It’s time for reflection as the New Year approaches. So much hoop-la has been made over "Y2K" and "millennium" that I now cringe every time I hear those words. Years of anticipation of a truly significant New Years is nothing new for many of us, for we did it once before…

I remember sitting in high school, discussing the required reading of George Orwell’s 1984. What wondrous and scary changes would take place over the next 22 years? We worried about the books predictions of the government monitoring every facet of our lives, yet we dismissed it as "science fiction." We were wrong, of course, it just took the government a few extra years to begin mounting video cameras at traffic intersections, and accumulating huge computer databases on our "personal" lives. Fingerprints for drivers licenses, "profiles" because of the way we look, medical records, and dossiers because of the beliefs we hold are just some of the things we know are on file. Who knows what they really have? Is someone in Washington still worrying about why I turned down a job in the White House in 1970, after being interviewed by the Secret Service? Oh, gosh, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about that…

Back in 1962, we were young and terribly optimistic, so like I said we discounted worries about our leaders. The reality of Vietnam hadn’t begun to sink in yet. Kennedy, King, Kennedy, and Lennon were still alive. Penicillin could cure any social disease. We dreamed instead, of space travel, of a cure for cancer, for world peace, for racial harmony, true love, and a car of our own! The only real fear I remember was when the Civil Defense announcements came on the radio or television, or the sirens blared. I listened carefully for the pattern to see if it was an attack, or just a tornado.

1984 came and went. Disappointments galore, but I was ever the optimist. Personal computers had come on the scene. I was sure that by the year 2000, many of my dreams would be realized. Once again thoughts turned to world peace, cures for diseases, a clean environment, politicians I could trust, and a safe neighborhood for my family. My goals had matured, as had I, and I was sure that 16 more years would bring us all to a better place.

2000. Is the world a better place? In many ways, it really is. But for the shortcomings and failures, we ALL have to share the blame. Many of us sat back, and measured our success by the "things" we accumulated, without much of a care for others. He who dies with the most toys wins, right?

I’m still an optimist! I’m thankful for Love, for Friends, for Family, for food and shelter, and just because I’m still alive and kicking!

We have another significant New Years celebration ahead! 2001 will be the real first year of the 21^st century. Let’s make the most of this next year, and then celebrate 2001 with the enthusiasm and satisfaction of people who have made a difference!

Until next week, vaya con Dios, and PLEASE don’t drink and drive!