Every year, I write a column outlining my New Year’s resolution, which is usually designed to improve my life and make my existence a better one then it currently is. But this year – I plan to dedicate my 2002 New Year’s resolution to the world as a whole – and do my part in bringing about the only thing I want in 2002 – a peaceful world.

Since I was a child, I heard of the ravages of war and heard people’s accounts of how they lived through wars and disasters, but never had my own common frame of reference to truly appreciate their courageous stories. That common frame of reference came to me on September 11, 2001 – when I was thrust in the middle of the world’s worst terrorist attack – and the beginning of my country’s most recent war.

Even though almost four months have passed since that terrible day – I still relive it at least once a day. From the screams of the innocent to the laughter of the guilty – each emotion passes through me and reminds me of the day that I will never forget. Having to relive September 11th every day makes me want to do all that I can to make sure that no one else ever has to experience what I did on September 11th – and that is why this year – I plan on bringing happiness and peace to everyone.

While I may not be able to single-handedly save the world – I can do what I can to make it a better place. By showing common courtesy, respect and dignity to all who I encounter, by trying my hardest to bring happiness and enjoyment to all who watch Ring Fever and subscribe to The South Park Digest – and by providing friendship and love to those closest to me – I am, in a small way, contributing peace and happiness to this world. And if everyone that I am kind and nice to does the same thing to everyone that they encounter – then happiness and peace will spread like wildfire – and burn the hatred away.

What amazes me about Osama Bin Laden and those who agree with his insanity is their immeasurable amount of hatred for us and our society. As a person who tries his best to always be happy, I cannot physically or mentally imagine hating someone so much – that you wanted to kill them and/or take away their feeling of safety and security. But unfortunately, that is exactly what Osama and his cronies did – simply because they hate us.

And while we may be winning the war against terrorism in Afghanistan – we will never truly be able to eliminate every single terrorist who hates us – but maybe if we work together in doing what I plan to do in 2002 – then maybe we can eliminate hate.

Now more then ever, we know how fragile and precious life is – and how quickly it can be taken away from us. So that is why I have made my New Year’s resolution to spread happiness and peace – because while life may be unpredictable – you do have the power to make life better – one person at a time.