By Irving Leemon, Contributing Columnist I’m sick and tired of Christians claiming that their traditions and holiday, Christmas, are under attack. The only thing that is under attack is their attempt to exclude any other religions from publicly celebrating their holidays at the same time of year. This country was founded on, and is under constitutional mandate, to allow each person to celebrate his or her religious holidays in public.
The present interpretation of the constitution is that no religious symbols can be placed on public property, unless all other religions are also displayed on that property, with no preference given to any of them. Yes, this is a primarily Christian country. But, one of the things that makes this country great is the tolerance and appreciation of other people’s beliefs. What a lot of vocal “Christians” forget is the commandment to be tolerant of others and their beliefs.
I was brought up to believe that each one of us should respect each religion and other people’s right to celebrate their holidays in public. The only exceptions are if a religion preaches or attempts to eliminate another person’s belief, and if that religion tramples on another’s human and constitutional rights. I don’t understand “Christian” commentators who are offended by “happy holidays” and “season’s greetings”. This in no way denies that person’s right to enjoy Christmas. Nor does it take away that person’s right to enjoy Christmas. Are commentators such as Bill O’Reilly so insecure in their “Christian beliefs” that they are offended by such greetings?
I also see nothing wrong with calling a non-religious symbol a decorated tree. The greetings that include the words “holidays” and “seasons” are only meant to include people other then Christians in the wish for happiness. Do people who are “offended” trying to exclude none Christians? And, O’Reilly and Fox “news” executives, are you so nuts that you expected the big retailers to answer your query into their policies of telling their employees not to exclude potential customers in their wishes for a happy season? The December celebrations are supposed to bring joy and light into the dead of winter to all people. People like the afore mentioned person are trying to destroy that.