And did it? The Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, Wars in the Balkans, the Gulf Wars, and multiple guerrilla wars. Of course not. So, what chance has our ‘new normal?’ Other than a soundbite, what is our ‘new normal’ anyway?
Ssssh, I had a late breakfast today. Worse, I eschewed ‘Nolan’ and listened to Radio 4. The experts explained how Economic recessions stimulated change in the way we work, more automation, more artificial intelligence, fewer people. And how new business models emerged and improved productivity. Productivity? Unemployment? Some ‘new normal,’ eh?
Defiant beach parties, protests, illegal quarantine raves, and high-profile personal indiscretions punctuated Lockdown. As Lockdown eased, High Street shops re-opened, and people surged to spend, spend, spend. The Government relaxed ‘social distance’ rules, confirmed how pubs, hairdressers, hotels, and museums could open. People revelled. Bookings climbed exponentially, and airlines flew again. So, we rushed to embrace the old shibboleths like children’s security blankets. The ‘old normal’ is a secure and seductive habit. Isn’t it? ‘The devil we know…’
And so round and round, and round we go, humanity dragged down by the whirlpool of history.
The Dragon had much at stake, too. He had to destroy that Child, or the real ‘New Normal’ would be guaranteed. And so, it was ‘… war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the Dragon, and the Dragon and his angels fought back. But they were not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great Dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan… Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah.”’ Now, that is the war to end all wars. That is the ‘New Normal.’
