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Things we’d like to see in 2013
(The Free Press – Mankato, Minn.)
We are now firmly and officially into 2013 and we have two options facing us — peer into the new year with worry and trepidation, or with optimism.
We prefer optimism. So here are a few things we’d like to see in 2013:
- A reason to forget there ever was a “fiscal cliff.”
- A truly well-informed electorate that both understands and accepts the fact that this nation needs to make serious adjustments to maintain the level of government support it now expects; and elected leaders who are more responsive to the realities of our national situation than to their biggest donors.
- An end to the tragic massacres involving crazed gunmen and innocent bystanders.
- An end to name-calling among political rivals. Is it too late to work toward George H.W. Bush’s “kinder, gentler nation”?
- A better Arab Spring. One where the challenges of democratization also come with protections for those not wielding the power.
- Legislative breakthroughs on issues that shouldn’t be so difficult to solve if only the political parties could work together and refrain from name-calling: One good place to start — immigration law.
- An end to the drought with ample spring and summer rains (along with just the right amount of sunshine) for farmers.
- A mild tornado season. One that won’t leave us with much to remember, or regret, years later.
- More books and newspapers read; more exercise programs started; fewer glazed doughnuts per capita consumed.
X x x x
Sandy aid forthcoming
(The Norman, Okla., Transcript)
We empathize with New York and New England residents with their anger over the lack of long-term federal aid for victims of Superstorm Sandy.
The new Congress is expected to take up an immediate flood insurance aid package, followed by a second more long-term recovery fund. That could total as much as $60 billion.
Members of Congress from New York and New Jersey are comparing the storm to Hurricane Katrina in its damage. We’re not sure that’s a fair comparison, but it makes for a good sound bite.
Americans turn to the federal government and its vast resources for help when disasters strike. It’s part of what makes the country strong, and we encourage Congress to act swiftly to make communities whole again.
