Commentary

“Let 2022 be the year when we say enough, no more.  When we demand more of our nation, our neighbors and ourselves.  Things cannot continue as they are.  This is not the new normal, we refuse to let it be.” – Ben Domenech, The Federalist

I am an optimist … a glass half-full person … and I hesitate telling you about a recent Axios/Momentive survey revealing that more than half of Americans dread what 2022 has in store for the country, with 30 percent claiming they were more fearful of what 2022 would bring.

The economy and jobs topped the list of most important issues facing the country with 31 percent responding that it mattered most to them.  Unbelievably, 17 percent of those survey saw the future of democracy a matter of concern.  Health care, education followed, with the environment (climate change) ranking at the bottom with just eight percent.

We can thank the leftist media for inserting the fear of losing our democracy high in the mix of concerns, and a lack of concern over immigration, terrorism and foreign policy (Russia/Ukraine, China/Taiwan, Iran/nuclear) polling at just two percent with their lack of coverage.

It seems like an appropriate spot to tell you about a Trafalgar Group survey revealing that 76.3 percent of its respondents believe “the primary focus of the mainstream media’s coverage is to advance their own opinions or political agendas.” So, there’s hope.

Early predictions view Republicans retaking the House and Senate, but I like Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy’s desire to take back America.  Unfortunately, Election Day – November 8, – is 11 months off, and it will seem like 11 years, wrote Stephen Kruiser in PJ Media.

Limited space requires that I break up my views on issues of concern to me over future commentaries.

Since it is just days away, I’ll begin with January 6, when the Democrats will be pulling out all stops to renew their effort to charge former President Trump with insurrection even though they failed to impeach him with that charge last year.

Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a “Dear Colleague” letter, wrote, “As we enjoy the holiday season with loved ones we are preparing to mark the one year assault on the Capitol with a full program of events.”

It’s typical Pelosi.  Speaking of enjoying the holiday season with loved ones while remembering an assault on the Capitol.

There’s more.  While the House will not be in session, House members are invited to events, Pelosi says are “intended as an observance of reflection, remembrance and recommitment in a spirit of unity, patriotism and prayerfulness.”  Give me a break.

President Biden is expected to issue a statement that will no doubt cite President Trump’s role in inciting the protest.  CNN and MSNBC will fill their broadcast day with commentary by those on the left.  Don’t expect the New York Times to apologize for lying about Officer Brian Sicknick’s death.

The left will use every tactic in their playbook to extend misinformation on January 6 right up to Election Day.  Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff has already been caught doctoring an e-mail between Mark Meadows and Rep. Jim Jordan.

Former President Trump has announced his intention to hold a press conference.  While I hope that he limits his remarks to recalling his words that day in defense of the charges of insurrection, unfortunately, I surmise that he will again find it necessary to remind us that it was on November 3, that the insurrection took place with a rigged election.

Although there were numerous reported voting irregularities across the nation, that ship has sailed. The best we can do now is to encourage Congress to protect our voting system by defeating the left’s so-called voting “reform” bill, intended to federalize voting, and kill voter IDs.

Climate Change

While concerns for the environment are minimal, Americans cannot lose sight of the billions of dollars being poured into the climate change agenda at a time when we simply cannot afford it.

It’s imperative that the $500 billion hunk of Biden’s massive spending bill, primarily earmarked for subsidizing the electric car market, including a network of charging stations and $12,500 credits for buying an electric car from a union organized manufacturer, must be deleted from the bill.

The increased cost of energy will soon confront Americans, most of whom are unaware that the per person tab for Biden’s $2 trillion four-year spending plan will be $1,500.

In an attempt to force Americans to buy electric vehicles, he has established a new EPA standard of 55 miles per gallon, which automakers have already said will require additional subsidies to accomplish.

Meanwhile, word from the UK, France and Germany has revealed that wind farms across Europe produced just 14 percent of their capacity in late summer.  Leaders there are already walking back their ambitious emissions-cutting pledges.

Over on the flawed climate model front, it became known last week that scientists learned that the Arctic started warming 100 years ago, according to Cambridge University.  So much for those photos of melting icebergs and Polar Bears on small chunks of ice.

In the days ahead, I will be giving you my thoughts on other issues to be aware of in 2022.

FINALLY, ponder this:  Did you notice that there was more coverage of the contributions of John Madden and Betty White than Harry Reid?

Now, more than ever … may God continue to bless the United States of America.