THE CHRISTMAS CONTROVERSY

What has happened to our country when at this special time of year we are discouraged from greeting people with the wonderful words "Merry Christmas"? When did one segment of society, and a large one at that, have to restrain their beliefs for the sake of being politically correct? Here are just a few of the things going on because of the "Christmas Controversy."

At many stores in our community, employees are instructed to refrain from greeting people with the words "Merry Christmas." They are even told to avoid speaking these words of joy to fellow employees because it may be taken as being insensitive to others not of the Christian faith.

Because of this, radio talk shows across our nation are encouraging us to boycott stores that refuse to allow their employees to greet people in this manner. I am not a fan of this sort of boycott because it harms the average, hard working people and not the big corporations that create these policies.

In schools, children are discouraged from singing songs of the season that may have lyrics about the manger, the Wisemen, and the guiding star. In doing this, children are not allowed to express what they are taught at home in the public forum.

In the city of Boston, a name change has taken place. As they prepare to usher in the Christmas Season they have changed the name of their tree from "The Christmas Tree" to "The Holiday Tree". All in an attempt to stay religious neutral.

Now, I understand that we must accept and even honor all beliefs. I respect all faiths and cultures in our diverse society. I believe that all holidays representing people of every background must be observed and celebrated. It is important to realize that America is made up by an incredible blend of nationalities and cultures.

But, it's Christmas, and we have the right to celebrate as we desire. We have a constitutional right to speak whatever words we feel appropriate. We are guaranteed liberty in our beliefs, practices, and opinions.

So, why such an attack on this most sacred holiday? Why does acknowledging one segment of society's beliefs threaten the entire society? What is the harm of publicly saying "Merry Christmas?"

Because we have become an overly offended country. We have become so sensitive as a nation, that we have created insensitivity to our diverseness. We are working so hard for a culturally neutral society that we have forgotten that the greatness of America is its vast number of nationalities and religions.

From a little island country just 90 miles south of Florida, people risk it all for a taste of freedom. At the borders of Texas, Arizona and California, Border Patrols fight off the insurgence of people just wanting to smell the sweet scent of liberty. In Iraq, people cheer the United States for bringing to their nation the liberty we sometimes take for granted.

So it is a sad state of affairs when we subdue our beliefs. It is a withdrawal from our nation's original mandate when we discourage the heritage of our citizens. We fail to celebrate our melting pot philosophy when we cancel out our individual identities, for the sake of political correctness. Simply, It's Christmas!

So, as you make your way through the stores and restaurants, don't be afraid to wish people a Merry Christmas. It is when we submit to cultural pressure that we lose our true identity as a free nation.

Merry Christmas from the Stokes family.