Isn't that the message of the Christmas season? Can we put the Christmas tree lighting behind us? It is three weeks old and we already have heard from many people upset by our government official, Mr. Jon Kaiman, and his behavior at the annual Christmas tree lighting. The notoriety Mr. Kaiman received was nationwide. And no one I've ever heard of has apologized more often nor more sincerely as he has since that date -- in person with the principals of the Church, and at meetings he has attended on other subjects, and in letters to this paper's editor, and on television, and in St. Mary's Church Bulletin for all its parishioners to share. No, it's not just politics; he is sincere.

I've known Mr. Kaiman for many years, even before he became our town supervisor. Years ago we worked together when he was our town code enforcement commissioner. He is not a bad person nor is he a bigot. True, the remarks and attitude with which they were delivered that evening was something way out of character for him and my best guess is that as a politician he was trying to be "politically correct," as the cliché goes these days. There had been so much discussion over the airwaves and in all media about "holiday" vs. "Christmas" that I'm sure he was supersensitive about it and everything came out of his mouth without his truly thinking it through. It was a gut response to the media rather than to how he felt about his constituents. He has been forthright and upfront in all his apologies and I think we should all accept them and be Christ-like and forgive and stop any more criticism.

When you pass the Christmas tree in Mary Jane Davies Green the next few weeks, everyone should know it speaks to them individually of love, sharing, and hope.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all.

Phyllis J. Clark