Capitol Issues

Ring in the Old

That was the year that was, it’s over, let it go. It at least had only the orthodox 12 months, and thank God for small favors. It was one of the most dispiriting and damaging years in the nation’s history, comparable to 1968, the year of the assassinations and riots. But if, by chance, you liked 1973, you will love 1974 because, although the end of the current unpleasantness may be at hand, it is not really in sight. If 1972 was the year of the coverup, and 1973 has been the year of the uncovering, 1974 promises to be the year of indictments, which means it will be the year of more uncovering. So it is ring out the old, and ring in the old. as Washington continues in the grip of an enervating time lag. It is not waiting for things to happen, but for the final consequences of things that have happened.

About the Author

George F. Will

George F. Will has been a columnist, beginning with National Review, since 1973.

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Ring in the Old

That was the year that was, it’s over, let it go. It at least had only the orthodox 12 months, and thank God for small favors. It was one of the most dispiriting and damaging years in the nation’s history, comparable to 1968, the year of the assassinations and riots. But if, by chance, you liked 1973, you will love 1974 because, although the end of the current unpleasantness may be at hand, it is not really in sight. If 1972 was the year of the coverup, and 1973 has been the year of the uncovering, 1974 promises to be the year of indictments, which means it will be the year of more uncovering. So it is ring out the old, and ring in the old. as Washington continues in the grip of an enervating time lag. It is not waiting for things to happen, but for the final consequences of things that have happened.