We have a resolution to suggest for all Albert Leans this year.

In 2009, let’s stop this silly discussion in Albert Lea about whether things are positive or negative. What’s positive or negative — like beauty and art — is in the eye of the beholder. What is positive to one person might be negative to another.

If people stand up at meetings and share their views, don’t label their opinions as negative. Opinions are their opinions. They are simply what they are. Have an open mind, even to the most outlandish viewpoints, and if you disagree, that’s OK, too. But by slapping an instant judgment of positive or negative, you put the speakers on the defensive. Maybe they were just trying to get to the truth.

“Too many people are negative,” we hear people comment in Albert Lea.

That’s not true at all. Most Albert Lea citizens are good, friendly folks. A few are grumpy, sure, and a few are constant naysayer, you bet, but we can find those types anywhere. Albert Leans, in general, like Albert Lea. They see its potential and have high hopes, while keeping realistic expectations.

But to view everything as black or white, positive or negative, fails to see the heart of many people, issues, opinions, what have you.

In 2009, let’s drop the positive-negative thing. This place is beyond that now.