Fast away the old year passes,

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses.

Yes! Although it is hard to believe, another year is about to go into the record books. Nearly one week remains so we cannot be sure all the news has been reported, but we are glad to comment on one apparent trend: an economic revival finally seems to be underway.

Truly the year 2013 lived up in many ways to the “13” that it bore in its title. We remember some very tragic stories that occurred locally; lives lost, property destroyed.

Nationally, it seemed that the political process was indeed jinxed, culminating after many months of rancor in an expensive and unnecessary government shutdown. We elected these representatives?

Fortunately, it appears that cooler heads have prevailed and the nation may actually have a new budget. We hope. Stability at the top should influence every aspect of national, state and local affairs positively, just as the past ins...