For Release Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Capitol View
Commentary by J.L. Schmidt
Statehouse Correspondent
Nebraska Press Association
ItÕs Looking Like a Supply Chain -Hampered Christmas


      I'm dreaming of a supply chain-hampered Christmas. But thatÕs not necessarily a bad thing.
      Perhaps it will be simpler with fewer gifts and more warm memories as we focus on the real meaning of the holiday and share with friends and family. If you're living in this country, you still have an abundance compared with most of the rest of the world even if those large cargo ships stacked with containers of stuff can't make it to port.
      IÕm not an economist, but as an observer of the sum total of contributing events, hereÕs a somewhat simplified version of what this is all about. Beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, cybersecurity breaches, trade disputes and more have taken their toll. Industry experts reassure us that supply chains Ð the function of getting manufactured goods to market -- are adapting and rebounding.  
      The Economist magazine recently published results of a survey about the impact of disruptions. Shipping problems persist, factory floor capacity remains diminished, consumer needs and spending patterns have changed, and the biggest factorÑa once-in-a-century pandemicÑremains a potent global force whose resurgence is uncertain and one whose remaining effects have yet to be realized. 
      A global pandemic collided with simmering social unrest exacerbated by unemployment, economic recession, and political chaos. Devastating natural disasters like ravaging wildfires in California and a deluge of floods and tornadoes in the Midwest have been contributing factors according to industry consultants GEP.
      The pandemic hit manufacturing hard, said the industry consultants West Monroe. One of the first blows was government categorization of essential and non-essential businesses. Some in the latter category were forced to completely shut down or drastically reduce 
      
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production. Others deemed essential were stretched to the limit trying to keep up with demand. As the pandemic wore on, consumer needs and spending patterns also drastically changed, some industries experienced unprecedented demand and success, while others struggled to remain relevant. 
      So, whatÕs left for Christmas that isnÕt impacted by all this? I see four things that are readily available at little or no cost. In fact, most are in abundant supply. Faith, hope, love and peace.
      Faith is defined as confidence or trust in aÊperson, thing, orÊconcept. ÊIn the context ofÊreligion, one can define faith as "beliefÊinÊGodÊor in the doctrines or teachings of religion." Others who are moreÊskeptical of religionÊtend to think of faith as simply belief withoutÊevidence, complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
      Surely you have faith in something that can be shared with loved ones. Do it in a face-to-face heartfelt conversation, if possible. You may even need to tell the other person that you have faith in them. This works not only with those who are struggling, but also those who seem to have it all together. Trust me, I donÕt think anybody has it ALL together.
      Hope is an optimistic state of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. It is an anticipatory emotion that causes us to Òexpect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation.Ó Share your hope with someone this Christmas; it will likely give them hope as well. 
      Love is a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment. It involves care, closeness, protectiveness and trust. Love can vary in intensity and can change over time. It is associated with a range of positive emotions, including happiness, excitement and life satisfaction. You can love Christmas cookies. You can love your family and friends. Be sure to not only tell them, but show them.
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      Peace is freedom from disturbance, a feeling of tranquility. To the extent possible, be the peace, the peacemaker, in the hubbub that is often Christmas. Bite your tongue if you must but do your best.
      Have a very Merry Christmas, even without stuff!

      -30-

J.L. Schmidt has been covering Nebraska government and politics since 1979. He has been a registered Independent for more than 20 years.