J. Davy Crockett III

As a news hound, that is, one who follows what is happening on the world scene, I am often struck by the lack of civility in political discourse, news reporting and in daily interaction between people in all walks of life. There is a strident tone, a hard edge in many—if not most—exchanges that involve differences of opinion. Whether it is on the floor of Congress, in the chambers of Parliament, in countries large and small, contention seems to be the spirit of the times.

The sounds, the smells, the colorful lights and decorations; folks being thoughtful and remembering the poor, good feelings all around; what could possibly be wrong with any of this? Short days, cold, long nights can use some brightening up and some cheerful activities, so "Just leave me alone" the devotees to Christmas might say to those who decry the celebrations of the season.

It was a gray, chilly morning with soft, intermittent rain falling, which cleared to a blustery, cold, sunny afternoon as we visited the ancient walled city of Chester in England. This place was settled by the Romans over 2000 years ago as an outpost in the British Isles.

"What's the use? Life is futile. Nothing will ever turn out right." This really is a very sad and self-destructive frame of mind. Many people fall into trials in life and are overcome with feelings of hopelessness and futility. It is an old story.

In this age of "latch-key" children in which the parenting of small children is often left to the hired help, the concept of shifting the burden of child care to others is very popular.