My family is well aware of my fondness for books and each Christmas indulges me with a stack of eclectic reading material that always provides me with food for thought through the long winter months.

An early discovery from the current selections is a gem of a gentle, sweet, short novel by Ray Bradbury titled, "Farewell Summer". Bradbury, ever the master of the metaphor, builds a haunting tale of the eternal friction between the eagerness and exuberance of youth and the resentful decline of their aging elders culminating in a wondering acceptance by all involved of the changes that time imposes.

One might be inclined to view Spring as the most appropriate agent of change rather than the early days of a dark, cold Winter, but our culture celebrates the birth of a New Year, ceremoniously ushering out ancient Father Time and embracing his infant replacement.

Rather than spending time on constructing New Year's Resolutions that almost certainly will be forthrightly ignored, I instead have invested in hopes for this imminent, if somewhat unrealistic, new beginning.

I sincerely hope that:

Our leadership, Federal, State and local, will develop economic prudence and restrain their inherent urge to further control our lives through random fiat.

Rewards and accolades will be bestowed upon those who prove successful , honest and ethical and those who practice dishonesty, greed and deceit will receive their just reward of failure and distrust.

America will persevere and grow stronger in our battle against those who have shown their intent to destroy us in their quest for world domination.

Our country will restore its economic strength through hard work, diligence and creativity and will reject the false security proffered by the advocates of socialism.

Our country will regain its national identity and pride, continuing to offer a haven for those who want to enjoy our freedom and prosperity, but standing firm against the demands for "diversity" that preclude a cohesive common front.

We, as a people, can become more civil in our manner, more accepting of our differences, willing to debate other points of view rather than launch personal attacks and follow more closely the virtues outlined for us through religion and philosophy.

Whatever the coming "change" in America produces, it will be for the betterment of our people.

Or perhaps I should carefully store this "Wish List" and save it for next Christmas?

Through our personal choices, not through government intervention and decree, we shape the world around us. We are indeed the keepers of our own destiny.

Abundant guidance is available to us if we choose to seek it through the printed word, customs and traditions. Successful "renewal" is dependent upon what has worked previously, as well as innovation for the future.

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