By Joel Pett, Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, Cartoonists and Writers Syndicate, for USA TODAY
By Joel Pett, Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, Cartoonists and Writers Syndicate, for USA TODAY

Resolutions for newsmakers

At the end of each year, the USA TODAY Editorial Board suggests "New Year's resolutions we'd like to see" from people in the news. This time we'd like your help.

Talk to the troops

Want to send a video message to American troops serving abroad this holiday season, or hear what they have to say? Click above.
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Opinion on video

Punchlines: A comic spin on the news

“This holiday season, there’s a smart phone app that will tell you how drunk you are. Even better, the app tells you where your pants are and why Brenda left you.”
“What does that say about us as a nation when we believe gay men can now handle armed combat, but aren’t yet ready for the fighting that happens in marriage?”
“This is my last monologue of this year, so before I forget I just want to say thank you for all the people who help me put it together every day: Snooki, Sarah Palin, Tiger Woods, Charlie Sheen …”

Your opinion

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National connections

Add your comments: As the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday approaches, we're asking our readers: What does the legacy of the civil rights leader mean to you?
You asked. They answered. Newsmakers and columnists chat with our readers. Global warming. Education. War. Religion. It’s all here.
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Gulf Coast Claims Facility head Kenneth Feinberg talked to USA TODAY's Editorial Board about new claims options for victims of the BP oil spill. For the entire conversation, click above.

Debates and editorials

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The Forum

COLUMNISTS' VOICES
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By Alejandro Gonzalez, USA TODAY
An 84-year-old widow, a single working mom, and a minister-turned-stockbroker all had their worlds upended. Yet they all find joy in living.
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An Afghan child.
AFP/Getty Images
The war-torn country's health system is failing, food shortages are rampant and humanitarian needs are growing daily.
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AFP/Getty Images
A year ago, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab sought to detonate a bomb in mid-flight. How air security has gotten better since.
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Singing ‘God Bless America’: Activists against DADT witness its end at the Capitol on Tuesday.
By Win McNamee, Getty Images
Opinionline: The repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' brought cheers from some quarters and unabashed condemnation in others.
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By Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP
The modern holiday can be traced back to Coca-Cola's use of Santa to sell its product in the 1930s. Rudolph wasn't far behind.
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Winter storms can usher in misery for those who live and work in it, but for visiting travelers, the white stuff can provide holiday cheer.
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Movie star Kirk Douglas serves a plate at the Los Angeles Mission and Anne Douglas Center's Thanksgiving meal for the homeless.
By Gabriel Bouys
At Christmastime and this season of giving, it's easy to forget the needy among us. After all, Jesus was homeless once, too.
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Getty Images
President Obama said a nuclear-armed Iran would be 'unacceptable.' If that's still the case, a stronger U.S. foreign policy is in order.
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By Suzy Parker, USA TODAY
Bright lights, ribbons and garland lift our holiday spirit, no matter the challenges of the day. And the White House often shows the way.
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New Haven: Among the “most competitive” schools, 10 universities — among them Yale — have above average student loan default rates.
2000 photo by Bob Child, AP
At many schools with $1 million-plus salaries, students aren't getting the education value that you might expect.
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There were crying Republicans and a gun-toting Democrat to discombobulate preconceived notions about the Daddy Party and the Mommy Party.
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The Elders: Standing around Nelson Mandela are, from left, his wife, Graca Machel, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, Gro Brundtland, Martti Ahtisaari, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi.
Pool photo by Jeff Moore
The parties must define boundaries, address security issues and move this process forward. The world has waited long enough.
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Harris: Calif.’s next attorney general.
AP
'The female Barack Obama' doesn't aptly describe the incoming California attorney general. However, she's paving her path to Washington.
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By H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
AUDIO: While lawsuits may remain on table, Gulf Coast Claims Facility head says new process provides fair alternatives.
READERS' VOICES
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Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
As the civil rights leader's birthday approaches, tell us in 140 characters or less. The best will be published with a column in January.
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By Kate Patterson, USA TODAY
Tell us what you think Congress should focus on next session, and we'll share your thoughts with Cal and Bob for an upcoming column.
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By Jeff Moore, AP
Jews have lived in East Jerusalem for hundreds of years. They deserve to move back into their territory.
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Also includes views on religious holidays in schools, BP, DADT and marriage
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By Charles Dharapak, AP
We asked readers to share thoughts of loved ones, greetings with those who will be far from home for the holidays.
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Pool photo by Kathy Willens
USA TODAY's view that the inheritance tax would make 'dynastic wealth so easy to sustain' seems to urge wealth redistribution.
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Also views on "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military
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Teachers cannot compensate for inattentive parents or communities that talk about education but cut school budgets.
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AP
Also a view on developing better doctor-patient rapport
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By Damian Dovarganes, AP
The system increasingly is being used as some kind of social service agency that dispenses money, instead of collecting it.
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Also views on unemployment, Kitty Kelley's biography of Oprah
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By Alex Wong, Getty Images
If it works, Republicans guaranteed his re-election. If it doesn't work, he'll call it a boondoggle he was forced to accept.
OTHER USA TODAY VOICES
sports | 
USA TODAY's Sean Leahy looks at the superlatives for Week 16 of the NFL season: