John Redding

When I sit down and peruse the newspaper or watch the TV newscasts, it is easy to become disheartened and pessimistic about where we are headed. Being the optimist that I have always striven to be, I can, however, find some ways to be positive. We have been through tough times before and have come out stronger. Challenges cause us to try harder and opportunities appear if we just remain diligent.

A couple of examples: From the devastation of the Civil War and the generation of punishment by the North, the South emerged more diversified and productive; the trials and tribulations of the Great Depression toughened a population producing possibly the Greatest Generation of all time that brought us through a World War and spurred a tremendous post-war boom.

Currently, we are facing complex difficulties brought on by the combination of the pandemic, the need to reduce systemic racism and the combatting of forces that wish to destroy our society. Where are the opportunities now?

If you want more content like this, pick up the Times Virginian newspaper or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the e-edition version.