What happens today is going to have a profound effect on the pulp and paper industry. That is said without tipping my hand one way or another. The pulp and paper industry, as well as packaging (paper, glass and aluminum) have demonstrated their importance in this strange year of Covid-19. As for paper, old Jim's mantra about cellulose--if it is used for its physical properties, it is just fine; if it is used to convey ideas and information it is in serious trouble--has been proven over and over again this year. Look whose stock is up and whose is down. These facts will not keep governmental policy and public opinion from affecting the pulp and paper industry in the future, however.

I am distressed, too. I am distressed over the great divide in political opinions causing rancor among industry members and leadership. I admit that I don't dare express my opinions, some of which are on what would normally be scientific subjects, because of the potential for backlash. What was once science has become fantasy played out with real political ramifications. This bothers me.

This is demonstrated in the supposedly true story of a politician giving as stump speech, castigating the pulp and paper industry, saying, "If elected, I will make sure there is 0 pH coming out of those mills!" Good luck with that, buddy.

I am distressed about the blatant censorship that media powerhouses are exercising. Quick--did you read the percentage increase in US GDP in the third quarter of 2020 that came out last week? I'll bet you didn't.

None of these social climates are good for our industry nor are they good for economies, either in the United States or far-flung corners of the world. In the long run, this means problems for succeeding generations of paper makers.

Jim Thompson is CEO of Paperitalo Publications.