To the Editor
Who is Santa Claus?

TO THE EDITOR

Who is Santa Claus? What does he look like? Where can we find him/ her?

All of these questions have been and are still important to each of us. The answer to each of us has evolved in us as we grew from early childhood into teenagers, young adults and to some of us as elderly adults.

In my early childhood, Santa was a mysterious being that gave hope to most all children. We believed that our dreams could be brought to reality by wishing for what seemed impossible in the 1930s.

As teens, we knew the existence of Santa was a hope in our hearts, but most times we still kept the magic of him in the recesses of our minds.

As we grew into adulthood, most times we struggled to assure the welfare of our families, yet we still tried to keep this magical being in our minds and hearts.

As I have grown to the winter years of my journey through life, I have come to believe as strong as ever in the vision of Santa and his magical powers.

A few days ago, I saw Santa as I traveled back to my beloved home in Lincoln County. My wife and I passed an automobile that was disabled, parked in the west drive lane. We stopped to see if we could help and found a very confused 92 year old man behind the wheel. He was out of gas, but he did not understand why his gauge did not indicate empty. I struggled to help him off the road, with very little success.

A young black man that was traveling in the opposite direction stopped to assist. He was able to get through to the driver as to the problem with his auto, which was an empty gas tank. He had the means and the willingness to alleviate the problem because he was carrying a gas can and a willingness to help.

I saw the answer to the question, "Who is Santa?" I realized that Santa is the spirit of our Creator, used to serve Him and those in need.

I realized the answer to the question, "What does he really look like?" was very easy to answer. Santa is the individual who is willing to go the extra mile in serving the purpose of our Creator.

The answer to the question, "Where can I find him/her?" is evident when we see anyone who takes the time to extend friendship and help to those in need.

Santa is no special gender, ethnic background, age, nor social position. He is the one who is willing to follow in the path of our Lord in dealing with "all" who we meet in our life's journey.

As this young man acted as our Creator intended, let us all pledge ourselves to do our part in God's plan for mankind.

With reverence toward my Father in heaven, and respect and love for "all" my fellow travelers.

JAMES REESE

Changing the tax laws

TO THE EDITOR

As confusing and cumbersome as the state of Georgia's tax structure is, I am not surprised that Representative Barry Fleming's response to my complaint at the Chamber's Legislative Breakfast was slightly misquoted by The Lincoln Journal.

My complaint was that tens of thousands of illegal aliens have exploited loopholes in our tax laws to avoid paying property taxes or income taxes. These same illegal aliens have figured out how to get government services and benefits, from health care to education, absolutely free with Georgians who pay property taxes and income taxes subsidizing these illegal aliens right under our noses.

Representative Fleming's response was that the proposed restructuring of Georgia's tax laws will force not only illegal aliens but also drug dealers and anyone else making money illegally to pay sales taxes. All these lawbreakers can slip around Georgia's current hundred plus year old tax laws that were enacted when the world was a very different law abiding place. As much as we would like for the world to still be like that, we must face the fact that our country has changed and our laws must be changed to insure that all who enjoy the privilege of living here pay their fair share.

Representative Fleming spoke on a complex issue that will fix this and other tax problems. Everyone needs to read up on the proposed constitutional amendment and then make sure that this issue is on the ballot next November so the people can decide with our votes. Illegal aliens do not pay taxes or vote. Those of us who do both, need to help fix this problem.

NELSON BROOKS

Many thanks

TO THE EDITOR

The Lincoln County Historical Society would like to thank each one of the participants who graciously opened their home during the Tour of Homes on December 8. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into providing this service to the community and your commitment is greatly appreciated. This was a job well done.

JAMIE REESE