LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PEA RIDGE — What does Christmas mean?

What does Christmas mean to you? Have you thought about it?

As a child, perhaps Christmas is presents under the tree.

As a parent, perhaps Christmas is purchasing something special for your child.

As one who is parentless, perhaps Christmas is remembering a past Christmas.

I pose the question again. What does Christmas mean to you? Is Christmas about the Child in the manger? Is Christmas about the gracious Father who sent His Son to save us? I suppose Christmas is all these and more. This Christmas season, take time to reflect on what Christmas means to you. Write down your thoughts and share them or keep them to yourself. Whatever you do with this prose will make a difference in your life, and the lives of those you love. Merry Christmas,

BOB AND CAROL JINES

Pea Ridge, Ark.

Free speech guaranteed

I don’t understand all the furor over the winter solstice display on the Capitol grounds. After all, our Constitution does allow for free speech. While I’m not a member of the ACLU, an atheist, agnostic or member of any organized religion, I do believe in the right of our citizens to express themselves. Limiting a display to just one group, in this case before the judge’s ruling, the nativity scene which represents only the views of Christians, is not in line with the notion of free speech. On the other hand, I can understand Charlie Daniels’ point of view in wanting to limit the number of displays on the Capitol grounds. I guess my question to him would be how many other groups have asked to put up a display? If none, then his point is a moot one. If many, then he has a point. In any event, the issue seems to have been resolved and if I happen to be in Little Rock, I will look forward to visiting both displays.

PETE RATHMELL

Garfield, Ark.