FROM THE EDITOR
— BUT WITH CAVEATS
The time of year has come to show thanks.
In spite of what some fear-mongering political pundits or voices in the mainstream media are saying, life in these United States is not as dire as they would have you believe.
No one is being shelled or shot by foreign militaries.
No army is amassed at the country’s borders and no navy is steaming toward America’s shores.
The standard of living enjoyed by even the poorest U.S. resident is, in general, much better than what the majority of denizens in Third World countries endure.
The population of the U.S. has not suffered any bloody coups nor violent nationwide transitions of government. The last U.S. civil war took place nearly 165 years ago.
The atmosphere is not boiling away and no one is shivering as a new ice age pushes glaciers into the heartland.
Government agents who tried to strong-arm social-media operators into curbing worthwhile discussions on digital platforms have scuttled back into the shadows.
Violent crime is down. America is embarking on a new space age.
Could the economy be better? Immigration? World security? Yes, yes and yes to these and a thousand other questions.
But we have the brains and the capacity to solve these problems. We’re the people who invented the wheel, conquered diseases and put astronauts on the moon.
However, what will be true in 2026 is what has always been true — humans are their own worst enemy, and many of the problems originate with the elected class. Very rarely these days does it seem like the best, most-qualified people actually run for office. Politics has gotten so nasty and so expensive, which might be valid reasons to keep some from campaigning.
But as the new year unwinds, keep in mind party primaries are coming up in March, municipal and school board elections in May, and the mid-term ballots in November.
It is clear some local politicians may have overstayed their welcome.
Nothing is more irksome than a government official or — even worse — an elected official earning a living from taxpayer dollars who won’t answer questions from the public (ncluding the press).
During the next election cycle, voters should question whether these folks even belong in public office if they’re not going to fulfill their constitutional duties.
These officials would be wise to remember they work for the people. They are beholden to those who put them in office and pay their salaries.
Never call them leaders. They are servants of the public and operate at the will of the governed.
So this holiday season, be thankful and pray for common sense to reign in 2026.
Thomas Edwards
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