Back to the Grind

Well, you know it had to come to an end. The holiday period. Oh, we still have New Year's but that's different. Not everything will be closed on New Year's Day. Christmas is the day we come closest to shutting everything down.

So what awaits us?

Let's see there's (deep breath) the mayor and city council elections, the earnings tax debate, doing something about 103 homicides this year and counting...(breath)...the economy, lack of jobs, potential inflation, taxes, stimulus packages, global climate change, global economy, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq.

There are people telling us that the nation is being taken over by a oligarchy of corporate interests, by an oligarchy of the ruling classes, by the entitlement mentality, by the morally bankrupt, and that the nation is falling away, falling to third world status, falling like Rome, falling toward anarchy. There is outcry against any idea that America is exceptional in any way from one side; the other side says not so fast, we have survived tough things before.

The Progressive lefties thinks THEY are the only way to salvation.

The Libertarian wing thinks THEY are the only way to salvation.

The Conservative righties thinks THEY are the only way to salvation.

One group says all should be judged on merit, to rise or fall as their abilities dictate, lead, follow or get out of the way--the fallen should just get out of the way and rely on the kindness of strangers. Another group feels that all have a right to certain services and should not be allowed to fall by the wayside. Health care is the crucible issue here--is it a right, obtained with the help of the government, or something that is offered within the free market system in line with the ability to pay?

So, we've got a lot on our plate this coming year. Whew!