Christmas – Does It Really Require Courage?

I (Richard) write and produce several eNewsletters. One I do for an automotive paint and supply distributor named Auto Color. I released the last issue of the newsletter for 2006 today – called SupplyLines (you can review all of the archived issues here … if you care to). I included in this last issue of 2006 a little piece I ran across from a website I follow by Richard Weylman. It’s about Christmas. It’s about all the politically correct crap we go through these days during the Christmas season. It is short and sweet and it just makes sense ….. and, it ain’t brain surgery. So, I decided to pass it along to our faithful and loyal readers. I hope you enjoy and will pass along the link to you friends. Thanks – Richard.

The other evening a dear friend (a former executive of a large multinational company) told me that my wife and I were courageous because we openly declare to others “Merry Christmas” and we celebrate the birth of Christ. I never before saw this as anything to do with being courageous. Since my earliest childhood memories, I have always known that Christmas is a birthday celebration. Compromising one’s principles or denying beliefs for the sake of being accepted or approved by others is situational ethics at its worst. Perhaps it is time people were willing to voice and discuss that which it is they believe. Why? History records what happens when people do not celebrate Christmas if they are of the Christian faith.

In 1647, when Oliver Cromwell came to power, celebrating Christmas and singing carols were stopped. Carols survived because they were sung in secret. Not until Queen Victoria’s reign was Christmas “politically correct” again.

In a free society, no matter what each of us believes, it should not take courage to speak up and, in the case of Christmas, celebrate this historic event. Thus, with all respect and deep appreciation for every single subscriber to this weekly tome, I do wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

~ Richard Weylman

Hey – from Richard and Terry … Have a very, merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. And remember …. Life Ain’t Brain Surgery.

The روح شريرة of Christmas Future

Not being versed in the Arabic language I have no idea whether or not the Arabic phrase or word in the title actually means ghost or poltergeist but the word is the result of a search of translations on the Internet.

Seeing as how the Christmas season has been upon us for several weeks and will soon culminate with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I thought Charles Dickens would forgive me for taking off on his famous Christmas Story.  You remember the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the visits from the three shades, ghosts or spirits.  The final visit from the ghost of Christmas future presented Ebenezer with a frightening picture of death and the penalty we all pay for not living a good life.  Ebenezer was scared straight.

Christmas … let me see, where did we get that name?  Well goodness me, from the celebration surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ .  Now, we all know the celebration in December is based on the Roman celebration of Saturnalia and most likely Jesus was born sometime in March or April according to some Biblical Scholars.  My comment is WHO CARES??  There is enough fact to believe that a person named Jesus was born to a couple from Nazareth and this person performed several miracles according to eye witnesses.  The celebration has occurred for centuries and currently is responsible for most retailers being able to survive for the rest of the year.

My concern for Christmas future is a concern over the survival of Western civilization.  Islam is currently the fastest growing religion in the world and poses a serious threat to civilization as we know it.  I know several Moslems and yes, they are nice people, however their religion is one of control and dominance over all aspects of life.  Those who criticize some of the religious right in this country should investigate what will happen when Islamic fundamentalism becomes a factor in our political process.  Notice, I say when and not if.  The trends are already in motion for this to happen.  For instance the recently elected Moslem who has stated he will use the Koran to be sworn into office.  Also note the public prayer call over loudspeakers in Hamtramck, Michigan.

An Islamic theocracy might actually have some positive aspects because they would virtually shut down the porn industry and most of the garbage from Hollywood, a fact overlooked by some of the politically correct myrmidons. Positive aspects aside, our future is very questionable should we allow the trend to continue unchecked.  Supposedly, a majority of Americans believe in at least some of the religious aspects of Christmas.  Why should this majority be denied the privilege to celebrate a holiday in public schools, public buildings or even airports?  Why are my so called rights any less important than someone of the Moslem faith?  There are no prayer rooms for Christians or Jews in the airports yet we are told we should set aside rooms for daily prayers for Moslems.  Another example of letting the camel get his nose under the tent.  Once the nose is under the head will follow and so will the rest of the body.

We have proven we can all coexist in our society and we should continue to do so with respect for culture and tradition.  I cannot imagine moving to Israel or any mid-eastern country and expecting them to meet my demand that a nativity scene be included in their public displays.  I suspect I would be asked to leave the country or face dire consequences.  Perhaps we should adapt the same principles when dealing with visitors or immigrants to our country.  All are welcome and may celebrate their own traditions but remember I too am allowed to celebrate mine and the fact that there are public displays in no way is a threat to you or yours.  Get over it!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!!

Terry