My ‘Dear Santa’ letter
Dear Santa,
- Any ideas on how to get rid of guns, and weapons, and assault rifles…?
- And can we relegate the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to the likes of the 13th floor in elevators? In other words, the Bill of Rights would skip from the 1st to the 3rd Amendment like we go from the 12th to the 14th floor in most buildings.
- Although I find the idea of a space laser controlled by a corporate cabal utterly ridiculous and sadly anti-semitic, if it were to exist, can we point it at the Trump family and all its sycophants, instead of at the many beautiful tall trees burning in California?
- Let us pray for a solution to the now going on two-year-old world-wide pandemic. And distribute free vaccines everywhere, not just the U.S.
- To those who refuse to get vaccinated… maybe Elon Musk can ship them out to help colonize Mars. Musk might want to steer the ship.
- Is there a magic formula to turn our politics in the U.S. into less of a business?
- It’s time to consider term limits for members of Congress.
- Let’s get rid of the Electoral College.
- If there really is a Holy Spirit… can it help turn haters everywhere into more compassionate and loving human beings.
- As for Planet Earth: Do whatever it takes to save it. Before we all go down in flames or are drowned by rising waters…
- While on the issues of the planet and our environment, greed is the only reason we refuse to change our ways, which may lead to our demise. Reminds me of the Greek philosopher Democritus, who once said: “It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.” We’re spitting at the wind without listening to what it’s telling us, in other words.
- Cut the Defense Department budget in half freeing money to spend on so many real and at times desperate needs. And with half a budget, the U.S. would still lead the world in defense spending.
- As for our view of the world, can we learn to act more like friends and family rather than policemen charged with ruling the globe?
- Help “Sleepy” Joe Biden remember and live up to his promises: Almost a year into his presidency Biden’s campaign promise to reengage with Cuba has fallen toward the bottom of his foreign policy priorities. During the campaign, Biden told CBS Miami’s Jim DeFede that he would restore President Barack Obama’s policies. “Joe!” we’re waiting. It’s time to wake up.
- While we’re at it, it’s time to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Seriously…
- As for the Cuban government, it’s time they started listening to their people, for starters. Secondly, learn to accept constructive criticism. And finally, although the U.S. government and their wicked blockade can be blamed for much that is wrong on the Island, Cuban leaders must also look in the mirror and change some of their ways if they hope to advance the current Cuban quandary.
Santa, there are so many other things I can think of, but I understand, I need to be patient. So I shall leave you with the above list, but expect more asking next year…
A few last things:
- To our readers, have a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for the many years we’ve spent together.
- I would be remiss if I did not send out special thanks and holiday wishes to the many, some who are behind the scenes and never mentioned. They include every person who has ever worked at Marazul, who continues to support us under impossible circumstances.
- There’s also: Manuel Alberto Ramy, Aurelio Pedroso, Jesús Arboleya, Liane Cossio, Karel all the way in Holland, Max Castro, Amaury Cruz, the artist I call “El Sucio,” Manolo Gomez, and so many readers who have contributed in so many ways, including economically, to the success of two decades of Progreso Weekly.
I know I’ve missed some of you, but believe me that I am thankful for all who make possible this labor of love, and belief in a better way.
Happy holidays and let’s work to make 2022 the year everything changed for the better.
