Thoughts from the General: How About Some Good News

It is important to be aware of bad news, and more importantly, to take steps to deal with it. However, recognizing, celebrating, and enjoying the good news should be part of everyone’s life journey. A favorite expression in our family is “Don’t Postpone Joy” Here is some good news list from far and wide.

1. The strength of the dollar. For the first time in twenty years, the dollar is worth almost as much as the Euro (the other important currency in the world). This news is mostly positive. It indicates that the entire world has faith in the American economy. If you are traveling to Europe, the prices of all goods and services will be quite low. Also, the strong dollar will help reduce the rate of inflation in the U.S. By the summer of 2023, inflation should be down to 5% or lower
2. Electricity generation in the United States. When asked about the percentage of electricity in America that is generated by non-polluting means, most of my friends guess “around 25%.” The answer is much better. Last year, throughout the United States, 46% of electricity was produced by non-polluting means: hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear. But there is better news about electricity. It is now cheaper to produce electricity by solar means than by natural gas. Hence, the United States may reach the 70% non-polluting level by the year 2030. In this general area, there is even more good news. There is an explosion in the production of all-electric cars and light trucks. Hence, air pollution as a result of vehicle emissions should soon begin to diminish.

3. The FDA will soon decide to require that the amount of nicotine in cigarettes sold in the U.S. be drastically reduced. Cigarette use will decrease appreciably soon after this decision is made. Lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes to “minimally addictive” or “non-addictive” levels will prompt 5 million people who smoke to quit within one year. For reference,12% of U.S. adults smoke cigarettes (33 million).

4. Finally, here is an event coming up soon that should be fun and uplifting. Sponsored by the Augusta Museum of History, the annual Jimmie Dyess Symposium will be held at 5 PM on Thursday, 12 January. The event lasts less than one hour. Attendance is free and there is plenty of free parking. It honors three individuals for their remarkable support of worthy causes. In the end, you will have the opportunity to meet with the honorees (Pat Knox Hudson, Ed Gillespie, and Medal of Honor recipient, Mike Rose.) The three honorees will appreciate your attendance and support.

Perry Smith’s latest book is his memoir, Listen Up: Stories from Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, the Pentagon, CNN, and Beyond. All of his books are available on amazon.com. He can be contacted at genpsmith@aol.com.