By Charles Krauthammer Friday, December 17, 2004; Page A33
"Holiday celebrations where Christmas music is being sung make people feel different, and because it is such a majority, it makes the minority feel uncomfortable."
-- Mark Brownstein, parent, Maplewood, N.J., supporting the school board's ban on religious music in holiday concerts
"You want my advice? Go back to Bulgaria."
-- Humphrey Bogart, "Casablanca"
It is Christmastime, and what would Christmas be without the usual platoon of annoying pettifoggers rising annually to strip Christmas of any Christian content? With some success:
School districts in New Jersey and Florida ban Christmas carols. The mayor of Somerville, Mass., apologizes for "mistakenly" referring to the town's "holiday party" as a "Christmas party." The Broward and Fashion malls in South Florida put up a Hanukah menorah but no nativity scene. The manager of one of the malls explains: Hanukah commemorates a battle and not a religious event, though he hastens to add, "I really don't know a lot about it." He does not. Hanukah commemorates a miracle, and there is no event more "religious" than a miracle.
The attempts to de-Christianize Christmas are as absurd as they are relentless. The United States today is the most tolerant and diverse society in history. It celebrates all faiths with an open heart and open-mindedness that, compared to even the most advanced countries in Europe, are unique.
Yet more than 80 percent of Americans are Christian, and probably 95 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. Christmas Day is an official federal holiday, the only day of the entire year when, for example, the Smithsonian museums are closed. Are we to pretend that Christmas is nothing but an orgy of commerce in celebration of . . . what? The winter solstice?
I personally like Christmas because, since it is a day that for me is otherwise ordinary, I get to do nice things, such as covering for as many gentile colleagues as I could when I was a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital. I will admit that my generosity had its rewards: I collected enough chits on Christmas Day to get reciprocal coverage not just for Yom Kippur but for both days of Rosh Hashana and my other major holiday, Opening Day at Fenway.
Mind you, I've got nothing against Hanukah, although I am constantly amused -- and gratified -- by how American culture has gone out of its way to inflate the importance of Hanukah, easily the least important of Judaism's seven holidays, into a giant event replete with cards, presents and public commemorations as a creative way to give Jews their Christmas equivalent.
Some Americans get angry at parents who want to ban carols because they tremble that their kids might feel "different" and "uncomfortable" should they, God forbid, hear Christian music sung at their school. I feel pity. What kind of fragile religious identity have they bequeathed their children that it should be threatened by exposure to carols?
I'm struck by the fact that you almost never find Orthodox Jews complaining about a Christmas creche in the public square. That is because their children, steeped in the richness of their own religious tradition, know who they are and are not threatened by Christians celebrating their religion in public. They are enlarged by it.
It is the more deracinated members of religious minorities, brought up largely ignorant of their own traditions, whose religious identity is so tenuous that they feel the need to be constantly on guard against displays of other religions -- and who think the solution to their predicament is to prevent the other guy from displaying his religion, rather than learning a bit about their own.
To insist that the overwhelming majority of this country stifle its religious impulses in public so that minorities can feel "comfortable" not only understandably enrages the majority but commits two sins. The first is profound ungenerosity toward a majority of fellow citizens who have shown such generosity of spirit toward minority religions.
The second is the sin of incomprehension -- a failure to appreciate the uniqueness of the communal American religious experience. Unlike, for example, the famously tolerant Ottoman Empire or the generally tolerant Europe of today, the United States does not merely allow minority religions to exist at its sufferance. It celebrates and welcomes and honors them.
America transcended the idea of mere toleration in 1790 in Washington's letter to the Newport synagogue, one of the lesser known glories of the Founding: "It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights."
More than two centuries later, it is time that members of religious (and anti-religious) minorities, as full citizens of this miraculous republic, transcend something too: petty defensiveness.
Merry Christmas. To all.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Typically, Charles Krauthammer is a little too far to the right for my taste. He hibernates up G.W. Bush's backside most days - but I'll damn well fight for his right to write about the right. Right?
But what he said here is incredibly on target - and comes from someone who doesn't even celebrate Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas to everyone here. Yes, Merry Christmas. Not Merry Xmas or Happy Holidays.
You see, I'm a Christian too (though not very good about Sunday mornings - actually really BAD about it!!) - but I will apologize to NO ONE for my right to celebrate not just my faith this time of year - but the very essence of what Christmas is all about. Sharing, caring and compassion for those less fortunate than myself - or the same 3 things for those with different views and opinions than my own.
Don't like Christmas displays or carols? Turn your head and plug your ears. The MAJORITY in this country wants a party!!
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Some of the more disturbing stories I am hearing lately concern fundamentalist Muslims in Europe. It seems they are upset that the European countries, in which they have chosen to live, offer equal rights to women - and that some of their sisters, wives and daughters are not willing to live as bullied second-class citizens.
Muslims claim that Western secular values are at odds with their religious beliefs. But it appears that in a large part, what angers them most is that Western values interfere with a religious tradition that openly degrades and subjugates women. That these traditions receive official encouragement in places like Iran and Saudi Arabia is horrid enough. What is disturbing is the idea that fundamentalist Muslim communities in Western countries are demanding the same "rights" to abuse and degrade their women, in the name of religious and cultural identity.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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...I think that one reason that people are now more wary of religious celebrations is that we are aware of just how EVIL religious fundamentalism really is ...Regardless of the persuasion.
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...I think that one reason that people are now more wary of religious celebrations is that we are aware of just how EVIL religious fundamentalism really is ...Regardless of the persuasion.
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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A lot Dan, I make a bunch of signs as gifts each year during the christmas celebration. I never make any signs for Hanukah or any other holiday so I vote we keep christmas for it keeps us sign people busy and keeps the word sign in a post on a sign BB, in a perfect sign world.
If that isn't a sign that it's a special holiday than what is?
[ December 23, 2004, 01:59 PM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Speaking of Religon....the "Church Ladies" here in Mazeppa,will again be serving the wonderful "Scalloped Potatoes and Ham" this July at the Muster! yummy!
Church Food! SSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAALLLL UTE!
(now we need a post about Guns and Politics and WE GOT IT!) as "Special Ed" on Crankwankers would say....YEAH!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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....I think I FINALLY stopped burping those things in 2002.....Bring Em On Mikey! BTW, Merry Christmas Jay. Love....Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Once more, hairtrigger aside, I really meant to say that this is an apropos and timely post and an interesting read. I am glad you shared it, Jay. Merry Christmas to you!
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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it is my understanding that topics on politics and religion do not belong on this board and never end up in a good way when will you people learn?
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
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Dear Dan, do you notice you are the only one making waves?
All the rest of us have the Christmas spirit, are happy, and are in essence really not talking about Religion.
Cam alone had some observations he shared that had to do with Religion not even on our soil, and were well worth mentioning since we are all members of the entire human race. He made me think; I like that in a man.
If you don't like this thread, which may have well run it's course, and is utterly harmless except for being interesting, you might consider just not coming back to it. There is tons of sign related stuff to read.
I myself have plans to dig through some of the archives in some up my upcoming spare time.
Have a wonderful and merry Christmas time. Myra
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dan, aside from yourself, this doesn't seem to be upsetting anyone. Merry Christmas everyone!
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Great post, Jay. We have a young Jewish man in our church who has accepted "Jesus as his Messiah", which makes him a "Messianic Jew". He is a wonderful guy, & he is excited because he is celebrating his first Christmas as a christian this year.
I wonder just how far these people are going to push this anti-christian stuff. How far is our country gonna go? I do believe that it is an anti-christian thing, because they are trying to take the religion out of the holiday.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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It isn't about religion or politics, Dan. I believe it to be about human rights - and tolerance of all nations and peoples. Let them celebrate what, how and when they want. As long as it harms no one - and they clean up the mess.
The fact that the request to 'leave Christmas alone' comes from someone of another faith is what legitimizes the argument he makes.
And it is also about Christmas - a season that in spirit alone belongs to nobody exclusively.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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my point is this is a site related to SIGNMAKING, these topics NEVER turn out well, my personal opinion about Christmas I don't celebrate it I'm JEWISH, additionally I find great hypocracy in the whole concept of the holiday being federally observed....separation of church and state....but that's going into another set of topics I thought we weren't supposed to talk about here POLITICS, but I'll leave that one to Myrah. Good Grief in our society this holiday is shoved down everyones throats and if you celebrate it at the very least make it about family time and not the commercialism that the society has basterdized this "christian" holiday into....that's my ending this on a good note, so Merry Christmas wish all of you a wonderful holiday, and once again I remember why I quit coming to this site, it's not about SIGNMAKING.
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
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The only one trying to shove an opinion down anyones throat is you, you self righteous know it all windbag. So far today you've been on this thread 3 or 4 times to tell everyone what a problem it is and the only one that has or started a problem with it is you. Over half the posts on any given day arent sign related,no they dont belong probably but the easy solution to that is once you realize its not,click off and find one that is or just plain shut up. I apologize for not stopping the world when you apparently left before for that same fact,yet felt the need to come back. If it p*sses you off that much start a thread for whatever holiday you feel is appropriate instead of crying like a 8yo in a 40yo's body. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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What is the matter with you people anyway? Is there nothing that we can't just shut up about and enjoy or suffer in silence?
I'm one oif those that find this the very worse time of year. So much stress and pressure to be someone you simply are not. I'm not the first person to have a heart attack on Christmas Day.
I really do wish things could be like scenes in the movies. For millions of us it is the saddest and loneliest day of the year. I don't pretend to understand why. We very well may have a screw loose somewhere. The main point is that it is depressing. I know some are feeling sad about my words and I thank you for caring.
Getting back on topic. I'm more than ready to delete this whole topic if it's tone don't change. We have a handful of egotistical blowhards in our community that feel their opinions are somehow more enlightened than the next guys. Forget it! There isn't anyone bhere who don't have a closest full of skeletons that could pass a close scutiny.
I love Letterville and everyone in it. There are times I don't like some of you, but I know the best in each of you. We believe in you and share your desire for happiness and whatever is success in your eyes.
This petty biggering has got to stop. Its time we start to hear more about what is right and good in this World. We need to hear from the thousands of you that read this BB but never post. Come on people! Don't be bullied. Tell us about your business, your families and your dreams. Nothing else is important here in Letterville.
[ December 24, 2004, 12:36 AM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
quote: He knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Steve, don't lock this post, please. If Dan is upset, it may be that someone may help him to understand by stating there own point of view. We do get off the subject of signs, but I think it is because all of these people have gotten to know each other so well, they want to share with each other points of view on life & other things. I think it is good. We can encourage each other. Maybe some on this board are not close to family, & don't have many friends, but when they come on this site, they have someone to share with that also is in the same line of work as they are.
As for the commercialization of Christmas that you spoke of~ Many christians do NOT like it, but hey, when we talk about it, we feel that this season reaches a lot of people with good feelings, love, peace, & they actually are more prone to reach out & help others at this time, christian or not. That is a good thing, isn't it? I think your Jewish heritage is awesome, myself!
Steve, I understand about people being sad on Christmas, & some are alone. What about the street people who have no one? What about the people who have lost close loved ones? My heart goes out to them. Please, if anyone out there knows of anyone like this, could you reach out & take just a BIT of time do do something for them? If we all did this, think of how many could be touched, & uplifted!
Merry Christmas, & Good Will to all Men!
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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Hey if ya don't wanna celebrate Christmas, that's OK... just relax, and enjoy the day off work like the rest of us.
If Christmas is depressing, start another tradition that takes your mind off it. If my dad hadn't bought the plane ticket to bring me to St Louis I'd be spending Christmas Day at the beach riding jetskis with my other family-free friends or riding motorcycles over the dunes at Glamis... and I guarantee we'd have a better time.
The way society is making a point to put emphasis on Hannukah, it won't be long before that holiday goes commercial too. In fact, it's already started.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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All of which I have been guilty of. But most importantly....I forgave myself and I may not like all of you but I love all of you.
P.S. I just found out at a Family reunion 4 yrs ago that my great grandmother is a german jew. What does that make me? Happy!
Merry Christmas CRAZYJACK
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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you left out redneck....look where you live...just jokin dont take it seriously.....you got the red taillights on your mobile home blinkin? MERRY XMAS ........HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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