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Woody Allen said: "We all share basic truths, the only difference is our ability to distort them."

First, America wasn't exactly the happiest nation in the world during the post Civil War era. While the North may have been exuberant, the South was destroyed and demoralized. The Reconstruction period did little to lessen hatred by those recently conquered and, northern carpet baggers and scalawags did little to help the situation. Unfortunately, an equitable amalgamation of America's blacks presented a difficult task for both sides with problems lasting until the 1960s. Many black leaders say they still exist today. "Freedom and Prosperity" didn't come for a long time after the Civil War.

We all know that the Ayn Rand Institute cares very little for religion. Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism rules out religion and anything that requires faith. Reason, purpose and self-esteem are her values for man to lead a successful life. Every man is an end to himself and exists only for his own sake.

It is true that ancient Romans feasted and reveled during the festival of Saturnalia and worshiped the God of the sun but Christians didn't join them, they converted them.

Christians take the idea of gift giving back to the Scriptures and the Magi giving gifts to Jesus. Also, the Apostle Paul encouraged gift giving.

Today, over 86 percent of Americans are Christian. Faith is at the core of Christian belief. Though Christians celebrate Christmas gift giving differently around the world, it makes little difference whether it is in the name of Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Gift giving doesn't take away from the true meaning of Christmas. Because, the true importance of Christmas is focus on the ultimate gift giver and the gift of salvation from the Lord.

For those attempting to take Christ out of Christmas, forget it. America is getting more religious, not less. We were founded on Christian principals. Our Declaration of Independence affirms it.

I wonder how many objectivists actually cling to their philosophy in their final hours of life when the specter of death is at hand. The end of life for Christians opens the way for something better. I'm reminded of a quote attributed to Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711,

"Teach me to live, that I may dread the grave as little as my bed."

George Moon
Lake Placid