New Year's Resolutions? Maybe...

Well, here we are in 2007 already, all set to make resolutions that we have no chance of keeping. For example, each year I resolve to lose those extra pounds I gained over the past year and, each year, those pounds are joined by others. So, I've decided not to make such a foolhardy resolution. Instead, I've resolved to continue to be built more for comfort than speed - a resolution I know I can keep.

I thought about making a resolution to avoid critical comments about our local politicians, but realized that would almost certainly be one I couldn't keep. Instead, I've resolved to continue to pay attention to what they are doing and to comment as the mood moves me. That's another resolution I know I can keep.

There are those in our community who seem determined to solidify it as a bastion of intolerance. As they make their pronouncements I'll try to provide a counterpoint. If you only listen to them it would be easy to assume that every voter wants to expunge every Latino from our city. I don't think that's the case.

At a time when our world is filled with turmoil and uncertainty, I wish our young men and women in the armed services a quick return home to their loved ones, knowing full well that some will not escape unscathed. The newspapers this morning chronicle the fact that 3,000 Americans have died in those distant places so far - a terribly unhappy benchmark for us all.

I'd wish for world peace, but we all know that is not possible. As long as arbitrary political borders supersede historical tribal and ethnic boundaries strife will exist in this world. As long as politicians attempt to enforce harmony among historical enemies strife will exist.

Instead, I wish for our politicians to, somehow, acquire the wisdom, determination and patience to find a way to mediate a successful solution to the turmoil in the mid-east while keeping our country safe from further attacks.

I also wish that our elected leaders will be able to find a way to secure our borders and craft a good resolution to the current and on-going illegal immigration issue. Despite what some would have you believe, it's not a simple issue - if it were, it would have been resolved long ago.

So, on this first day of January, 2007, I wish for you and yours a year filled with love and accomplishment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR