Is that what we’ve come to? Is that what this time of year is really about?
For almost the whole of Western civilization, this time of year has been a sacred time. The Druids had Winter Solstice, Jews have Hanukkah, Romans had Saturnalia, and that became Christmas.
This time of the year has been holy to people for thousands of years. We’re spitting in the face of that history with these displays of our greed and desire for free giveaways.
It’s as if we’re trying to prove that we’ve given up on putting our faith in anything but the almighty dollar or that the only way our friends or family are going to love us is if we get them the biggest and most expensive gift under the tree.
It shouldn’t matter at this point if you’re a believer in one faith or all or none at all; it’s simply become tradition at this point to honor this time of the year as a time for good things, things that should exemplify humanity and what we really are, what we are capable of. It’s a time for family. For decency. For rejoicing in the things that you have and for kindness and helping the less fortunate.
Or not.
I guess you’ll get your fill of that stuff when you watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” in front of that HD flat-screen someone camped out for and got at 30% off.
JESSE L. BYERS
Burbank
Home renters do not always have a choice
In the Saturday article “Mixed-use space to replace apartments,” Christopher Allen, president of Dasher Lawless Inc., the developer of a Media District mixed-use project, was quoted regarding the razing of the apartment building at that location and the distress it is causing at least one of its residents, Malcolm Klugman.
Allen’s response leaves much to be desired:
“I feel for Mr. Klugman. But he chooses not to own his own house. Unfortunately, the time comes when, if you don’t want to be an owner and want to be a renter, that property is redeveloped .?.?.?.”
I don’t know Klugman and have no idea what his financial situation is, or the situation of the other renters, but it would be worthwhile to inform Allen that some people don’t “choose” not to own their own home. Some people can’t afford it.
CYNTHIA FRIEDLOB
Burbank
