Why 2017 could be even worse than 2016

Now is that portion of every year when people begin writing epitaphs for the twelve-month period that is just about to elapse as well offering predictions for what is directly ahead. Given what transpired in 2016, from Brexit to Trump to everyone with talent seemingly dying, pundits are quicker to see the back of this year than they usually would be. There is also a trope around the idea that 2016 is as bad as it gets; that the year was a one-off, never to be repeated. The inference is that 2017 must by extension be better. I’m not convinced.

Let’s look at the facts. From the 20th of January, we officially enter the Trump era and all the fun that might bring. There are a round of elections in Europe that could see a fascist as president of France and the far-right gain control in the Netherlands. There could even be a general election in the U.K. in which the Labour Party is completely destroyed for the rest of time, with no official opposition in sight. If I were a talented and aging musical legend, I wouldn’t be engaging in any high risk activities in 2017 myself.

I understand fully why people want 2016 over and done with. I also get that people need to feel at this moment that 2017 will definitely be an improvement. But as someone said to me very recently, “2017 will be when we start to live with the decisions we made in 2016.”

But then again, who knows. Perhaps I should join in the optimism fest and believe that despite all logic, 2017 could see an improvement in the world’s fortunes. Maybe a little wishful thinking is what we all need right now, and even further, if we all think positively, we’ll all act positively. That’s how this is all supposed to work, right?

I am with you all on this laying 2016 to bed idea. Not that we have much choice in general matter either way. I for one am looking forward to not thinking about all this for a little bit. Of course, I’m fooling myself here: on Christmas Eve at some point, I will find myself deeply contemplating how many seats UKIP could snatch in a snap 2016 general election. That much I can guarantee about the near future at least.