We live in very trying times. So many difficult critical situations demand our attention:

Will Congress provide more funding for Ukraine to defend itself against the Russian invasion?

Will the U.S. send more funds to support Israel’s war against Hamas? Will the funds be with or without conditions? Will President Biden put more pressure on Israel to narrow its offensive in Gaza? Should the U.S. change its position on a cease-fire?

What will the Supreme Court decide on the question of Trump’s immunity from prosecution for unlawful acts he committed while president? When will it rule? Will the March 4^th D.C. trial regarding Trump’s culpability for the January 6^th attack on the Capital and attempted coup be delayed?

What happens if Trump gets elected president next November?

Of course, there are many more shaky balls up in the air for us to be concerned about, like climate change, immigration policy, abortion rights, gun violence, and on and on.

But let’s not forget that it’s the holiday season. Time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, contributing to worthy causes, catching a new movie, and enjoying a good party or two.

I do my best to maintain a balance between my personal life and what’s going on in our world. If you’ve been reading my blog posts (See https://breakingbigmoneysgrip.com/my-blog/), you know how concerned I am about a number of these issues. Still, I try not to let such pressing problems overwhelm me. While I stay informed and contribute, in some matters, both financially and in other ways, I also make considerable time for fun and relaxation.

Additionally, as the year comes to a close, I will be reflecting on 2023 to examine my successes and shortfalls, and what I might have done differently. I will also be looking forward to 2024: how I might up my game and what I’d like to do or accomplish in the coming year.

Finally, in keeping with my need for balance and desire for leisure, I am taking a two-week break over the holidays from writing my blog. That will give me more time to work on my memoir, which I hope to finish by late spring, as well as for the other activities I mentioned above.

So, Happy Holidays! Wishing everyone contentment, joy and good health in the new year!

 And Peace on Earth; Goodwill to all!

Namaste!

Bruce Berlin

A retired, public sector ethics attorney, Berlin is the author of Breaking Big Money’s Grip on America (See breakingbigmoneysgrip.com.), the founder of New Mexicans for Money Out of Politics, a former U.S. Institute of Peace fellow, and the founder and former executive director of The Trinity Forum for International Security and Conflict Resolution. He can be reached at breakingbigmoneysgrip@gmail.com.

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