Welcome to the season of lying

While often disagreeing with George Will, his Nov. 26 column wherein he chastised the unfortunate habit of pointless gift giving as it relates to the economy, among other things, was right on. My personal position on this matter calls attention to the fact that gift giving is often a case of "spending money I don't wish to spend on gifts the recipient does not wish to receive."

Such a waste of everything - time, money and resources.

One facet of this bad habit not covered by Mr. Will is what I call "Duplicity 101" i.e. a child's first real lesson in lying. We have all seen it time and again. Aunt Millie or any other potential gift giving adult asks little Johnny or Susie, "Are you ready for Santa? You do believe in Santa, don't you?"

Well now, little Johnny or Susie isn't nearly as dumb as Aunt Millie wants to think he or she is. The kid's eyes get all squinty and there is a pregnant pause as the child has flashes of the ridiculous concepts of flying reindeer, a fat man sliding down nonexistent chimneys and a logistical problem even a 4-year-old can comprehend.

But then there are the toys and good stuff this gift-bearer might withhold if the wrong answer is produced here, so the kid says, "Oh, yes, I believe in Santa." This kid probably doesn't know about crossing his fingers behind his back yet, but he does know that if provides the desired answer rather than the correct one, better things might happen. And thus he realizes his first profit from being something other than honest.

But, what the hey - isn't that what the season is all about? Getting along with people? Or maybe it's how to scam other people. It's the thought that counts.

J.K. Cardwell

Elgin