To the editor: Recently I saw a “thumbs down” in another local paper. The writer was expressing their anger and dismay over people of other faiths and beliefs not putting up Christmas lights and saying Happy Holidays’ instead of Merry Christmas’. They mentioned that Christ is the reason for the season’. Indeed, he is. However His message was one of love and tolerance, not hate and intolerance and bigotry. Furthermore, historians now agree that Christ was most likely born in spring. The Holy Roman Empire placed Christmas at the solstice to share in the many other celebrations taking place that time of year. I’m embarrassed and ashamed to know that there is such hatred, ignorance, and intolerance in my town. I am still shocked that a swastika painted on a building on Lakeshore Drive remained there until I called the town to complain about it almost a week. Was no one else who drove past bothered by it? Is no one else in town ashamed of our neighbors’ antiquated and hurtful attitudes? I’d like a better future for my children. Wouldn’t you? Annie Clark Ferreira Hewitt