We could say that it has been an eventful year. But what year is uneventful?
The Byrds reminded us in Turn, turn, turn, that everything has its place and time. As we reminisce over 2025 we can be joyful about those things in the lyrics that resisters to the current regime pursued, and those things that they could have pursued as the regime did but they chose not to pursue.
Paraphrasing the lyrics a bit, I know what those with whom I have communications on Substack largely pursued, i.e., to:
Plant seeds of compassion and understanding; work to heal the wounds that all Americans share; laugh at the regime while weeping at its destructive actions; build up our dream of what America can be and resolve to achieve it; dance before the hosts of the oppressors while mourning setbacks; gather stones to build a solid and prosperous future for all; opt for love in the face of hate; work for peace and oppose war; and choose—difficult as it was—to embrace all beings.
We know that there are times when we gain and times when we lose; we have chosen to sew as the regime rends.
This is a time for love and peace— it is never too late.
Rejoice.
🕊️
The Byrds song is based on a famous section of the Book of Ecclesiastes in Hebrew scripture (Old Testament).
rejoice, dance, live, laugh, sow peace and love, seek the light, eat, drink, share, celebrate, hang with family, friends...a happy new year to you, Manuel