2022 has finally ended.
Some of it bad, some of it splendid.
There was Russia’s invasion.
And Ukraine’s self-defense.
The west lobbed isolation against Moscow’s offense.
This was also the year America closed the door
despite a generation of fighting its 20-year-war
We saw economic turmoil and those who could not tweet
We debated inflation and whether small investors could beat the street
We debated food, SATs, and if the Classics were overrated
Aliens, and whether Britain’s Monarchy should be abated
Affirmative action, cancel culture, and if Trump should be indicted,
Unions, public radio, and what information disorder has ignited.
Gene editing and digital dollars were fresh to the palette.
We debated adaptation, and whether your Tesla helps the planet,
And of course there was Roe, and if AI does more harm than good,
Kissinger, Covid, and just how we all withstood
midterm elections
and if globalization backfired
soft landings, and cities, and if democracy is mired
OK…hold on, that’s not cheery.
We can’t end this year leaving you tired and weary.
So here’s to you listeners and watchers of debate
Who at times may have wondered what is the fate
Of a discourse that is broken or at least a bit hobbled.
When listening to a nation that yells and a people who squabble.
Fear not, dear listeners, we say with some hope.
We do in fact have a way you can cope:
A new podcast we made just for you
Of our favorite debate moments, and some of yours too.
Real debate and discussion offers intellectual cheer.
And so with that we wish you safe holidays … and a happy new year.
– David Ariosto, Head of Editorial, Intelligence Squared U.S.
