Healthy Fear in 2009?

[Photo via Michael Mistretta]

Hi I’m back from slacking off.

A lot had happened in 2008: the Olympics, the elections (yes, there were more than one), and the market going apeshit. I’d say 2009 will be an in-between year though. It’s not quite 2010, another symbolic coming of a new decade and the much anticipated Winter Olympics here in Vancouver.

Instead, if the predictions are correct, 2009 will be one crappy year to live through. People worry about how long the recession is going to last and more signs of trouble in environment front.

I remain hopeful though. Could it be that we are in a healthy state of fear?

In 2001, after the dotcom bust and 9/11 attack, people were fearful, governments were able to push through major decisions. Well.. that didn’t go so well. At the same time it showed that, in crisis, people are more willing to cooperate or compromise. If the leader leads, people will follow because the status quo is not working.

Now in 2009, I really really hope Obama and, more importantly, the big brains around him don’t screw up. They have the golden opportunity to make big changes and push through the necessary policies for future generations.

Thomas Friedman says the best. We need a Reboot.