EDITORIAL

Isn't this the time of year when resolutions are made?

Filled with the best of intentions, everyone looks to launch the New Year with new plans and pledges to eat better, lose weight and act nicer.

The fragile economy is prompting many to resolve to "get out of debt" which, unfortunately, has become a necessity for many.

Given these difficult times, one might wonder what resolutions are on the drawing board of this country's political leaders. Wouldn't it benefit the vanishing middle class if the members of Congress adopted a common goal to restore the "Made in America" label to the marketplace?

As it is, one is hard pressed to find proof that anything is made in today's America. Seemingly, every toy, gadget and clothing item comes from some other land.

The Christmas tree—if artificial—standing in the American home likely was made in China, as were the decorations that adorn it. The presents that were placed under the tree probably found their way to America via imports.

Even the food that goes on the table originates from faraway places. Check out the labels for shrimp and other fish. New Yorkers would shudder to think of eating fish caught in the East River, but are expected to ingest seafood from Thailand or Bangladesh.

In the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life, a man gets a glimpse of what the world would be like if he had never been born. We wonder how different life in America would be if everyone resolved not to buy anything foreign-made.

Then again, since this would mean going naked while starving to death, it could be considered an exercise in self-destructive behavior—the exact opposite of what a New Year's resolution is meant to inspire.

In truth, it's a chance to look at life and decide on a course of action if an adjustment is needed.

New Year's resolutions that are true and meaningful do not become acts of self-delusion, but encourage stick-toitiveness in pursuing a goal.

At some point in life, everyone is struck by the notion of making a long-range plan. Some strategize and take the necessary steps to enjoy the satisfaction of success. The alternative is to do nothing and accept the plans of others.

Here's an ideal resolution for 2009: Get off the couch and take an active part in the workings of the community.

Join a civic group or attend a community board meeting. It's amazing how informative they can be regarding what is happening in one's community, city and state.

Learn about politics at the grassroots level by visiting a local political club or get a better appreciation for the realities of the public schools system by observing a community education council meeting in your district.

Whatever your choice, do something. Make the commitment to act in pursuit of a goal to make life better—not only for personal reasons, but for the future of your family.