No moral compass
Whatever one feels is the biggest news story of 2009, the "common threads" in all of the stories are unfairness, hatred, narcissism and dishonesty. As the new year approaches, it seems that what is needed is a dose of "doing the right thing" and development of a moral compass. It's time to get back to basics, and for the celebrities and the politicians to take a good look in the mirror!
Shannon Balletto, Groveland
The economy
The economy was by far the No. 1 news story of the year, driving all other stories far behind. The Obama administration has spent billions, maybe trillions, of taxpayer dollars to prop up and restart the staggering economy, but so far it hasn't been working too well. The specter of unemployment and no money hangs heavily over many households, but Washington keeps on spending. The only way to help us is to cut spending, reduce government, and slash taxes in order to get the recovery engine moving again.
I could say, "Bah, humbug!" but instead will say, Happy New Year!
Jim Cassidy, Bradford
Balloon Boy
What was the greatest event in 2009? The Balloon Boy. The homemade balloon that went up and away carrying maybe a little 6-year-old boy. When the balloon came down mercifully not with the little boy, the entire nation sighed with relief.
Judy Lee, North Andover
Jobs, Democrat wins
I found the biggest news for all to be the job market, manufacturing, and employee benefits all tanking in brutal way. On the bright side, I was hugely thankful at seeing the Republican party lose seats in November 2008 and finally have to vacate the White House, many state governorships and congressional seats in late January. For heroes, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, was the ace hero of 2009. What sounds like a story of science fiction or right out of a comic book, we saw the hero on the Hudson save the day. Rush Limbaugh proved again throughout the year his show is about the general advancement of the Republican party through constant degradation of the Democratic party, hiding behind the guise of "School of Conservative Studies." And the FCC and Al Sharpton will look the other way when your name is Limbaugh and making $100 million a year and make constant racial and ethnic remarks, and play racially favored music over Fox/EIB radio networks. But the NFL and Chicago Bears won't hear him. Too many good stories to choose.
David Yaghmoorian, Lawrence
The Peace Prize
President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. I don't understand why he was chosen. I always thought you had to contribute something important to the world in order to win. Maybe I missed something along the way.
Viola Haynes, Methuen
Unbelievable
There are so many things that have happened in 2009. The one that really sticks out in my mind is President Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize. It is unbelievable to have such a thing happen. Also, Sen. Ted Kennedy passing away, the problems of health care, the scandal of Tiger Woods, my trip to Washington, D.C., to see where Sen. Kennedy is buried and also Eunice Shriver, who did so much for the Special Olympics for more than 40 years. We all hope 2010 will be a better and greater year.
Dennis Groulx, Salem, N.H.
