The end-of-year holiday season of 2023 is upon us, and again it seems that the wishes of peace on earth and goodwill to all go unanswered.

            It's beginning to sound like a broken record.

            Russia is still pounding Ukraine and raining horror on the civilian population there.  This year we've got the war in the Middle East to add to the horror in the world today.

            Too many of our elected officials in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, along with wannabes, seem more intent on retaliation on their enemies than providing good and sane government for the people. Nothing new here.

            Are we getting all the news in truthful reports from mainstream media?  Are you making it a point to get your news from multiple sources?  What damage has the misuse of social media platforms created?

            Will inflation grow? Will there be a recession?  Same questions as last year, so what does 2024 have in store for us?

             Again, it must start with those chosen to govern us.  They must provide the right example for each other and remember that their responsibility is to the people they govern – not to their personal agenda or political party.  The year 2024 just may be the year of the successful third-party candidate in the presidential election as voters question the hate and incompetence that seems to follow our elections.

            I also want to remind everyone that as we celebrate the holiday season, let's begin by giving thanks to all the individuals and organizations who step forward to help make someone's Christmas a little brighter – a genuine "Thank You" for your heartfelt efforts.  The professions, organizations, names, and programs are many, as is the satisfaction and gratitude that goes out to them.  To those who choose to get involved, you are part of what makes a community special and gives hope for the future.  

            In the spirit of the season, TV, radio and newspapers go out of their ways to deluge us with wonderful accounts of people doing good things for other people.  Too bad we can't bottle it and use it throughout the year (and send some of it to our nation's capital). 

             We often remind our readers that there are many individuals and groups whose service won't end just because it's a holiday.  Many of those individuals and groups will stand on the line, teetering between tranquility and trouble on Christmas Day.   

            A safe and quiet holiday season is wished for all members of the United States Armed Forces serving throughout the world, especially those serving in harm's way.

           We wish for a calm Christmas Eve and Day for the nurses, doctors and others who will staff our healthcare facilities.

            For the police officers patrolling the streets on this holiday, we sincerely wish that the only thing they have to write in their logs is "no incidents today."  May they also find a still moment to call their families to wish them a Merry Christmas.

            To the emergency medical services personnel and professional firefighters who will be on duty waiting to respond to a call for help – we hope that for one 24-hour period they never get it.

            To the volunteer firefighters, who stand ready to drop whatever they're doing and respond to a call for help from wherever they're at and whatever they're doing, a day to complete a meal with their families.

            Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa at this time of year, the staff at the Town and Country News wishes a safe holiday season to all of our readers and our fondest hope for a happy and safe 2024.