The most deadly shooting in America's history, a election that inspired protests across the country, massacres in Allepo, fear of ISIS, and increasing warnings of climate change. This past year held much change and fear for the United States, and the world, leading quite a few people ready for 2017. However, 2016 wasn't all bad.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
Some of America may have given up hope on 2016, but the twenty-one recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom are twenty-one reasons to still have hope. For it is never about one persons actions, it is about the actions of 319 million people, and these leaders are the people who will inspire us for generations to come.
Basketball star, Native American activist and community leader, comedian, actor, physicist, non-profit foundation leader, architect, computer scientist, artist, producer, attorney, educator, environmentalist, singer, songriter, businessman. These are the titles that the recipients wear, some of them wear multiple. As President Obama said, "from scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way." These are not twenty-one politicians, or 21 scientists, or 21 businessmen, they are 21 people from all types of professions. America does not work just because a politician said it needed to or a scientist predicted it would, or even because a man had the money. It works because of all three reasons, and there are 319 million people in this country, with even more reasons, and even more diverse professions and backgrounds.
The Memes, All of the Memes
Yes, this may not be the most thought provoking reason, but the memes of 2016 have provided smiles where the news has only brought sadness and fear
From President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden memes,
FollowHogwarts Logic @HogwartsLogic
Biden: I'm gonna throw his wig into the fireplace
Obama: Joe don't
Biden: One Horcrux down, 6 to go
to the evil Kermit the Frog memes,
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Actually Funded A Significant Discovery
Not only were there videos of people dumping cold water on themselves all over the internet, these videos lead to donations that went towards the discovery of a new ALS causing gene, NEK1, that will help scientists improve therapy for patients. This gene has also been discovered to be the most common contributor to ALS. It isn't a cure, but it is hope that research is moving forward.
Giant Oreo Bars are Now Available
You may be super depressed about the events of 2016 but atleast you can stuff your face with a giant Oreo bar. Sounds comforting doesn't it?
500 elephants were relocated to a better, safer and bigger home.
It may have been a tough year for some animals, but there were a few triumphs. Elephants were relocated. Manatee, Tiger, and Panda populations have a long journey ahead of them, but their numbers are rising.
Most importantly, the best thing to happen in 2016 is the reassurance that there will be a tomorrow, there will be another year, and American is moving. Whether we move forward or backward is up to you.
