Country above party

Thumbs down to leaders in the U.S, House for standing in the way of working out a deal to keep the country from falling off the so-called financial cliff. While digging in to maintain tax loopholes that protect the wealthiest of Americans from paying more taxes, the Republican leadership is forgetting what’s at stake, especially for the average person in our country. The financial problem is now a crisis. To keep the country afloat, it takes spending cuts and more tax revenue. For once, country needs to come before political party.

Doggone good work

Thumbs up to those involved in the Florence animal shelter for their efforts in reducing the number of euthanized animals while increasing adoptions. The numbers tell a dramatic story. In 2011, there were just more than 3,000 euthanizations. That number is less than 1,000 for this year, as of last week. During the same period, animal adoptions have gone from about 1,300 a year ago to about 2,500 through this year. What’s going on in Florence should stand as an example for others to follow.

Confidence in spending

Thumbs up for those who have taken appropriate steps in recent months to create an atmosphere that has raised consumer confidence. The official numbers are not in, but local officials say it appears that area shoppers spent more considerably more money this holiday season. They say there’s also reason to believe they actually shopped more at local stores than online this year.

Enforcing the law

Thumbs up to the state Legislature and revenue commissioner’s office for passing and making preparation to begin enforcing the state’s mandator auto insurance law, which takes effect Tuesday. The new online system can check insurance companies’ records within a few seconds to see if a motorist has insurance. County license plate officials will do it when issuing or renewing a tag, while police will do it during traffic stops. The Insurance Research Council estimates 22 percent of Alabama’s vehicles don’t have liability insurance. Having liability auto insurance is the law, and every motorist should obey it.