In the Unresolved Problems segment tonight, the secular assault on Christmas continues all over the USA. Tomorrow night, we'll tell you about how the ACLU (search) is attacking Christmas in Colorado.
But tonight, the New York City school system is involved in a court case. Under current city policy, Jewish menorahs are allowed to be displayed for Hanukkah (search) and the Islamic star and crescent can be shown during Ramadan (search). But the nativity scene (search) cannot be shown during the Christmas season.
Now as you may know, Christmas is a federal holiday signed into law by President U.S. Grant.
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And from the second link:
I'm getting very, very tired of the Christian bashers. And I think most Americans of all faiths are with me on this.
Wednesday night, I debated former New York City mayoral candidate Mark Green (search) over the fact that in the city's public schools, you can display a Menorah for Hanukkah, a Muslim flag for Ramadan, but you are forbidden to display the nativity scene in honor of the federal holiday Christmas.
Now Mr. Green's a smart, stand up guy, but he couldn't explain the policy except to say that the Christian majority was not entitled to see its symbols in a public place. Yet the Jewish and Muslim minorities are? Does that make any sense? No, it does not.
Christmas honors the birth of Jesus Christ, whom you can see either as a God or as a philosopher whose concepts of loving your neighbor have shaped civilization. In 1870, when Congress voted Christmas a federal holiday, the intent was to honor the birth of Jesus because of his contributions to the American spirit.
These anti-Christian zealots taking Judeo-Christian philosophy today reject that honor. But in reality, they are cowards. They hide behind the bogus separation of church and state argument to batter any public displays they find offensive, even if those displays are general and not designed to promote a specific religion.
Led by the ACLU (search) and aided by secular judges, these anti-Christian Americans are insulting and denigrating a key part of America. The Judeo-Christian tradition of respect for others.
posted on November 21, 2003 08:45:22 AM new
If the democrat party doesnt do something with these far left judges they can kiss the white house goodbye. I live in a semi-democrat area, and many are leaving the party in protest. The ten commandment sculpture being removed in alabama was a crock, and the majority of people know it. Attacking Christmas is a death wish.
posted on November 21, 2003 08:54:08 AM new
Hi and welcome, Blairwitch.
You know the thing I don't understand is that are MANY democrats that believe in Christmas, and who are also religious. And even if their not religious, have long honored the celebration of Christmas.
To me it's sad that such a small minority is being allowed to 'take over' and force their desires on the rest of the majority. All in the name of being PC. I sure hope this trend reverses itself and more get outraged about what's happening.
posted on November 21, 2003 09:27:05 AM new
America is a diverse nation. Religious symbols should be left in the private sector. The candelabra described in the beginning of the thread is not a sign of the Jewish religion, that would be either the Torah or the Star of David which are not displayed or should not be displayed in public schools. Like wise the Crescent Star is not a specific symbol of Islam.
One can find great abundance of Nativities displayed in the private sector and that is how it should be.
The display of specific religious icons in the context of public schools is divisive at best and a form of proselytizing to those who do not believe.
And yes I do not open my door to Jehovah's Witnesses.
posted on November 21, 2003 11:22:11 AM new
dave - The same to you and yours, sincerely.
The menorah is *not* 'a candelabra' , it is one of the items that those of Jewish faith use to celebrate/practice their faith. As are the other symbols of faith you say aren't symbols of the other peoples faiths.
And the other symbols ARE being allowed in NY schools, but now...no longer the Christian ones. That is discriminatory against Christians....no way around it.
posted on November 21, 2003 12:20:35 PM new
davebraun-
The candelabra described in the beginning of the thread is not a sign of the Jewish religion
Well, I believe it is
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple.
It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and our mission to be "a light unto the nations." (Isaiah 42:6). The sages emphasize that light is not a violent force; Israel is to accomplish its mission by setting an example, not by using force. This idea is highlighted in the vision in Zechariah 4:1-6. Zechariah sees a menorah, and G-d explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."
posted on November 21, 2003 01:52:41 PM new
I agree with you davebraun, but I also see a wave of pc people that are against anything that stands for/represents anything. If they're so right, they must have some numbers to back up their claims of how many people have been hurt or affected by such symbols. Freedom of expression is slowly being taken away by the very people who want more freedom. Go figure.
I sure hope this trend reverses itself and more get outraged about what's happening.
)
, it is one of the items that those of Jewish faith use to celebrate/practice their faith. As are the other symbols of faith you say aren't symbols of the other peoples faiths.