And she brought forth her firstborn son,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2
One of the greatest gifts in my life is the sense of purpose this alternative blog has given me – the opportunity to participate in a larger discussion – all made possible thanks to your readership and support.
Whether or not we agree on the myriad social, civic, and economic issues of the day, I hope we remain friends, grounded in the common purpose of seeking a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren through the vigorous competition of ideas and a universal desire for honorable, accessible, and principled governance.
Here’s a special thanks to the loyal members of the Barker’s View tribe.
Your civic awareness and activism continue to make a difference in our community – and your friendship has enhanced my life in immeasurable ways.
A true blessing.
Here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023!
Mark
Barker's View 
Merry Christmas to you and your family and May blessings abound. I look forward to each of your blogs and even though I don’t always respond I sit here thinking quite often, Yeah!, Stick it to them! Right On! 😂 I count on you to leech out the back room deals and bring them to light. We have to keep informed somehow and it sure isn’t going to be that piece of alternative toilet paper called a newspaper. Thank you, Mark, for your blog and keeping an ear to the ground. Your public appreciates you!
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Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
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Happy Christmas to ya!! 🎄 thanx for yer blog
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Thanks for your alternative blog.
Happy Holidays.
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Merry Christmas ,my friend,even though I have been gone from the greater Daytona beach area,I enjoy reading your comments on our crazy council…so keep up the great work…you may remember me as Rocking Rob Thomas….WMFJ,WDAT,WROD,WELE,..and then as a police officer at DBPD,POPD,SDPD…Before I moved to Texas……may you and you family have a Merry Christmas and a very good New year!
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And a very Merry and enjoyable Christmas to you Mark. Thank you for this blog and your constant watch over the landscape. It is more than appreciated. Happy New Year and keep writing PLEASE!
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🎄
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Merry Christmas Mark, truly enjoy your ruminations.
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And a Happy New Year to you, Mark. Keep on rocking (and writing)! 🙂
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