Editorial - A community newspaper's Christmas wish list

Talk about it

What does a small-town community newspaper want for Christmas?

Here’s our wish list:

We wish people would just be a little kinder – a little less quick to judge or criticize and more willing to listen and consider other viewpoints.

We wish people would put a little more stock into their locally elected leaders, those running the county board, city councils and schools. These are people who put in long hours with little pay who are trying their best to make good decisions. Sure, it’s OK to disagree with them from time to time, to ask questions, to point out other options. But people shouldn’t leap to the conclusion that local leaders are conspiring against them or only looking out for their own interests. They live here too.

We wish people would get more involved in their community. Attend festivals and celebrations. Go to an activity you’ve never been to before. Be proud of where you live and what makes it unique.

We wish people would be a little more optimistic. People should search for the good in a person or a situation instead of dwelling on flaws.

We wish people would be a little more patient and not expect instant solutions to any problem that comes their way. There’s a right way and a wrong way to complain about something.

We wish people would shop local and support their local businesses. These people live here, pay taxes, provide jobs, contribute to the economy. Pay them back by at least giving them a shot at your business.

We wish businesses would recognize their hard-working employees with better wages, recognition or benefits. Yes, it may cut into the bottom line, but the payback will be worth it.

We wish people would show more support for non-profit agencies such as the United Way. They are the heartbeat of the community, the ones that fill the gaps to help others. They are always there for us. We need to be there for them.

We wish people would take a more active role in reporting and stopping crime. If you see suspicious behavior, report it. If you know who committed a crime, let the authorities know. The next victim could be you.

We wish people would be more conscious about the environment. Don’t toss that empty soda can into the ditch. Don’t dump things into a lake that don’t belong there. Reduce, re-use, recycle.

We wish people would listen more to what young people have to say. They’re brimming with good ideas and energy to tap into.

We wish people would listen more to what elderly people have to say. Their experience and wisdom are invaluable.

We wish people will keep supporting and reading their community newspaper. It tells the community’s story week after week. It’s a forum for discussion, a record of the community’s past, a beacon for its future.

Lastly, we wish you – our faithful readers – a blessed and Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Echo Press editorials are the position of the newspaper’s editorial board, which includes Jody Hanson, publisher; Al Edenloff, editor; and news reporter, Celeste Beam.

Tags: opinion, editorials, christmas