Dear editor:
Once again, the Christmas season is here. It should be a time of goodwill and happiness. It should be a time of enjoying family and enjoying the legends. Santa and little Baby Jesus are important reminders of days gone past. Each of them should be celebrated. Both emphasize love and happiness. However, I have a feeling of sadness because there is so much animosity that has been created by a person who is a total fraud and has created a climate of hate and division. His support among the evangelicals and their greedy preachers is certainly not in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.
We are on the verge of having our taxes raised and many programs that benefit the needy and elderly are being disbanded. We are now engaged in a battle for the morality of this country. We have a leader elected by a group of basically religious zealots, who managed to create a system that allowed them to prevail. It is apparent that morals mean little to them as long as they gain the power to achieve their goals. They found a man who could provide the means for them to attain the power they feel they need. They found a man who considers the Constitution archaic, and is allied with wealthy donors who also control many of his supporters. It is clear that he is on a mission to destroy basic human rights, and control -- not build.
I grew up during World War II and my memories of Christmas on a poor dryland farm in Nebraska are for the most part happy ones. Even with the war, it seemed that there was more hope back then. There was more unity and a sense of a better future. There was not much money and Christmas gifts were few, but my memories of my immigrant grandparents who raised me are good. They did what they could with the limited resources they had. I really feel sorry for the way immigrants are treated in this country during a time when we could use our resources to improve their lives, instead of making things difficult for them.
I grew up in a time when Jesus was a symbol of love. It appears that way too many are devoted to emphasizing the mean elements of Christianity in today's world and forgetting the love.
It is my hope that perhaps there is a way to create an atmosphere of love and kindness. We need leaders that are more concerned about caring for others, instead of trying to increase their wealth and cater to the wealthy. Jesus had a message that concentrated on love for the poor and needy. As I recall, the only time he became really angry was when he attacked the money lenders in the temple. Perhaps it is time for the leadership of this country to understand that message.
I wish everyone a "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays."
Mike Nunn
Hot Springs
Editorial on 12/02/2017