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War On Christmas

My column from the West Bend Daily News is online.  It’s called, “War on Christmas.”  Check it out!

Posted by Owen at 1054 hrs
Culture + Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

1. I’m surprised at you, Owen, for taking this so deadly seriously.  You’ll notice that the FFRF objects to government-sponsored displays of religion, never private ones.  You’ll notice that since we live in a predominantly Christian country that objecting to government displays of religion necessarily involves Christian displays.  If you detect that some folks are particularly irked at Christianity perhaps you should encourage your adherents to not be such sanctimonious jerks, always getting up in everyone else’s grill, mkay?

   That said, the biggest threat to your religion is dissent and disillusionment of your own members, not civil libertarians, the FFRF or people atheists such as myself.  Clean your own house.

   And, no, I do not want the government I pay for to be expressing views on religious matters—no matter what flavor of nonsense it is.  You want to stun the neighborhood with your piousness by erecting a 40-foot Jesus on your roof?  I don’t really care.  Honest.  You want to put it on the courthouse lawn?  No way.  What is it that you don’t get about this?

   Stores not using the word Christmas as much as you’d like?  Capitalism, baby.  They want my money, too.  You don’t like it, don’t shop there.  But if you can’t share this time of year with your neighbors then to heck with you.

   Posted by scott on December 26, 2008 at 1115 hrs
   
   
   

2. Free societies are inherently messy

   Where have I heard that before?

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 26, 2008 at 1218 hrs
   
   
   

3. Bah… don’t tell me you’re falling into this Bill O’Reilly B.S. too.

   Posted by Nick on December 26, 2008 at 1240 hrs
   
   
   

4. You forgot the “humbug”  

   For the record, I ignore O’Reilly because I think he’s an idiot.  I don’t really know what you’re talking about.

   Posted by Owen on December 26, 2008 at 1244 hrs
   
   
   

5. ah yes scott the share goes on your side also.
   why get your undies in a bundle about a display just for a month or so at a courthouse or not.
   you dont like displays at a courthouse, but private property ok. whats the difference if you dont like it dont look.
   it seems like ic you cant share this time of year with your neighbors than the heck to you
   its not bs nick
   do you mind displays of martin luther king jr.
   he was a very religous man as well, i never hear of protests
   of him or his holiday.
   just my .02

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 26, 2008 at 1254 hrs
   
   
   

6. Merry Christmas damnit!

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 26, 2008 at 1315 hrs
   
   
   

7. You don’t like displays with a Christian theme in the courthouse square?  You are free to leave this country that allows this.  Cash in your dollars that say, “In God we trust” and go.  Or you can simply relax and realize nobody is pushing any beliefs on you.  You’re simply pushing your beliefs on them…

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 26, 2008 at 1319 hrs
   
   
   

8. Oh, and be sure to enjoy your paid holiday even though are offended;-)

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 26, 2008 at 1320 hrs
   
   
   

9. you dont like displays at a courthouse, but private property ok. whats the difference

   Because when it’s displayed by the government, it’s government endorsement of a religious view.  When it’s on your lawn, it’s your endorsement of a religious view.  Clear now?

   ic you cant share this time of year with your neighbors

   I can share it with my neighbors. I just don’t want to share it with my government.  It should not be expressing religious views.  It’s obscene, not to mention unconstitutional.

   You are free to leave this country

   You’re free to kiss my American ass.

   Posted by scott on December 26, 2008 at 1345 hrs
   
   
   

10. “It is a foundational concept of our nation that we are all free to celebrate our religions and can do so without imposing our religion on others. At the same time, we can observe or even embrace the celebration of others’ religion without embarrassment or risking our own faith. “

    Umm but when the Government gets in the business of religion it is not you or I that are “free to celebrate our religion” that choice is being made for us.  Funny keep the government out of the “free market” (except when retailers start not saying Merry Christmas then they are wrong) but please put the government in religion…  I would think truly religious people would want the government to stay the heck out of it.  Wouldn’t we?

    Posted by Dave Reid on December 26, 2008 at 1811 hrs
    
    
    

11. Wow Owen, you’ve been sporting the tinfoil hat a lot recently.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on December 29, 2008 at 0939 hrs
    
    
    

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