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Friday, December 22, 2006
Floyd Brown :: Townhall.com Columnist
Ronald Reagan and the War on Christmas
by Floyd Brown
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Will the Dems' health care Christmas Present to America be an improvement or detriment to our health care system?


In recent weeks there has been much commentary about the “War on Christmas.” FOX News host Bill O’Reilly recently spoke up on November 18 saying, “It’s all part of the secular progressive agenda ... to get Christianity and spirituality and Judaism out of the public square.” He then added, “because if you look at what happened in Western Europe and Canada, if you can get religion out, then you can pass secular progressive programs, like legalization of narcotics, euthanasia, abortion at will, gay marriage, because the objection to those things is religious-based, usually.”

O’Reilly’s comments on his television show, The O’Reilly Factor, during a segment about “which American stores are using ‘Christmas’ in advertising this Christmas season and which are not.” O’Reilly’s comments have sparked outrage amongst liberal pundits.

There was an American president that not so long ago decried the same trends as O’Reilly. He believed Christmas was a special time that had grown too secular; the president about which I write is Ronald Reagan. He spoke and wrote passionately about the Christmas season, and all that it represented to him. He even believed that the Christmas spirit was the same as the American spirit.

Although President Reagan would have rather spent Christmas with his family at his beloved Rancho del Cielo in California, he stayed at the White House in Washington, D.C. He did this so that Secret Service agents and other aides could spend Christmas at home with their families. President Reagan was a very thoughtful and kind person.

One Christmas, in a letter to his pen pal of fifty years, he lamented the fact that his children no longer believed in Santa Claus and how he missed seeing their excitement on Christmas morning. Year after year he wrote a Christmas love letter to his wife Nancy.

Speaking in a 1977 radio address sponsored by Young America’s Foundation, Reagan criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to “expel” God from the classroom, saying:

"And yet a few years ago, egged on by an avowed Atheist, voluntary prayer was banned in our schools. Have we let some among us make Atheism a religion and impose that religion on those of us who believe in our Judeo-Christian traditions?

"There is a fundamental difference between separation of church and state and denying the spiritual heritage of this country. Inscribed on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. are Jefferson’s words, 'The God who gave us life gave us liberty —can the liberties of a Nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God.'"

"Our coins bear the words 'In God We Trust.' We take the oath of office asking his help in keeping that oath. And we proclaim that we are a Nation under God when we pledge allegiance to the flag. But we can’t mention his name in a public school or even sing religious hymns that are non - denominational. Christians can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel and reindeers but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called Christmas."

Clearly Reagan would have agreed with Bill O’Reilly and his sentiments.

Six years later on December 24, 1983 President Reagan spoke in a radio address from the Oval Office his thoughts on Christmas and our wonderful country to the nation. His inspiring, and encouraging words still ring true as we celebrate this Christmas season. Names and some places have changed since Reagan delivered these words more than twenty years ago, yet Americans today are still fighting for the cause of freedom in the world:

Like so many of your homes, the White House is brimming with greens, colorful decorations, and a tree trimmed and ready for Christmas day. And when Nancy and I look out from our upstairs windows, we can see the National Christmas Tree standing in majestic beauty. Its lights fill the air with a spirit of love, hope, and joy from the heart of America…

Christmas is a time for children, and rightly so. We celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace who came as a babe in a manger. Some celebrate Christmas as the birthday of a great teacher and philosopher. But to other millions of us, Jesus is much more. He is divine, living assurance that God so loved the world He gave us His only begotten Son so that by believing in Him and learning to love each other we could one day be together in paradise.

It's been said that all the kings who ever reigned, that all the parliaments that ever sat have not done as much to advance the cause of peace on Earth and good will to men as the man from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth.

No leader could say it clearer than Ronald Reagan. He summarized this dramatic radio address with these words:

"And because faith for us is not an empty word, we invoke the power of prayer to spread the spirit of peace. We ask protection for our soldiers who are guarding peace tonight — from frigid outposts in Alaska and the Korean demilitarized zone to the shores of Lebanon."

"With patience and firmness we can help bring peace to that strife-torn region and make our own lives more secure. The Christmas spirit of peace, hope, and love is the spirit Americans carry with them all year round, everywhere we go. As long as we do, we need never be afraid, because trusting in God is the one sure answer to all the problems we face."

This Christmas wish is as true today as the day President Reagan spoke it.

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About The Author
Floyd Brown is the Reagan Ranch Presidential Scholar for Young America's Foundation.

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(56 comments so Far)
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Reply # 1
Date: Dec 26, 2006 - 1:34 PM EST
Read the Constitution
Words mean something, and the only place in the Bill of Rights that has anything like "Congress shall make no law . . ." is in the First Amendment -- in this discussion, about religion. _Congress_ shall make no law, but it's fine whatever the States and municipalities do. In fact, many (most?) states had established religions at that time.

I get so frustrated when I hear the "separation of church and state" argument when a local issue comes up -- a nativity scene on the town square, for example. Frankly, there shouldn't be a federal issue at all.
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Reply # 2
Date: Dec 25, 2006 - 11:20 AM EST
FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS
The war on Christmas is another battle in the war on the Judeo-Christian culture.

As I look at most of Europe today, I see a has-been society of hedonists with a deep, uncurable, and pathological dislike of anything associated with a Judeo-Christian culture. Throughout their history, too often churches, whether Catholic or Protestant, have been anti-Semitic and closely allied with despotic monarchs and political leaders. In addition, the Enlightenment and the revival of humanist thought became an addiction that has lasted for generations.

The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have been the official state churches of most European nations. Lutheranism has been the official state religion of Scandinavian nations. The Church of England, aka Anglican in England and Episcopal in America, was the official state religion of England. Thus, people were required to belong to those churches and pay taxes to support them.

The Pilgrims left England seeking religious freedom and relocated to Leyden, Holland, for a time before they set sail for the New World.

America's deeply religious founding fathers wanted to create a society in which there was no state-sponsored religion.

The First Amendment to the United States Constition states, "Congress shall make no low with respect to establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Nowhere in the Constitution are there the words "Separation of church and state". Nowhere in the Constition is there any clause requiring church subordination to the state as is the case elsewhere, including Mexico.

The words "Separation of church and state" were first used in a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptists.

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Reply # 3
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 5:16 PM EST
LibertarianAtheist
Libertarian...you can live any way you please i could care less,and i am not intolerant of you,you are of those of us who profess to be Christians,you folks seem to want to wipe Christianity off the face of the map,you say we don't want to do that we just want seperation of church and state..HA! what a ploy. Well we have been around for some 2000 years and we are still here ,tho many mighty have tried to bury us we keep on coming,I personally have no hatred for anyone,tho you like to lump all Christians into a nice nest package as tho we are all alike,there are intolerant people in all walks of life,as not all libertarians like you are,thank God we are all different and not a bunch of clones,how dull a place this earth would be then,now that would really be intolerable...have a wonderful new year,and Merry Christmas in whatever way or not you chose to be at this time of year... walk softy...go far...best wishes to you and hope you have a better year than this year was for you...
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Reply # 4
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 1:34 PM EST
It All Boils Down to Choice ...
My husband and I do not belong to any organized religion, but we do have a spiritual life and read our Bible constantly. We do know that Jesus was not born on or any where near December 25, a date which is the birthday of the Sun God, NOT the Son of God. If you understand December 25th has been kept through millennia as the Saturnalia, Brumalia and the Winter Solstice, kept by Druids and other pagans, then you have to ask yourself: why would our Heavenly Father choose to have his only son, born on a well kept pagan holy day with it orgistic eating, drinking, gift-giving and tree trimming festivities?


Might it behoove you to go to God's word to find out what is the truth? First of all, there is not one word that tells us to keep a memorial of His birth. Christ did tell us to celebrate His death by the taking of the bread and wine as often as we chose. After all, if He had remained a baby, where would we have the promise of redemption?


All that being said, we have a 4-year old granddaughter whom we love as life itself. We put up a little colorful tree on a corner table and a little lighted village that was just pretty. She loved the lights and she loved her presents, and she absolutely adores her grandparents. She will be with other grandparents on December 25th, so we had to do her gift celebration early. Through the years, we have called December 25th "Family Day," knowing full well it is not His birthday. We bring no religious significance to it. But, we do bring one of the fruits of His spirit to getting together, that fruit being "Love."


So, in the stores when I am wished a "Merry Christmas," I return the greeting with a smile and a Thank You for your thoughts. We enjoy the lights on the houses of our neighbors and we try to be the best neighbors possible, those who believe in and practice the Ten Commandments. Somehow, I think you all might like us.


Peace and Love to Each of You,
The Carters
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Reply # 5
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 1:34 PM EST
Libster-tarian Atheist- I hear Albania
did a good job of eradicating all evidence of Christianity from the public square. You would probably like it there.

"During the communist era religion was prohibited, and Albania has been proclaimed as the only officially atheist country in the world, claiming the religion to be Albanianism. Today, the most widely-practiced religions are Islam (70%), Albanian Orthodoxy (20%), Catholicism (10%), the percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on religious affiliation." (Wikipedia)

Notice how, when Christianity was irradicated, it left a vacancy that was filled with Islam?

What do you think THEY do to atheists?
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Reply # 6
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 1:19 PM EST
LIBSTER-tarian Atheist
"Christmas symbols from a religious aspect have no place in government."
*******************************************

Funny how that sounds like a compulsory statement.

The Leftie Losers are so fond of telling the rest of us how to conduct our affairs, but then turning around and telling everyone else not to do that.

So convinced are they that they are in the right, it just rolls off their tongues and keyboards as if it were nothing. This is how atheistic totaliarian states get started, with Lefties making these kind of absolutist statements.

But you can always tell a hidden agenda when they lie about their true nature by giving theselves labels that don't fit.

Libertarians are for free expression and the free exchange of thought in the marketplace of ideas, not for silencing others. The Leftists are in favor of shutting up their opposition, so that people are not free to choose what they believe.

I would say that the later describes you.
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Reply # 7
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 12:53 PM EST
Jackal
You prove my point.

It is not non tolerance to stand up for what is right. Your right it bothers me not in the least that in god we trust is on our money, except for the fact that it shouldn't be there.

But christians seem to think that its a war on them if we try to remove these things and somehow that equals to pushing our agenda.

I am not trying to put "in no god we trust" on our money, or "under no god" in the pledge, so why should your beliefs be acknowledged over everyone else's.

It boils down to is this. "We are a majority and if other people don't like it move."

Well guess what I am an American as well and my beliefs are just as valid as yours and I am tired of the intolerance of christians who seem to think we all owe them some kind of deference.
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Reply # 8
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 10:30 AM EST
Faith

.....without faith man's life is meaningless ...akin to that of an insect .....COLOSSUS
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Reply # 9
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 10:03 AM EST
Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas
To all of you have a Blessed and safe Merry Christmas....try to enjoy life no matter what you believe,and don't worry as a Christian i would never if i met any of you who don't believe ,i would never try to make you believe,thats up to God... no Christian of his or her own power can make someone believe,thats the Holy Spirits workings...not mans... wlak softly....go far...
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Reply # 10
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 9:36 AM EST
Belief in God
I would like to ask a question here..to those in our country that don't believe in God, if you believe there is no God what are you afraid of ? if HE isn't whats to fear ?... how come you are afraid of something that you believe does not exist ? if we who do believe are such fools for believing in something thats not there so what if it says in God we trust its not sweat off your brows,it can't hurt you,but you are "offended"..well i for one am Offended by your NON TOLERANCE of my foolishness...diversity ,multiculturalism,inclusivness,tolerance,thats all i hear from Liberals,but not when it comes to what others who disagree with them believe,we are then called racists,intolerant bigots...well then let me be proud to say,I am a Christian,and a right winger,a veteran,a great grandfather,and proud to be an American,and a grandfather of a veteran and sons and grandsons serving right this minute, to those of you who offended,so be it ..and OH WELL,get over it ,live with it, we are not going away.
Now to really offend some peasniks on here,i worked on tests of nuclear bombs and bunker busters and other weapons of mass destruction,and believe the only reason we are where we are in the war in Iraq,is because we are not fighting the war like we fought WWII...when you go to war you will have colatteral damage and many die,thats what war is all about ,killing people and breaking things,you either go all out and destroy it until they surrender,or don't go to war...read about Hamburg Germany Dresden,Tokyo, before we dropped the Nuclear bomb,we flattened them. Thats war,fight to win as soon as possible with the least amount of losses to your own people,and make the enemy surrender,or finsh leaveling his country to rubble,that ought to upset you as to why a Christian would say these things...if you think God is just a God of love and peace,read all of the Bible, He is also a God who has said "vengence is mine saith the Lord,I will repay"... and "its a fearsome thing to fall into the hands of the living God"...God condemns no one,you condem your selves by your UNBELIEF in Him...He says NOT all will come to Him in belief......so how can one Worship one in whom they do not believe,they can't,and thats the problem for them,as for me i don't condem them,its up to them to believe or not,its call a free will,so be it...rant over...
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Reply # 11
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 9:01 AM EST
Some of you
cite Reagan's past transgressions as if he is a man who as stood still in time. Recently, a couple who like me and my husband are remarrieds with children met for lunch. I posed the question"haven't we come a long way. Years ago, problems that seemed insumountable have been surrmounted through patience, forgiveness, and the willingness to change." Any chance that applies also to Reagan and the finished product is what we all saw in his senior years. The fact that he had two rather dysfunctional children is their fault and reflects their choices even today.
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Reply # 12
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 8:13 AM EST
Krystalbird
Our country is based on the Constitution. What came before that has nothing to do with it.

And that is a tired old subject about court buildings. Some of them (not all) have other displays on them like the one in the court house with Moses. It also depicts other historical mythical lawgivers as well, not just a christian.

Another thing, I do realize that Christianity does have a apart in our history and seeing "some" things that show god an such do not bother me.

However when christians try to use those historical images as excuses to put new things in (ie..the pledge, coins, etc..) then I do have a problem.

Why is it so important for christians to have government acknowledgment of their belief. So very few other beliefs try to do that it might as well be none.

When someone tries to put christianity back where it belongs (private sector, homes, church, etc..) then its a war on christians and not someone standing up saying that their beliefs are just as valid as chtristianity.

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Reply # 13
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 5:17 AM EST
So, Libertarian Atheist....
...shall we assume that you plan to recommend the tearing down of public buildings that carry the word of God on them? This country was founded in God's name...or haven't you noticed?
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Reply # 14
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 5:14 AM EST
Dear Fergus M:
I was going to comment about Valiant's comment, but you beat me to it in a most eloquent way.
Your analysis is correct, and appreciated.

Some folks should listen to the God Squad.

When I was growing up it was Christians of whom one had to be wary, because they were dominant, because they behaved the way Robin noted, and because they insisted that Jews were responsible for the death of Christ. Their words and actions flowed from that belief. Things have changed a little now. But anti-Semitism once again has grown, perhaps not from Christians, but from others. Will it never end.
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Reply # 15
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 1:36 AM EST
naked pagan

Christians believe in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.

The Hebrews (Jews to you) are God's chosen people. What's to wonder?

And yes, we CAN have it both ways.
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Reply # 16
Date: Dec 24, 2006 - 1:19 AM EST
Robin

You have it halfway figured out. You're just missing the other half.

The whole of Christian humanity is comprised of, well, people. Among all Christians there certainly exist a statistically normal proportion of ignoramusus, morons, and idiots. The fact that they believe in Christ the Saviour does not detract from their standings as human beings.

The fact that you have not met THINKING Christians with brilliant intellects implies to me that you have a fairly narrow circle of acquaintances.

Time to broaden your horizons, my dear...
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Reply # 17
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 11:27 PM EST
Savage 99...just curious..
>The religious right has been staunch supporters of Israel.

How can you on the one hand, say you need to accept jesus christ or go to hell,then make every attempt to convert that person, and on the other hand say
say you support these same people and their lifestyle?

Cant have it both ways.
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Reply # 18
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:21 PM EST
Tiny Tim
God bless us everyone.
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Reply # 19
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 9:36 PM EST
Peppermint
Christmas symbols from a religious aspect have no place in government. I don't mind seeing them in private places where they belong. (ie..home, church, stores, malls, etc..)

And the tv thing I will leave alone for now as that is a whole other topic :)
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Reply # 20
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 9:32 PM EST
Personal expressions
are fine. There are fanatics on all sides even atheists.

I don't have any problem with public expression of your religion, just when you try to use the government to do it.

As far as a war on Christmas I don't see it. There might be very few cases here and there, but not as many cases as where christian are trying to overstep there bound and be shown special treatment.

And I experience the same from christians as Robin, more so than not when they find out I am an atheist.

I do not try to push my belief on you why should I let you push yours on me, just because christian are a majority doesn't give them the right.

We are supposed to be equal in the eyes of the governemnt but you can't say that christians aren't given special treatment.

And just one pet peeve of mine, but prayer was not removed from school just faculty led prayer big difference.
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Reply # 21
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 8:21 PM EST
I said to someone
the other night that if a non Christian does not like looking at Christmas symbols, then that person should avert their eyes, just as Christians are told to change the channel when they don't want to see porn on their TV.
Seems fair to me.
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Reply # 22
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 7:48 PM EST
liberalgoodman
Hasidic Jews wear funny outfits, but they don't seem to bother the ACLU. Why do many schools prohibit the wearing of a cross? I see systematic attacks on the expression of Christianity. It is not(my opinion) religious gentiles who are anti-semitic. The religious right has been staunch supporters of Israel. That rabbi that asked for a menorah in Seattle Airport -- is he trying to ram Judaism down everyone's throat. I am offended by people who are offended by expressions of religion. There have been terrible actions taken in the name of religion, but overall i think the impact of religion is positive. Most people support freedom of religion and are not threatened by personal expressions of it.
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Reply # 23
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 7:27 PM EST
There is no war
The only Christmas war is radical Christianists trying to shove Christmas down everyone's throat. Nobody is being prevented from going to church or having a tree.

Get a clue, Reagan was an actor. He was not religious, rarely went to church.
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Reply # 24
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 5:39 PM EST
Nee
That was excelent advice, I wish more people would think like you.
"Instead, if you like, please donate to the charity of your choice. Do you beleive in giving back to the community?"
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Reply # 25
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 5:18 PM EST
The War On Christmas...
...is nothing more (nor nothing less) than the attempt in the West to create The New Soviet Man. (Look it up.)

The attempt to totally secularize the West, and especially the U.S., is very dangerous from an historical perspective. I forget the source, but *Without God, people are capable of -anything-.*
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Reply # 26
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 4:30 PM EST
Nee
That was sweet what you said to Robin. Oops I'm getting too sweet again. I'm in one of those zoned out places, too much worry yesterday, starting to get slap happy today, feel like either crying or laughing, so might as well laugh.....aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh
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Reply # 27
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 4:12 PM EST
Nee
That was mean......I'm sorry too...get over hear and give me a nice fat hug....AAAARGGGGGGGH! Not so tight! beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.....
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Reply # 28
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 4:08 PM EST
Peppermint
For a man,shopping IS coma inducing.They just wheeled me back here to die where I'm most happy,in front of my old clicking whirl of wires and diodes known as the IBM "ThinkBox" of 1982.Ah memories,beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep...drool...
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Reply # 29
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 4:08 PM EST
2spot....Robin
2spot, go hang somewhere else if you don't like this discussion.

Robin...here's a great saying...Bah!Humbug! I am not one who would be disrespectful, condescending or otherwise. It is a shame, though, that yo feel the necessity to lie to them. Yeah, it's easier to do so, I get that.

What is the worst that could happen if you spoke the truth? Next year,why don't you put up a sign in your store(business)and kindly express that you have everything you need, thanks for the thought. Instead, if you like, please donate to the charity of your choice. Do you beleive in giving back to the community? Ask them to donate gifts to some charity instead of giving to you.

Or, if you can afford to, take a caribbean vacation!

I tend to be little hokey and always try to see the upside somewhere.
You can always tell me to go take a hike! :)
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Reply # 30
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 3:47 PM EST
Zspotlefty
I thought you were out shopping! Now you're in a coma. Too funny.
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Reply # 31
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 3:34 PM EST
Listen
Could you all just have a group hug with extra syrup and end this thing? I'm already on life support in a diabetic coma over here.

Woodja huh!?! Cumahn already! Do ya mind!?!
Ote,too late...beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep
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Reply # 32
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 3:16 PM EST
Robin
I believe there were several of us who asked you how do you "feel" since you said no one cares. Some of us are trying to be caring and ask what it is you do feel? Is it rejection because you do not belong to a religion and you feel others don't approve of you?

Please tell us. You gave us a list of the reasons you don't like Christians. OK. You are entitled to your opinion if that is what you think. I don't think all people are like that however.

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Reply # 33
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 3:12 PM EST
Savage99
Thanks. I do feel enormous relief.
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Reply # 34
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 2:56 PM EST
Roor robin
Isn't there a support group to which to refere him or a talk line for those who hate
Christmas? I feel for him for having to experience all the good spirits, decorations and gift giving. Cruel and unusual punishment!!! Life is tough if you are Robin.
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Reply # 35
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 2:56 PM EST
Fergus writes:
"But for Robin and many others, lack of Christian faith isn't about being angry at God, or denying a self-evident Christian truth; it's about a world-view in which Christian faith makes NO SENSE, and no amount of proselytizing and bloviating on your part can change that. For a small piece of her yearly reality, how about you go live for a few years in, say, Thailand, where Christmas is an irrelevance, but the various Buddhist holidays are paramount."

Well, amen. I find that most christians rarely apply their values in daily life and therefore are the ultimate hypocrits. They expect everyone, nonchristians too, to follow their rules. They harshly judge others and are willing to throw away the life of another. They don't forgive. They assume you haven't 'found god'. They assume you are somehow wrong/uninformed/going to hell/incapable of being 'moral'. I think most folks are born into their religon and are afraid to reject it because of the harsh judgement of their family and friends. They are afraid of being rejected and judged; just like they do to those that don't fit in. Everyone wants to belong and be accepted. Why do nonreligous people celebrate christmas? Why do presents have to be involved? Why isn't it all done in a church? Where would christmas be without money involved? How is buying someone a dvd player or a sweater celebrating the birth of Jesus? It isn't; its just habit and has no meaning to it at all.
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Reply # 36
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 2:17 PM EST
Peppermint
Its always possible that enough misery produces a retreat to peacefulness. It would be wonderful if the weary people Olmert and Abbas represent find a way to understanding. My thoughts are pessimistic. Hate has nothing to do with reason. Peace between Israel and the West Bank would be a start, but a very small one. It involves only a few million of the billions involved in this war.

You must be feeling enormous relief about the news of your son. I hope it continues good. A positive attitude and trust in the Creator has worked more than once for me.
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Reply # 37
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 1:37 PM EST
Savage99
Have you heard that Olmert and Abbas are meeting today? Just what, if, if, they were able to come to some kind of real peaceful understanding? Then what reason are the Islamic fanatics going to use to hate us then?
Just thought it was an interesting turn of events.
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Reply # 38
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 1:35 PM EST
Savage99
You are so right. This is a stressful time of year.
Last night my son was admitted to hospital with severe chest pain. I spent most of last night sick to my stomach in terror hoping he would be OK.
Today the doctor has determined it is not his heart. They don't know what it is as yet, but I feel so relieved and happy today.
More stress on top of stress. Who needs it, huh?
Keep smiling.
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Reply # 39
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 1:16 PM EST
Robin
You have the same problem this time of year with Christmas i have 365 days a year with political correctness. It gets so wearisome listening to idiots talk about negotiating with people and nations who wish us only ill, to watch patently unconstitutional laws be proposed, even passed and incredibly approved by the SCOTUS, to see laws ignored with impunity. My solution is to count my blessings, to smile and extend good will towards all, knowing even the most deluded are doing their human best. Christmas is a stressful time for lots of folks. You are not the Lone Ranger.
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Reply # 40
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 12:21 PM EST
By the way
I am a Catholic but I am not about to preach that you all believe in the one true Church professed by the Catholic Church. According to the Church if you do not profess to the Catholic Church your souls are not saved.

I don't believe in trying to change others minds on their beliefs. Others hold their beliefs dear to them.

The stories on my blog are about missing loved ones, giving to others, funny incidents, a whole bunch of different things.

You are welcome too Kimberly.

Merry Christmas to all.
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Reply # 41
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 12:15 PM EST
Y'all come
to my blog. There's no preaching, just nice stories about Christmas stories shared by others. You don't have to be a certain religious faith to come. I welcome all no matter what your beliefs. I don't believe in preaching or condescension. It gathers no believers. It just turns people off.
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Reply # 42
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 11:48 AM EST
Valiant
Speaking as a Christian, one who believes in Christ and his sacrifice, in Heaven and Hell, and in God's grace... I find your response to Robin absolutely offensive. You have completely disregarded her own beliefs as being of no consequence. They don't have to be of consequence to *you*, but they are absolutely of consequence to her, and the disrespect for her unique perspective that your post embodies absolutely REEKS of the condescension which she mentions, and which you dismiss so off-handedly.

"The Law and the Prophets" do not unambiguously look forward to Jesus; it requires a great extension of faith and will to find Jesus in all those citations which are so often quoted. Find me one example where Jesus was called "Emmanual" in his lifetime, please. As for the Gospels, they are scarcely persuasive historical documents to those who do not already believe. Despite your blather about remembering "what it is like to be in the world without Christ," I have $10 that says that you have never spent any serious portion of your life where you took an honest, skeptical, critical look at the Bible and at Christian tenets. You may well have spent a portion of your life without faith in anything, living for yourself; you may even have spent a period of time being angry at God - but I am willing to bet that, deep down, all along you still believed in the same Christian faith with which you were undoubtedly raised.

If I am wrong, feel free to correct me.

But for Robin and many others, lack of Christian faith isn't about being angry at God, or denying a self-evident Christian truth; it's about a world-view in which Christian faith makes NO SENSE, and no amount of proselytizing and bloviating on your part can change that. For a small piece of her yearly reality, how about you go live for a few years in, say, Thailand, where Christmas is an irrelevance, but the various Buddhist holidays are paramount.
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Reply # 43
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 11:41 AM EST
You're all a bunch of idiots!
Go to peppermints blog you frickin' twitmonkeys! I gather there's a nice,non(politically)denominational discussion going on there.Tell a funny old story,READ a funny old story,drink some nog,lighten up,have some fun,put on some soft music and jump your significant other...and other and other and other...oops,wrong article.Thought I was still at Janet LaRues fine column.How do you posters keep track?Oh well,it's off to inundate myself in malls,wrapping paper,turkey,cranberries and relatives not seen since the last celebration of my saviors birth.Oh yeah,happy birthday Jesus,we know not what we do,but somewhere way down deep,we do love you. Appreciation? Now THAT's another story....
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Reply # 44
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 11:20 AM EST
Kimberly - Merry Christmas!

I would like to echo Solar's sentiment by also wishing you a Merry Christmas. And may you find the peace God the Father promised through His Son, Jesus.

Merry Christmas!


BTW - If you haven't already checked out Mountain Roses's "Romans Road" blog you might want to give it a look see...
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Reply # 45
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 11:16 AM EST
Dear Robin,

Christ is more than a story. He is the point of reference of all history. The Law and the Prophets looked forward to His birth. The New Testament documents the establishment and advancement of the eternal kingdom of God that endures when the kingdoms of this world pass away.

‘In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed…it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.’ [Daniel 2:44]

The cross is the most significant event in history. For those like you who have missed it there is pity. We remember what it is like to be in the world without knowing Christ.

You are dead wrong about condescension. Believers know that Christ came into the world to save sinners and that salvation is all of grace. All who will, may call upon the name of the Lord. He is no respecter of persons. He is a friend to the outcast, and He gives hope to the hopeless. No one is beyond the reach of grace.

Enjoy your day off and consider that the many good things you take for granted are fruits that flow from the cross.


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Reply # 46
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:54 AM EST
Robin..
That's interesting, why do you feel that way?
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Reply # 47
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:51 AM EST
Robin
I'll bite. What are your beliefs that we don't care about?

To all others, come to my blog and share you Christmas stories with me. I've gotten a lot of wonderful stories so far. It's been very interesting and inspirational.
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Reply # 48
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:50 AM EST
Kimberly Merry Christmas
I felt the need to wish you a merry CHRISTmas, since, most of your friends hate God, I knew you probably did'nt receive their blessing.
Merry Christmas!
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Reply # 49
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:36 AM EST
Kimberly's (short) rant
Some time back, Kimberly said in a post, she hated guns. I asked her how she could hate an inanimate object.

She has never answered the question. Literally hating something that can do them no harm says a lot for that person’s personality and thought process.
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Reply # 50
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:36 AM EST
A question for the liberals on TH
Still no takers?
This is the second day of asking the question.

Im not asking because I want to chastize you in public, I ask out of genuine curiousity.
Granted this is not a comprehinsive list in the slightest, but just a basic view.
And im not looking for an essay, just a simple answer.
Thank you in advance.
Tom


The right believes in a Republic form of Government,EG.small gov. less intrusion on individual rights,and reading the Constitution in the literal form.
But Liberals seem to think that more laws are the answer.
Expanding Gov. in all facets of private industry, so on and so on.

My question is, at what point will you stop.
I have seen a degradation of our culture, and our freedoms, virtually all are a result of left leaning judges.
When will you be happy?
Conservatives want to reverse the damage done by the courts, but the left keeps progressing towards?
My guess would be Socialism, is that your goal?
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Reply # 51
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:34 AM EST
thoughtful and kind...

'President Reagan was a very thoughtful and kind person.'

Mr. Brown thank you for your testimony regarding our beloved President Reagan. Consider that he was a great man and great President because he knew the great God and Redeemer of men.

Merry Christmas to all...Isaiah 11:1-10



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Reply # 52
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 10:18 AM EST
Reagon was a nice guy but....
..his idealized version of christmas is just a story. Many of us struggle to get through this time of year. It is very difficult to be forced to participate in something I don't believe in and find is the epitome of so many unchristian behaviors by christians. I try to be pleasant and vague so I don't become a drag to be around. No christian cares one bit about any nonchristian person's beliefs at this time of year. There is no respect, just pity or condensention or judgement. Nonchristians are treated as if they are not americans entitled to an equal voice. It isn't easy to not participate in christmas. I'm self employed but I still have customers giving me presents and asking me what my christmas plans are and have I finished my shopping. I can't work christmas day since my customers are home and I can't clean their house. I've basically learned it is better to lie to a christian about all my great christmas plans and ideas than to tell them that I really wish the whole thing would go behind doors. Rarely does one get the question, 'That's interesting, why do you feel that way?'
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Reply # 53
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 9:41 AM EST
Kimberly- if Fox News is
driving you to drink, either thank them (as W.C. Fields thanked his ex-wife for the same reason) or stop watching?

Why torture yourself?

You have so many choices of Left-wing bias to satify you: ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, NPR, Airhead America, The NY Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Sun-Times... and on and on and on, including most of the European Media.

But you, like most Lefties, are obsessed with shutting up the few decenting voices in the world. If you don't like it, change the channel, and if you don't like what we have to say in Town Hall, why don't you visit some blog where they write things that please you?

Of course, I realize that we are more interesting, so it is hard to stay away, so I know it will take some self-disipline to not be drawn to the light, but I know you can do it.
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Reply # 54
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 8:47 AM EST
President Reagan
You know, if one reads any of the books about this man, it would clearly be evident what kind of man made the President. I was fortunate enough to know the importance of voting when I turned 18 and not alot of people I went to school with, sadly,didn't.
I voted for him my first time out and I followed his examples and still try to. I was also fortunate enough to be able to go to the Capitol and pay my respects upon his death. He was right then as is Bill O'Rielly now.

And, Kimberly, once again you don't fail the TH people when you rant and blame the Republican congress and Bush for all the ills. You, TB and Solis ought to form a club.
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Reply # 55
Date: Dec 23, 2006 - 4:41 AM EST
Kimberly
It seems obvious to this casual observer that at least you and I are listening. I see you ranting on TownHall almost daily. Are you a closet conservative? I don't see any malcontents here but you and your ilk. Most of the people here merely observe and discuss.

Come on over to the light and join us....the truth, like conservatism may be hidden for a while but, like the sun, it always comes back out from behind the clouds.
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Reply # 56
Date: Dec 22, 2006 - 9:39 PM EST
Excellent article
May Ronald Reagan become the most oft quoted person in the world for the next hundred years or so."...trusting in God is the one sure answer to all the problems we face." And with gems like that,it sure couldn't hurt.

Merry Christmas, and God bless us... everyone
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