TalkBack for Dec. 12

Seasonal debate

It is that time of year when some will start with the "put Christ back into Christmas" routine. But a quote from About.com says it all: If Jesus is the reason for the season, why are so many aspects of the season pre-Christian and pagan? Christians took over the Dec. 25 Roman holiday of Natalis Solis Invicti, festival of the birth of the invincible sun, as well as Saturnalia. Christians took over German midwinter festival celebrations that used evergreen trees and holly as symbols of eternal life. Where is Christ in all of this? How is Jesus the reason for the season of midwinter festivals that predate Christianity?

Safety first

Dog parks, train stations and cultural centers are all nice amenities for our lovely little town, but until our leaders get the drug dealers, murderers, burglars and assorted other criminals under control it's all for naught. Aiken has one of the highest crime rates for a city its size of any in the Southeast. It is time for us to get our priorities in order. The citizens' safety should come first.

Parade kudos

The Wagener Christmas parade was great! The Busbee jump club and Christmas around the world participants looked and performed great. Wagener-Salley's color JROTC and band always do a great job. You need to check out their drill team.

Accepting others

I am a Christian, a real Christian, and I respect that some people don't share the same beliefs. All these people filling up the TalkBack trying to make atheists look bad are just making atheists more proud not to be like you because you are showing your hypocritical, intolerant self who can't stay out of other people's business. Who cares what an atheist calls a Christmas tree? At least they are not writing in an anonymous blog trying to make others look bad. Way to live God's word there, pal. It's people like you who turn people away from God.

Mayberry sights

I always thought I was living in Mayberry. The town has grown, but Otis still has a key to the jail and Barney is still handing out parking tickets downtown.

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