The "War on Christmas" and American Values

[madeline_con]

Our American Voices
Broadcast your thoughts to the nation

The "War on Christmas" and American Values

Do you feel unrepresented when the loudest voices on TV try to turn simple respect for diverse religious beliefs into an attack on Christianity? Do you think the "war on Christmas" crowd is violating the spirit of the season - and trying to create religious conflict for political purposes? Do you have an opinion on what's best about religious freedom in America? Can you record yourself on a web-cam or other digital camera?

We want your response!

We are looking for a thoughtful variety of American opinions on how America works best in respecting both religious liberty and religious pluralism.

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oId=20131

[tecelote]

1. Some Americans do not believe in God...

...and some believe in a different God or in Gods.

When politicians use "God" in their speech they are speaking for, and to, only a portion of their constituency. This is America. We have freedom of religion and a seperation of church and state. Our polititions should not bring religion to work with them. It's simply wrong.

[LibDemAlways]

2. I feel fortunate to live in an area of Southern California where

people come from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds and everyone seems to get along just fine. My Catholic daughter's best friend is Jewish. Her second best friend is Hindu. She has another friend who attends a local generic Christian church, and friends who identify with no organized religion. To each his own is the norm.

A neighbor down the street moved here from Georgia a few years ago. When I asked her what she finds the biggest difference to be between where she grew up in the South and California she didn't even hesitate. She says the people here tend to be much more tolerant and accepting of others and see diversity as a strength rather than something to be feared.

I suspect many who are fabricating the "War on Christmas" live very insular lives and don't have much contact with people who come from different traditions. It's their loss.

[madeline_con]

6. I had a "discussion" at work about the supposed "war".

I HAD to bring it up. :eyes:

I mentioned that the tree's pagan, and asked, "Wasn't Jesus Jewish before he started that Christianity thing?"

The guy I talked to was one of "those" who started in about how Hannuka's a minor holiday. He seemed to share the belief that pseudo "Christians" (the variety who don't like all that tolerance and love Christ preached) are the only ones allowed to be out and about trading the correct type of greetings this time of year. :wtf:

edited 4 speeling, sort of

[goddess40]

3. Great LTTE in our paper today

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051217/WDH06/512170334/1638/WDHopinion

Letter #1
"Do you suppose there was a flap among pagans when people began wishing one another "Merry Christmas" in the fifth century? That is when Jesus' birthday first appears on Dec. 25, "probably ... to oppose the feast of the 'birthday of the unconquered sun' on the winter solstice," to quote The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions.


Do you suppose pagans were incensed when Christians adopted their tree and brought it into their sanctuaries as a symbol of Christmas?"



Letter #2
"I am sick and tired of these Bible thumpers trying to impose their will and beliefs onto me. When I die I will be put in the ground to rot. I am OK with that and it should not be anyone else's concern.


If there is a God, I would hope he is not as closed-minded as some of you appear to be"

Letter #3
"I have a great way for all Christians to go out and show that Christ is in Christmas. When you are in a store, don't ram your cart into me and not say, "I'm sorry." Thank your employees and treat them with dignity and respect. I see a lot of Salvation Army kettles unattended; get a bell and raise money for the poor for a few hours. Don't idly sit by and say, "He deserves it," when our government murders someone.

Letter #4
"Those who complained did so out of a feeling of entitlement that is based on a misguided belief that this country is a Christian country -- while our founders where mostly Christians, many came here to escape being told how to worship and think. They built a secular government to avoid the creation of the theocracies they fled.


There was nothing offensive in the original songs being offered; couldn't the complainers just have come and enjoyed the singing or just stayed home? Happy holidays."

There was a big up roar here after someone wanted to try to get in the records book for having the largest group of carolers. She had pick secular songs so no one would be offended - but the thumpers were offended. They rudely and arrogantly demanding that Christian songs be added to the line up.

[madeline_con]

4. Those are great. I like #4 best. ;) n/t

[goddess40]

8. Thanks, that would be my son's letter nt

[USA_1]

5. war on Christmas?

Another right wing Republican invention.

[madeline_con]

7. That's the point.

The campaign is to get stuff to send to the RW talk pundits who invented the supposed attack. :)