Traditionally, Christmas Day is reserved for thoughts of a better tomorrow, thoughts of peace and happiness.
But while many of those skating on, or gathered around, the Market Square skating rink on Sunday were wearing smiles and feeling the joy of the holiday, many are worried about what 2017 and beyond will bring.
The tone around the rink when the question of the future was raised was a pessimistic one. And to a person, the political situation in the United States and the impact it might have on global stability was at the heart of the bleak outlook.
“I’d like to have something positive to say, especially on Christmas,” said David Anderson, a school teacher. “But the new administration in the United States is leaving me with a lot of doubt and uncertainty for the New Year.”
Anderson’s friend Tomoko Kobayashi agreed that 2016 was a destabilizing one. She said there are troubling conditions around the world, but about all we can do is act locally for peace, and be kind to one another where we live.
“We should think about what we can do here,” she suggested.
Anderson fears that all of the disturbing, unsettling things that transpired in 2016 will carry over into the New Year, unabated.
“It is going to happen one way or the other, and maybe what we need to do is try to make a difference in our circles,” he said.
Ken Menzies was taking several brisk turns on the rink Sunday, along with about a dozen other people. Stopped in mid-stride, he was asked what his expectations for the coming year are.
“I’m not at all optimistic, especially given what’s happening in the US,” said the retired University of Guelph sociology professor.
President elect Donald Trump, he said, has been busy appointing a number of people to his administration that share his views, views that are confrontational, divisive and potentially incendiary.
“I just hope he doesn’t blow the world up,” Menzies said, adding that Trump’s lack of understanding of the politics of the Middle East is “terrifying.”
Menzies said whenever there is a regime change, whether in the US or elsewhere, there is a “testing of the other side” in an effort to see if the balance of power can be tipped. In such times, global affairs tend to become less stable, and there is increased risk of conflict.
Brother and sister skating partners Martin and Olivia Daniel agreed that 2017 will likely be as chaotic, or more so, than 2016. They also agreed that 2016 has been one of the strangest and most troubling years in recent memory.
Martin said he feels relatively protected from chaos within the confines of the University of Guelph, where he studies mechanical engineering. But even so, he feels the uncertainty of the future looming.
A table of people at a Christmas dinner served at Dublin Street United Church were engaged in lively conversation about the future, and again the US political situation was ringing alarm bells. They said they were both fascinated and frightened about what is to come.
