journal features

our first X'mas tree

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2011.12.11

We set up a Christmas tree last night, and this morning Kenny woke to find presents under it. At first he seemed delighted, but then quickly he noticed that something was wrong. "Daddy," he told me, "none of these presents is the size of Henry! Santa didn't bring me Henry!"

Henry is a toy train from the Thomas-the-Tank-Engine series. Kenny needn't worry though, Henry is around but just hasn't been wrapped. The toy will be a gift from Santa, and Kenny has to learn that Santa only comes at Christmas.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering