Turn those Grinches around today

The Grinch, it seems, is alive and well.

As is Ebenezer Scrooge.

You read about it in stories of bankers and investors who played games with the economy and left it - and thousands of lives - in tatters.

You hear of it in the golden parachutes of greed-driven CEOs who lined their pockets while leaving workers and shareholders in the lurch.

You see it in the panicked hordes stampeding others in discount stores in the quest for the deal of the century.

You hear it as the jerk behind you blasts his horn when there is clearly nowhere for you to go.

You see it in the forlorn faces of those seeking help from a food bank for the very first time.

And in the faces of those who've had to make food banks a regular part of their lives and see no end in sight.

You see it in the rough backslash on the graph of your 401(k) statement.

You read about it - or so it is alleged - in the [expletive] words and deeds of Gov. Blagojevich, who is accused of making government of and for the people more like government for Rod.

But all you Whos down in Whoville know there is more good than bad in this world.

You see it in the happy faces of bell ringers manning Salvation Army kettles.

You see it in the faces of people who stuff money in those kettles. Every single time they pass one.

You see it in the faces of people who buy those bell ringers a cup of coffee because they look cold. Or a sandwich because it looks like they could use one.

You see it in the faces of people who don't walk by the Giving Tree at the mall but rather grab a fistful of paper ornaments and spend their day making the simple dreams of children unknown to them come true.

You see it in the face of the guy in a business suit who pulls over in a snowstorm to help someone change a tire or to help the rear tires find purchase in a snowy ditch.

You see it in the face of the guy on the block with the really big snowblower who clears five driveways before his neighbors awaken.

You see it in the countless people who put on inspirational concerts this time of year for the rest of us to enjoy.

You see it in the face of the Secret Santa who puts goodies on people's desks - just because - even when there is no gift swap this year.

You see it in the faces of kids who give up their Christmas gifts so that others less fortunate can enjoy the holiday.

You see it in the bright faces of teenagers who volunteer after school at food pantries, hospitals, wherever. You sense that the world just might be OK for us as we grow old.

There is plenty to grouse about this holiday season. But people all over and in many ways large and small manage to find time to keep and spread the spirit.

Do your best to win over the Grinches.

Merry Christmas.