As 2009 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Way Mirror for providing a forum for so many differing opinions in our region. To live in a community where people frequently and openly discuss what has been published in our local paper is a blessing. Such hearty support of the First Amendment is one of the things that makes America truly free.
Looking forward to 2010, I want to share with you some headlines I’d like to see in the next year. Keep in mind that I rarely get to write my own headlines here in The Mirror — you can give those kudos to the editor. That said, I doubt anyone will be surprised to see my first set of hoped-for headlines:
• “Comprehensive sexuality education earns federal funding equal to money spent on abstinence-only education”
• “Washington school districts reach 100 percent compliance with the Healthy Youth Act: Teen pregnancy and STI rates plummet”
• “Sexuality education book sales soar: More parents talk to children about sexuality issues”
• “Washington’s Referendum 71 approval spurs federal bill for partnership equality rights”
• “Drop in celebrity and politician affairs and divorce rates as more couples embrace healthy relationship standards”
Because poverty, low levels of education, and high levels of unemployment are associated with higher birthrates among teen girls (www.guttmacher.org), these headlines provide evidence we’ve addressed those underlying issues:
• “Communities in Schools faces new problem: More mentors than kids in need”
• “Reach Out program expands to provide shelters for homeless women, children and families”
• “FUSION families’ success spotlighted”
• “Multi-Service Center: ‘Our food bank overfloweth! Thanks, Federal Way!’”
• “Local, state and federal human services organizations and programs fully funded”
To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.” With that in mind and in the spirit of embracing progress in the New Year, I give you the most controversial headline of all that I’d like to see in 2010:
“Federal assault weapons ban reinstated”
