I resolve to focus attention closer to home

For most people, the big news event of 2016 was the presidential election. My resolution for 2017 is that we discover and appreciate the great news that takes place every day in our own backyard.

Those that look with dismay and disgust at President-elect Donald Trump and those that are depending on him to be their savior will both be disappointed. Trump will not define nor destroy our future as a great nation; You and I will do that with our daily acts at home and in our communities. The fact is, most economic development and improvement of our quality of life takes place at the local level.

For 2017, our big results will come in small packages. Eighty percent of all new jobs are created by small start up companies that our local entrepreneurs create. Our daily quality of life is defined by how deeply we love the members of our families and how much we connect with friends and neighbors.

During the next few months, Iowans will be spared the high drama and empty words of national politicians. During this brief respite, lets focus on our own great stories. Invite your neighbors over for dinner. Go have a beer after work with the lively cohort in your place of employment. Take a few extra hours each week to do something very special with your family. Let's weave the living fibers of a truly great nation by keeping our eye on the small things that we all do each and every day. Happy New Year!

Michael L. Richards

Cedar Rapids