There is no good way to go about this, so I will just plunge in:
Merry Christmas!
Yes, that's right, I said Merry Christmas. Oops, I did it again!
The link above points to a November 25, 2005, Reuters story regarding the official renaming of the Boston, Massachusetts Christmas Tree to a "Holiday Tree". 'Tis the season for political correctness to run amok. Citing a clause that does not exist in the Constitution, liberals and misguided troublemakers take to the courts this time of year to inflict there ignorance and bigotry upon the rest of us.
The "separation of church and state" does not exist, per se, within the Constitution. What does exist is the requirement that "Congress shall pass no law establishing any religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Not a terribly complicated sentence, or murky in its meaning. No government sponsored and enforced religion will exist in this country, period. This is a clear and direct reference to the Church of England, not to the erection of an internally lighted Frosty the Snowman in Central Park. Also, Congress refers to - - - Congress! It is not a Founding Father euphemism for "Every federal government entity, derivative or subordinate governmental unit, agency, or any individual or entity funded or even involved either directly or indirectly with some element of the federal government".
Far more troubling than the prodigious efforts to remove Christmas from the national lexicon, except of course when used in reference to revenue generating Christmas Sales, is the refusal to object to the public presentation of non-Christian religions and holidays and indeed the demand in many instances that our children be compelled to study other religions within a classroom setting in order to foster greater understanding of those cultures. Islam is taught in California classrooms, including the reading and memorization of verses from the Koran and recitation of Islamic prayers. U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton ruled this was just fine, since it was "taught" in a history and geography class and was merely enabling students to learn about Islam. What is the likelihood that a seventh grade class about Christianity, including Christian prayers and readings from the Bible, would last beyond the first day? Not every student in a public school is Christian. Shouldn't those who are not have the opportunity to learn about Christianity in a controlled, scholarly environment instead of having to rely on flawed information derived from their friends or contacts on the street?
Mangers in the public square threaten the fabric of our society. A fat (or should that be Atkins Deprived?) old man in a red suit is a clearly religious symbol that must be eradicated at every turn. Songs referencing Christmas, Santa, Reindeer, or even hint that they might support notions of a peculiarly Christian Winter Festival must be censored in the interests of preserving weak minds unable to defend themselves from an evil universe and unfortunate enough to lack parents with the concept of personal responsibility for themselves or their offspring.
Yet, when is that last time a big stink was made over a publicly displayed menorah? Whose son or daughter hasn't come home endlessly singing "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel" until you wanted to either throttle them or at least convince them to start a rousing chorus of "999,999,999 Bottles of Beer on the Wall"?
So until all you self serving publicity hounds with far more time on your hands than true conviction develop enough intellectual honesty to fight any expression of religion in any guise, including those that do not fall beneath the umbrella of Christianity, I will continue to reject your childishness.
I will sing Christmas carols. Not only do I enjoy them, they have the added benefit of annoying you.
I will put up a Christmas tree. And decorate it. And stand it in my front window to inflict upon any who may happen to drive by my home.
And I will not succumb to the pressure to use phrases such as "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays". I am not ashamed of the fact that I was raised in a Christian denominated household, nor that I retain at least a few of the values of my upbringing.
The taboo phrase of December is offered as a pleasantry, in a spirit of fellowship and good cheer. It is not an epithet hurled against another. Any offense is drummed up by the recipient rather than offered by the giver.
So, and please accept this in the spirit it is delivered, Merry Christmas to all.
And to all, a good night.
No comments:
Post a Comment