2021: The Year We Missed

2021 was a year of missed opportunities. We missed the chance to build back better after the pandemic. We missed the chance to address the climate crisis. We missed the chance to make progress on racial justice.

Here are just a few of the things we missed in 2021:

• We missed the chance to build back better after the pandemic. The pandemic devastated the global economy, and millions of people lost their jobs. But instead of using this crisis as an opportunity to invest in a more just and sustainable future, we bailed out big corporations and the wealthy.
• We missed the chance to address the climate crisis. The climate crisis is the greatest threat facing humanity, but we continue to fail to take meaningful action to address it. In 2021, we saw record-breaking heat waves, floods, and wildfires. We also saw a dramatic increase in emissions.
• We missed the chance to make progress on racial justice. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a global movement for racial justice. But in 2021, we saw the passage of new laws that restrict voting rights and criminalize peaceful protest. We also saw an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Why did we miss so much in 2021?

There are many reasons why we missed so much in 2021. One reason is that we are stuck in a system that is rigged in favor of the wealthy and powerful. This system makes it difficult to pass laws that benefit the majority of people.

Another reason why we missed so much in 2021 is that we are divided. We are divided by race, class, gender, and ideology. This division makes it difficult to build consensus and take action on the challenges we face.

What can we do to make 2022 a better year?

We can make 2022 a better year by coming together to demand change. We need to demand that our government invest in a more just and sustainable future. We need to demand that our government take action to address the climate crisis. We need to demand that our government make progress on racial justice.

We can also make 2022 a better year by getting involved in our communities. We can volunteer our time to help those in need. We can support local businesses. We can build relationships with our neighbors.

By coming together and demanding change, we can make 2022 a year of progress. We can build a more just, sustainable, and equitable world for all.

The Missed Opportunities of 2021

In addition to the major missed opportunities listed above, there were many other ways in which 2021 fell short of expectations. Here are a few examples:

• We missed the chance to make progress on gun violence. In 2021, there were over 45,000 gun-related deaths in the United States. This is the highest number of gun-related deaths in over two decades. Congress failed to pass any meaningful gun control legislation in 2021, despite the fact that a majority of Americans support stricter gun laws.
• We missed the chance to make progress on affordable housing. The cost of housing has been rising steadily for years, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford a place to live. In 2021, the median home price in the United States reached a record high of $357,300. This is out of reach for many families, especially those with low incomes.
• We missed the chance to make progress on education. The United States has one of the most expensive education systems in the world, but our students are not performing as well as students in other developed countries. In 2021, the United States ranked 38th in math and 24th in reading on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Why We Missed So Much in 2021

There are many reasons why we missed so much in 2021. Some of the reasons include:

• Gridlock in Congress. The United States Congress is deeply divided, with Republicans and Democrats unable to agree on much of anything. This gridlock makes it difficult to pass any legislation, even on issues that have broad public support.
• The rise of misinformation. Misinformation is rampant on social media and other platforms, making it difficult for people to find out the truth about important issues. This can lead to people making decisions based on false information, which can have harmful consequences.
• A lack of leadership. President Biden has been unable to unite the country and provide the leadership necessary to address the challenges we face. Biden's approval ratings have been consistently low, and he has been criticized for his handling of the pandemic, the economy, and foreign policy.

What Can We Do to Make 2022 a Better Year?

We can make 2022 a better year by coming together to demand change. We need to demand that our government invest in a more just and sustainable future. We need to demand that our government take action to address the climate crisis. We need to demand that our government make progress on racial justice.

We can also make 2022 a better year by getting involved in our communities. We can volunteer our time to help those in need. We can support local businesses. We can build relationships with our neighbors.

By coming together and demanding change, we can make 2022 a year of progress. We can build a more just, sustainable, and equitable world for all.

Tips for Making 2022 a Better Year

Here are a few tips for making 2022 a better year:

• Get involved in your community. Volunteer your time to help those in need. Support local businesses. Build relationships with your neighbors.
• Educate yourself about the issues. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries to learn more about the challenges we face. Attend lectures and workshops to learn about different perspectives.
• Speak out for what you believe in. Don't be afraid to share your opinions with others. Write letters to your elected officials. Attend protests and rallies.
• Be kind to others. Treat everyone with respect and compassion. Help those in need. Make an effort to build bridges between people of different backgrounds.

By following these tips, you can make a difference in your community and in the world.

Tables