Oklahoma Lawmakers Push For ‘Merry Christmas’ Bills To Reintroduce Religion In Public Schools

[cbayer]

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/10/3044811/oklahoma-lawmakers-push-merry-christmas-bills-reintroduce-religion-public-schools/

BY ADAM PECK ON DECEMBER 10, 2013 AT 4:05 PM



Lawmakers in deep-red Oklahoma are lining up behind new legislation that would grant explicit permission for educators to teach students about Christmas and Hanukkah and observe “traditional winter celebrations” on public school property.

Two bills, HB2316 and HB 2317, “permit school districts to display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations,” which the co-sponsors of the bill define to mean Christmas and Hanukkah. The language also states that any religious scene must also depict at least one other religious or secular icon.

The author of the two bills explained the rationale behind the legislation:

“The purpose of the Oklahoma Merry Christmas bill is to put a beacon of light, a safe harbor, if you will, in the pages of statutes so that our children … and our parents can run to a lighthouse whose light shines boldly on the pages of Oklahoma’s law books and declares that they have a right to express their core beliefs and celebrate winter traditions without fear of lawsuit, retribution or reprisal,” said Rep. Ken Walker, R-Tulsa, during a Capitol press conference.

After years of waging their phony War on Christmas on the battlefields of Fox News and retail stores, conservatives are opening up a new front: legislative chambers. Earlier this year, Texas passed a similar “Merry Christmas Bill” which sought to preempt potential lawsuits against school districts that insist on using “Merry Christmas” or erecting explicitly Christian-themed decorations.

more at link

[lastlib]

1. so, under this law, to make your manger scene ok.....

just add a Christmas tree............

any religious scene must also depict at least one other religious or secular icon.

I hope somebody sues the shit out of 'em, but that'd have to be a mighty big lawsuit. These assholes ore really full of it.

[cbayer]

2. I think their big mistake here is restricting this to christianity and judaism.

I can't see any possible way that they could get away with that.

[lastlib]

3. I agree.

No way this passes conctitutional muster. It's an unconstitutional establishment on its face.

[atreides1]

4. They want a theocracy

How can we not see that these religious fanatics are trying to create a theocracy here in the United States? I have gotten to the point where I do not consider these people to be Americans, they hate the US Constitution except when they can use it to their advantage...they have no respect for the beliefs of others and only seem interested in pushing what they believe down our throats

I see very little difference between these "Christians" and the Taliban!

[Tippy]

5. You got that right...it has been their mission for years...

Our county Clerk was once a Democrat he is now a registered Republican...and is running as a Republican...

[Oscarmonster13]

6. while this is a little over the top crazy

I still have a problem with all the PC revolving around holidays at my kid's schools...

Christmas carols are PART of the season, and yes, most of them have religious overtones. But eliminating them altogether has left the holidays really lame...now the kids are singing 'rap' versions of holiday songs, and it's all about Santa and GIMME! and Stuff! WTH? The only original christmas thing my kids have done at school has been the Grinch...

I understand the need for equality or for the separation of church and state...but geez! Can't we throw in a dreidel song and a solstice song and be okay with it? We used to sing these songs at school programs when I was a kid, and nobody thought anything of it... now everyone seems to be looking for a reason to get heir panties in a bunch. Are we going to make them stop playing these songs in stores, on the radio, etc? To me, Christmas isn't the same without some "little drummer boy" or "joy to the world" ...and I am not even what you would call religious.

[cbayer]

7. I agree. It can be a really tough line.

But I think if you aim for total inclusion, it can be done.

Singing christmas carols and also including information on other religious traditions and acknowledging/discussing that there are those that follow no religion can increase understanding and tolerance. Pretending like none of it exists could do the opposite.

And if you emphasize the good parts of all of them, it could be a really positive experience for kids.

[Oscarmonster13]

8. well, we do much of that at home...

but the angle the school is taking now has become SOOOOO consumerism/greed related it really chaps my hide too... I am glad that I talk to my kids and they know where I stand on the stupid songs the school has them doing...they also know I am there to see THEM be adorable, not because I really dig the 'message'...and then we celebrate in our own way, just like we meet with family and celebrate their way

I don't understand all this crazy micromanagement, and I hate that people are such whiny bitches to always scream "oh! that OFFENDS me!" Wish people could wise up a bit, but I am an idealist, lol

[cbayer]

10. My family always tried to reach a balance between the real meaning

and the consumer side.

One highlight of my childhood was my father reading A Christmas Carol to us every season. Had a great impact on me.

I'm a strong proponent of church/state separation, but I don't think that means elimination. Like you, I hate the micromanagement and wish we could all just agree that everyone is different and everyone is valuable.

[skepticscott]

9. How about schools concentrating on

Doing what they're supposed to be doing (especially since they're not doing it very well) and not worrying that everyone's favorite Xmas carols get sung?

Anyone out there who thinks their kids are not singing or hearing enough Xmas songs (as if) is free to play Xmas music 24/7 at home, or to lobby their favorite house of worship for more of the same.

[freshwest]

11. They need to bring that good old pagan Maypole. We loved that at our public school...

No religion was attached to it. The more parties, the better. Stop being serious. Life is short.