One hundred years ago today, The Chattanooga Times wished its readers "Happy New Year! A New Year of advancement and attainment -- a year of success" in a greeting on the front page of the Jan. 1, 1912 edition of the newspaper. Fifty years later, on the editorial page of the Jan. 1, 1962 edition, The Chattanooga Times wished its readers "a Happy New Year, a year of better information and understanding." Today, on the first day of a new year, similar sentiments prevail. We hope all our readers and others will have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.
The changing of the calendar from one year to the next is often a time when many people choose to reflect on the past and to make resolutions about the future. That's as true today as it was 50 and 100 years ago and, truth be told, for untold decades and centuries before then. For many reasons, a clear understanding of the immediate past and a fresh perspective bolstered by personal resolve is especially welcome and helpful as we embark on a new year.
While there is much to be grateful for in a nation that remains resolutely free despite its recent travails, there is cause for concern, too, in several spheres.
State of flux
Governance at all levels -- federal, state and local -- in the United States is in a state of flux. The old verities -- social equality, economic equity, and fair, transparent government -- often seem more ignored than honored. Politics, once a worthy calling and honorable pursuit, has become anathema to many. The result, unfortunately, is that large segments of the population are unable to participate fully in public affairs or to reap the benefits of a democratic society.
That's especially true at the federal level. Polarization and partisanship of the worst sort rule the day. The business of the people is overlooked as political parties and factions purposefully manipulate the system to promote self-serving agendas rather than seek the cooperation and compromise that is essential to the orderly administration of government.
There seems to be little hope of immediate improvement on that front. It's a presidential election year. And if the current rhetoric and actions of candidates are an example of what will transpire as election day approaches, the country is in for a rough ride. Partisan conflict is likely to exacerbate rather than properly address pressing problems involving Social Security, Medicare, the budget, military spending and education, global warming and nuclear proliferation, to cite just a few. The citizens of a great nation deserve better.
State and local governments are not immune to similar problems. Tennessee's Republican leadership continues to avoid the struggle to build an equitable system of taxation that provides both sufficient revenue and a decent level services to all state residents.
The state presently relies too heavily on a sales tax that is the highest and most regressive in the United States. Major tax reform would help resolve the state's ongoing fiscal crises, but only a few hardy souls in Nashville and elsewhere in the state are willing to discuss it publicly.
Consequently, the state stumbles from one budget shortfall to another, prompting yearly funding cuts that eviscerate vital programs like education, children's services and public health care. Given the state's lurch to the GOP's harsh right wing, there seems to be little hope for a positive change in focus or direction in the coming year.
Stalling vital progrerss
Elected officials in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, too, generally fail to put the interest of their constituents ahead of their own. That's the only way to explain, for example, the general reluctance, indeed refusal, to develop a sensible countywide growth plan and consolidation of core, countywide urban services. Failure to work toward that end is foolhardy. Without sufficient planning and provision of consolidated municipal services, it will be hard to make the most of the opportunities for growth that are vital to the community's continued progress.
The recalcitrance of county leaders and those in smaller municipalities to forthrightly address other pressing issues such as equitable taxation, education, the library, expansion and support of infrastructure, greenspaces and other amenities that help make the city and county a unique place is short-sighted.
It might serve the narrow interests of elected officials and some of their vocal followers, but it is detrimental to the well-being and vitality of the entire region.
Yet again, there's little to suggest that officials here, on the whole, are willing to mend their ways. The community likely will face difficulties and political paralysis in the coming year and beyond as a result.
Hope for the future
The beginning of a new year is a time, though, when hope for a better future remains bright. The Times of 100 years ago noted such a feeling. "The things that make for happiness [in a new year]," the editor noted, "are really very simple -- a kind word, a pleasant smile, a little appreciation of the efforts of others -- all are easily obtained; especially if material prosperity be gained.
"Add to these congenial work, a good wage, a cozy home and pleasant environment -- such are the essentials for a Happy New Year."
What was true on Jan. 1, 1912 is true on Jan. 1, 2012. We hope each of our readers and others attain those essentials in the coming year -- and that elected leaders avoid the increasingly toxic partisanship and parochialism that makes the pursuit of such goals difficult.