'Christmas is taboo in America, but now people are fighting back' (77% of US adults are Christians)

UK Telegraph ^ | Dec. 19, 2004 | UK Telegraph News

[FairOpinion]

If you think celebrations in Britain are becoming too politically correct then don't go to the US. Philip Sherwell reports

For her son's school "holiday party" last week, Julie West baked a birthday cake for the baby Jesus - a gesture of defiance both against his teachers and the growing campaign in America to remove any trace of Christmas from public life.

Six-year-old Aaron had brought home a note from his school, in Washington state, that asked parents to provide food that their family traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.

"He asked for the cake I make at Christmas with the words 'Happy Birthday Jesus'," said Ms West. "I called the school to let them know, but a few days later the teacher phoned back to say that I couldn't bring the cake as the party was not a religious event."

Ms West, who attends a non-denominational church in Edmonds, near Seattle, was amazed. "It wasn't an attempt to impose my beliefs on anyone. It was just a cake," she said. "I think all traditions and religions should be celebrated at this time of year."

After researching the issue on the internet she contacted the Rutherford Institute, a mainstream pressure group that defends religious freedom. It assured her that even though the American constitution bans the promotion of religion by the government, simply bringing a cake iced with "Happy Birthday Jesus" into the school broke no laws. "So I took the cake in for the party on Tuesday and none of the other parents or children were offended," she said. "The only comment was how delicious it was.

"I didn't set out to make a point, but now I hope I have helped a few other people understand their rights."

Not everyone is as robust. Across the United States, celebrations for what many Americans now refer to as the "C word" have been all but restricted to churches and private homes.

In Wichita, Kansas, a local newspaper ran an apology after referring to a "Christmas tree", rather than a "community tree" at the city's Winterfest celebration. In Denver, a Christian church float was barred from the city's parade while Chinese lion dancers and German folk dancers were welcomed. In parts of Florida, fir trees have been banned this year from government-owned property.

A mayor in Massachusetts issued a formal apology to anyone offended by a press release that mistakenly described the town of Somerville's holiday party as a "Christmas party". Schools in Florida and New Jersey have banned all carols and elsewhere in Washington state a school principal banned a production of A Christmas Carol mainly because Tiny Tim prays: "God bless us, every one."

In one New Jersey school district, where the singing of Christmas carols has long been abandoned, officials have this year forbidden children's orchestras to play songs such as Silent Night because that might remind people of their Christian content.

Frosty the Snowman and Winter Wonderland have, however, been deemed acceptable as they are devoid of any religious references.

"The majority of people in the towns think that this policy is unnecessary," said William Calabrese, the town president (mayor) of South Orange. "This feels like a slap in the face to diversity, not a symbol of it. They're sterilising the school systems, taking away freedom of choice. It's a type of totalitarianism."

The fightback, however, has begun. Showdowns are taking place across the country as individuals, and conservative and religious groups, come out against the zealous interpretation of the separation of Church and state.

In Chicago, a Nativity scene has been given police protection after a life-sized model of the infant Christ was briefly stolen before being recovered earlier this month.

"This has been getting worse for years and people have finally had enough," said John Whitehead, the founder of the Rutherford Institute, which has issued its own "Twelve Rules of Christmas" setting out people's religious rights.

"Political correctness is all-pervasive here. Christmas has become a taboo in America but now people are fighting back."

In the Oklahoma City suburb of Mustang, voters angered by a school board's decision to remove a Nativity scene from a school play demonstrated their fury at the ballot box last week. They rejected the board's plans to raise $11 million (£5.7 million) by issuing bonds.

Many parents were particularly angry that the play still featured Santa Claus and a Christmas tree in addition to symbols of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah and of Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration established in 1966 as a counter to Christmas. These were deemed "cultural" rather than religious.

Also last week, a court challenge began in New York to overturn a policy that allows the Jewish menorah and Islamic crescent and star to be displayed in schools, but forbids Nativity scenes.

The Catholic League and Thomas More Law Centre are appealing against a lower court ruling that found that the Jewish and Muslim symbols have a secular dimension while the Nativity is "purely religious".

Organisations such as the Americans United (AU) for Separation of Church and State believe that the campaign to put Christ back into Christmas is being pushed by conservative Christian groups buoyed by the victory of President George W Bush and the religious Right in last month's elections. "They are emboldened," said Robert Boston, an AU spokesman.

The Chicago Nativity has been at the centre of controversy since the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Jewish Congress and the American Atheists launched a legal challenge against its location on public property.

Their case was thrown out because the scene was erected by a private group. This year, at least, other expressions of religious freedom are also being allowed in the city.

Pressure groups such as the Rutherford Institute and the Alliance Defence Fund, which hires lawyers to fight perceived anti-Christian bias, say that many teachers and public officials are confused about the law and wrongly believe that any religious displays or symbols are forbidden on government property.

Others have been cowed by a stream of complaints and are just seeking "the easy life", according to Mr Whitehead. Retailers are particularly sensitive to complaints. Several stores, including Macy's, have reportedly banned their staff from referring to Christmas in case they deter non-Christian customers, prompting a group of angry Californians to boycott its outlets.

While President Bush's holiday greetings card, posted to a record two million recipients this year, carries a line from Psalm 95 – "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song" – there is no mention of Christmas on the White House website. Even Fox News, the conservative television network, cannot bring itself to wish a merry Christmas to its viewers. Instead, "Happy Holidays" is flashed up to the tune – but not the words – of Ding Dong Merrily on High.

The Rutherford Institute despairs. "This is not a Left-Right, Republican-Democrat issue," said Mr Whitehead. "It's about everyone's right to celebrate their religious beliefs as they want. We should be including all religions, not excluding one."

[FairOpinion]

Political correctness is just more tyranny of the minority, trying to suppress religious freedom of the majority.

I found information, that 77% of adults in the US are self-identify as Christians.

This is from the ARIS survey from 2001. This seems the most authoritative, a lot of other sources are quoting this. They surveyed over 50,000 people, not just 1000 or so, as Gallup and other opinion surveys do.

American Religious Identification Survey

This table is also reproduced in a more easily readable format 9regarding the details) in the 2003 Statistical Abstract of the United States, Table 79

So why should the 77% of the people have to almost feel guity, for daring to wish each other and others "Merry Christmas"?

[Cicero]

"This is not a Left-Right, Republican-Democrat issue," said Mr Whitehead. "It's about everyone's right to celebrate their religious beliefs as they want.

Maybe it shouldn't be a left-right, Republican-Democrat issue. But I'll bet at least 90% of the troublemakers are leftists and Democrats.

[Prime Choice]

It's high time that the majority stood up to the tyranny of the minority.

[FairOpinion]

But California officially has a CHRISTMAS TREE, thanks to Arnold.

'Christmas' Returns to the Capitol (CA) (Schwarzenegger)

Ending a five-year tradition started by his predecessor, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger brought the word “Christmas” back to Sacramento.

Known for breaking the mold, the Republican governor is calling the 56-foot white fir outside the Capitol a “Christmas tree.” Former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis had renamed the display a “Holiday tree” in 1999. Schwarzenegger said the Capitol would have a “Christmas tree” as long as he’s in office.

Sticking to his promise, Schwarzenegger frequently used the word “Christmas” during Thursday’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

[Prime Choice]

I'll bet at least 90% of the troublemakers are leftists and Democrats.

You just described the makeup of the ACLU, so I'd say you're 100% correct.

[FairOpinion]

Why are symbols of non-Christian religions allowed, but symbols of Christian religion aren't? There is something very wrong here.


"Also last week, a court challenge began in New York to overturn a policy that allows the Jewish menorah and Islamic crescent and star to be displayed in schools, but forbids Nativity scenes."

[DTogo]

It's high time that the majority stood up to the tyranny of the minority.

Damn straight!

[Yosemitest]

Jeremiah 10:1-10

1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs ^F49 of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. 6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. 7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. 8 But they are altogether ^F50 brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. 9 Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men. 10 But the LORD is the true ^F51 God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

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FOOTNOTES:
F49: customs...: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity
F50: altogether: Heb. in one, or, at once
F51: true...: Heb. God of truth

---

Here's something worth your time.
CHRISTMAS... THE UNTOLD STORY

[McGavin999]

Even Fox News, the conservative television network, cannot bring itself to wish a merry Christmas to its viewers. Instead, "Happy Holidays" is flashed up to the tune – but not the words – of Ding Dong Merrily on High.

I don't know what FOX News this guy has been watching, but while I was reading this I heard "In the Spirit of Christmas......."

FOX has had on beautiful Christmas messages as well as a wonderfully religious Hanukkah message

[expatguy]

When I read things like this, I can't help but think that the United States does not deserve to go on if they continue to ignore this problem.

Forget fighting terrorists. It is the enemy within that will ultimately lead to your destruction.

[Theodore R.]

The troublemakers may be leftists, but have you noticed how official Republicans shrink in fear when they are challenged on what the left calls "church/state relations"?

[Jo5329]

I am not a religious person and claim no religion. I'm not even sure if there really is a god -- BUT the ACLU has gone to far with the seperation of Church and State issue. I support anyone that makes people see what the ACLU is doing is wrong and "against" what the constitution says about it.

Christmas is a time of celebration. The holiday itself has the word Christ in it. If we do not stop these people now, only muslims will be allowed to celebrate religious holidays.

[Prime Choice]

The troublemakers may be leftists, but have you noticed how official Republicans shrink in fear when they are challenged on what the left calls "church/state relations"?

That's why our election cycles usually wind up being The Evil Party vs. The Stupid Party.

[Dan from Michigan]

I'm waiting for the no talent assclowns to pitch a fit about the CHRISTMAS tree (and it says Christmas tree) by my town's courthouse.

[Commie Basher]

I'm well aware of that tree quote. I first read about it some 20 years ago, in a booklet put out by the Worldwide Church of God (Herbert Armstrong's outfit).

Well, so what? We're not worshiping a Christmas tree, so I don't think that quote applies.

[FairOpinion]

And note Arnold, that many call a RINO, had the courage to stand up to the PC crowd in liberal California, yet, emphasizing Christmas and Christmas tree, ending the "tradition" introduced by Davis, to refer to Christmas tree as "holiday tree".

(see post 4 in this thread)

As someone pointed out, freedom OF religion doesn't mean freedom "from" religion.

Just look at "In God we trust" on all our currency.

[Prime Choice]

And note Arnold, that many call a RINO, had the courage to stand up to the PC crowd in liberal California, yet, emphasizing Christmas and Christmas tree, ending the "tradition" introduced by Davis, to refer to Christmas tree as "holiday tree".

I'll give Arnold credit for that, but his most recent statement that the Republican party should shift more to the Left has left me...well...nonplussed.

[Yosemitest]

I think that most people don't know WHAT they're doing. I disagree, it very much applies, and is Satan's imitation.

[churchillbuff]

Most of the activist trouble-makers are liberal Jewish lawyers. The ACLU is heavily Jewish. The Anti-Defamation League is also active in fighting Christmas displays. And as the posted article notes, the the American Jewish Congress was in the thick of the fight against the Chicago Nativity scene. It's not politically correct to say this, but the main instigators of the anti-Christmas crusade are Jewish liberals.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT