The only people attacking Christmas are the right wing

[Armstead]

I just made the mistake of tuning into Joe Scarborough on MSNBC. They are discussing "The War on Christmas."

Jeezum. I am fed up with this sheet. I'm sorry to disappoint the folks on the right wing, but I'm going to defend Christmas. MY Christmas, not yours.

I'm an agnostic. I have never had a problem with Christmas until a few years ago. I used to say Merry Christmas. I enjoyed the pretty lights, even if it was on a Christmas Tree in front of City Hall. I like Christmas carols, and still get chills hearing O Come All ye Faithful. I'm not sure about the Baby Jesus, but to me Christmas represents the spirit of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All, regardless of the source.

But these days, I am getting fed up with it. Why? Not because of the holiday itself. But because of this trumped-up claim that the "secular left" is trying to stamp out Christmas as part of the war on Christianity.

Bullshit. The only reason I am getting mad about Christmas is this attempt by the self-rioghteous opportiunists to HIJACK it. Just like they are trying to hijack Christianity.

The right wing zealots are thge ones who are declaring war on the Spirit of Christmas.

These creeps are trying to remake Christmas into the narrow mold of the political right wing. Merry Christmas is no longer a nice greeting. Now it is supposed to mean you are a right-wing fundamentalist.

Screw it. I'm not playing their game. I'll defend Christmas as I see it. As a festive time of year and celebration of Hope, regardless of the source. You can take the religious trappings or leave them. I don't care and you shouldn't either.

Jerry Falwell, I feel like I want to do something that would curl your hair. Bring a bunch of "secular liberals" to your church's annual Christmas service and sing our hearts out on the Christmas Carols.

[Dances with Cats]

1. What about Santa Claus?

Doesn't He constitute a graven idol and sdistract from teh "true meaning" of Christmas. The right wingers want it their cake and eat it too.

[Armstead]

2. They'd want their fruitcake and eat it too but that would be cannibalism

Fruitcakes eating fruitcakes.

[Dances with Cats]

8. Haha,

cool! :-)

[iamjoy]

3. Yeah, Merry Christmas!

I was raised Jewish, but I'm Agnostic/Secular Humanist now. But, you know what, I don't care.

Putting a Christmas tree up on government property is not violating the separation of Church and State. Even a Nativity Scene...I'm starting to think those aren't so bad. If it has no religious significance to YOU does such a display have any meaning? It is easy enough to ignore.

As for spending government money, at first I was opposed, but then I thought, well, how different is it from any other work of art? And doesn't the government fund art?

There are limits though, and shades of grey, but I'm inclined to let them have their Christmas celebration.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. The sign at the Baptist church on the corner today

said "Christmas was a HOLY day before it was a HOLIday".

I think I should call them and tell them they are right, it was a PAGAN holy day long before the Christians stole it.

[Armstead]

7. Maybe they should listen to Dickens

A radical reformer who popularized many of the traditions of the season.

[MuseRider]

5. I am totally pissed off about the entire thing.

I used to love this time of year because of the peace on earth sentiment. First the damned stores ruined it but I held fast and now this. I just can't find any good will in it anymore and try as I might to make it that way it just is not working.

Last week a Salvation Army lady with a bell blocked my way as I went into a store. Stepped right in front of me. WTF was that?

[waiting for hope]

6. I'm with you...

I have two small children now and Christmas has taken on a new meaning for me over the last three years but it's business as usual with the fundies - they are right and everyone else is wrong. Has anyone done a psychological make up of a fundamentalist? Were the majority of them as children somehow re-wired to think like their shit don't stink? Why can't they leave everything well enough alone and let people worship and celebrate according to their beliefs and faith? I don't see a large number of the Jewish community up in arms over not having their holiday more branded about....Oh, perhaps they have more sense. After watching that she-devil soldier of God on Wife Swap rant like a fucking lunatic it really hit home just how crazed these pukes are..

Just what direction is this country headed.....:scared:

[OffWithTheirHeads]

9. It's all bullshit

This is another red herring thrown out by the uberreich to create division where there is none! I'm an atheist and I could give a flying fuck weather you wish me a merry Christmas or a pleasant winter solstice. There are many paths to God and if a particular one gets you off, who am I to argue? Just give me the same respect I give you.

These nuts are just trying to stir up another division.

I am currently working on building a new school in San Jose, Calif. I, as an anglo/saxon, white male am distinctly a minority on this jobsite. I have cultivated many friends from other cultures. Mexican, Black, Vietnamese, etc. They have learned enough about my politics to know that I am "safe" to talk to. Many have come to me with stories where they think racism has "held them back". I have explained to them that what is happening isn't really about racism, it's about class. As long as the people in control have us arguing with each other, we are not paying attention to them and their crimes.

I know I am a minority of about one who will discuss racism with people from other cultures but this problem will never get fixed until we can talk about it openly. We can't hide behind "Politically correct" bullshit. We have to be able to actually talk about our differences without being afraid.

I am not afraid to tell the black people who work with me that I hate rap. I am not afraid to ask them if they would vote for Condi just because she is black. I am not afraid, as a white person, to discuss these issues. I think that until we can have a real dialog about this shit, we will never solve the problem.

Any opinions?

[BJW]

10. No more SPECIAL RIGHTS for Christians!