Former President Donald Trump salutes during the pledge of allegiance as he makes a campaign stop on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, in Houston.
WASHINGTON D.C. , US - NOVEMBER 8: Activists take part during a silent demonstration at the Capitol Building stairs to demand a ceasefire and an urgent humanitarian action for Gaza and the Palestinian people on November 8, 2023 in Washington D.C., US. The activists also showed support to the Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib after the House passed a resolution to censure her over her comments in response to the Israeli attack on Gaza. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
People practice throwing Molotov cocktails in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. March 1, 2022.
Never have I ever dreaded a new year as I do 2024.
From national politics to global strife, unpredictable economics to toxic social media, 2023 was dreadful in many ways. The same dark clouds hang over the year ahead.
The presidential race is obviously the most cringeworthy event. Candidates will step up the competition for our attention beginning with the Iowa Caucus on Jan. 15. Then it’s a long slog to Nov. 5.
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Because Texas is essentially a one-party state, most of the drama here will wrap up on March 5, with runoffs on May 28. Many Republican primaries will be no-holds-barred cage matches.
The 2024 presidential race will sadly be decided by who’s hated more. When given a choice between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, most Americans would choose neither, nor can I blame them.
Trump seems obsessed with taking revenge on his critics, while Biden’s chief argument is that he is not Trump. Politics based on hate rather than hope alienates voters and damages democracy’s reputation.
Nevertheless, no one can complain that there is no difference between parties. People who care about the future should concentrate on ideas and policies rather than personalities and one-liners. That’s what I’ll be doing.
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In 2023, I regurgitated the conventional economic wisdom by arguing a recession was the only way to end inflation. Dozens of experts more qualified than me got it wrong, and now most forecasters expect an end to inflation without higher unemployment or a shrinking economy.
If we were so wrong in 2023, why should anyone believe us in 2024? Economies grow and shrink due to a multitude of factors that presidents and legislatures cannot control. What economist John Maynard Keynes called animal spirits and armed conflicts drive the economy and are notoriously unpredictable.
The best way to cope with economic anxiety is to make a sound financial plan. Reducing debt, building savings and managing spending are the keys to riding through recessions.
Foreign conflicts continue to destabilize the world, and Europe’s economy is still adapting to trench warfare in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is banking on feckless Western nations to lose interest and abandon their allies on the Black Sea. A Putin victory would only lead to more invasions.
Fighting in the Gaza Strip will continue until Israel recognizes there is no military solution. The fight against Hamas is only one front in the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with Israel the third point on a treacherous triangle.
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Iranian-backed Houthi rebels are firing on cargo ships passing near Yemen, making trade more expensive. The U.S. Navy has stepped up patrols, but unless Iran tells the Houthis to back down, more missiles will fly.
Whoever lives in the White House in 2025 must accept that foreign crises always ricochet on the United States.
A common thread through politics, economics and international affairs is social media. Every party, faction and philosophy has a home to share their propaganda on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, now called X.
Not only will thousands of authoritative voices reinforce your preconceived notions via phone or computer, but partisans will also deliver text, video and audio faked with artificial intelligence to feed your grievances. No social media company can hire enough moderators to slow this tsunami and avoid bankruptcy.
Only we can reject the lies and call them out while defending everyone’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression. There is a difference between fact-checking and censoring ideas we don’t like.
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I learned quickly as a columnist that the people shouting me down on social media or in emails are the new censors. This vocal minority believes if they punish people enough for promoting their views, folks like me will stop and cede the marketplace of ideas.
This past year, progressives have silenced conservatives on college campuses, Christian nationalists have banned books on racism and LGBTQ issues, and Congress passed judgment on how university presidents should manage speech on campuses that exist solely for the free exchange of ideas.
We need to turn down the volume on our megaphones and return to core values.
Every politician knows that fear and anger motivate people, and they will manipulate you. Only support those who offer good ideas to improve the country, not those who tear down their opponents.
We must encourage peace and prosperity in every nation; a better world improves our lives.
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Lastly, let’s manage our anger. In 2024, we need to love one another.
Award-winning opinion writer Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about money, politics and life in Texas. Sign up for his “Tomlinson’s Take” newsletter at HoustonChronicle.com/TomlinsonNewsletter or Expressnews.com/TomlinsonNewsletter.
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