I was going to post the lyrics to a "holiday" song I like called Leroy the Redneck Reindeer, but after reading all about some controversy that came into being because of it, I decided not to. Not because I want to be P.C., but because it upsets me that with all the poverty and suffering in the world, little things like this can set people off.

I am from the South. It is my home. My family is there and my roots are there. I have ancestors buried in graves there. We originally came from England and our historian has found members of royalty in our family tree (OK, they were illegitimate royalty, but still...) Most of my family today could be called "rednecks" but we consider a redneck to be a country good ol' boy or gal - someone who works hard for what they have and has family pride and strong roots, not a rebel-rousing racist. I love the south and I am coming to love the north, believe it or not.

I am not cold-hearted. I am not a racist and will never be one. I believe we should all unite in friendship and make the world a better place (not just spouting cliches here). I truly believe the Civil War should be covered better in the schools, not because of my Southern Pride, but so the younger generation can learn the history of their country.

I won't go into a history lesson, because I don't know everything, but please folks, it's Christmas time - a time to celebrate Christ's birth - not to point fingers and promote badwill. And for those who don't celebrate the Christian version of Christmas, please accept my best wishes for a Happy New Year instead. How's that?