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Hernando Today

Is Peace On Earth Possible?

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By TONY MARRERO Hernando Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2008

Updated:

BROOKSVILLE - The Methodist Center in Brooksville carried the weight of the world through downtown on Saturday.

A school's parade float featured lots of smiling children and a big, wooden rendition of the earth topped with a bright red bow and the words, "Christmas Ties Us Together."

Even in a recession and a time of war, it's hard to believe watching a parade roll through a Main Street town under a brilliant, cloudless sky that peace on Earth and goodwill among men won't win in the end.

We went to Saturday's annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade to ask participants and spectators alike whether they believe that is possible.

We found a mix of pessimists and optimists.

•"I don't want to be negative this time of year, but I think things are a little bit rocky to have that happen in our society. I hope during the next year we'll see a big improvement."

Bob Porteus, 68, retired hospital administrator, Brooksville.

•"It will all work out. It has to. It can't get any worse."

Patricia Porteus, mid-60s, Brooksville.

•"I think if you really want to achieve something you can make it happen. I believe if we got people to work toward one common goal it could be achieved."

Evelina Cybulski, 19, Spring Hill, student at Nature Coast Technical High School.

•"No. People are too individualistic. I used to be an optimist. I got hit with reality."

Elizabeth Chiavetta, 22, Brooksville.

•"Definitely, but there has to be a higher calling, other than money and defense systems, through a relationship with Jesus Christ."

Jason Kahler, 39, Brooksville, father of four.

•"No, because there's more bad in the world than good."

Harrison Hadley, 16, sophomore and trombonist at Hernando High School.

•"Yes, because I believe that Jesus is going to come to Earth and save us. People can help Him by telling people about Him."

Abby Davis, 13, eighth grader and color guard member at Parrott Middle School.

•"I think it has to happen within people's hearts. It's not going to happen with the politicians."

Joe Osborne, 70, Tampa, high priest and prophet of Tampa Shriners Club.

•"I want to believe that one day we will all get along. It's the basis of every religion, but it's a hard thing to believe when there's so much deceit and corruption."

Larry Parker, Ridge Manor, father of 7-month-old Iziah.

•"I really do think people will eventually people will realize that fighting is not the answer to our problems. When people see they can make things better by being kind, you'll see a difference."

Spc. Emily Wilkins, 21, of Lakeland, member of the 1st Battalion, 244th Regiment National Guard unit in Brooksville.

•"Absolutely, if we remember not just Santa but the reason for this season."

Santa Claus, North Pole, giftgiver.

•"Yes, in Brooksville."

Brooksville Police Chief George Turner.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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