rich <noyb@some.com> wrote in
news:Xns95BB549DD53BA42023112va@140.99.99.130:
> You are so right about this sad, sad world. The state of affairs is
> not good. Here in the USA, activists seek to take away our right to
> observe Christmas, as Christmas. Decorations are offensive to them,
> the word God, the phrase "Prince of Peace" is inflamatory to them.
> 2004 years ago, we were sent a baby, and for all those 2004 years we
> have, with the exception of believers, refused to accept His Words. I
> try not to dwell on these trouble spots, I have no solution & feel
> helpless to change them. But today, I think we should say a prayer of
> thanks for all who will be away from their families at Christmas, a
> prayer for the safety of our troops in the world, and for all those
> who are sick, homeless, in jail, or in a less than nice environment.
> This will be my 70th Christmas, it has changed since I was a wee boy
> years ago. I long for those type of Christmas times. Merry Christmas
> to all. R.
It is indeed a sad state of affairs, Rich. The activists represent a small
minority, which is why they scream the loudest. Polls suggest that 85% of
Americans consider themselves to be God-fearing people, who are not at all
offended by Christmas, or any other public display of religious ceremony.
The vast majority of those 85% are Christians, just as the American
founding forefathers were, who penned the American Constitution. One of
the widely used tricks these mostly leftist-liberal-fanatics like to use,
is twisting the interpretation of the American Constitution. The
Constitution essentially allows that no particular religion shall be forced
upon anyone. But nowhere does the Constitution suggest that anyone should
be prevented from practicing their religious beliefs, or even celebrating
them in public. The Constitution speaks to religious tolerance and
freedom, not to supress religious expression. Fact is, North America was
founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs. It was, and remains, the fundamental
religious belief structure in our society. It is simply not possible for
any reasonable-minded person to be offended by something as kindly spirited
as Christmas. Christmas is not a bad occasion, or an unhappy occasion, or
a selfish occasion. It is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and
Saviour, Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is a time of giving, and of good
will towards all men, and it represents a message of peace on earth. That
the Gospel of Jesus Christ has touched even the outermost parts of this
world, is a testiment to the power of the Holy Word of God. Christmas
itself requires no defense. Commercial enterprise thought it was a good
thing, and has capitalized on Christmas more than any other spiritual
occasion. Many Jews, and people of other religions, appreciate the spirit
of Christmas. Even Barbara Streisand has a Christmas album. So what are
we really talking about here? What is religious tolerance? Is it about
Christians, who represent the vast majority of Americans, being silent
about their beliefs in public places? Is it about removing all references
to God in our schools, in our government, and on our public documents and
currency? Is is about altering our very history? Is it about changing
"Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays" in commercial venues, so as not to
supposedly offend the sensibilities of a radical few? No, of course not.
Religious tolerance is about Christians, and those of other religions,
being able to openly profess their religious beliefs, and publicly
celebrate them, without the fear of being persecuted or forceably silenced,
legally or otherwise. There is also such a thing as tradition. And just
like religions have their traditions, so do most cultures. America has its
own culture, and Christianity is a large and founding part of its culture.
Christmas isn't just a religious observance for Christians. Christmas is
an official religious holiday as constituted by the United States
government! Is the American government not democratically elected to
represent the majority of Americans? And who, but a radical nut, would be
so bold and disrepectful as to want to interfere with our culture? The
bottom line is this: The beauty of American is that one American has the
right to be offended, if it's even possible, by another American's
religious display. And the offended American, if so moved, has a right to
voice his or her offense, within the confines of the law. But regardless
of what offense if may cause, all Americans have a constitutional right to
publicly participate, or not participate, in Christmas, or in any other
religious event. Therefore, what it boils down to is common sense. If 85%
of Americans value the public tradition of Christmas, then what could it
possibly serve the remaining 15% in protesting it, other than the evil
satisfaction of causing unhappiness? Common sense tells me that if I'm
overseeing all the Target stores, I'm a lot less concerned about kicking
the Salvation Army away from the front doors (a Christian charitable
organization that only does good things) and appeasing a potential 15% of
my customer base in the process, than I am in offending a potential 85% of
my customer base by doing so. And I think Target's decision to the
contrary just about sums up how ridiculous domestic appeasment-politics has
become. Target will hopefully get their bottom line, when they look at
their sales figures after Christmas. In the meantime, lets all go to the
nearest school or government office, and sing Christmas carols! And LOUD!
Merry Christmas to all!
And to all those who I might offend with my good wishes...tough cookies!
AA
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