It is not too late to have a “Do-Over.” Many folks, my extended family households included, not only do not watch or listen, or read the daily news reports on newspapers, television, radio, electronic devices but they ask everyone else to stop talking about it. It’s becoming an inter-generational thing. It doesn’t much matter if they affiliate themselves with any political party. They most likely have differing opinions about the news they have all been avoiding. The widespread use of the internet ensures that no one is too far out of touch. There is no escaping finding out about the dire developments of the day, no matter where you go and what you do.
Yet there has been a change in most public gatherings, as no one wants to discover that once again the main topics of conversation turn to religion, politics, or the terrible public behavior that has taken over the larger gatherings. Examples of this sad state of our world are evident on all of the daily radio, TV or internet offerings. This makes it extremely difficult for families and friends to have reasonable conversations. Fights break when you least expect it. Old grudges surface and wreak havoc once again. Grudges are held longer. The tension is palpable in most any get-together.
The American tradition of watching the crystal ball drop from the top of the Rockefeller building in New York’s Times Square every New Year’s Eve gives most Americans a tradition they love to share. Thousands gather in Manhattan, New York, in every kind of weather for an experience with a party, hats, noise-makers, confetti and a kiss or two. The rest of the country watches the ball drop until it hits the bottom at exactly midnight. Everyone cheers and shares the love displayed publicly for one another. The next day continues to portend a better 12 months than the last, as far as our feelings about each other while still officially celebrating each other.
It is time to make a new tradition. The midpoint of each current year would be proclaimed a new national holiday dedicated to the “Do Over” of the way everyone celebrated the coming of the next six months. It is almost certain that the politicians would reject the addition, as well as the passing of that kind of resolution. Do-Over Day each year could become popular, as there are just too many days everyone becomes too restricted. No-Do Overs is the rule of the playground as well as many things in life. Just say yes to Do Overs.
By DOLLY VISCARDI