Editorials

Don't miss Sebring's Smithsonian traveling 'Journey Stories' exhibit

TBO.com
Published: December 5, 2012

An active, vibrant art community adds so much to any community. We're lucky in Highlands County to have exactly that, and it's hitting an all-new high in the coming weeks.

Highlands County residents are fortunate that a world-class art exhibit is coming to Sebring this week. "Journey Stories" is a Smithsonian traveling exhibit that will be on display at the Highlands Art League's Museum of the Arts from Dec. 8 through Jan. 19.

The Florida Humanities Council partnered on bringing the exhibit to town. It uses images, audio and artifacts illustrating the importance of traveling and movement throughout American society.

Local organizers pointed out that Florida is the perfect place for such an exhibit. So many residents have traveled here to settle or even visit since the state was opened up to outsiders. In fact, several longtime residents will be sharing their stories at the opening reception at the museum Friday evening, before the city's Christmas parade.

We love all that the art league brings to Sebring and Highlands County, and this cranks it up a huge notch. It's an exhibit everyone should see and we hope folks take the opportunity to check it out.

Politicians stall out on 'fiscal cliff' compromise

As we inch closer to the so-called "fiscal cliff," it appears like there's no compromise. But it always looks like that at this point in any kind of negotiation. The real question is if the two sides actually do something to stop this silliness.

There's no doubting that Democrats and Republicans are digging in their heels. Neither side wants to look like losers, so a lot of strident voices are saying no to key parts of either side's argument. What's clear, though, is that Obama won't, and can't, go back on his goal of millionaires and billionaires paying more for taxes. And that seems to be the sticking point.

Even GOP members who would likely agree to this are surrounded by others who won't, and can't, back down. And there's the rub. No compromise can be reached if this continues.

Let's hope our elected leaders forget all the rhetoric and just get this taken care of before it's too late. We have many other important issues to deal with.