It is that time of the year again when we make resolutions for the coming year. The only problem is that some of us realize we are pledging the same resolutions we made for the past year. Whether it concerns the end of our smoking or drinking habits, a new job, better behavior, or bigger matters such as world peace and the end of poverty, most of us find ourselves making recycled declarations tonight. Champaign, of course, brings out the better of us!
However, I would like to take this opportunity to make a New Year resolution for those who see the whole process of wish-making as a waste of precious time they could spend preserving their lives. The people of Somalia have resolved to remain silent and hope that the New Year will be quiet. We have sworn Never Again, but the people of Darfur no longer care what we swear. The dwellers of the dusty quarters of Afghanistan will throw no ball or fireworks. My resolution is not to think of Baghdad tonight. I get this gangrene whenever Iraq is mentioned. We all know how impossible it is to end a year without a showdown in Palestine. Yes, they know you won’t see anything beyond the discount in the gift shop.
The people of Northern Uganda do not know it’s already a New Year. They have no time to sleep; they cannot know that the Old Year has passed and a New Year has come. It is all a very long day for them. Let’s make different resolutions tonight, then. Let us resolve that by this time next year, we are not repeating the same wishes we are yelling tonight. We must also remember to wish for those who cannot wish tonight.
My New Year resolution is that you will begin to care for those who are struggling to preserve their lives all over the world. Let us wish for tolerance, love and peace in this New Year!
However, I would like to take this opportunity to make a New Year resolution for those who see the whole process of wish-making as a waste of precious time they could spend preserving their lives. The people of Somalia have resolved to remain silent and hope that the New Year will be quiet. We have sworn Never Again, but the people of Darfur no longer care what we swear. The dwellers of the dusty quarters of Afghanistan will throw no ball or fireworks. My resolution is not to think of Baghdad tonight. I get this gangrene whenever Iraq is mentioned. We all know how impossible it is to end a year without a showdown in Palestine. Yes, they know you won’t see anything beyond the discount in the gift shop.
The people of Northern Uganda do not know it’s already a New Year. They have no time to sleep; they cannot know that the Old Year has passed and a New Year has come. It is all a very long day for them. Let’s make different resolutions tonight, then. Let us resolve that by this time next year, we are not repeating the same wishes we are yelling tonight. We must also remember to wish for those who cannot wish tonight.
My New Year resolution is that you will begin to care for those who are struggling to preserve their lives all over the world. Let us wish for tolerance, love and peace in this New Year!
