New Yorkers Squabble Over Christmas Decorations in Their Buildings

New York Times ^ | 12-10-10 | Vivian S. Toy

[van_erwin]

Holiday decorations can easily become controversial because Christmas is both a national and a religious holiday, and anything that refers to Christmas can feel like “an alien symbol being forced upon a non-Christian population,” said Jack Santino, a professor in the department of popular culture at Bowling Green State University.

[van_erwin]

I’m sorry, but if seeing a Christmas tree makes you feel “alienated,” perhaps the United States of America is not the country you want to be living in.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Gee, isn’t that just too damn bad?

Love it or leave it

[narses]

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[Clintonfatigued]

The militant secularists don't like Christmas decorations on public buildings, but they support anti-Christian bilge being displayed at the Smithsonian Institute. Doesn't that sound hypocritical?

[Iron Munro]

Imagine moving to Saudi Arabia and complaining that observation of Ramadan and people praying on rugs five times a day make you uncomfortable.

[icwhatudo]

I love how more and more the Christmas tree is (properly IMHO) seen as a Christian symbol. There is nothing sadder than someone (like the one mentioned in the article) saying that a Christmas tree is a secular symbol.

[w1andsodidwe]

You know, last Saturday I went to a company function. One of my co-workers showed up wearing a Sikh turban in honor of "Sikh Awareness Month". I was not horrified or disgusted or offended. Because I am a true believer that everyone has a right to their own beliefs and I honor them.

Perhaps, tolerance should also be extended to religions. I am tired of leftists who are intolerant.

[Huck]

I was raised a heathen in a half-Jewish/half-humanist household, and I have NO problem with Christmas. I especially like protestant white people. They make the best neighbors, imo.

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Jack Santino has not yet quite grasped what it is to be an American. We are tolerent of religious symbols. Christmas is so secularized that one wonders how any religious significance is visible in a department store display.

[Bryanw92]

The Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol.

[JustaDumbBlonde]

We added a 25' lighted cross to our Christmas lights this year, and have received nothing but positive comments from the folks in our town. You can see the cross from an interstate freeway, so we expect that we might get a complaint or challenge of some sort before it's all said and done.

[EagleUSA]

Alienated? Then go back to where you came from. Assimilate or get out!!

[gwilhelm56]

**The militant secularists don’t like Christmas decorations on public buildings,...**

But same said idiots are accepting militant islam Without Question...

Hypocrisy, thy name is LIBERAL!!

[bigheadfred]

You can see the cross from an interstate freeway, so we expect that we might get a complaint or challenge of some sort before it's all said and done.

OK. I'm complaining. You should have done one that is 100 ft. high. So I could see it from my house. :-)

[gwilhelm56]

**The Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol.**

It is however ...a CHRISTMAS Symbol.

Now we have people on BOTH SIDES who want to Piss on a person’s Good TIme.

[Kenny Bunk]

Every known civilization from time immemorial has celebrated the winter solstice. I sincerely urge all of those resident in the US who do not like the traditional Christian methods for doing so, to STFU.

Feel free to celebrate the season in your own heathen way and make sure you invite me to the party. If this is not an acceptable deal for you, spend the holiday season somewhere else, where the western Christian methods of celebration will cause you no perceived discomfort.

Permit me to wish all Worthy Oriental Gentlemen a very happy (?) Ramadan, and a joyous Eid.

[icwhatudo]

"The Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol.

Yes...it is.

"Having abandoned its sombre dress for a scintillating splendour, it is transfigured and becomes the messenger of a light that is not its own but bears witness to the true Light that comes into this world. This tree's destiny is comparable to that of the shepherds: while they were watching in the shadows of the night, here they are illumined by the Angels' message. This tree's destiny is also comparable to our own, for we are called to bear good fruits to show that the world has truly been visited and redeemed by the Lord. Standing beside the crib, this fir, in its own way, demonstrates the great mystery that was present in the simple, poor place of Bethlehem. To the inhabitants of Rome, to all the pilgrims and to all who will visit St Peter's Square through the television images broadcast across the world, it proclaims the coming of the Son of God."

The Pope On The Christmas Tree

[xzins]

Is professor Jack Santino really stupid enough to think that Christmas is not about Christ?

[Eye of Unk]

Its all about offending Islam.

Since nobody can fight against Islam and win since we elected one as POTUS then most of America would rather not be possibly targeted by Islamic terrorists.