Editor, The Times:

It is never too late to make a New Year’s resolution.

A long time ago hard-nosed newspapermen learned bad news sold papers. Unfortunately most of us are overly fascinated by the tragedies wrought by the dark side of human nature. By routinely watching graphic news reports about the unimaginable violence and misery that has just occurred in far-flung corners of our world, we risk becoming paralyzed by despair, or even worse, desensitized to brutality and corruption in our own communities.

Robert Alden wrote, “There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.” There are countless candles flickering all around us, but they are often obscured by the glare coming from our television sets and video monitors. If you make a resolution to look for those candles, you will be pleasantly surprised how much brighter your life will become. And by the very act of looking, you may become a candle for others.

Lloyd Atkins

Vernon, B.C.