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So let us simply accept a “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa” as the kind blessing of another, whether we celebrate that holiday or not. And perhaps, if we can stop taking offense when someone harmlessly says the wrong thing, we can start to discuss the real issues that separate us. In the end, that seems to be the real path to tolerance, and ultimately, peace on earth, goodwill toward men.

That sounds very sensible. And accept Happy Holidays in the same spirit.

That sounds very sensible. And accept Happy Holidays in the same spirit.

Absolutely.

For isn’t it intolerant to refuse the good wishes of others simply because they weren’t worded precisely the way we would have preferred?

Yes, you’re right, it’s dopey. Happy Holidays.

You guys have the argument bass-ackwards. The question isn’t whether it oppresses someone to hear “Merry Christmas”. The question is whether it oppresses someone to NOT hear “Merry Christmas”. By the logic of the boycotts, as a Jewish person I shouldn’t patronize a store that doesn’t say “Happy Hanukkah” when I walk in the door.

To each and every [man, woman, child, other] - I wish to you [meaning no offense to the magically enhanced persons] the warmest [excepting those situations within oil deprived parts of the world that may feel pain at the mention of our gluttonous comfort] Holiday Seasons [insert religious, non-religious and/or other ethnical appropriate HOLIDAY SEASON proper noun.]

It’s been all over the news and I’m sure yaall have seen it. But some of the major chain stores have come under fire for using the words Season and Holiday insted of Christmas.
Most of this criticizim has come from the so called Religious Right. They find these words offensive. Boo Hoo.
It really makes no diffenece to me if someone uses Saesons Greetings, Happy Hollidays, or Merry Christmas. It’s the thought that’s behind it that counts.

hi my name is Kaylee Lynn Anderson im 6. Granddaddy said i can say mary christmas.

Who says I spoil my grandkids?

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka, Happy Kwanzaa, or Happy Holiday are all well intended greetings. The greeting should be a matter of personal choice.
It does becomes a problem to me when an employer mandates that their employees may use only the non secular version.

It’s a slam dunk.

We are to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL WHO RECEIVE IT.

Non-issue. Were I a Conservative or a Republican, I would be embarrassed to see the Right pushing this fabricated crisis. If evangelical Christians keep up the facade of being ‘victims’ of bias and prejudice - well, I’m willing to oblige. Especially so if ‘controversies’ like this one are constantly thrown in my face.

BTW, I’ve NEVER had agnostics, or athiests (or Muslims, Buddists, or Jews for that matter) show up at my door trying to get me to swear an alegiance to their idea of religion or God. I’ve lost count of the Christians who done so. They even sued to have the right to come to my door and try to convert me. Sheeshh! Victims, Shmictims!

Don’t get me wrong. I live right. I go to church. I LIVE my faith. But its MY faith, not yours!

I can’t wait till I’m forced to teach ‘Intelligent Design’ or ‘Creation’ science in public school. The fifth graders in my school need to hear the Hindu version of the creation of the world and it will be the one I teach as ‘Intelligent Design’ - or will I be forced to teach the Old Testament Genesis version of ‘Intelligent Design’?

Just discussing this ‘crisis’ forged in the minds of the ultra-nutcase wing of Christianity reminds me of the wacky rules and stuff I used to read about the Islamic fundamentalists when the Ayatollah Khomeini took over Iran after the ‘revolution’. Be careful what you ask for people - you might get it.

slam dunk, just like WMD’s?
What a self defeating observation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

Happy Walmartdays to you!

Non-issue.

Yes, it should be. Unfotunately, as I wrote, this is about more than Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. It’s about the ever-increasing push to not offend anyone. When major newspapers from sizable urban areas (i.e., the Cincinnati Enquirer) start suggesting that we ask what we should say before saying it, it’s going too far.

Yes, the religious right is a bit goofy in complaining about the absence of “Merry Christmas” from store displays, but so is the idea that a store can’t say “Merry Christmas” for fear of offending someone. And that dynamic did not arise from the right side of the political spectrum.

The battle against religious displays on public property has now moved to neighborhood associations policing private household displays so that they don’t offend the sensibilities of others. Nativity Scene Causes Stir In Novi Neighborhood

The word “tolerance” no longer means any such thing. Instead, it’s come to mean “act and speak in the way I see fit.” That doesn’t encourage diversity, it crushes it.

That’s not healthy for any kind of open dialog - a value that should he held in especially high regard in a forum such as this.

Dave
I was keeping it in the spirit of Christmas and not politicizing it.
Merry Christmas and May You Have a Prosperous 2006.

I, personally, am not offended by others wishing me a Happy Holiday, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or Christmas.

However, I wonder what the proper etiquette is if someone wishes me Happy Holidays. Can I return it with Merry Christmas without offending them? If someone wishes me Happy Hanukkah, is it sincere for me to return the same greeting if I’m not Jewish, or can I return Merry Christmas? Will a radical Muslim try to target my family if I, in a gesture of good will, wish him a Happy Ramadan (will he think he’s in danger of losing his 72 virgins if he accepts that greeting from an infidel)?? haha.

This “controversy” would not be happening if it were not for the ridiculous degree of political correctness that is crippling this society.

The “movement” of “putting Christ back in Christmas” is not just about holiday greetings. It’s part of a campaign by the most devout of the 95% of Americans who consider themselves Christians to try to push back the hypocrisy of the few that claim to be offended by Christian symbols and references, but are OK with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or any other non-Christian reference or symbol. It’s the direct result of the Michael Newdows of this country.

The “Establishment Clause” prohibits congress from “making a law respecting an establishment of reigion, or prohibiting the free exerciose thereof”. In other words, Congress can’t force us by law to practice a specific religion, but they also cannot punish us for not practicing any religion. Congress (niether federal, state nor local governemtns) is doing nothing of the sort!!

If anything, the courts are closer to infringing upon the establishment clause as they approach the point of prohibiting me from exercising my constitutional right to worship in any manner I choose, which is what they are doing. They are overstepping their boundries.

Oh, yeah.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Do you REALLY mean it?

When you say, “Merry Christmas”, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating the birth of Christ?

When you say, “Happy Holidays”, do you really want that person to be happy at this time of the year?

When you say, “Happy Hanukkah”, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating Hanukkah?

When you say, “Happy Kwanzaa”, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating Kwanzaa?

If so, more power to you and say any of those things with FEELING!

If not, just say, “Eat shit and die”.

“Bah, humbug” also works.

I hope the woman that helped me at K-Mart awhile ago doesn’t get fired for telling me MERRY CHRISTMAS. She said it rather loud!

I personally enjoyed my observance of Bodhi Day (Buddhist holiday) on Dec. 8. Having been free to observe that day in America, I wish all Christians a Merry Christmas, Jewish persons a Happy Hannukha and any other religions celebrating a holiday in this month.

I received not a single wish for an enlightened Bodhi Day here, but it bothered me not the least bit, as there are few if any other Buddhist regulars on this site. But the fact that I am not a Christian does not prevent me from enjoying the Christmas tree and Carols with my wife who is a Methodist and my Daughter who is leaning toward Catholicism. I would hope that Christians everywhere could display the same tolerance and enjoyment for the people’s of other religions during their own holiday season, though I know some will instead choose to Bah Humbug! non-Christians all the way through their 12 days of Christmas. But, hey, that’s their own unique personal problem and no affair of mine.

Nobody has mentioned Festivus. I’m offended.

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all on this list except Jim T.

Jim, eat shit and die! ;)

Rich, your comment privileges here are revoked, and your comments are not welcome here due to your clear violation of our policy. Have a nice day.

It’s all nice to wish someone well around a particular important holiday. Better still is to understand the meaning of that holiday. I know the person was well meaning, but I had to chuckle when, back in October, someone wished me a “Happy Yom Kippur.”

I see our country, my country, USA…establishing a precedent of “No Tolerance”. Soon it will be unaccepted for someone to say hello. What happen to honor America’s diversity? Establishing good faith? I am taught in my Business Law class that Good Faith prevails in certain situations, we should be the same. Respect everyone’s differences as long as if doesn’t cause physical harm.

WATCHBLOG editor:

You revoked JIM’s comment priv… but I think he was just carrying humor from a previous post:

—-
Do you REALLY mean it?

When you say, “Merry Christmasâ€, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating the birth of Christ?

When you say, “Happy Holidaysâ€, do you really want that person to be happy at this time of the year?

When you say, “Happy Hanukkahâ€, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating Hanukkah?

When you say, “Happy Kwanzaaâ€, do you really want that person to be happy while celebrating Kwanzaa?

If so, more power to you and say any of those things with FEELING!

If not, just say, “Eat shit and dieâ€.

“Bah, humbug†also works.
——

I don’t think his comments were meant to be rude or mean… just doing as this previous post suggested

Mr. Manager,

I believe Rich was joking - not knowing for sure I would ask.

Are we or are we not just a country of bored analyzers? As a whole we have really not suffered any real hardship so we have to invent our own hardships.
I am also not saying that no one has ever had any difficulties (just having to explain this point proves my point)!! BUT, if you have TRUE hardship I’m quite sure you could give a sh** less what a Wal Mart greeter, or anyone else says to you in passing!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

See how quickly words are condemned?

In this politically correct world, people (Rich) are banned when simply continuing a joke.

This is a perfect example of what Paul was trying to get at. Tolerance means acceptance in our culture today. We need to get back to the true definition of tolerance, allow people to be who they are and allow others to criticize that.

Does anybody know the true meaning of “sticks and stones” anymore?

Michael Burns, there is a difference between rude talk and violating the clear and posted rules of a place in which one is a guest with privileges.

If you don’t see the need for our Critique the Message and Not the Messenger policy, then you too can find another site where the rules are more to your liking. WatchBlog is known for being one of the most civil political debate sites to be found. It developed that reputation by enforcing its policy for all in all columns on WatchBlog.

I am the VOLUNTEER (yes, unpaid) who has to spend time each and every day of the year scanning through comments to insure the policy is enforced. If you think I have even more time out of my life to question folks as to their intent and motive, when leaving comments like Rich did, you are very mistaken.

Dear WatchBlog Manager,

I’m writing this to let you know that I in no way took Rich’s comment in any context but humor. I was not offended in any way.

I ask that you reinstate Rich’s comment privilages.

Jim T

There’s a guy down the road from me that has a sign about 30” high that says BAH HUMBUG!
The first time I saw it I did a double take. Then started laughing so hard I almost drove off the road.
How many times do we get feeling that way this time of the year. Doesn’t kind of give you a lift when someone gives you holiday greetings? Regardless of which greeting they use.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HANUKKA - SEASONS GREETING - HAPPY HOLIDAYS - AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

I agree, reinstate Rich.

This is a sily discussion. This is a pagan holiday. You know who says so? The Romans, whose celebration of Saturnalia on December 24th was co-opted by the Pope, and the Puritans, who were utterly offended at what we call a Christian celebration.

Christmas has generally been celebrated for the last 350 years, by my calculations 17% of time Christianity has existed (not exactly what I’d call ‘set in stone’). Christmas trees were so offensive to Puritans that in the 17th century they were ILLEGAL in Massachusetts (look it up, it’s there). Before that time, because of its well-known pagan roots, devout Christians were suspicious of the winter solstice celebration.

Modern day Christmas? It’s actually an American Christmas, truthfully the brainchild of Irving Berlin, who deserves the most credit. With the US at war in 1941, there was a strong surge nostalgia, not religious devotion, that led to our American Christmas.

‘So it’s no surprise that when Berlin got around to writing his great Christmas song [White Christmas] in 1941…it was flatly devoid of Christian imagery. It is, for all that, a religious song. It’s just that Berlin’s religion was America.

“White Christmas” is an achingly nostalgic ballad, evoking a rural America where treetops glisten and sleigh bells ring. This was Currier and Ives country, an idealized winter landscape created for an urban nation that was busily shipping its young men overseas to fight Hitler and Japan. Amid the unprecedented disruptions of the war, “White Christmas,” with its implicit assertion that we can somehow get back to this innocent Eden, found a ready audience. Over the subsequent six decades, in a world that’s only grown more unstable, Berlin’s ode has never lost its power: Roughly 2,000 versions have been recorded since Bing Crosby’s initial take.

The success of “White Christmas” paved the way for a whole new genre of Christmas songs. Two years after Berlin’s ballad first appeared in Paramount’s “Holiday Inn,” MGM filmed “Meet Me in St. Louis,” which had as its musical centerpiece the bittersweet “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — a song about loved ones trying to stay together “if the fates allow.” (A film ahead of its time, “Meet Me in St. Louis” is about a family resisting corporate relocation.) Two years later came “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”), and a year after that, “Let It Snow.” By then the American Christmas song was about staying warm in winter, about staying connected to loved ones and traditions. It also practiced separation of church and song.

This was all rather new. Tin Pan Alley hadn’t turned out many notable Christmas songs before “White Christmas.” It hasn’t turned out many since. But for a few years in the middle of the 20th century, it produced a series of songs that remain Christmas standards today.’

Over the centuries, there have many attempts to claim that the rituals of the winter solstice had Christian roots, but basic history research proves otherwise.

Why all the fuss? Probably because the winter solstice festival is fun and that many devout Christians feared the thought of celebrating this clearly nature/earth loving holiday, so all sorts of reilgious justifications have been overlayed on a holiday whose roots are something else. Is Christian faith at stake here? Not in the least - the first 1600 years speak for themselves.

But fighting over ‘Happy Holidays’ sure prevents any introspection among a whole bunch of people who are not as devoted as they think and who let others think for them.

‘The “movement†of “putting Christ back in Christmas†is not just about holiday greetings. It’s part of a campaign by the most devout of the 95% of Americans who consider themselves Christians to try to push back the hypocrisy of the few that claim to be offended by Christian symbols and references, but are OK with Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or any other non-Christian reference or symbol. It’s the direct result of the Michael Newdows of this country.’

I think it also points to the other issue that you can’t talk about - the ‘Happy Holidays’ issue belongs almost exclusively to white, protestant americans of european descent, the one ethnic group that is is decline in this country, whose control over America shrinks every year.

If you look at who is fighting this battle, you may find that this is what the fight is really about - ethnic diversity and a backlash against loss of power.

There are 60 Christians in the USA for every one Muslim. There are 40 Christians in the USA for every one Jew. How come the left is so anxious to enforce quotas unless they are counting Christians. I grew up in NY and had Yom Kippur, RoshaShanna and Hanukkah as days the State gov’t closed the public schools. None of the Christians seemed to mind being “wished” by the state gov’t to enjoy those days. Merry Christmas to all.

Watchblog Managing Editor,

If you think I have even more time out of my life to question folks as to their intent and motive, when leaving comments like Rich did, you are very mistaken.

I did not ask that you question Rich as to his intent nor do I think you should. I understand that you are a volunteer and appreciate your willingness to take on such a demanding task.

And … I agree with the WatchBlog Critique the Message and Not the Messenger policy.

However, I disagree with your decision to revoke Rich’s commenting privileges. The context of Rich’s message clearly showed his intent to make a joke, specifically, the smiley emoticon at the end of his statement to Jim.

If I am not mistaken, the Federal Holiday we celebrate on December 25th is referred to in the enabling legislation as Christmas Day. For those who want their religious holiday celebrated by name I suggest they contact their congressional representative.
How long before someone objects to Happy New Year because it celebrates the Western World’s concept of when the New Year begins?

CPAdams
Christmas started with the birth of Jesus. The early Romans did try to make it a pagan holiday.
Christmas was celebrated in this country way before Irving Berlin and his music.
The following Christmas music has been sung for a number of years before 1941.
Silent Night
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Joy to the World
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Holy Night
The First Noel
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

The list could go quite longer, but my point is that when Jesus was born and the gifts presented to him were gold, frankencense, and myrrh. That was the beginning of Christmas.

This really should be a non-issue. The fact that it comes up at all shows just how out-of-hand our sensitivity has become. My guess is that if there were no Christmas, Hanukkah would have remained a fairly obscure event and Kwanzaa wouldn’t even be on the radar screen. It was only because Christians (and our retailers) had turned Christmas into such a month long extravaganza that those outside the loop, so to speak, felt a need to promote their own traditions.

It is true that Christmas in the U.S. was hardly a family holiday, let alone a very holy one until the early 1800’s, until the churches decided to wrest it back from the maurauding ‘wassailers.’

By the way, I will take offense if anyone tries to force me to celebrate or wishes me a happy Labor Day (but I’ll gladly take the day off, thank you).

To all the lefties out there, hey Merry CHRISTmas!

And a Happy New Year, too!!

How long before someone objects to Happy New Year because it celebrates the Western World’s concept of when the New Year begins?

Posted by: Jim Martin at December 21, 2005 07:05 PM

Now that you’ve brought it up. Not long. The left has been looking for something else to cry about.

David,

“I received not a single wish for an enlightened Bodhi Day here, but it bothered me not the least bit, as there are few if any other Buddhist regulars on this site.”

It is easy to be a holy man on a mountain, thanks for joining us here in civilization (such as it is).

To the rest of you I am tempted to say happy whatever and hopefully not offend one of you.

BTW, if the Christmas adds start showing up on Labor Day I quit.

David, had I known when Bodhi Day was, I’d have wished you a great one!
Look, we’ve covered this before on the other side, but I’ll just repeat what I said there: the etymology of the word Holiday is Holy Day. When someone wishes you one, it can cover whatever religion you happen to be. Therefore, it’s ridiculous to be offended by that greeting.
It also covers the non-religious folks because they can always think of this greeting in the European sense of it being a vacation day: “going on holiday”!
So it’s good for everybody. (Or for David’s case, everybodhi! ;^)

Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!

As someone who works in the oh so fun world of
retail ( especially this time of year ) and as
someone who is a lifelong yet struggling
Christian, here are my 2 cents. While I agree
that Christmas is way too commercialized and
retailers want to capitalize on the profits
that Christmas brings ( who’s heard of “Doorbuster
Pre-Hannukah Sales”? ), I think some of my fellow,
well meaning Christians get a little too bent out
of shape about the whole generic Happy Holidays
thing.

Sure the true meaning of Christmas gets a bit lost
while the “religious” holiday is essentially
prostituted by increasingly greeding retailers,
who could care less about working their staffs
into the ground. But Christians should have more
faith that in the long run things will be okay
if they continue to instill the values in their
children that they hold dear.

At the store where I work, the legalistic corporate big-wigs tell us to answer the phone
with “Happy Holidays”, yet we can wish customers
Merry Christmas in the stores, especially if the
customer says Merry Christmas to us first. The
stores also play some traditional, but mostly
more secular Christmas tunes on the stores Muzac.
I’ve been compromising on the telephone greeting
by saying “Happy Holy Days” which gives a more
religious connotation, but still covers the PC
bases of Hannukkah or Ramadan or Kwanzaa or what
ever else.

My main gripe with retailers is extended hours
that they make their employees work. Going from
a 40 hour work week to 50-60, kind of takes the
spirit of the season and tramples it. Exhaustion
replaces “holiday” cheer. And to all of you
greedy, slave driving retailers out there. I’d
like to say Happy MONEY-days ( their god of
choice ).

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL & TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.
( a good night’s sleep that is. I could definitely
use one…or two. )

The left has been looking for something else to cry about.

Oh, the “Left” has enough to cry about these days (everyone left of Genghis Khan, that is). We’re all looking for something to laugh about. So I say thanks and have a happy HO HO HO’Reilly Holiday folks, and a Happy Year of the Dog. May Buddha et al. bless us all every one, even the most grouchy of the GOP. We’ll all surely need it.

Who cares what retailers do? I have not heard individuals stop saying Merry Christmas yet, if that is what they celebrate. Anyone who feels their faith is challenged by the actions of Walmart or Target had better start to wonder if it is their own minds, not the corporations, taking the Christ out of Christmas.

And may happiness and joy be with all of you now and all year.

This is just like the Gay Marriage issue. Republicans will push this issue to rally the Christian Nuts into voting for them.

Greetings from the Left -

I was delighted, albeit in a state of shock and awe, to agree so wholeheartedly with the posts in this thread. The shock (and awe) was due to the idiocy of so much of what is being passed off as conservatism lately, that is, the neo-con idiocy. I had given up on conservatives as having degenerated into a bunch of idiot ditto-heads, which is not the conservatism I used to respect, whether or not I agreed with it. And I know many good, decent people who, being loyal to conservatism have fallen into that trap. The Bill O’Reillys, Rush Limbaughs, and Ann Coulters aren’t fit to lick the soles of a real conservative’s boots in my opinion, but alas, for some reason, they seem to speak for the conservative movement lately. It seems that the conservative leadership and Fox News seemed to be of the same mold.

Those rabid nutjobs don’t seem to fit in with the reason and dignity I see here. The folks posting here are refreshingly logical, reasonable, and literate, it’s a pleasure to read. Heck, you folks might well be regulars on some of the left wing sites I haunt. (I will take it as a given that you are now, at least metaphorically, hurling rotten vegetables at me for that last remark implying that only the left is the province of logic, reason, and literacy, and I accept those virtual metaphorical vegetables as being well deserved.)

So, let me thank you again for intelligent, well reasoned, not blindly in lockstep with the shouting morons but rather clearly thinking for oneself and with no small degree of humor bunch of posts.

Let me lay some shock and awe back on you by telling you that as far as I can tell, the vast bulk of the left agrees with the sentiments posted here. Please don’t let that dim the sincerity of the compliment any, and by no means should you take that as a reason to question your judgement. Sometimes logic happens.

My opinion is that anyone wishing anyone else a pleasant anything is doing a nice and good thing. If someone wishes me a , I am pleased and find it touching, especially since I’m not a . The gesture is so gracious because they are sharing with me something important and meaningful to them, and including me personally whether or not I am of their group! I ask you, what is wrong with people when they get ugly because someone wishes them a happy holiday because it doesn’t happen to be their brand of holiday, or because someone fails to wish them their particular brand?

Is this a pervasive attitude, or is this just a manifestation of some major malfunction in O’Reilly?

And on the flip side, as an example, if I, heathen athiest heretic infidel who (whom? which? that?) I am, wish someone a in all sincerity because I know that they celebrate , is there anything wrong with that? Well, if some narrow minded idiots think so, they’re wrong. Right? Right. Thank you.

I’m happy to stand up with you in this fight. My apologies, not a fight, but perhaps more accurately, a loud and sincere invitation for everyone to express greetings however they see fit and to be unconstrained about graciously accepting pleasant wishes and civilized greetings from others irrespective of exact phrasing.

So, I would invite you to join me in celebrating a pleasant solstice (12/21, around 18:00 GMT), an intellectually stimulating Isaac Newton’s Birthday (12/25 - no kidding), and a most gratifying and very Patriotic American End of Retail Fiscal year Celebration during the second half of December as an Excuse to Buy Things and Give Other People Gifts and eat roast beef and drink wine and eat cookies. (Any excuse is a good one for gifts, cookies, et al in my opinion. If you disagree, get your own religion.) And though I don’t particularly celebrate, indeed, even more so because I don’t believe the same as you, thank you so much for your wishing me a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Pleasant Saturnalian Winter Rituals, an enlightened Bodhi Day, and anything else I missed, and the same to you with heartfelt sincerity.

That was refreshing. Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka, Happy Bodhi Day! and
please lets all have a Happy New Year? I’m tired of the arguements, senseless crap that comes out of people… it used to be that this was a time to appreciate others and be with family and friends, it’s turned into a nightmare and if we keep up the BS it will only get worse, is this the example or legacy we want to leave for our kids? our nephews, neices, grand children? Remember when you were a small kid and the excitement that you felt at this time of year. Let’s not be selfish and let them enjoy it as we did. As far as the commercialiazation of Christmas, Hanukka…. I am tired of all that too, why not put out the Christmas Trees and Hanukka items in July? It will put more money in the retailers pocket..thats what burns me up. The meaning is all lost in the hype from the retailers, advertisers and media. Remember to just enjoy your time off from work and being with those who are special to you and spend LESS MONEY NEXT YEAR.. If we all do this the retailers will get the hint.

As a graphic designer who makes many banners, signs and posters for retailers, there is one factor not considered….the cost of such displays.
It takes ink to say anything. Happy Holidays is all-inclusive of, not only the religious holiday events, but also includes the New Year.
For any retailer to produce specific signage and print ads for each denomination and New Years would result in higher prices for the consumer.
From a purely cost perspective, Happy Holidays uses less ink than Merry Christmas and allows the retailer to lower his ad costs by having one all-inclusive sign for the seasonal promotion.
This whole issue is a result of intolerance toward our secular society and has little to do with the spirit of the season. It has alot to do with religious discrimination toward non-Christian beleif and has absolutely no respect for our protections of religion.
We are not a Christian based society. We are a secular one that will do anything and everything to protect each and every religions right to exist and flourish.
We will not, however, allow any one religion to dominate.
If the militant religious right keeps this up, there will be a backlash and some religious groups will loose their non-profit status as a church and be forced to become PACS ( Political Action Committees).
I missed the Gospel according to PC in Catholic grade school.

The HOLIDAY SEASON (Thanksgiving through News Years Day) once upon a time in Our Society was meant to celebrate our lives with our family and friends. Noted by heavy coats and warm food that fueled the Spirit around the fire’s warmth, the 21st Century America Spin Masters has changed little on that fact except to attempt to divide The Human Spirit based on who is right and who is wrong.

Old enough to remember walking through the neighborhood to see how people light up their homes, now we have Theme Parks that really do put on a good show. Yes, the Holiday Season was established by our Forefathers to be great financial boost to our economy. However, the major reason they designed it to be an “Yearly Event†is that they saw in Human Nature the natural trend that takes place if Man is left to his own rules of governing. Wars have been stopped, Enemies have taken meals together, and everyone use to walk around acting silly during this time of the year wishing everyone that they met “Best Wishes.â€

So what has changed in America. According to a CNBC Poll“>http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/CNBCTV/Promos/P139451.aspâ€>Poll 74% of their listeners want to fire the NY Transit Workers. Bah Humbug Mr. Scrooge! Denying Tiny Tim his pudding while you elect to give millions away to your CEO’s. And than complain to the Government because you have no money to make profit. But that a battle for next year.

So to Tomh who believes that Christmas began the day Jesus was born and to David who celebrated Bodhi Day and the coming of a New Year, plus to All Humans that believe and have hope that one day “We the People†can figure out what is close enough to being right for everyone so that “We†can build a Society that comes from “The Magic of The Season.†Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward all Citizens who understands that we must live by a standard of laws and are willing to whatever it takes to discover that which is known to be “Unalienable Right Regardless†and live their life aiming for that standard toward their family, friends, and communities. Thus here is hoping that The Holiday Season gives you the warmth you need to see it through until the Light and rebirth of Spring brings on the Political Battle of the path America will take to live as a society hell bent on leather at doing what is right.

I am former religious activist and someone who knows their motives.
When I was child they were “tolerant” and abortion was made a right when it isn’t in the consitiution and the child’s rights are bypassed.
Prayer was removed when all the teachers asked for was a little tolerance from non believers. They now ask christians to leave if they protest holloween.
Taking God out of The plege is still a battle.
The ten commandments have been displayed for years but now because of tolerance are being protested. Nativity scenes banned.
Religion is only dangerous when a sect is allowed to make civic laws bypassing the democratic process. No telling what God would tell them. But free practice of religion, especially when the majority agrees is a right.
Christians are the most tolerant people I know. Just compare to most college professors and their world view. They may seem to overreact but if they don’t, rights are instantly removed by the so claimed “tolerant” left.
by the way, I don’t do boycotts and have no problem with all inclusive Happy Holidays. I just think the arguments are misguided.

If I am not mistaken, the Federal Holiday we celebrate on December 25th is referred to in the enabling legislation as Christmas Day.

Please note that the “Federal Holiday” is legally only a holiday for FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. It has nothing to do with an endorsement of that date as a holiday for the whole country. It is only there to allow the vast majority of Federal employees to spend the days with their families.

Hi Kruser,

Why do you think it’s the government’s business sponsering mandates to worship a particular jealous God? (The Ten Commandments)

Don’t you think one’s choice of whether to worship a particular God is a private rather than a governmental matter?

Why do you think it’s the business of public schools to tell students to pray to a particular God?

For Christians, ‘Merry Christmas’ is lame.

If you want to greet your Christian brothers and sisters do so as the Orthodox do, say ‘Christ is born’, and when someone responds they say, ‘Glorify Him’. To those who are not Christian, try ‘Have a blessed holiday’ and prayerfully ask the one true God to bless his people.

pr robert

I wish everyone would stop being so adamant about asserting their beliefs onto others. I am a Christian, and if you would like to hear my side of the story, then I will be more than happy to tell you. However, I did not ask for the other side, so stop trying to force me to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” as I believe, because I am not celebrating “holidays” but rather the birth of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Celebrate what you want. Don’t complain about the Christians saying “Merry Christmas,” because in doing so, you are asserting your beliefs over mine. Say your “Happy Holidays” and I will say my “Merry Christmas.” I will accept yours with heart-felt thanks, and I would like you to do the same with mine. That said, Merry Christmas everyone, and thank you for your holiday greetings, whatever they may be.

And……Happy Jesus’ Birthday to you, too.

Why didn’t this bother anyone ten or 20 years ago? Because people knew why we celebrate December 25. REMEMBER…..Jesus is the reason for the season!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

LouisXIV

Where does the government mandate the worship of GOD?

In the past prayer in public schools has been a voluntary one done by a majority.

The interesting thing about this thread is how consistent it is with many other occurances that take place and inspire discussion once a year :

1. Nobody is a baseball fan until the World Series
2. There is nobody with a grain of knowledge about football until the Superbowl
3. It is hard to find people who have incredible knowledge about NCAA basketball until the Final Four
4. Everybody knows who was going to win after the game is over
5. “Merry Christmas” is not given a second thought until it becomes politically incorrect a few days before Christmas

So, I say to you “Merry Christmas”. If this offends you or you don’t think it is right for me to express my joy since (it is much better to give than receive) then you can say to yourself, “That was nice of him to say, I hope it makes him feel good, even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I know that he meant well”

This is the product of the “Christian”(Yeah right) Far Right Crack-Pots imagination. Most of those who have tried to bring the tiniest bit of reality to this invented war on Christmas have had to resort to fabricated stories of Children turned away from school because of their love of jesus.
There is nor war on Christmas. Bill OReilly and Cal Thomas are making it up to make the far right kooks look like victims of the liberal hoards.
It’s a war against truth and reality waged by far right nut-jobs.
Happy Birthday Jesus.
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
I love this time of year.

Hi tomh,

“Where does the government mandate the worship of GOD?”

The Ten Commandments mandate the worship of a particular God. Why do you think it’s the government’s business sponsering mandates to worship a particular God?

“In the past prayer in public schools has been a voluntary one done by a majority.”

Are you saying that the majority can tell the minority when to pray and who to pray to?

Don’t you think worship is a private rather than a governmental matter.

A Visit From Old St. Hillary

http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=9181

“MERRY HOLIDAY” from the ACLU

http://dicklist.blogspot.com/2005/12/43-merry-holiday-from-aclu.html

I love this imaginary war on Christmas. It makes me feel so very macho to pick on those silly Happy Holidays people! HOW DARE THEY wish me a Happy Holiday?! If theyr’e going to wish me a happy anything it’d better be on MY terms. So take note when talking to me: It’s Happy Festivus and Merry Christmas.

Well, how’s this for coincidence? Just as I was about to post a comment here, the daughter of our Muslim neighbor, Mohammed, came to the door with a present and a greeting of “Merry Christmas.” I offered the same back to her.

Perhaps all is right with the world after all. (Now, if I can just figure out the proper ettiquette for Ramadan)

LouisXIV

The operative word is “voluntary”.

Where is the mandate from any government?

Surely there must be some written document showing that there is a mandate. I need to be enlightened.

Louis,

I don’t understand your post regarding mandating. I reviewed the previous posts and didn’t find any that said that the government or the populace mandated anything. Can you please clarify?

Unfotunately, the political correctness has gone beyond ridiculousness in many schools. In many schools, it is impossible or nearly to fail a class. I’ve heard of teachers wanting to give students an “E-plus” because “he almost passed!” Other teachers even tell a student who answered a question incorrectly, “well, that’s the correct answer to another quesiton!” What is with this politically correct world we’re living in? I’m only a junior in high school, and I clearly see this is only preparing me and my classmates to fail later on in life.

Just thought I’d put my two cents in, even though it doesn’t exactly go along with the rest of the posts… :)

Merry Christmas and may this not be a problem in 2006.

Hi tomh,

“Where is the mandate from any government?”

The Ten Commandments are a mandate to worship a particular God.

Why do you think it’s the government’s busisness to sponser mandates to worship a particular God?

Don’t you think one’s choice of whether to worship a particular God is a private rather than a governmental matter?

Hi Rob,

The Ten Commandments are a mandate to worship a particular God.

I don’t think it’s the government’s business to sponswer mandates to worship a particular God.

I think it’s a private rather than a governmental matter whether to worship a particular God.

LouisXIV

The Ten Commandments are not part of the legal system. They are not law passed by the legislature. We are not required to obey the Ten Commandments or be arrested.

I will ask the question again. Where is the mandate you speak of?

Hi tomh,

“The Ten Commandments are not part of the legal system.”

I haven’t said otherwise.

I was talking about govnernment endorsement/sponsership of the Ten Commandments.

“Where is the mandate you speak of?”

The Ten Commandments are mandates. Included in the Decalogue are commandments on which God to worship and the rules for worship.

Why do you think it’s the government’s business to sponser mandates to worship a particular God?

Don’t you think that one’s choice of God is a private rather than a governmental matter?

xxreadytorun,

You hit the nail on the head. The political correctness insanity actually begins on the soccer, baseball, football fields and basketball courts across the nation.

When kids barely old enough to tie their own shoes are signed up to play a sport, assigned to a team and, generally coached by someone who is totally incapable of doing so, it begins.

At the end of the season a team which has not won a game, possibly never scored a goal is awarded a trophy. The pizza party is OK because it doesn’t really signify anything.

We have slaughter rules so that a team doesn’t get embarrassed.- Ridiculous.

We sometimes don’t even keep score so they can’t even determine who won or lost.

I can promise you, the kid who goes to school on Monday morning after winning his Saturday game had a lot more fun than the one sitting next to him that didn’t.

LouisXIV

The Ten Commandments are mandates as a spiritual document. They are to be used as a spiritual guide for proper behavior under GOD. This country was founded on Christian spiritual principles. The endorsement by anybody in government of the Ten Commandments is only an encouragement, not a law. A mandate is an order. The Ten Commandments are not the establishment of any “religion”. Our laws do follow the principles within the Ten Commandments. The theme of this post is concerning the Christmas Season.

This is my closing remark on this post.

LouisXIV

The Ten Commandments are mandates as a spiritual document. They are to be used as a spiritual guide for proper behavior under GOD. This country was founded on Christian spiritual principles. The endorsement by anybody in government of the Ten Commandments is only an encouragement, not a law. A mandate is an order. The Ten Commandments are not the establishment of any “religion”. Our laws do follow the principles within the Ten Commandments. The theme of this post is concerning the Christmas Season.

This is my closing remark on this post.

Hi tomh,

“This country was founded on Christian spiritual principles.”

This country was found on humanistic principles and the Constitution makes that quite clear.

“A mandate is an order.”

The Ten Commandments are mandates. Have you ever read them?

“The Ten Commandments are not the establishment of any “religionâ€.”

They are a covenant with a particular God. Have you ever read them?

“Our laws do follow the principles within the Ten Commandments.”

The Constutition specifically permits us to violate the most important Commandments. Our laws aren’t based on the Ten Commandments.

xxreadytorun

What is with this politically correct world we’re living in? I’m only a junior in high school, and I clearly see this is only preparing me and my classmates to fail later on in life.

I wish I could tell you, but I don’t understand it either.
For being as young as you are, you seem to have more sense than the adults that thought it up. I’m glad to see kids that think for themselves. Please don’t let anyone take that away from you.

LouisXIV & Tomh,

Well, to tell you the truth on how the Founding Fathers solved the argument over which foundation to build this New Nation of the New Land, it is not based on any religion or the ten commandments. Although our education system does not do a very good job teaching the reason why The Founding Fathers did what they did 229 years ago, the real fact of the matter is that America is founded upon the Ideology that as Humans endowed to us by our “Creator” with certain unalienable Rights has the ability within our Spirit as a Nation to do what it takes to govern ourself righteously by the laws that we ask Congress to write and by the things that we ask it to do. Now, our Laws are based on the Ideology that the Intent of the Law is to shown and proven to be Right Regardless to who they are applied to.

Maybe someday our schools will teach our children the Intelligent Design that was gifted to us by the Founding Fathers. For religions may teach us as individuals to fear brought on by the Beast of Nature “I the Consumer” and Science still can not tell me why all things that exist has to “Consume” or by eaten by “The Monster,” however, History and the guidelines and examples of those Men and Women who have been written about throughout tells me that as an American, “We the People” have the ability and capabilty to build that Government and Society that everyone is always crying about. For “We are the Consumers” and America’s and Humanity’s Civilization is built on following the path of whatever is found to be Unalienable Right Regardless. The reasons are deep; however, they break at the point of Human Nature as seen through the Eyes of our Civilized Society.

Maybe in 2006 we can get over asking who has the right to say Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth and start governing ourselve in a manner that can make it happen. Happy New Year.

xxreadytorun,

The reason for Political Correctness was so that your Elders could learn to talk to each other without doing the same thing that some schools are starting to fine students for. Not old enough to of lived during a time not long ago when the political language in America could make a sailor blush, it is no wonder you don’t see the need to keep our eye on critqueing the message and not the messenger. Hang in there.

As a (classical) liberal, and with so much that’s important to discuss/argue/work out, we really need to concentrate on the important stuff and isolate what’s truly stupid and bin it. This non-issue that some fools on the right & left have bought into is just that, stupid. So without further ado, to Ron, his granddaughter & the rest of you, Merry Christmas!
I grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and as soon as Chrismas/New Year was done & dusted, the Chinese New Year kicked in. Once that had past by it wasn’t long till the end of the Muslim fast and that celebration (called Hari Raya in that part of the world). Next up was the Hindu Deepavali festival, and before you know it we’re back at Christmas. Nice way to spend a year I say.

…caught part of a show show the other nite, I forget which channel, some author, I didnt catch his name, promoting his new book, “The War on Christmas”. Anyone catch it? What was the authors name?

First, I would not say that our laws are based upon the Ten Commandments. There is overlap - no killing, no stealing, no bearing false witness (perjury). But I don’t see laws against false gods or idols, requiring children to honor their parents, or against coveting your neighbor’s wife.

There have been local laws intended to keep the Sabbath holy (blue laws), against adultery and profanity and whatnot, but those have not been federal mandates to my knowledge.

This really should be a non-issue. The whole point of my piece was that tolerance should be demanded of the person receiving the greeting, not the one giving it. We shouldn’t force anyone to say anything in particular, whether it’s “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” We should just accept the greeting, whatever it is.

Hi Paul,

You are correct. The Constitution allows us to worship “false” gods, commit idiolatry, and commit blasphemy.

Biblical law mandates execution for those acts.

The primitive ancient Near Eastern laws that appear in the OT are not what our laws are based on.

Our laws are based on humanism/reason.

“It’s a slam dunk.

We are to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL WHO RECEIVE IT.” — TomH

No, you’re not… You’re celebrating a designated Pagan holiday that was turned into Christ’s birthday (by the authorities that be at the time) in order to lure the Pagan faithful over to the new and budding religion of Christianity…

Do some research and you’ll find a lot of Paganism and Pagan roots behind Christianity…

Interesting, isn’t it: how people can be duped for over two thousand years, and still be just as convinced that the “fairy tales” are true?

You know, also interesting is the fact that people are vehemently arguing in their “right” to celebrate Jesus Christ’s alleged birthday, when in reality, Christ would have probably told them to back down, love their brothers and sisters, and be more kind, sensitive, and respectful of others…

Ironic how the original message can get muddled.

We shouldn’t force anyone to say anything in particular, whether it’s ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays.’ We should just accept the greeting, whatever it is.

Glad you feel that way, nigger. How’s your spic bitch momma doin’? And that cocksuckin’ fag of a father of yours, is he still working on his knees down in the hood? Oh, don’t let me forget your sister, the whore. Tell her I loved doing her like a dog the other night, me and those six other guys…

Yeah, right. Just accept the greeting, “whatever it is.”

Brilliant, and highly evolved.

Anonymous
Why are you afraid to put you name to that post?

Mr. Manager
Okay if you kicked Rich of You have to kick that ass Anonymous off. If you want to make comments like that but are too fearfull to even submit your name with it then you have got to go.

If that wasn’t offensive I don’t really know what is.

Lauren

Yeah ok, Anonymous, I’m thinking that’s not what he meant. Way to make yourself look like a fool three times over.

Perhaps I rather not use my name because I don’t want my regular handle associated with those base, very meaningful comments…

I do not agree, whatsoever, with the statement that I made. I made the statement as an example of an insensitive greeting.

Perhaps you should apply your shock, outrage, and discomfort toward the topic greeting being discussed here.

For some, being greeted with “Merry Christmas” is just as offensive as my last post. Can’t see how, well try these on for size…

1. A Jewish person belongs to an extended group of people that have been persecuted and even murdered by Christians throughout and over the last two thousand years… They have been likened to “rats” and “filth” by Christians. So, when a Jewish person is in the middle of perhaps their most meaningful religious holiday of the year, do you honestly think that it might not make them slightly uncomfortable to repeatedly hear, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”?

2. A Muslim man is on his way home from work. He is looking forward to a quiet night with his wife and children. But before he can get home, he has to stop by the (insert whatever you want). He walks in and is greeted perhaps by lingering glances from not altogether friendly faces. There are Christmas decorations up and he hears numerous “Merry Christmas” greetings, all while feeling eyes watching him. He’s being sized up by some white dude standing nearby who is thinking how fun it might be to kick some ‘raghead’ butt. This Muslim man just wants to be done with his business here and be on his way home. His family has its own very important religious holiday happening, but noone seems to think it worthy of notice or respect.

Yep, there’s just another Christmas song playing on the radio, or overhead at some store…

Try stepping outside your life once in a while. Try to see how the bigger picture might appear to someone who is not a member of the “inner circle” of America’s dominant faith. Try understanding what the “message” might appear to be when only ONE religious holiday during the season is given outward, verbal respect. Try being a true Christian by showing love, kindness, and respect to all your fellows in man/woman/humankind…

Try to not be so damned self-centered. Try to take just a moment to think before you blurt out a VERY religiously specific greeting at this time of year…

Think most people consider “Merry Christmas” just a pleasant way of wishing Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays? Think again… People of faiths other than Christianity do not greet each other with Christian specific salutations…

WHY SHOULD YOU???

Respect others as you would have them respect you…

(Christians, you should be a very familiar with the theme in that last sentence…)

This message has been brought to you by a recovering Roman Catholic who believes ALL people are God’s children. Regardless of how, or what you perceive as God…

Geeze…

By the way…

I don’t think anyone of any faith other than Christianity is asking to be greeted in their faith’s particular holiday salutation…

They’re simply asking to not be greeted by the religiously specific Christian salutation of “Merry Christmas.”

Honestly, this isn’t so difficult…

Hi Anonymous,

“So, when a Jewish person is in the middle of perhaps their most meaningful religious holiday of the year, do you honestly think that it might not make them slightly uncomfortable to repeatedly hear, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!â€?”

In most cases not.

I’m Jewish/agnostic. I was occaisionally hit for being Jewish when I was in school and it was Christians doing the hitting.

I’ve always wished people “Merry Christmas” and meant it. I think that the birth of Christ is something that is cause for celebration whether one thinks he was/is a diety or not. Most Jews feel the same way from what I’ve heard and read.

I realize that there are a few Jews, Muslims, and even Christians who are deeply offended by Christmas celebrations but generally there isn’t much to be offended by.

I’m well aware of the pagan roots of Christmas but there are pagan roots to most of what is in the Bible. Bible believers are in no position to feel superior to pagans as much of the Bible was borrowed from pagan stories and practices.

I’m not going to close this with the obvious salutation but I hope you’re healthy and happy during these short days and beyond!

Anonymous

1. A Jewish person belongs to an extended group of people that have been persecuted and even murdered by Christians throughout and over the last two thousand years… They have been likened to “rats†and “filth†by Christians

Not by any true Christians. True Christians respect the Jews for many reasons. One being that Christ was a Jew.
It’s true that phony Christians have done this though.

I cann’t figure out what is so offensive with Merry Christmas sense we ARE celebrating Christmas. Anyone that is offended is too sensitive for their own good.
Trying to stop the Merry Christmas greeting is just a bunch of political correctness being pushed off on the rest of us by the PC crowd that wants to censor our speech.
I prefer and use Merry Christmas. However I’m not offened by Seasons Greetings, or Happy Hollidays.
If a Jewish person was to wish me Happy Hanukkah, it wouldn’t offened me either. I might be a little supprised as it usually doesn’t happen. But not offended. I would take as they meant it. Wishing me well. Just like Merry Christmas is doing.

My daughter and I were discussing this… you gotta love teenagers. She asked me and I told her:

I believe that the intent of the sender should be considered…

IF I am wanting to wish someone a greeting on THEIR celebration of the holidays, I would probably send a “Happy Holidays”.

I believe this would cover most people regardless of their beliefs or not having a faith based belief but still able to appreciate the intent of the holidays).

IF I am wanting to share my celebration of my holiday with the recepient then I would send a “Merry Christmas”.

As far as the President (I do not give him the benefit of the doubt very often) I would assume that he wishes to send his greetings to the recepient during their celebration of the holidays. His card seemed appropriate for the leader of a nation with so many different peoples.

“I can’t figure out what is so offensive with Merry Christmas sense we ARE celebrating Christmas. Anyone that is offended is too sensitive for their own good.”

Who are the “we” you’re speaking about? You do realize that there are religious holidays being celebrated other than Christmas at this time of year; yes?

“Trying to stop the Merry Christmas greeting is just a bunch of political correctness being pushed off on the rest of us by the PC crowd that wants to censor our speech.”

Personally, I wouldn’t dream of censoring anyone’s speech unless it was inflamatory or highly derogatory toward another person. As for the “PC” crowd, please don’t count me as one of them. “PC” I am most certainly not. For example, if I think you’re an asshole I’ll say so; regardless of your color, sexuality, political affiliation, etc.

However, because I do believe that faith is the singularly most personal aspect of a person’s life, I choose to respect people of all faiths by choosing to use the greeting “Happy Holidays.” Notice, I CHOOSE to do these things. If you CHOOSE to not be open-minded to the feelings of others, then that is indeed your choice.

“If a Jewish person was to wish me Happy Hanukkah, it wouldn’t offened me either…..I would take as they meant it. Wishing me well. Just like Merry Christmas is doing.”

So, “Merry Christmas” is just a simple way of wishing someone well, is it? Then I wonder why it isn’t used as a warm, welcoming greeting throughout the rest of the year…

All that anyone can truly ask of others during this time of year is for a little respect. This includes yielding a parking spot up to another shopper, not griping about how slow the cashier is, and not flipping off other drivers simply because they weren’t informed that the road does in fact belong to you…

Respect, consideration, and open-mindedness can go a very, very long way toward making a better and more peaceful world… Imagine if every single person did just their little part… Wow!

Hi Anon

I just love the appelation. It can be used to minimize an argument to a belief that there is a vast conspriacy to limit a person’s beliefs or discussion.

When a person cannot imagine a perspective of anyone else then that, I believe is sad. When they will not, then that is even sadder.

Sociologists who are studying a group call it the Sociological Imagination…. the imagining what it is like to be a memember of the other group to learn more.

When a child is unable to think or believe beyond their own perspective it is immaturity. A sign of growing up is the consideration of situations outside of the relation to oneself. When adults cannot do it???????? Would that be a sociopath or a psychopath? I could never remember.

My belief is that the Political Correctness just means that people are tired of borish behavior and are calling people on it. This could be sexual harassment desguised as “just being friendly”, not being able to say that a particular group does like watermelon (as though no other group does) and using rude behavior and when called on it saying that they were “just teasing… can’t you take a joke.”

There are ideas and truths that are unfomforatble for each side.

One Conservative-Christian woman believed it was terrible that researchers might now be wondering if Abe Lincoln was gay. She wrote an entire article about it on her blog.

Her belief was that this was disgraceful, and it could be argued that she would want to limit this research based on the politcal correctness that it should not be considered.

When I asked her why she could not or would not answer.

Eventually she was such a wacko… her personally, that after at least 10 requests to be removed from her mailing list I had to resort to a REPLY ALL and request that those on her list shame her into honor my wanting to be taken off her list. She did and boy was she PISSED!!!

Anyway, why would she be upset about Lincoln?

Does she believe we know all there is to know about Lincoln?

Does she believe that someone should be able to decide what is politically correct to research and report?

Was she upset that a person she might have honored personally and we as a nation might be gay?

Would that force her to accept that gays could make significant contributions to our counrty, or would she have to now disregard and denigrate everything that he did because he might have been gay?

To any person that says, “It shouldn’t matter!” I would posit that since you are willing to argue about it… it obviously must matter, otherwise you would not argue!

This is my favorite line when people get upset with Native Americans not wanting to be used as mascots for teams. Those that support the use of mascots tell the Native Americans that it shouldn’t matter…. if it really didn’t matter, then these people would not argue to be able to continue doing it. Right?

Some argue:
It is only Christmas! All other celebrations are either a small portion of our population, fringe elements or create a holiday to steal our holiday!

If you beleive this, please look at the development of the Christmas celebration and the symbols used. Pagan! Roman! German! Turkish!

If you want to argue against the “unGodly” that want to take Christ out of Christmas, look at the religions founding this country…. many were Christian and controlled the area they we in and created laws against celebrating Christmas.

Enjoy your holiday and don’t worry so much about whether or not your personal beliefs are supported by the a 3rd party!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Just want to wish everyone, even yaall Libs, the very best of whatever holiday yaall observe.
Now I’m off to the air port. Working on a VERY special Christmas gift for my oldset daughter and her kids.
Her husband and their daddy is giong to be home from Afganastan.

“Would that be a sociopath or a psychopath? I could never remember.” — Darren

Funny enough, Merriam Webster defines them as essentially synonymous.

My understanding is that sociopaths tend to have no conscience and have no concept of others feelings/predicament. Whereas I’ve always understood a psychopath to have delusions of superiority mixed with an irrational need of some sort; something that generally involves violence in order to fulfill that need…

But I’m not a shrink, so it is quite possible that I’m WAY off… Either way, both are listed as a “personality disorder” by psychologists and psychiatrists alike.

Anyhow, today is Christmas and I’d like to wish all those who celebrate it a most happy, and peaceful day…

The alleged “War on Chistmas” or “Holiday Wars,” or whatever you want to call it, is a fabricated controversy by the flunkeys of the right, FAUX News, to divert public attention from the felonious conduct of their misbegotten “hero,” G.W. Bush.

This crap fools no thinking person. My dogs are smarter than they.