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Celebrate On!
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- Created on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 16:24
"There's too much materialism associated with Christmas" is a popular refrain. Another is that Christmas has become too commercial. Usually no one speaks to disagree with these views, although the actions of most people are a loud statement that demonstrates, better than words that, they do not agree with the sentiment.
The sentiment seems to attempt to douse the joy of what has become a cultural event that has grown far beyond any one religion, any single historic event, or any philosophical point. The sentiment seems to be an attempt to instill guilt where none is warranted and to reinforce, a political, anti-capitalist mantra that seems to know no end. Bah humbug to it all.
Christmas has evolved into a huge celebration of life in the United States – a celebration of the discovery of the key to survival – of that which wards off plagues, famine, and the general misery that was once the lot of the common man. What was once a nominal religious holiday has been expanded in meaning, by many people, to include all they find good about life, existence and human achievement.
No Time for Hat Tricks
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- Created on Tuesday, 06 December 2011 16:38
Billings City government would be much improved if staff and council members held more respect for the citizens they ostensibly serve. That’s all that the recent park improvement district controversy is about.
For the most part, it seems — once they have paid their taxes — the citizens of Billings are viewed primarily as irritants. Prevailing in the attitude of city government toward citizens is the condescension inherent, anytime, that forthright, honest discussion and information is replaced, with manipulation and trickery. Nothing demonstrates this profound lack of respect, more so, than the current controversy regarding the proposed city-wide tax for park maintenance.
