Let's take a moment to reflect on the blessings we have as Americans as we move into a New Year.

We live in a free country filled with opportunity. While there is poverty, sickness and loneliness in all quarters, there are people and institutions working to ease the suffering.

We are blessed with the abundance of a sound economy and a government whose powers flow from the people. Any faults and weaknesses are thus, our own.

We can practice our religion as we wish or deny the existence of God without fear. We can speak our minds or stand in silence. We can be critical, wrong and even just plain stupid and face no retribution other than the natural consequences of our behavior that flow from a free society.

As the clock strikes midnight, and the ball drops in Times Square, we should resolve to reinforce those great freedoms in our communities with positive action, tolerance and a marked determination to be as much a part of the process as a benefactor.

Happy New Year from our homes to yours.

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