http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/ashland_principal_removes_holi.html Ridiculous. I just don't even know where to begin.
The Supreme Court has said that a tree isn't a "religious symbol". Living by society's laws goes both ways.
I wonder if the parents would be against having other religious figures/symbols in at the same time, or during those holiday periods. It seems like a rationale compromise. Although we are a mostly Christian nation, it doesn't hurt to have other religions (or non beliefs) represented. Although I know the slippery slope will start saying we would have to put in satan worshiping things, and animal sacrifices, and witch hunts, and man on dog porn in schools. So maybe not.
1. Christmas tree celebrates Christmas. 2. Christmas is a Christian holiday. 3. Therefore, the tree celebrates the Christian Holiday.
I don't agree. LOTS of non-christians celebrate Christmas and call it Christmas and have Christmas trees, and give presents and decorate their house. They just don't have a manger scene outside their house or whatever. The Christmas tree, imo, doesn't have anything to do with Christ any more than presents or the lights outside your house. I mean, they should ban all Christmas things (red and green decorations/lights/gift swaps) if they are going to ban the Christmas tree. They have as much to do with the original meaning of Christmas as the tree. If they had a manger scene, then i'd understand. But they should also ban the easter bunny, egg hunts, and all that, no? Ohh, and Santa!!! According to your logic, Santa celebrates Christmas, Christmas = Christian, therefore, Santa celebrates Christian holiday!
My highschool had a huge Kwanzaa display, and to my knowledge, NO ONE there celebrated Kwanzaa... except the principle. I should have been offended!
Christmas was originally (at least the day) a Pagan holiday. The Christian overlords starting putting in their own holidays at the same time so the people wouldn't have to worry about new times of the year, events, etc. I would think most Christians would object to Christmas being considered all about "the trees"... Besides, it's a tree - Oregon's best resource!
I enjoy learning about cultures. I don't know the religion--or lack thereof--of these kids. However, I am not threatened when someone else brings a display of their religion into the public realm. Hell, the Christmas tree has been so generalized over the years, it hardly represents anything. BTW, does anyone else think the kids aren't bothered by it, but it was a good chance for the parents to strike a blow for whatever they represent?
Well, for all intents and purposes, it is a Christian celebration that slipped into the mainstream. So everything Christmas inevitably has some sort of religious, Christian roots. IF these petty anti-religion fuckjobs want to do this, go ahead. I'm sick of saying Happy Holidays when referring to Christmas because of some mark ass bitch religion getting offended. In other words, suck my dick, Hannakah!
Please, the Christmas we have now celebrated by most of the population is a time to put up gaudy decorations and gets gifts for the sake of getting gifts. The celebration of Christ is mostly an afterthought (if a thought at all) to so many people that to get offended at a Christmas tree is ridiculous. Should we protest those Christmas trees in malls and stores that have little strips of papers with names on them to get gifts for the needy children? WHO CARES ABOUT CHILDREN! BAN THE TREE! INTRUSIVE (NON)RELIGION!
Its a slippery slope. Some people want to make everything non-religious because they say it offends them. I say, fine, let them take all the fun out of everything and they get the backlash.
FWIW, I played basketball with the principal's son. I also think Christmas is a pathetic waste of time. The gift of lining corporate pocketbooks. No thanks. Give me some spiraled ham and I might change my mind.
I hate how the PC crowd keeps trying to take away SantaFest. I'm sorry, but SantaFest has become the staple holiday season in the Western world. Those of other religions, be they Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, etc, are free to celebrate however they like in December, but please respect the fact that SantaFest is part of the culture here. It's our tradition.
Look, in my religion trees are the most offensive symbols of all. When you put up a tree it's like an uncircumcised teenage Jesus. Or a blow-up sex doll of Mohammed. Have a little respect for my faith. Don't put up trees. barfo
