Happy New Year? Budget Issues Linger for 2010

This morning, my column looks at how difficult issues will roll into the new year. Here's the conclusion.

So, like something foul sticking to our shoe, the conflicts of 2009 trail into the coming year. That’s typical. What’s unusual is the consequential nature of the issues we currently confront.

Most often, public policy evolves incrementally. Our system of checks and balances is designed to frustrate fundamental restructuring. Yet, from state budgets to global climate change, decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching consequences.

That’s not all bad. Defining debates let people know where their representatives stand and remind us that politics should never just be a spectator sport. For the new year, resolve to be a player.

You can't win if you don't play.