Thank goodness that is over.
We are referring to the 2012 presidential campaign, but we might be referring to political campaigns in general during the year.
Heck, we might be referring to 2012 in general. It was a year plagued by mass shootings in Colorado, Connecticut and Wisconsin, random violence elsewhere in our land, unprecedented mayhem on the streets of Chicago, various sickening sex scandals, even a cannibal attack in Miami.
And then there was Hurricane Sandy.
On top of all of that, our nation’s Congress remains basically dysfunctional, even as our country faces a fiscal cliff in coming days. Neither side seems willing to give ground on anything, which means there is no neutral territory on which to meet to try to reach real solutions for the American people.
Still, there is reason for optimism as 2012 becomes 2013 in the United States of America. Gas prices are steadily declining, unemployment numbers continue to drop, consumer confidence is up and the real estate and stock markets are recovering.
It appears Congress may do something about immigration reform in the next year and may take some action to protect the American people, and in particular our precious children, from mass shootings. Our troops are out of Iraq and should be out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014. There are other hotspots around the world, but American involvement in a new war does not appear imminent.
In California, the statehouse is controlled by one party, which means it is likely some crazy legislation will be passed and there will be no real solutions to the state’s long-term fiscal issues. Such is life in the “Golden State.”
In the Imperial Valley our economy keeps plugging along, slowly improving and becoming more diverse thanks to things such as alternative energy and the jobs and tax revenue it will provide. We also are encouraged by a new generation of leaders ascending to high positions in our county who might bring ideas to make our area a better place to live.
All in all, we are ready to bid 2012 a welcome adieu and look forward to a wonderful, wondrous 2013.
THE ISSUE:
2012 ends.
WE SAY:
Bring on 2013.
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
Send us your thoughts on this topic to www.ivpressonline.com/letterstotheeditor
To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.
