To mark the arrival of 2009, let me share with you my list of best wishes. In addition to positive selections, be warned about finding here some negative ones as well.

In fact, the negatives may outweigh the positives on this scale of values. As the Protestant theologian Paul Tillich once wrote: “Man’s negations are more powerful than his affirmations.”

My greatest hope is for peaceful solutions in the world’s hottest trouble spots. If only we could see in this year the beginnings of lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians; for the people of Zimbabwe, Congo, Sudan and other African countries torn apart by injustice and violence; for Pakistanis and Indians, also, people so often on the brink of hostilities.

Let’s also hope for resolution of the huge economic crisis here and in other countries. Widespread unemployment, loss of savings and homes, along with other economic ills, are causing unprecedented damage that cry out for remedies.

One can hope for success for Barack Obama and the teams of officials he has assembled to help him lead the way. If only “yes, we can” turns into “yes, we have,” bringing the changes that this country desperately needs! Universally available national health care would be a fine start.

For the Republican Party, let’s hope for a renewal of spirit. We can pray that senators like Olympia Snow and Susan Collins of Maine will rise in influence, leaving behind those who have betrayed the virtues of their party.

May the Detroit automakers avail themselves of the federal billions and return to profitability, this time selling cars blessed with new fuel-saving technologies.

For the further good of our country, let newspapers find new ways of thriving, while continuing their great tradition of investigative reporting and other essential services to the community. And may they find readers, especially young people, who appreciate the good writing and fine entertainment presented by modern journalists.

On a much less important level, let’s hope for the return of Tom Brady, thoroughly healed and with restored magnificence in the passing game; for the Mannyless Red Sox to supplant the Phillies as world champions; and for Juan Diego Flores to keep astounding Metropolitan Opera audiences with his 18 high C’s in a single performance.

Among our negative wishes, this one certain of fulfillment, we anticipate the January 20th departure of George W. Bush, along with Dick Cheney and most leading members of his administration. If justice be served, his performance in office will be judged without sentimentality, and with full recognition of the  immense harm he has done.

Let’s hope for the rustication of Sarah Palin, back to the obscurity she so richly deserves. May she enjoy the simple life, uncorrupted by the East Coast and West Coast values that she deplored during the late campaign.

For Rod Blagojevich we wish a course in rhetoric that might lead him to find adequate alternatives to the f-word. Perhaps his wife might be offered the same course, tuition-free.  For the people of Illinois, we hope for a new governor, someone who cares a little more about their welfare than about the money he can raise for himself.

For the bishop of Scranton PA, and a few other Catholic bishops who feel called upon to play sacramental politics in an election year, we wish a blessed silence, a virtue that can be relied upon for its spiritual benefits.

Our hopes also turn toward the patriarchs of Wall Street, those who continue to pay themselves staggering salaries, along with bonuses, for performance that may have led to the ruin of their companies. For the successful ones among them, we suggest salaries that range close to that of the President of the United States.

Bernard Madoff deserves special attention for his 50 billion dollar heist. For this 70-year-old self-confessed trickster we recommend a share in the circumstances of many people among his age peers. He has already made off with more than the GDP of some countries; let’s see what he can do living on SSI and Medicaid.

Let us wish even more miraculous power to Iceland 3. As advertised on television, this nostrum will surely enable you to live longer and in better health. The fish oil it contains is what allows the people of Iceland to “have the world’s longest life expectancy and best health.” And you can order a 12 pack for only $249.95, plus $14.95 for shipping and handling.

For this company and others that promise to counteract or reverse aging, we hope for the truth about growing older, even though that might put them out of business.

Finally, for the pirates who prey on merchant ships that dare cross through the Arabian Sea off Somalia. Let’s resist the romantic images they suggest of swashbuckling, peg-legs, and black patches over one eye. Rather, may we enter hope for them to find less menacing ways to get rich quick.

Happy 2009!
Richard Griffin