On Putin’s “Victory Day,” A Warning To the West
SUBSCRIBER+ EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — It’s an unusually busy week in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated for a fifth term, the military is […] More
Robert Cardillo served as the sixth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Prior to that assignment, Mr. Cardillo served as the first Deputy Director for Intelligence Integration, ODNI, from 2010 to 2014 and as the Deputy Director of DIA. In the summer of 2009, Mr. Cardillo served as the Acting J2, a first for a civilian, in support of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
From the global health emergency to the dramatic economic impact to the raw exposure of societal inequity, 2020 was the year that brought great tragedy — and seemingly would never end. Thus, it is natural to try and forget 2020 — put it out of our minds and look forward. To me, that would be a tragic mistake. In some ways, we need 2020 to project into the future. While it will take many years to fully realize the impact of the global pandemic, it seems clear enough to document the most important lessons learned so that they can be applied most effectively.
Here is my list of the most necessary and essential lessons:
Societies have always struggled with how best to level set opportunities. And there is no perfect option. However, it is time for a more serious discussion about the leading indicators of success — access to quality healthcare and education. Such an investment will redound to the benefit of all.
The killing of George Floyd in May ignited international protests against abuses by those empowered to protect. We cannot allow the subsiding of those physical demonstrations to allow our leaders to conclude that the core issues have been addressed — much less mitigated. They have not. Thus, this is the wrong time morally for our elected leaders to fan the fear of deficits when we have so many past-due investments to make. As we collectively rebuild on the backside of the pandemic, let’s not miss the opportunity to redress some of the fundamental disconnects between the ideals of our Constitution and the realities of our society.
If we learn and apply the appropriate lessons from the catastrophes that defined 2020, we can create good from bad and hope from despair. Such goodness should include a new social compact fit for the 21st century. Despite the reality of 2020 and the gray clouds that persist as we turn the page to 2021, I am optimistic that if we allow our better angels to soar, we will have properly learned and applied the lessons of the longest year in a way that furthers our dearest hopes — a world that includes, lifts up, and celebrates our humanity. Onward — there are great days ahead!
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