NETFLIX WINDS UP THE YEAR WITH "DEATH TO 2020" (AND A REACTION TO THE CAPITOL RIOT)

Netflix releases a review of 2020, a "dumpster fire of a year." "Death to 2020" is a mockumentary that presents the year with a sense of humor that shifts between morbid and cheesy. Given the year humanity has suffered, some humor (regardless of quality) is in order.

The film follows the perspective of ten different people around the world and records the different reactions to the year. The list includes infuriating people such as a trump-supporting, anti-masker politician and a white privilege homemaking Karen. Level-headed experts are also brought in to balance out the lunacy including a historian, psychologist, and scientist. Serving a light, albeit dull frosting was the honest perspective of an average Jo who mistakes November's US election like the crazy game show that it was and a millennial who finds a way to make bank on the events surrounding the year. This list goes on. Ten different reactions to the same terrible year.

"I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it." –Frank A. Clark

What else can we do then approach this year with a sense of humor? Sometimes, humoris all we have. Laughter is a powerful tool to get people through the worst of times. We need more laughter right now.

Unfortunately, America did not have a long enough break to sit back and chuckle at the absurdity that has become daily life in 2020. Even then, I doubt the writers of this film could have predicted what would happen within the first week of 2021.

A violent attack occurred on Capitol Hill, an insurrection made by the top dog himself: Donald Trump. It was a terrifying event where five people would lose their lives, destruction of Capitol and press property, private offices invaded and tampered with, and a peaceful, lawful meeting disrupted. What was the perceived crime of Congress? They would no longer coddle the injured pride of their narcissistic boss. 60+ lawsuits, all kicked to the curb. It's over. Biden won. Period.

In hindsight, it shouldn't surprise us. "Stand back and stand by," he said to his "proud boys". Are those the same proud boys that swarmed the Capitol on January 6? Was that what they were standing by to hear? Permission to storm the Capitol? What else could he have meant?

In addition, Trump has been spreading his message of hate for four years leading to an increase in violence, racism, and misogyny. Until finally, Trump turned his radical mob against Congress: the men and women who worked with him for four years.

How else could this have ended? Trump had no one left to attack and throw under the bus. His job was hours away from being stripped. It was the final act of a very desperate man. Meanwhile, he turned tail and ran back into the White House where he watched the final result of his widespread heresy with sadistic glee from the protection of his home... former home. Like a coward.

His plan worked too well. Everyone turned on him as he had turned on them. Not like, actually. Because the men and women of Congress, including Pence, are professionals. They reacted to the riot in a professional manner with the know-how of who to blame. They voted thusly. Donald Trump is no longer president. Plain and bloody simple.

Perhaps, January 20 will mark the real end of the garbage fire that was 2020.

My prayers in December focused on a better year where hope would be restored to the world through the eradication of the coronavirus and the restoration of the economy. Not just the American economy, but every economy.

As the dust settles on the capitol, I have a new prayer. I pray that each and every person involves in the violent siege of our Capitol is apprehended and brought to justice. My heart goes out to President-Elect Jo Biden as he continues his optimistic plan for a unified, peaceful, and healthy nation. He has his work cut out for him. I pray that God bless his work in the future.