Christmas 2021 thoughts and hopes: Editorial Board Roundtable – cleveland.com

A year ago, on a Christmas unlike any most of us could remember, amid a pandemic but with vaccines beginning to become available, we editorialized about Christmas as a day, no matter what a persons religious beliefs, that at its core pays tribute to what is best in human nature as shown in the kindnesses and good cheer shown other people at a moment of hope for better times ahead.

That Dec. 25, 2020, editorial concluded, Beyond creed or heritage, this is what Christmas arguably says to every Greater Clevelander: That human progress, albeit sometimes two steps forward, one step back, gives hope, stokes spirits, nudges us forward, promises better days. And yes: Those better days will come.

One year later, with omicron surging, many of us may feel frustrated, disappointed, let down. When will those better days come? During a year of political turmoil, gridlock and finger-pointing, what has become of basic civility and that broader spirit of caring, nurturing and giving back that so long has defined our relationships and communities, but that today seems broken or at best incomplete? How do we reknit our shredded skein into a diverse and equitable broadcloth of can-do Americanism, pride, vigor and hope? Are there restorative glimmers of a better way, a kinder voice, a more unified America we can grab hold of and nurture?

What are the points of hope and optimism that our Editorial Board Roundtable looks to right now that, just maybe, can show the way forward to a more civil, more respectful, happier tomorrow? What is the one thing we might do that could help nudge a return to positive momentum, here at home and in the wider world?

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

I believe that if everyone tried to listen more, and talk less, we -- all of us -- might decide that no one has a monopoly on wisdom, or good ideas, or common sense. Today public life sometimes seems as if millions of people, on one side of a chasm, and millions of people, on the other side, are screaming across that gap, aiming noise at each other, without hearing, or even wanting to hear, anything. Deadlock? Rancor? Thats the recipe.

Ted Diadiun, columnist:

What is the one thing missing from the America that once had a sense of common purpose; of the can-do spirit that transcended self-centered differences and partisan loyalties? I think its our shared faith in God and prayer that bound the nation together through challenging times and is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. If things get bad enough, perhaps we might return to the faith that breathed life into the founding of our nation.

Eric Foster, columnist:

In my last column, I wrote about the loss of my father. The response I received was overwhelmingly supportive. Unexpectedly, expressions of support came from people who disagree with me (and express it) on a weekly basis. I find hope in the fact that, despite our disagreement, some things are bigger than our differences. However, we can only get to those bigger things if we learn about each other. My hope (wish) is that we become intentional about getting out of our self-segregation habits in terms of whom we interact with and learn about those we disagree with. I believe that you can find something in common with anyone, if you look hard enough.

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

With a vicious new wave of coronavirus and a whiff of civil violence in the air, my optimism is currently in short supply. I find solace in the daily letters of political historian Heather Cox Richardson. Her expert juxtaposition of past history and current events inspires continued vigilance, and reasons to believe all is not lost. I also take heart at tiny signs of life in my winter garden, holding the promise of spring.

Victor Ruiz, editorial board member:

While there is a lot weighing on us right now, I am encouraged by the great shift in society that we are experiencing. Traditional society is being challenged in many ways, which is a good because it means that more of us can get access to the great American promise. So, keep challenging traditional workplace environments, so that everyone can benefit; keep fighting to eradicate systemic racism, despite the desperate efforts against it; and please be good citizens, and get vaccinated and wear a mask.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

When I am feeling overwhelmed by our nations incivility and political rancor, I ask God to intervene. And without fail, if Im paying attention, I can see His Hand at work. We Americans donate to charities. We rally to help our neighbors. We volunteer in schools and shelters. In everyday moments, God so powerfully reveals that the human ties binding us together are much stronger than the political forces attempting to divide us.

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director:

One word: empathy. If we each work every day not to default to catch phrases or angry putdowns, we might be able to inch our way to greater open-mindedness and an ability to listen, understand, and be respectful. Rediscovering common ground will soon follow.

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* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial board roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.

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Christmas 2021 thoughts and hopes: Editorial Board Roundtable - cleveland.com