Opinion

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is defined as the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.

With one recent Supreme Court Justice confirmed and another just appointed by President Trump, the issue of televising hearings before the nation’s highest court will surely be discussed. The supremes have stood steadfastly against letting the public watch the cases argued before them, even though the court’s decisions can often have major implications for every American. The Constitution guarantees that trials are public and open to everyone. And what could be more public than televising a criminal trial for the whole world to see?

America is in a mess. For years I have written about the polarization we observed in Washington and how the government and the country must come together, heal our wounds, and put America above political affiliation. Unfortunately, we are in the worse condition that we have been in since the American Civil War. It has not always been like this and just a few short years ago civility was the rule and not the exception.

If there’s one thing I learned during 2020, it’s that I can’t trust the Federal government. Just to be clear, the opinions in this column are mine and mine alone.

“It’s emotions that create habits, not repetition.” “By feeling good you can wire in habits … Habit formation doesn’t have to be treachery; it can be fun; it can be uplifting; it can be a discovery.” “There really is a way to understand behavior, everybody. It’s not as complicated as you think.” These are just a few of the gems I gleaned from a video podcast presented by the Charity Miles app, which I’ve begun using to help track my exercise plus give to charity at the same time.

Last year I would say, “It can’t get any worse than this,” only to be proven wrong; again and again. Finally, the year 2020 came to an end and I said “It’s finally over. It can’t get any worse,” only to have the travesty unfold before our eyes last week.

Can you believe it? 2021 is finally here. I know for many, 2020 was the year that wouldn’t end and it is a year that most do not wish to look back on or remember (this is not the case for me but we can save that for another column).

The DNA of America is a strong bond of resilience, perseverance, freedom loving, and is divinely guided. The founding and building of our great nation was formed by a hardy lot that had the desire to live life in a new country where a person is allowed to pursue his or her desires, work hard, play hard and on Sunday kneel in prayer to God or whoever a person believes is the central point of their religion and give thanks for what they have received. This was not a prayer asking for more but a prayer of thanks and appreciation.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do. A New Year always brings with it promise and uncertainty, but this coming year brings with it a greater foreboding than we have experienced in the past.

Celebrating the New Year is a time for laughter, celebration, and goal-setting. And after a year like 2020, you probably think everyone is excited to begin a new journey around the Sun. But for victims of domestic violence, this can be a scary and dangerous time.