Year in and year out

In the end of a year, I have been issuing a greeting mail to friends and family members for over the past decade. I have, however, omitted it last year. I felt it had been in mannerism and had lost energy to do that.

Having had simple dinner of soba noodle with my wife, I am writing what the year out has meant to me now. In itemization style simple and concise. I have started writing this article late at night yesterday.

*Pandemic*

In the end of Jan. or the beginning of Feb., when I first knew of this COVID 19, I have never expected it to prevail all around the world in this way. The pathogen, SARS CoV2, an anthropozoonosis, with moderate virulence and rather high prevalence rate, could contagion all over the world under the circumstances of no treatment/vaccine and of global traffic developed. This pandemic was inevitable in a sense.

This pandemic has clearly revealed what the government in certain country is for the people. Our government has stressed on the measures to maintain the economy. The countermeasures should be based on science. But policy making should be through transparent decision. In our country, unfortunately, not only policy making but also the published epidemiological data have been unlikely to be realized in transparency.

The biggest fault of our government has been limitation of the number of PCR tests for correct diagnosis. Even after cluster analysis won't solve the problem, they have not changed their policy not to do the tests as they are required. The other issue is that they have intentionally underestimate the number of the cases, the fatality cases or the serious cases. 

The mass media have not showed these issues at proper timing. There have been so called professionals for this issue who supported the view of the government. At this explosive epidemic, people are starting to recognize these issues. 

These problems resulted in the worst outbreak and victims due to COVID19 in the Eastern Asia.  

I am not sure if the present vaccination programs will work as a game changer or not yet. But it will be the only candidate of the maneuver to overcome this pandemic. By March, the efficacy of the vaccine will be revealed in such as Israel, where vaccination program has started in last month. If it would work and 70% of the people could get immune to the virus, it will bring them the ultimate solution to the pandemic. I still hope it will come true.

*Politics and society*

Populism and tendency for fascism have been noted in various countries in the world. Our country was not an exception of such trend. I believe the politicians who appeal for populistic and dividing policies have been more and more approved by the people. I suspect more people are accepting such politics. Selfishness and ephemeralism seem to prevail among people. I suspect the neoliberal economy which has covered the world since 1980s or 1990s has left it in various countries, either communistic or capitalistic. I would keep interests in this trend and go on studying about it.

I won't discuss further but am most concerned about the budget deficit and astronomical level of debt of the government. BOJ has been buying tremendous amount of national bonds and of stocks. It is surely abnormal. I am afraid this corona crisis would the coup de grace to our country in the near future.

*Music and radio*

I have played the 1st movement of the 1st sonata of Brahms with my niece in Oct. I felt I had gone through the last stage of my cello performance history in my life. Through practicing for that performance, I have realized what I could do with it and what I could never reach with it. I still go on playing it but just for own fun. I am more inclined to listen to good music like chamber music of Faure or of Brahms, Bach's religious works or Beethoven's chamber music in the last part of his life. 

I could not help saying that what ham radio/CW used to be for me has almost gone away. Good friends of mine have gone inactive or even silent key. I believe it will be the time for me to downsize ham radio activity if not completely.

*Family*

We have had struggles in a family member. It is impossible for me to describe about it right now. So far, everyone is getting along OK. My wife is still working in full time. It may take her a couple of years to retire. I would support her and the other members as much as possible as a house husband. In such hardship of life, the meaning of our lives becomes clearer and more evident. I am learning how little I have served my family as a father and a husband. Wondering if I could catch it up in the rest of my life.

Wow, I have written too much pessimistic and discouraging. I am still in good temper and willingness. I ran across with Darrel AA7JV on 20m this morning, who used to be a researcher in radio astronomy. I have asked him if he had done with observation of the background radiation. He answered yes and told me it was a struggle against the receiver's noise floor level and the noise from the thousands of satellites orbiting around the globe. I have read the research of the background radiation has taught much about the origin of the universe and the progress afterward. So intriguing. Struggling against aging with loss of memory, I still would like to know more of such a thing before my life is put an end. In spring and summer, my garden and small farm might keep me busy. It is a real joy for me to work there under sun. House chores and cooking will also be a pleasure for me. 

I appreciate all of you, my friends and the visitors to this trivial blog, for your support. Leave a word or two if you notice or feel anything about the topics in it. May the new year be healthy and happy to you all.  

A Happy New Year to you!

Shin Onisawa