The 12 months 2025 introduced huge turmoil to the American political system. Division and polarization have been the order of the day — and tribalism was the phrase greatest describing the 12 months.
My hope for 2026 is that we recommit ourselves as a nation to the idea of reality, reaffirm the centrality of the rule of regulation to our constitutional type of authorities, and do not forget that decency is the noblest of virtues transcending politics and partisan variations.
To appreciate this hope would require fixed vigilance and resistance. It is going to demand that we now have the braveness to face up towards all those that search to destabilize and undermine the very establishments that protect our democracy and who enchantment to and incite hate. However most of all it’ll oblige us to behave out of affection and respect — in a way actually befitting our humanity.
Failure to carry these targets to fruition may flip turmoil into our nation’s downfall.
Richard Cherwitz, Camas
