• Better to give than to receive



This year I have experienced Christmas like never before, maybe because of the evidential sacrifices people willingly made as they realize it is better to give than to receive. My initial insight occurred watching the Toys for Tots items disseminated. On another occasion, a mother donated a toy while I knew she had no idea how her own child would have gifts this Christmas: she said she was trusting God — certain it was better to give than to receive. Another gentleman received a cash gift and immediately donated it to help a family in need. He tells me it is better to give than to receive.

Even when these unsung heroes had an opportunity to do something for themselves, they opted for the greater gift. The gift of giving. Another mother asked to sponsor a child; years preceding, we had helped her when she was not able to help herself.

As one of these said to me, isn't that what Jesus did? It was a joy to hear how people found great pleasure in helping those they would never meet. It was about the opportunity to serve not anything they wanted in return.

I felt rebuked and humbled by the kindness so many showed this year. It was not the wealthiest nor those who gave what they didn't need that reached out this year. It was people who truly sacrificed.

May we all be reminded the old adage is true — it is better to give than to receive. The best gift of all is the ability to give, to share, to love unconditionally expecting nothing in return. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well! Thank you to all who gave.

Sandra Wilcher



Valdosta

Social Services Coordinator

Lowndes County Schools



• Incensed by health care bill



I am appalled at what has recently transpired with respect to the health care bill. A number of states get special funds for their state that all the other states do not get. Nebraska's Nelson rides his white horse to Washington championing anti-abortion, then accepts some change in the language but gets huge Medicaid concessions for Nebraskans that all the other states don't get. He played them like a fiddle. And hairless Reid justifies it all as just part of the compromise process. I didn't see any compromise with the Republicans.

I know this has always gone on in both parties. However with the health care bill being so high profile it has really been brought to the public’s attention. I am incensed! And I am also incensed by the tactic of jamming this down our throats without the benefit of time necessary to read and synthesize the total bill. Requiring a vote on a bill that no legislator has had time to read is just insane! I'll carry musket, fife, flag or drum, what ever it takes to put a stop to this madness. These folks are so arrogant and power hungry that the only thing that will stop them is a revolt of the people. I am sincerely worried about our country. Don't let complacency ruin this country. We have an election next year. Please vote.



Andy Patterson

Valdosta



• Everyone has a boss, Mr. President



Everyone has a boss. From my experience of 27 years plus in the Air Force, if you disagreed with him and he was receptive as he should have been and normally was, then you were obligated to state your position. Once that had been done and you were still on the short end of the debate, then, shut up and support him. However, it is not that way with our civilian leadership today. Today’s leaders barely listen and regardless of your position and circumstances, they do what they want to do anyhow.

Everyone has a boss Mr. President — even you. Guess who it is? It is me. It’s my next door neighbor. It’s all the citizens of Lowndes County, and the other 300 million citizens of this great country.

You aren’t listening, Mr. President to your boss. He is saying ‘stop.’ He’s saying ‘stop’ by a wide majority of the electorate. However, it appears that you don’t want to hear what he has to say and are determined to make us swallow this watermelon whole. Most everyone including Palooka and Harry and your remaining cronies are bent on making you the only president in history to come up with a health care program. Regardless of whether it is right or wrong. This one is wrong. As a gentle suggestion, Mr. President, maybe you should be more concerned about your legacy than cramming this watermelon down our throats.

Your situation, Mr. President is similar to that of General Custer at Little Big Horn, except in your case, your bosses are circling the wagons.



W. Troy Tolbert

Valdosta

Brig. Gen. (Ret) USAF