We don't know about you, but 2012 is one year we're glad to see leave.
We'd thought the best thing to happen this year was the end of the election cycle and the blizzard of negative advertising that went with it. But, darned if some over-eager news-a-holics aren't already making early bets about 2016. Enjoy the quiet as long as it lasts.
As for the rest of it, the continuing economic struggles, violence overseas and at home, hurricanes, droughts, tornadoes -- including one here in Highlands County that killed a mother protecting her young daughter -- fatal car crashes, bank robberies and the terrible, cold blooded murder of Aaron Doty, made 2012 seem to last forever even as it flew by.
We watched as a generation began to pass beyond us, entertainers like Kitty Wells, Andy Griffith, Phyllis Diller, Richard Dawson, Dick Clark, Andy Williams and Larry Hagman -- people we'll miss.
The News-Sun adjusted to its own share of change. Ed Baldridge had a stroke and has been recovering ever since (Go, Mr. Ed!), and our editor Scott Dressel leaves this week on an entirely new adventure -- to become a financial advisor. Change brings opportunity, is what we're telling ourselves.
Going into 2013 we face steep challenges still: The so-called "fiscal cliff" game of chicken in Washington D.C.; extremism politics in general; the continuing war in Afghanistan; the unstable Middle East, including the melt-down in Syria and threats from Iran; keeping our children safe in school; improving their performance; and, of course, the economy and job creation.
Just remember what the philosophers say as we roll up our sleeves: What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger and the finest steel goes through the hottest fire.
Just, whatever you do, don't say, "Well, it can't any worse," because as soon as you do, it will.
It isn't all gloom and doom, however. It really isn't.
There are signs of hope. Americans grow tired of the status quo which appears to be getting us nowhere fast. Younger people coming up are demanding more action and less shouting. A majority of registered voters paid attention to the (it seemed like a decade-long) campaign season, pacing themselves so they still had the energy and hope to get out and cast their ballots.
Make it one of your new year's resolutions to stay involved in the community. Things will improve as long as we work together.
We wish everyone a safe holiday.
Please, if you're going out designate a driver, fasten your seat belts, and by all means, have a good time.
Friday, December 28, 2012 - www.newssun.com/edt-122812