Time Capsule: Important Christmas message from the past
Courtesy photo -- Paul Fugleberg in 1993.
Editor's note: Today we share a 1991 Christmas column from Paul Fugleberg, who was owner and editor of the Flathead Courier from 1963 to 1980. After Fugleberg sold the Courier, it became the Lake County Leader, and he continued to contribute articles as well as his popular Among Other Things column. Fugleberg passed away in 2017 at age 86. Merry Christmas.
Among Other Things: Hope still alive in shaky world
Another momentous year is just about behind us. In recent years we wondered what could top the removal of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of East Germany, breakthroughs in medical, communications and other scientific technology. This year we're finding out — topping the list is the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics into commonwealth of sorts.
Long proclaimed an atheistic state, Russia now has dropped religious bans and is encouraging distribution of Bibles — even in school classrooms.
Where the changes lead and their impacts on the rest of the world may be known in 1992, perhaps later.
You'd think that globe and mapmaking would be a growth industry these days, but ... as soon as a new pattern is decided upon, more changes pop up. Unplanned obsolescence is hard to market.
There are predictions that famine will continue to raise its ugly head in various places around the globe.
In addition to third world countries, parts of the new Russian commonwealth and war-damaged Iraq are said to be at risk.
Added to the uncertainties is the worldwide threat posed by AIDS and the projected deaths of countless millions of people. Just the tip of the AIDS iceberg shows so far.
Interesting times these — sometimes encouraging, sometimes scary, always fascinating and challenging.
And you and I are here for whatever reason to be part of it all.
Is there hope? You bet there is. Yet too many ignore it. The hope came with the birth of Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago ... and through His life, teachings, death and resurrection.
May you and yours have a blessed Christmas and an exciting new year.
— Paul Fugleberg, Dec. 26, 1991 Lake County Leader