November 29, 2005

WRTA

Brown Shoes Diary

Dear Santa

The Christmas Season is upon us and it's time for me to send my annual gift list to Santa Claus.  He usually comes through.  Last year, for instance, I asked him for a spot on a radio talk show and what do you know?  Apparently no one is safe from ending up on talk radio.  My allotted 15 minutes of fame is now approaching 20 hours of air time.  Anyway, what follows is my Wish List for Christmas, 2005.

My first Christmas wish is that people would quit getting upset over the word "Christmas."  It simply means the birth of Christ and though we have no idea of the actual day of the year he was born, it works out just fine to celebrate his coming on December 25th.  And wishing people a "Merry Christmas" is no more an effort to impose Christianity on them than using the word "dollar" is an effort to establish 18th century Dutch capitalism.  (Although that wouldn't be a bad idea.)  Trust me, Christians who say "Merry Christmas" to you are just offering you their sincerest best wishes for you.  Besides, some of the most beautiful music in the history of the world was inspired by the birth of Christ.  (Is there a sweeter, gentler, and more touching song than Silent Night?)  It should be okay for everyone to sing about Christmas and enjoy the songs just as good music.  Christian or not, the main theme of the Christmas Season is simply "Peace on earth, goodwill towards man."  (That's not original with me, feel free to use it.) 

I wish the Ghost of Christmas Past will visit Steve Clark so that his heart will change back and he will again become the most caring, sympathetic, empathetic, and loving radio talk show host on the planet.  We already know he never ties half his brain behind his back, but always operates his gray cells at full power.  Perhaps a visit from the Dickens' Specter (not to be confused with Snarlin' Arlen) will return Steve to that unique status as lovable and loving entertainer/newsman. (I do have to admit, however, that he's particularly good when he's not in the best of moods.)

I wish the Ghost of Christmas Present will visit the Altoona City Council and give them a clue about making this a friendly town to businessmen, homeowners, and landlords.  I think the Ghost would say that a good government is one that will expand the tax base through accommodation rather than bleed it dry through ever increasing taxes and regulatory burdens.  Hey, Ghost of Christmas Present, try visiting Harrisburg and D.C. too!

I wish the Ghost of Christmas Future will visit Dave Barger, host of Open Mike--wait a minute, Dave Barger is the Ghost of Christmas Future.  State legislators and Governor Rendell, beware! 

And one wish I know will come true is that the spirit of giving will deeply infect our local community and bring out the kindness and generosity so characteristic of this area throughout the year.

And, Santa, thanks for the WRTA experience!