Editorials

Political correctness gone wild, the truth be known!

All across America, out fellow citizens are discovering a hostile climate regarding the public expression or depiction of Christmas.

You read or hear about federal, state, general government, schools, universities, or the public workplaces banning any reference to the word Christmas, or Merry Christmas, preferring the term "Happy Holidays" , so as not to offend anyone.  (The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion, so any religious speech, such as saying “Merry Christmas,” even in public schools, universities or any type of workplace, should be and is protected speech. Or does that only apply if you are the group wanting to ban such expressions)

Included in the banning of religious Christmas displays is any portrayal of a manager scene, any referral to the Christ child or the virgin birth. But, other 'winter' holiday references such as Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan seem to be accepted as non-offensive.  (Including religious components or secular symbols in public holiday displays and concerts does not violate the supposed “separation of church and state,” which is the topic of reference for anyone and everyone wanting to utilize the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. In prior cases, the U.S. Supreme Court has stated that the Establishment Clause specifically requires neutrality, not censorship. So, regarding those winter holiday displays, the inclusion of other seasonal decorations, such as mentioned previously, can not be permitted if any nativity scenes are banned)
 

Displaying public winter decorations containing snowmen, reindeer, bright lights are often the accepted fare as long as they are depict only nonreligious symbols. (Although I don't know about the reindeer as they may be tied to Santa Claus, connected to gift giving at, perish the thought, Christmas.)  Schools, businesses and government entities (State, local or federal) are eliminating any religious music and any reference to the phrase Merry Christmas, in order to be legally and politically correct. (None of these measures are legally required by the First Amendment, regardless of what the ACLU  or other hostile secular legal organizations would lead you to believe since these groups are often hostile to any recognition of Christianity.)

Things that are permitted by the current laws of our country, as defined by the established Constitution, as laid down by our forefathers, who are definitely far wiser than the majority of the current bunch of miscreants residing in political office, who are often afraid to stand up for any beliefs they may have which are contrary to the political correctness that currently seems to guide our lives, as this may taint them as being "pro-Christian or Christmas observing":

Your children may sing Christmas carols during school concerts, as long as other secular songs are included in the selections. And your community or workplace is not required to ban religious content from their holiday celebrations.

Children may give religious gifts to their teachers or to other students, just as government and other employees may give religious greetings to coworkers.

A public school or local community may include religious items in a holiday or winter display, as long as they are part of a combined secular/religious display.

A public school student may write about his Christmas observations or discuss them in a class presentation, and a teacher is permitted to provide an objective explanation of the religious origins of Christmas as part of a curriculum about the cultural and religious aspects of national holidays.

Government officials may also recognize the religious aspects of this celebration. 

(paraphrased in part from articles by David C. Gibbs, Jr. and David C. Gibbs III)

You have far more rights that the suppressors of Christmas would have you believe, so express them and say . CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas

Yes. CHRISTmas - celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!!!

We need to take a stand and pass this on to those who still celebrate Christmas and what is actually symbolizes. 

Jesus Loves You!

I respect other people's right to celebrate a holiday of their choosing, BUT, this has always been and will always be a Christmas.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.