THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412230269
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Merry Christmas! Peace on Earth, good will to men.
Today is the day to share with family and friends, a day of joy and good memories.
Because today also is Sunday, many of us also will spend some time in church, talking of peace and good will.
The words, ``good will,'' often seem abstract in the Christmas context, removed from everyday life. We say them at Christmas time, but we seldom examine them.
Yet those two words are the single answer to many of the ills of this nation - and of Portsmouth.
We can talk and analyze. We can plan, even act. But without good will among people, nothing will work for us.
With good will, we can disagree without tearing apart the fabric of the community. With good will, we can compromise to benefit all. With good will, we can trust each other to do the best for this community, this state and this nation.
Good will ought not to be reserved for Christmas cards.
We must embrace it as a real-life concept if this country and this city are going forward to a healthy, happy future.
Good will can help us rise above personal agendas. It can help us overcome distrust and fear of each other.
Good will is not just words, not even mere deeds. It is an aura that emanates from each of us, a matter of demeanor.
How do we achieve good will?
The greatest effort must come from public figures - politicians, preachers, bureaucrats, teachers - who have a major impact on our lives. Shopkeepers, lawyers and doctors, even news reporters, everyone who deals with a broad segment of the population also have a responsibility to help foster good will.
Good will starts with personal relations but it also must be institutional, emanating from government, from business, from religious institutions. Good will is not possible in an atmosphere of selfishness. Nor is it possible in an climate of fear.
Good will becomes real only when we stand for the good of community beyond ourselves.
Portsmouth stands ready for a long journey toward a better future. All it needs is a commitment to good will.
Today is Christmas, a day we talk about good will. Can we translate that talk to action? Can we apply it to our community affairs?
As we enjoy this Christmas Day, let's examine the true meaning of good will and think about tomorrow. by CNB