THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD AT CHRISTMAS

In 1955, the year I began writing this column, I wrote an essay for
Christmas Day, and I have reprinted it each year, with topical
modifications. This is my Chirstmas message for 1997:

Dear Readers: Today is Christmas. What has happened to peace on Earth, good
will toward men? In many parts of the world, there is no peace, and in the
hearts of many men, there is nothing that could pass for good will.

Our youth insist that we are poising the environment. They resent living in
a world they didn't make, and who can blame them? But what generation ever
made the world it had to live in?

Although our universities are once again places of higher learning, racism
abounds on many campuses. The "war on drugs" has turned out to be a
colossal failure. The number of homicides is staggering. Guns and kinives
are standard equipment among tenagers. It is not uncommon for a teenager to
get shot or stabbed for his jacket or his shoes.

While alcohol is still the most abused drug of all, marijuana and stronger
substances like crack cocaine and heroin are commonplace in junior and
senior high schools. The dropout rate is appaling. Why should a kid stay in
school when he can get rich dealing drugs? This is the message too many
young people are getting.

More bad news is that veneral desease is epidemic, not to mention AIDS, for
which there is not vaccine and no cure, although new drugs are providing hope.

We are becoming increasingly desensitized to filthy language, garbage
"art," and rotten stuff on TV. Violence, bigotry, and talking dirty must be
tolerated, we are told, because we dare not endanger "freedom of speech." I
am firmly against censorship, but where is the moral outrage against all
the filth?

After 42 years of writing seven columns a week, I still find writing this
column immensely rewarding. I realize that many people who write to me
don't want advice. They just need someone who will listen.

My column has provided me with an opportunity to shine a spotlight on
ignorance and fear, to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. I
am well aware that mine is an enormous responsibility, and I try hard, 365
days a year, never to led you down.

You, dear readers, are my friends. You invite me into your homes, and
often, we have breakfast together. I want to be there for you when you need
me. So, if you feel the need to unburden yourself, blow your top, register
a gripe or tell me off, I'm as close as your mailbox.

God bless you all. I hope 1998 will be your best year ever. I wish for all
of you peace of mind, good health, and good luck. Ann Landers