John Stossel and PLYMCO_PILGRIM agree on Christmas

[rightwinger]

I think the key to a greeting is you are trying to please the other person not yourself. If you know the person celibrates Christmas, Merry Christmas is in order. If you know they celibrate Chanuka or Kwanza or whatever you should acknowledge their holiday and let them reciprocate by acknowledging yours.

If you have no idea....A generic Happy Holidays doesn't hurt

How about "Have a nice day"?

But that might not work if it is evening.

How about "Don't slip and fall in the parking lot"?

It works not only as well wishing, but also as a legal disclaimer for the company.

As long as you are sincere in your greeting, what difference does it make?

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

That is true...but is it really appropriate or necessary for a Jewish sales representative to say "Merry Christmas" to a Jewish customer?

I would have a problem with the government (local, state, or federal) making laws that ban companies from saying "Merry Christmas"...but I have no problem if a company has a written or unwritten policy that the term "Happy Holidays" be used by their employees. O'Reilly should be able to understand this. A company may choose to do this for the simple fact that all of there customers may not be Christians...I see no problem with this and I am not offended by it either way.

That was the very argument stossel was making.....oops you said o'reilly

I meant to say O'Reilly...mainly because he is one of the most vocal people on this subject. He is essentially making a big deal about nothing.

You did say O'Reilly and I missed it at first and was giving you grief because I thought you were talking about stossel. Then I realized I was wrong and left up my error and laughed at myself over it .

I think the key to a greeting is you are trying to please the other person not yourself. If you know the person celibrates Christmas, Merry Christmas is in order. If you know they celibrate Chanuka or Kwanza or whatever you should acknowledge their holiday and let them reciprocate by acknowledging yours.

If you have no idea....A generic Happy Holidays doesn't hurt

Excellent advice. I like it.

So, are you going to grow a 70s porn moustache like Stossel too?

While we may agree on Christmas and Universal Health care i do not wish to look like or be Stossel.

 

[Xenophon]

While we may agree on Christmas and Universal Health care i do not wish to look like or be Stossel.

You have not been Stosselized.

 

[hjmick]

I hear they found another T-rex stossel in the hills of Wyoming...

 

[Xenophon]

I hear they found another T-rex stossel in the hills of Wyoming...

There are too many old Stossels in politics today.

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

I hear they found another T-rex stossel in the hills of Wyoming...

There are too many old Stossels in politics today.

damn i'm so out of rep right now

That was a great little exchange

 

[kwc57]

A happy Festivus for the rest of us!!!

http://www.usmessageboard.com/general-discussion/97003-a-happy-festivus-for-the-rest-of-us.html

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Festivus

Seinfeld was always funny

 

[California Girl]

I have a client who is Muslim - and in the UK which is even more 'PC' than the US.... We were talking about Christmas and his comment to me was 'I think it's nice when people send me Christmas cards and wish me a Merry Christmas. To me, it says they don't see me as 'different' in that I am clearly a minority'.

I have found that most non-Christians are not offended by Christmas.... it is the politically correct who are offended on behalf of others that cause the problem.

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

 

[jillian]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

 

[ba1614]

I have a client who is Muslim - and in the UK which is even more 'PC' than the US.... We were talking about Christmas and his comment to me was 'I think it's nice when people send me Christmas cards and wish me a Merry Christmas. To me, it says they don't see me as 'different' in that I am clearly a minority'.

I have found that most non-Christians are not offended by Christmas.... it is the politically correct who are offended on behalf of others that cause the problem.

That's been my experience as well. Most people I've seen that complain about it are the same assclowns that find fault with everything those different from themselves do.

 

[Bfgrn]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd9p47MPHg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd9p47MPHg[/ame]

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

I like it when jewish people wish me a happy Chanukah, it makes me feel like they are extending their belief system to me and trying to include me in their celebration. Then Again I like it when people wish me a merry christmas too so I may be a bad example.

 

[Immanuel]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

No, I would not think it strange. I would think you are Jewish and I would appreciate the good tidings.

Immie

 

[Newby]

That is true...but is it really appropriate or necessary for a Jewish sales representative to say "Merry Christmas" to a Jewish customer?

I would have a problem with the government (local, state, or federal) making laws that ban companies from saying "Merry Christmas"...but I have no problem if a company has a written or unwritten policy that the term "Happy Holidays" be used by their employees. O'Reilly should be able to understand this. A company may choose to do this for the simple fact that all of there customers may not be Christians...I see no problem with this and I am not offended by it either way.

That was the very argument stossel was making.....oops you said o'reilly

I meant to say O'Reilly...mainly because he is one of the most vocal people on this subject. He is essentially making a big deal about nothing.

As are the people who get all offended when someone says 'Merry Christmas' to them. What's good for the goose, is good for the gander.

 

[Bfgrn]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

I like it when jewish people wish me a happy Chanukah, it makes me feel like they are extending their belief system to me and trying to include me in their celebration. Then Again I like it when people wish me a merry christmas too so I may be a bad example.

Bill-O starts this crap every year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ACLU (?!!!)
Fighting a Fictional War on Christmas

Every year at about this time, the ACLU begins receiving scores of Christmas cards, generally unsigned, almost always without return addresses. Many are simple and nice. But some call on us to have a "Merry Christmas--whether you like it or not!" and similar not-in-the-spirit-of-the-season wishes.

We welcome all cards and well wishes! Many of our staff members are practicing Christians and celebrate a religious Christmas. Also, our organization was founded to protect, among other liberties, the free exercise of religion. Although some claim that the ACLU is anti-Christian, the truth is quite the opposite: the ACLU has always stood up for the rights of all of us to practice our religion freely, including Christians.

Some members of the public may be surprised or confused by this. It is no wonder, given the misinformation out there.

An example: A few Decembers ago, a group called Public Advocate for the United States (self-described "defenders of America's traditional family values") sent some Christmas carolers over to sing in front of the ACLU offices in Washington, D.C.

They carried signs reading "Merry Christmas" and "Please Don't Sue Us!", assuming, it would seem, that they would be met with a hostile response.

To the contrary, it was with some excitement that the staff went outside and joined in the singing and brought cookies and warm drinks--as is traditional--to share with the carolers. In the Fox News broadcast of the event, however, there were close-ups of the Public Advocate carolers, but no footage of the ACLU participants. The story was broadcast on Fox's segment, "War Against Christmas," and the only mention of the ACLU was the anchor intoning, "We believe the ACLU heard the message loud and clear, but they don't care."

Sadly, the non-existent "War on Christmas" is in reality a cynical rallying cry for some fringe groups seeking attention.

In a Salon interview ("How the secular humanist grinch didn't steal Christmas"), Chip Berlet, a senior analyst at Political Research Associates, "one of the foremost experts on the religious right," says, "You have a dynamic here, where you have the Christian right hysterically overrepresenting the problem, and then anecdotally you have some towns where lawyers restrict any kind of display or representation of religion, which is equally absurd. It's a closed loop. In that dynamic, neither the secular humanists or the ACLU are playing a role."

In other words, the extremist groups have invented their own nightmare, and then feed off its effects.

Of course, meaningful freedom of religion is possible only because of a separation between government and religion. So, this Christmas, we ask those who wish a war in the name of Christmas to put down arms. Instead, why not take up these few simple guidelines for respecting the interdependent principles of freedom of religion and separation of church and state:

* Christmas displays, including nativity scenes, are perfectly acceptable at homes and churches. This religious expression is a valued and protected part of the First Amendment rights guaranteed to all citizens.

* Governments should not be in the business of endorsing religious displays. Religion thrives best when government stays out of deciding which holidays and religions to promote. Religion belongs where it prospers best: with individuals, families, and religious communities.

Lastly, as a seasonal greeting to all Christians: Merry Christmas from the ACLU! And for nonbelievers and believers in all other traditions: Thank you for enriching our world!

http://www.aclusandiego.org/news_item.php?article_id=000331

 

[jillian]

I like it when jewish people wish me a happy Chanukah, it makes me feel like they are extending their belief system to me and trying to include me in their celebration. Then Again I like it when people wish me a merry christmas too so I may be a bad example.

I appreciate being included as well. And wish merry christmas to people. But I think the fuss on this issue is about retail establishments. And in that regard, I want them to respect that there's more than one holiday. It's not really that complicated. The holiday season is great... but this silliness about being militant in saying "merry christmas" seems silly to me.

 

[WillowTree]

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

I like it when jewish people wish me a happy Chanukah, it makes me feel like they are extending their belief system to me and trying to include me in their celebration. Then Again I like it when people wish me a merry christmas too so I may be a bad example.

Bill-O starts this crap every year...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ACLU (?!!!)
Fighting a Fictional War on Christmas

Every year at about this time, the ACLU begins receiving scores of Christmas cards, generally unsigned, almost always without return addresses. Many are simple and nice. But some call on us to have a "Merry Christmas--whether you like it or not!" and similar not-in-the-spirit-of-the-season wishes.

We welcome all cards and well wishes! Many of our staff members are practicing Christians and celebrate a religious Christmas. Also, our organization was founded to protect, among other liberties, the free exercise of religion. Although some claim that the ACLU is anti-Christian, the truth is quite the opposite: the ACLU has always stood up for the rights of all of us to practice our religion freely, including Christians.

Some members of the public may be surprised or confused by this. It is no wonder, given the misinformation out there.

An example: A few Decembers ago, a group called Public Advocate for the United States (self-described "defenders of America's traditional family values") sent some Christmas carolers over to sing in front of the ACLU offices in Washington, D.C.

They carried signs reading "Merry Christmas" and "Please Don't Sue Us!", assuming, it would seem, that they would be met with a hostile response.

To the contrary, it was with some excitement that the staff went outside and joined in the singing and brought cookies and warm drinks--as is traditional--to share with the carolers. In the Fox News broadcast of the event, however, there were close-ups of the Public Advocate carolers, but no footage of the ACLU participants. The story was broadcast on Fox's segment, "War Against Christmas," and the only mention of the ACLU was the anchor intoning, "We believe the ACLU heard the message loud and clear, but they don't care."

Sadly, the non-existent "War on Christmas" is in reality a cynical rallying cry for some fringe groups seeking attention.

In a Salon interview ("How the secular humanist grinch didn't steal Christmas"), Chip Berlet, a senior analyst at Political Research Associates, "one of the foremost experts on the religious right," says, "You have a dynamic here, where you have the Christian right hysterically overrepresenting the problem, and then anecdotally you have some towns where lawyers restrict any kind of display or representation of religion, which is equally absurd. It's a closed loop. In that dynamic, neither the secular humanists or the ACLU are playing a role."

In other words, the extremist groups have invented their own nightmare, and then feed off its effects.

Of course, meaningful freedom of religion is possible only because of a separation between government and religion. So, this Christmas, we ask those who wish a war in the name of Christmas to put down arms. Instead, why not take up these few simple guidelines for respecting the interdependent principles of freedom of religion and separation of church and state:

* Christmas displays, including nativity scenes, are perfectly acceptable at homes and churches. This religious expression is a valued and protected part of the First Amendment rights guaranteed to all citizens.

* Governments should not be in the business of endorsing religious displays. Religion thrives best when government stays out of deciding which holidays and religions to promote. Religion belongs where it prospers best: with individuals, families, and religious communities.

Lastly, as a seasonal greeting to all Christians: Merry Christmas from the ACLU! And for nonbelievers and believers in all other traditions: Thank you for enriching our world!

http://www.aclusandiego.org/news_item.php?article_id=000331

No he doesn't the asshats who put NO GOD on the buses start it O'Reilly just reports on it.. How hard is it for people to understand that DEC 25 comes every year? Christians celebrate the birth of one Jesus Christ a Jew, born the son of God in a manger. So the folks who put NO GOD on the buses every freaking season are indeed looking for a fucking fight. So go blow that smoke up someone else's ass whydonchya?

 

[California Girl]

Thats an interesting viewpoint C.G..

I never thought of it like that.

I wouldn't go thinking it's the norm. I don't mind when people say merry christmas. I love looking at Christmas decorations. And if I know someone celebrates Christmas, I have no problem wishing them a 'merry christmas'. (I even spend christmas day every year with my cousin and her family who do celebrate the holiday. but to me, someone wishing me a merry christmas, while pleasant enough, also means the person is oblivious to the fact that not everyone celebrates their holiday. I would think you'd find it strange if I ran around saying "Happy Chanukah" to Christians or Muslims, no?

I like it when jewish people wish me a happy Chanukah, it makes me feel like they are extending their belief system to me and trying to include me in their celebration. Then Again I like it when people wish me a merry christmas too so I may be a bad example.

I appreciate the sentiments behind any good wishes. I am not in the least offended when other religions include me in their celebrations. I have, in fact, celebrated a vareity of religious festivals with friends of various religions.

I include them, and they include me. What on earth is the problem? The only ones who have a problem, I think, are those that are offended by religion or seek to make political capital out of it. Personally, I think deliberately stirring descent between religions for political means is distasteful.