensaries were declared “essential businesses”. Is this even America?
While we have been forced to remain under lockdowns and restrictions for the last nine months, many Americans have suffered from depression, committed suicide, and turned to alcohol/drugs. Lost jobs and social isolation have cleared taken a huge toll on the American people.
Globally, China is looking to surpass the United States on the world stage economically and technologically. The Chinese economy rebounded at a much faster rate than the rest of the world. Overall, the Chinese Coronavirus has accelerated China’s overtaking of the United States as the world’s largest economy.
The Hope
All right, I’m done with all the negative stuff in 2020.
Even with all the terrible stuff that has happened this year, we can all find some positive aspects from this year.
Personally, I’ve noticed how God has given me opportunities that I would not have had if the Chinese Coronavirus never existed. Firstly, I would never have joined Turning Point USA if the pandemic never happened. Most of my college clubs at TCU were severely limited since most in-person gatherings (outside of athletic events and a few in-person classes) were not allowed. With having some more time on my hands, I fortunately found my way into joining my school’s Turning Point USA chapter. Moreover, if I had not joined TP USA, I probably would not have started this blog. In a round-about way, the dumpster fire known as 2020 is the main reason I started this blog!
We can all think of different ways that God has blessed us in this trying year. At the very least, we should remember that tough times create stronger people. I firmly believe that if we were able to make it through 2020, then we (the American people) can triumph over any catastrophe that comes our way—granted that we desire to succeed.