Today we could look back over the year just passed to see all that has happened. Many years ago, an elderly friend encouraged me to take a few days at the end of the year to think back over the events of the year that was passing. He urged that only a little amount of time should to be set aside for the exercise of looking back. He then said, “Once you have reflected upon that year, let it go.” Over the years since receiving that advice, I have taken time at the end of each year to think back over the year. Following that reflection, he suggested that I should set before me the blank calendar of the New Year. As that was done, then he suggested setting goals to determine the direction I wanted to see my life go in the New Year. I was a young man when that advice was given. I have followed each year since taking the time to look back quickly and then to look ahead toward the New Year.
This New Year gives great promise of change that will take place in our county, state and nation. In the last few days of 2011, the news has not been great. The pushing forward of the campaigns of the various people running to be the Republican Party nominee for President has given more than enough drama for me. Quickly into the New Year, the Iowa caucuses will occur that many argue it will mean little while others opine it will set the tone for the primaries that lie ahead. The passionate feelings each camp of supporters have for their candidate can be seen in the news releases, blogs, and social media posting. The so-called “new media” which is the blogosphere and social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and others, allows for opinions to trump fact. As an advocate for freedom of speech, you find no argument from me regarding this new phenomenon. For many years we have read the opinions of the mainstream media writers, many of which abandoned facts for their personal opinions. Commentary has replaced reporting so long ago, we rarely remember what it was like to have a factually reported event in print or broadcast. This type of journalism came to be known as having “spin” on it. As a writer of an opinion column in various venues, it is well known the direction I always take in a column. The spin I put on my writings will always be to the right, of course, regular readers of this column already know that.
As I look ahead to this New Year, I am still an advocate for genuine ethical reform in all levels of government. I could be called a one issue person, and rightly so, as I began and continue to urge for transparency in government and from elected government lawmakers. When we finally arrive to the point that principle wins out over politics, we might be on our way to genuine ethics in government. In the political world we have always had those who are part of the “in crowd,” and others who are not. The most often heard complaint is there is a “good ole boy system.” That is true. I have also noticed that when new people are elected it does not take long for them to become part of the “in crowd,” even though they ran as one who would change and get away from the “good old boys” running everything. The impression to me is where one is standing, either in or out when they make that charge of; “A certain few running everything.” (That charge is often made in the churches also.)
As we face the several elections that will be conducted this year, allow me once again to urge that you be registered to vote. Once you are registered to vote, please make it your task to be informed about the issues and candidates. Read the positions of the candidates from the websites, attend forums, debates, and make it your job to have a personal time with each local candidate as much as is possible get to know them. After all of this is done, select the person that best reflects your views, support them, and most of all please vote in every election. It does not matter how much we talk if we do not vote on Election Day.
Ray Newman Copyright
December 29, 2011
This New Year gives great promise of change that will take place in our county, state and nation. In the last few days of 2011, the news has not been great. The pushing forward of the campaigns of the various people running to be the Republican Party nominee for President has given more than enough drama for me. Quickly into the New Year, the Iowa caucuses will occur that many argue it will mean little while others opine it will set the tone for the primaries that lie ahead. The passionate feelings each camp of supporters have for their candidate can be seen in the news releases, blogs, and social media posting. The so-called “new media” which is the blogosphere and social sites like Facebook, Twitter, and others, allows for opinions to trump fact. As an advocate for freedom of speech, you find no argument from me regarding this new phenomenon. For many years we have read the opinions of the mainstream media writers, many of which abandoned facts for their personal opinions. Commentary has replaced reporting so long ago, we rarely remember what it was like to have a factually reported event in print or broadcast. This type of journalism came to be known as having “spin” on it. As a writer of an opinion column in various venues, it is well known the direction I always take in a column. The spin I put on my writings will always be to the right, of course, regular readers of this column already know that.
As I look ahead to this New Year, I am still an advocate for genuine ethical reform in all levels of government. I could be called a one issue person, and rightly so, as I began and continue to urge for transparency in government and from elected government lawmakers. When we finally arrive to the point that principle wins out over politics, we might be on our way to genuine ethics in government. In the political world we have always had those who are part of the “in crowd,” and others who are not. The most often heard complaint is there is a “good ole boy system.” That is true. I have also noticed that when new people are elected it does not take long for them to become part of the “in crowd,” even though they ran as one who would change and get away from the “good old boys” running everything. The impression to me is where one is standing, either in or out when they make that charge of; “A certain few running everything.” (That charge is often made in the churches also.)
As we face the several elections that will be conducted this year, allow me once again to urge that you be registered to vote. Once you are registered to vote, please make it your task to be informed about the issues and candidates. Read the positions of the candidates from the websites, attend forums, debates, and make it your job to have a personal time with each local candidate as much as is possible get to know them. After all of this is done, select the person that best reflects your views, support them, and most of all please vote in every election. It does not matter how much we talk if we do not vote on Election Day.
Ray Newman Copyright
December 29, 2011
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