Versions of this poem have been circulating at Christmas time since 1986. We all look forward to the year when it is not needed.
"A war, even the most victorious, is a national misfortune." - Helmuth von Moltke.
"For states that support terror, it is not enough that the consequences be costly - they must be devastating." - President George W. Bush
Twas the night before Christmas, he slept all alone, in a cold bombed-out hovel of plaster and stone.
I had come in my sleigh, sack of gifts in my hands, with the holiday spirit, to the deadliest of lands.
I looked in the house, a strange sight did I see; no bright lights, no tinsel, not even a tree.
No mantle with stockings, just debris, odds and ends; by his side lay some pictures of family and friends.
"We must take the battle to the enemy, disrupt his plans and confront the worst threats before they emerge" - President George W. Bush
The figure lay sleeping, but fitful at best, thankful for night time, a few hours of rest.
A long way from home, from his mom, dad, and girl, a United States soldier, halfway 'round the world.
Was this the real hero, his bravery renown, who was risking his life for the folks of this town?
Those Iraqis, whose beliefs don't believe in this night, or, perhaps, don't believe in this soldier's fight?
"I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe - I believe what I believe is right." - President George W. Bush
And back in his hometown, the children could play, and celebrate another fun-filled Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed peacefulness throughout the year, and most never knew that the soldier was here.
I wonder how many of our boys, like this sleeper, gave up homes and loved ones to be a peace keeper?
The thought of such bravery brought a tear to my eye, I looked at the lad, and I started to cry.
"This will not be a campaign of half measures, and we will accept no outcome except victory." - President George W. Bush
The soldier awakened, and I heard a kind voice, "Santa, don't cry - this life is my choice;
I fight here for freedom, I don't ask for more; my life is my God, my country, my corps."
The soldier rolled over, and again sought to sleep. I couldn't control it, I started to weep.
Mankind can move mountains, travel through space, but can't live together - what a disgrace.
"I couldn't imagine somebody like Osama bin Laden understanding the joy of Hanukkah." - President George W. Bush
This lad could be home, learning art, law, or trees, or researching how to control a disease.
But after thousands of years, the world's still at odds, over who has the sanction of the real God, or Gods.
And whose message is right, and whose holy book best? And who is an infidel, who is unblest?
And whose leaders are pious - is our side in the right? But the millions of dead men will never know, quite.
"The reason we start a war is to fight a war, win a war, thereby causing no more war!" - President George W. Bush
If we just had more armor, more troops, and more shells, we could send all our enemies back to their hells.
Lots more battles to fight for this boy on the floor, 'cause our allies aren't there by our side in this war.
And though lands are in turmoil far from us here, we might just forget amidst holiday cheer
That somebody's daughters, and sons, have the "glory" of living in conditions like the hero of this story.
"But all in all, it's been a fabulous year for Laura and me." - President George W. Bush
But their ultimate sacrifices aren't so in vain. Why, a few years from now we'll forget all the pain.
Except, maybe just the one family or two, who will have just an issue or two to work through.
I'll never forget the lad sleeping that night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
On a cold Christmas eve, in a war unabated. But I, too, had my duties; the children awaited.
"This foreign policy stuff is a little frustrating." - President George W. Bush
Then he sat up and smiled, and with voice strong and sure, whispered "Carry on, Santa, we are here, all's secure".
I smiled, hoping peace would soon come to this land; "Merry Christmas, Hometown Hero, and be safe in God's hand.
"And please be home soon. And forever." - Richard J. Woldow
I hate to throw egg nog on your holiday joy, "Joy Roodenko of Richland Township", but you are apparently a little confused about my stance on Ordinance 209.
Your letter to The Free Press of December 16 states that I am upset about the possible repeal of the ordinance. Coal in your stocking, "Joy", whoever you are. I fully support the repeal of Ordinance 209. Yes, my land is being sold, but I have nothing at all to do with the development. The sale remains the same no matter the zoning or density. I stand to gain or lose nothing by the repeal.
However, your letter has given me the opportunity to correct an error in my November 18 column regarding Susan Cooke. I wrote that she had "seconded" the Planning Commission motion to create the age-qualified zoning overlay. The minutes of the May 16, 2000, meeting show that, in fact, Ms. Cooke made the motion. It was her idea!
Those same minutes also show that Ms. Cooke's motion was for the purpose of "creating a higher density of units", from 81 to 273 (and that's just two of the 26 tracts).
Thank you, "Joy", for presenting the opportunity for this clarification.