BE GONE 2020 — The Weekly Opine

So long 2020 and none too soon. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Good riddance

Does anyone recall a year when the whole world was more desperate to turn the page? When the clock strikes midnight tonight everyone will welcome the opportunity for a reset. This is especially true in the United States, where in just 20 days the most incompetent, dangerous president in American history will leave the building.

Some of us were fortunate enough to experience the highest of highs in 2020. But we all lived under the specter of the pandemic and its daily drumbeat of infections and deaths, mask wearing, and social distancing. Coupled with the sheer stupidity of Trump, the result has been a phalanx of shuttered businesses and shocking long lines at food banks and unemployment offices. Daily, we witness the chipping away of long-established societal “norms.”

What follows are 12 photographs representing stories published by The Weekly Opine, one photo for each month, January through December.

Here’s to a better 2021. Hopefully, the coming year will see meaningful reduction in the harm the coronavirus metes out. Let’s allow science, intelligence, and common sense to carry us into the future. Start with a resolution to give equal doses of kindness and empathy to our fellow human beings.

The helicopter crash last January that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other people shocked the sports world and was the first sign 2020 would be a tough year. (Photo credit Washington Times)

How sweet it was! Three fabulous days at a friend’s condo on Miami Beach, just weeks before the coronavirus clamped down travel around the globe. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

LaSalle Street in Chicago is usually bustling at noontime, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Not in 2020. The coronavirus kept office workers and revelers away. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

As the spread of the virus accelerated in April, Trump’s inaction confirmed an “empty barrel” occupied the Oval Office. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

“The Last Dance” provided a needed respite from lockdowns and quarantines. The behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Bulls championship dynasty delivered on the hype. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Bridges along the Chicago River stand in repose after being raised to block protestors from accessing central downtown Chicago. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Takin’ it to the streets! It was a pleasant surprise to see so many suburban youth calling for justice in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis policeman. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine / NC-17 TV screenshot)

For a moment, Big Ten presidents and chancellors displayed acumen when they decided to cancel fall sports - including football. Unfortunately, a few weeks later they changed their minds. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Mags the MAGA’s wife and daughter were introduced in September. Despite Trump’s election loss the MAGA’s will likely be heard from in 2021. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A Sunday at Garfield Park Conservatory provided much need salve from the election and the coronavirus. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Americans ignored lies about voter fraud and lies about a rigged election and did their duty, reducing Trump to a failed, one-term president. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Spending time in natural settings is a great way to clear your mind and get some exercise. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Happy New Year!