2014: What will the New Year bring?

What will the New Year be like? What triumphs will be achieved? What tragedies will we have to endure? Will this be a year of hope or hopelessness? Just what does this New Year have in store for us all?

These questions were running through my head as I was shaving after my morning shower. I find it a good way to get ideas for my column — standing there with shaving cream on my face looking into the mirror. Some mornings that mug can scare me, but not this time. The smell of Old Spice mixed with steam from the hot water in the sink as I scraped off the old stubble. Looking into the mirror I said to myself, “2014, what will it be like?”

Yes I talk to myself. I like to joke that I win all my debates. No, I’m not nuts — at least I’m pretty sure I’m not. With that said, a whole host of other questions arose from that one thought said in front of a steamed mirror razor in hand. I’m not much for resolutions, but I do like to predict things each New Year.

So let me indulge just a little bit. Some predictions for New Year 2014.

Elections and politics: One word comes to mind in this new election year — ugly. This term applies to both national and state political races and to the parties that support them. The divide between them all is deep, deep as the Grand Canyon. The partisanship is making a nasty splash and I believe it will only get worse as the year rolls on. Much worse than in years prior.

Weather: Despite a lot of naysayers, climate change is a fact. We are living in the middle of it. Alaska is the canary in the coal mine. The bird is gasping for breath as fruitless arguments rage on. Our weather here and abroad in the world will get wilder and more lethal as well — like the super cyclone Haiyan, a pacific hurricane of monstrous size and strength. Such power has not been seen before. I believe more storms like this are on the way. In our country, the weather will continue to be unsettling and unseasonal, like the series of winter storms hitting the Lower 48 right now. The earth is going through a major change and we as a race must adapt or fade away into extinction. Let’s see if modern industrial man is up to the challenge. Our primitive ancestors were during the last ice age.

Space: I predict that life on worlds other than this earth will be discovered, either as living organisms or as fossilized examples of life. My bet is on Mars or the moons Europa and Titian. The chances are very good since nearly all the ingredients are present on all these worlds. It is only a matter of time. I hope this year the biggest discovery in mankind’s history will come to light.

Gay rights and same-sex marriage: I think this is the year it becomes law of the land. So far 18 states have made it legal. I believe a tipping point has been reached. It is only a matter of time for this issue to be resolved in favor of those people who only want to be treated as complete equals and live their lives in relative peace no matter the gender of their life partner. It will not spell doom, but it will open the door to equality to its fullest as it should be.

The Olympic games in Sochi, Russia: I get a bad feeling about the games there. Like as in Munich games. That was a disaster in lives lost and dreams shattered at the hands of terrorists. I hope I am wrong on this. I hope I’m dead wrong, but in light of recent bombings in the country, alarm bells are ringing in my head.

The Middle East: Still a mess and most likely will be well past my lifetime.

Congress: See above.

What about Alaska? I can’t really focus on one thing about it. It is so fluid right now. So much happening in its growth and the people of the great land. It is an exciting time to live here, to live in the moment of all the changes going on. All I can say on this is that it won’t be boring. No, not one bit.

I hope 2014 brings in a lot good to all. I hope it proves to a good year for you. Happy New Year, Alaska.

Wasilla resident Daniel D. Grota retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service.