A good read from local paper concerning X-mas and corp. America

[johnnie]

I like this woman's column and I thought this one today was pretty good. I just wanted to share it with you all. I don't usually post this stuff, but I thought she did a great job on this one.
I don't think you have to register to read it, but if you do it is only your age, sex and zip code. No email addy or anything like that.

Merry Christmas everyone -- or else
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Connie Schultz
Plain Dealer Columnist

" When did corporate America be come responsible for my Christmas cheer?

In my 47 years on this earth, it has never occurred to me that I should look to advertising or store clerks for affirmation of my faith. That's what church is for. Family and friends are handy for that, too, not to mention the little miracles of daily living. "

<snip>

"Newspapers around the country, though, are full of stories about disgruntled Christians insisting that their Christmas is spoiled because cashiers don't say "Merry Christmas" anymore. They're also grumbling that store ads have dropped "Merry Christmas," trumpeting "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings" instead."

<snip>

"I want to live my faith, not enforce it, and I can start by remembering there's a beating heart beneath every store smock and name tag. We get plenty of reminders on that one, especially during this season of giving.

Last week, for example, I stood in line and watched a middle-aged woman with a Christmas angel pinned to her lapel berate two young clerks because the store didn't have her favorite brand of gum.

"I've been in here three times in the last week, and three times you haven't had it," she hissed, pointing to the rack that held dozens of other brands of gum. "This is outrageous."

The clerks apologized several times. Her only response was to threaten never to return to that store if they didn't stock her gum. I was willing to lead a round of applause on that one, but they just continued to apologize and assured her they would order it that very day. "

More:
http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/reallife/index.ssf?/base/living/1103193248150171.xml

[cap]

1. how about a return to the XMAS spirit?

homebaked goods, hand knitted socks, charity to the less fortunate, a good cleaning of the house in time for the new year, a gathering of friends and family, a pause for spirituality, and a wish for peace on earth. No where does it say anything about shopping and malls.

Merry Christmas to All!

You may reply with the greeting of your choice!

[Deja Q]

2. Mind if I take your phrase and print up some flyers?

I know it'll add more work to those underpaid and overworked janitors ( :eyes: ), but I have a hankerin' to post some flyers on mall entrances.

[cap]

3. go for it...

it's not trademarked...

It's the XMAS spirit to give and not to receive!

Merry Christmas!!! HO, HO, HO!

[johnnie]

4. Kickin'

After reading Nikepallas" thread about the woman who tore up her card http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2229981
I wanted to kick the one I posted this morning.