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In this day and age of political correctness many people and retailers have resorted to taking Christmas out of the holiday season. Wal-Mart employees have been instructed to wish everyone a Happy Holiday instead of Merry Christmas, Coca-Cola has decided to not issue their traditional Santa Claus on their Coke Can and the Bell Ringing Salvation Santa Claus has all but disappeared from in front of retail stores.
Many communities have decided to outlaw public display of the Nativity and have spent countless thousands of dollars changing their decorative signage to read "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". Even Congress' Denny Hastert had to decree that the Capital Tree would be called a "Christmas Tree" instead of a "Holiday Tree".
But does this constitute a war on Christmas or simply a migration to a more tolerant society? Critics of Christmas argue that any public display by Government Municipalities is a violation of Church and State and non-governmental displays are offensive to non-Christians. Proponents tell us that Christmas is inherent in the foundation of our society, and display of "Christmas" verbiage is not only inoffensive it is a time honored tradition which is embraced by over 90 per cent of American Society.
Critics tell us that if we allow Christmas to be displayed publicly it will open the door for all religions to have the right to display their individual holiday observations which could potentially become offensive. Defenders say that it is a bigoted point of view to find any display of religious celebration offensive and that any tasteful display is perfectly appropriate and should be permissible.
What say you? Personally, I miss the days of growing up and seeing public expressions of Merry Christmas associated with all the Santa Claus and Christmas Tree figures. Even my parents, who were Jehovah's Witnesses (who don't celebrate anything) were not offended, they just chose not to participate. When wished Merry Christmas they simply said "Thank You" and went on their way choosing not to debate the issue.
John Gibson of FOX News fame has written a book, which although I must admit, I haven't read has fueled much debate over this issue.
I would like this article to stimulate a dialogue among readers and invite thoughtful comments both pro and con as to whether Christmas Trees should now be called Holiday Trees and Menorah's be called Candle Holders.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! |
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