Yesterday I posted a response to a letter i wrote to ACLU regarding their attacks on Christians. I responsed to their reply and then this morning got this:
Merry Christmas to you too! Thank you for contacting the ACLU and
sharing your thoughtful comments about the ACLU, Christmas and
religion.
You might be interested in reading about some of our cases in which
we've defended religious expression and freedom over the years:
http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/26526res20060824.html" target=_blank
>
http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/26526res20060824.html.In addition, I thought you might like to read the following USA Today
article on the ACLU and Christmas.
Best regards,
Abigail Ferguson
ACLU Correspondence
A fictional 'war on Christmas'
By T. Jeremy Gunn
Last December, a group called Public Advocate for the United States
(which claims to defend America's traditional family values) sent some
Christmas carolers over to sing in front of the ACLU offices in
Washington.
Carrying signs reading "Merry Christmas" and "Please Don't Sue Us!" -
they also seem to have carried with them some rather strange imaginings
about an assault on Christmas. I don't know what the carolers thought might happen.
To tell the truth, the ACLU is not often serenaded by Christmas
carolers. So it was with some excitement that the staff went outside
and joined in the singing. They brought with them cookies and warm drinks
to share. One staff member, who is an ordained Baptist minister, did a
little witnessing about his faith to some astonished proponents of family
values.
Fox News did broadcast the event (as a part of its "war against
Christmas" campaign). Although the visiting singers were shown, the
cameras failed to include any footage showing that everyone had participated in the caroling. Rather than reporting the facts, the anchor preferred the
propaganda: "We believe the ACLU heard the message loud and clear, but
they don't care."
The battle cries
This year, several groups are once again introducing the Christmas
season with some heated and misleading military rhetoric. Some declare,
"There is a war against Christmas!" One group launched a "Friend or Foe
Christmas Campaign." One particularly bizarre charge is that there is
"a thorough and virulent anti-Christmas campaign." Without a shred of
evidence, they pretend that there is an effort afoot to remove "God"
from the Declaration of Independence. Two groups even announced that they
have assembled hundreds of lawyers to protect Christmas against this
imaginary threat.
Make no mistake about it. These warrior-lawyers are not asking us to
love our neighbors (and certainly not our enemies), nor to turn the
other cheek, nor to be peacemakers, nor to render unto Caesar that which is
Caesar's.
Nor is this a joyful effort to encourage the Christmas spirit in the
millions of places where it can be promoted without any conflict: in
people's hearts, in their homes, with families, in churches, or with
friend and neighbors.
No, this is a campaign of military-infused rhetoric demanding that
everyone accept one politically correct version of "Christmas."
For example, this year in Boston - the same city where Puritans once
prohibited the pagan-inspired "Christmas tree" - the new Puritans now
demand that the city call its evergreen spruce a "Christmas tree," and
they threatened a lawsuit if the city didn't comply.
Another group charges that there is a "campaign of fear, intimidation,
and disinformation" against seasonal symbols in Raleigh, N.C. - and
they offer to provide a defense for the city against any threatened
lawsuit. Yet they give no evidence that anyone is threatening a
lawsuit. Before accusing others of engaging in "disinformation," perhaps these Christmas warriors should first take a look in the mirror.
Why this desire to manufacture controversy - about Christmas?
Guidelines already exist
Rather than engaging in propaganda about a "war on Christmas," all who
want to promote the spirit of Christmas should remember a couple of
simple guidelines.
First, Christmas displays - including nativity scenes - are perfectly
acceptable at homes and churches. This religious expression is a valued
and protected part of the First Amendment rights guaranteed to all
citizens.
Second, governments should not be in the business of endorsing
religious displays. Religion does best when government stays out of the
business of deciding which holidays and religions to promote. Religion
belongs where it prospers best: with individuals, families and religious
communities.
And finally, as a seasonal greeting to all Christians: Merry Christmas
from the ACLU! And for believers in all other traditions: Thank you for
enriching our world!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1746439/posts