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Of justice, expectations and true caring spirit

I congratulate the Advocate for the poignant Comment page on Dec. 1. Three news items there really exposed some pros and cons of North American society.

I congratulate the Advocate for the poignant Comment page on Dec. 1. Three news items there really exposed some pros and cons of North American society.

Firstly, our justice system — Rick Zemanek wrote the facts about Red Deer’s infamous killer, Ronald Allan Smith, the scum-bag, who, for 26 years, has laughed at our justice system. The slowness of justice and the moral confusion of judges has made the whole system a disgrace. Very seldom, if ever, have victims felt that justice has been served. It seems that “defend the killer and screw the victims and their families” is the norm. Enough said!

Secondly, the letter from Lorraine Corbett, who manages to squeeze a juicy complaint out of the near optimum caring environment at the new Michener Hill Extendicare. The writer was honest enough to admit to the presence of “fantastic staff and beautiful surroundings,” so why did she still complain? Probably because that’s what socialists do. In their fantasy health-care world, every patient gets instantaneous attention to their every whim. Yet even so, socialists will still find something to complain about. Complaining is the highest calling of Friends of Medicare and other such unelected busybodies, who effectively block any hope of reforming and improving health care.

Thirdly, and thankfully, Chris Salomon’s On The street column points to a far better aspect of North American society: the generosity of so many people. Salomon wrote of ordinary people who donate humbly and often to groups and agencies dedicated to helping the needy. He wonders who these people are and why are they so generous? It is a good question!

The answer is not hard to find. Personally, as a volunteer for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaigns, I have spoken to hundreds, probably thousands, of people who stop at the kettle stand. For the most part, these people have a sparkle in their eye and a ready smile on their lips. It seems these donors, young and old, have discovered a true and lasting purpose in life and though, like everyone else, they experience ups and downs in life, still they are living in happiness and contentment.

What is their secret? Their secret is their Christian faith, the only faith that has the ring of transcendent truth. These folks are experiencing how the spirit of Jesus Christ, our saviour, reaches into the very deepest part of our being and changes us from the inside. The happy and contented life starts there and absolutely no where else!

Other religions teach what you must do for God; only Christianity teaches what God will do for you through His infinite love and grace.

Jim Swan

Red Deer