Fw: A fictional 'war on Christmas'

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size=5>A fictional 'war on Christmas'

By T. Jeremy Gunn Mon Dec 19, 7:56 AM
ET

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: color=#ff0000>Merry Christmas from the ACLU! And for believers in all other
traditions: Thank you for enriching our world!

T. Jeremy Gunn is director of the ACLU Program on Freedom of
Religion and Belief.

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