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Post by BEAVER on Dec 18, 2003 13:29:59 GMT -5
Why is"Merry Christmas"questioned in the first place? Canada has been mainly a Catholic/Protestant nation, if and when 'other religious' people immigrate to this country,it is my experience and understanding,one has to adjust to the laws & customs of such country,since most immigrants enter Canada on their own free will, correct me if I am wrong.When I came to this country after WW2,I must admit it was very hard sometimes to change,language was the biggest 'hurdle' to overcome but most of us'newcombers' had one thing in common we where NOT spoiled or demanding we went through real tough times before but we "adjusted" to the Canadien way of life,NOBODY forced us to give up our mother tongue and heritage.But over the years to come "Special Interest Groups" begun to brainwash Canadiens WE must adjust to the "Newcombers", and be"Political correct",they sure pulled a fast on us,but it is the polititions we should blame and the 'media'. May I suggest:If someone has a problem with our customs and do not like them,go back to where you came from. I am not a practising Protestant any more,but I will ALWAYS wish everybody:a very merry Christmas! ;D
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pend
New Member
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Post by pend on Dec 18, 2003 15:06:05 GMT -5
I agree with Beaver we do not need to change for the sake of immigrants who have different religions. I find it terrible that I can not find Christmas cards that do use the word Christmas but have holidays and other stupid words in its place. Why do we see Santa in the stores and not Father Christmas as we used to call him when I was a lad about 70 years ago. Let each of us celebrate our holidays in our own way and not try to appease the few who complain, they can go home. Bye
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Post by pickitupdropit on Dec 18, 2003 19:09:48 GMT -5
A ridiculing look of shame shines from my face to those who would take offence to a simple well-wishing. Honestly, it's not like we're cramming our religion down the throats of others by wishing them a "Merry Christmas". Enough of this "politically correct" nonsense about mindless ambiguosities; it really doesn't matter. If someone has enough time on their hands to complain about something like this, that person better get a life. This reminds me of the "issue" that Mr. Michael Newdow raised earlier, complaining about the text "In God We Trust" being on American currency. I sure hope he isn't too discomforted being forced to look at the soul-scarring words inscribed in his legal tender. To hell with problems like starvation, disease, and poverty. I say we all complain about things that DON'T MATTER. That way we can revel in the wonders of human stupidity.
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Post by pickitupdropit on Dec 18, 2003 19:12:20 GMT -5
Oh, and yes, my reverence to pend and beaver. I agree with you both.
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Post by Laurel on Dec 19, 2003 13:02:08 GMT -5
I feel sorry for the ne'er do wells that complain about The Christmas celebrations and the reminder of the birth of our Lord God . I had the honour of talking to a new Sihk bride this summer and talked about the traditions of her wedding and why she wore the red bracelets for 1 month after her wedding. She was so happy that a Canadian would ask and went and got her fabulous photo album kept locked in a wooden gilded box . the album and the fantastic photos had to have cost the family thousands. She taught me so much about Indian traditions shown in that album that day, It was overwelming. She then asked about Christmas and Easter and how and why we celebrate. She said they always wondered but no-one ever told them about these things. Being a Christian it was easy to share the true meaning of Christmas and the fact that lots of people celebrate without knowing what it's all about other than a big commercial spending spree. A lot of Chistmas shoppers don't have a clue what Chistmas is all about, and that includes immigrants who get caught up in the commercialism of the season. Just as it is our responsibility to share the meaning of Chistmas, I believe it is the complaining Immigrant's responsibily to share their own traditional holidays and customs. African Anericans are succeeding in spreading and sharing Kwanza with us. Think of all the wonderful things these immigrants have brought us. Mistletoe from the ancient druid festival of fertility, and holly; from the middle east. to represent the crown of thorns and the blood shed of Christ. A string of Danish flags on a tree, from their homeland; a donkey for good luck? Mary rode into Bethleham on a donkey so a donkey for good luck is a must on my tree. What do Americans in Florida or Italians know about icicles anyway? And yet they are an intigral part of decorating. Lights on the tree go back to Martin Luther who saw the stars shining through the trees at a Druid winter festival and went home and put candles on his tree. (the evergreen that represents eternal life) Why Santa and not Father Christmas? Father Christmas had as many different names as there are Christian churches; Pere Noel ,St Nicholas,Etc .Canadianised it became Santa (Saint) Don't say "send them back" they are a part of this great melying pot we call Canada So instead of being a scrooge this Christmas, share the real meaning of Chistmas with some one of another culture and in your heart you will find the gift of giving and be a better person for it. So Merry Christmas to all and may the Grace of God be with you.
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Post by EGO on Dec 19, 2003 20:53:16 GMT -5
To all on this forum, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2004.
EGO
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Post by PastorPrime on Nov 1, 2004 23:35:29 GMT -5
I saw this from last year, and it has come up this year. Interesting reading the comments from last year.
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Post by jimmyjamming on Nov 1, 2004 23:47:52 GMT -5
OH no what did i start? Argh jj
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Post by Yoonome on Nov 2, 2004 0:24:04 GMT -5
I followed this thread with interest as I agree with it all. Last year I sent an article on this very subject to Stockwell Day my MP. He sent me a reply, which surprised me very much and I'm sure it will you too...See below.
Weekly Commentary It’s Time For the Culture Cops to Chill Out
November 22, 2003-Outlaw the word “Christmas?” Ban Christmas plays in schools? Prohibit shopping malls for playing Christmas carols? These aren’t requests I’m getting from the public. These are honest questions I’ve heard from sincere citizens.
They think that we’ve passed some statute in Parliament that stomps out the public usage of the word “Christmas.” Have we? Absolutely not.
As a matter of fact, there is a giant Christmas tree in the foyer of the Peace Tower, and the marble hallways are filled daily with the joyous sounds of live choirs of all ages singing Christmas carols. All in a public building, and nobody complains.
Oh, by the way, this month at the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, there will be similar events on Parliament Hill. And last month, I attended public ceremonies celebrating the Moslem’s Ramadan and the Sikhs’ Festival of Lights. Stick around to the end of January and you’ll see Chinese New Year’s festivities.
Why, then, is it that we get this impression that it’s somehow bad or un-Canadian to say, sing, or advertise using the word ‘Christmas’? Some people are even terrified to send out Christmas cards and Christmastime using the word ‘Christmas’. What’s going on here?
Basically, there’s always a few self-appointed, unofficial culture cops out there, under the influence of a powerful social narcotic called “political correctness” that are simply out of touch with past history and present reality. These well-intentioned but misguided souls are sometimes successful in imposing their narrow views on unsuspecting shop-keepers, school boards, advertisers and Christmas card senders.
First, some history: The post-aboriginal settlement of Canada was done by people of many faiths (including atheists). However, like it or not, the vast majority were people of Christian persuasion, which, by the way, is the main reason other faiths were welcome here.
Freedom of religious expression is a basic principle of Christianity, rooted in the Biblical belief that all humans have free will, and the legal exercise of that will should be respected. Billions of people in other countries do not enjoy this freedom of religion.
In 1534, when landing on the Maritime shores, Jacques Cartier’s pioneers’ first act was to erect a cross. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded what is now Quebec City, and led everyone in daily prayers. The charts and diaries of David Thompson, who mapped out western Canada, are filled with Scripture. Canada’s Founding Fathers used Psalm 72, verse 8, to establish our motto, “from sea to sea,” which still exists today. The revised preamble in Canada’s 1982 Constitution, under Pierre Trudeau’s instruction, added the words, “recognizing the Supremacy of God.” The Speaker in the House of Commons opens every day in prayer. Every Saturday night on ’Hockey Night in Canada’ broadcasts, we see tens of thousands of Canadians singing, “…God keep our Land…”
Some will say, “Well, that’s mostly history.” Really? A national poll released last week showed almost 90% of Canadians believe in God, and the majority of those claim to be Christian.
Does that mean Christians should have more rights than others? Absolutely not. Governments are for all people, religious our not. All are equal. Does that mean Christians are better than others? No. They’ve proven their human failings only too well down through the ages. (I can speak from experience on that point).
This past history and present reality simply means that nobody has the right to intimidate others, religious or atheist, from using terms such as “Merry Christmas,” which form part of our culture.
When I walk through a Moslem market where they advertise Ramadan goods, and I wish my Moslem friends a blessed Ramadan, we do not feel we are imposing our views on each other.
When I hug my Jewish friend in front of his store window where he hangs his Hanukkah sign, and I wish him a Happy Hanukkah, I don’t feel he is forcing his religion on me.
And when I drop some money in the Salvation Army kettle in the mall while listening to Christmas carols over the P.A. system, I really don’t believe it’s all some secret Catholic conspiracy.
So, I say to the well-intending Culture Cops, “Chill Out.” Instead of trying to be a ‘do-gooder’, why not just go out this Christmas season and ‘do good’? And to everyone else, whatever faith—or lack of faith—you profess, enjoy the Christmas season. And don’t worry, there’s no law against using that word.
Stockwell Day, MP Okanagan-Coquihalla
So I do hope this makes you all feel better about Christmas. What we need to do now is get out there and let all these shop keepers know that it's Ok to say, and use the word Christmas. Let's make sure they tell their suppliers too. I would sure like to see some Christmas Cake this year instead of Festive Cake. Sounds good already, doesn't it...Merry Christmas
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Post by Tannah on Nov 2, 2004 1:24:47 GMT -5
I had forgotten about this thread from last year. And I agree with it and Stockwell Day, somone needs to tell the Politcaly correct Police to cool it. Its unfortuate that some people feel they have to impose there will on others Just because they can..
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Post by Cranky on Nov 2, 2004 2:05:33 GMT -5
You hit the nail on the head Tannah.Its all about leading the sheeples down the path of what is thought good for them.Propagandists know this very well.If they want to change a rational,it dosen't nessecarily start as an amendment in parliment or law being past.Most times it starts as a spin put on something,well,such as the whole Christmas thing. It could begin as a simple storyline on CBC. People get ahold of it,feed it,protest it,it spins bigger and bigger.Suddenly it has become years of this thing and everyone is innured to it.Bingo,it is a part of society.The sheeples veiw it as a part of life.Others veiw it as an invasion.
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Post by Cranky on Nov 2, 2004 2:06:31 GMT -5
By the way,it is early,but,Merry CHRISTMAS and all the best in'05!
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Post by PryncessJenn on Nov 2, 2004 3:06:50 GMT -5
Canada is a multicultural country. It was multicultural before all the immigrants moved here.
I believe that those who come to our country should learn our language and our culture. That would be expected of us if we moved to their country. However, everybody has their own religious beliefs and they celebrate their own holidays. Because of Canada's multiculturalism, there are children in the schools from every race, religion and culture.
By calling it Christmas Break, we are not forcing our religious beliefs on any human being. But, we are also not respecting the religious beliefs of others. I don't think it really has anything to do with politics, it's simply about respecting others. It wouldn't be the end of the world for us, as Canadians, to open our eyes and learn about the holidays that other religions and cultures celebrate. So what if the school calls it Winter Break, if you celebrate Christmas, then you call it Christmas Holidays. If you celebrate Hannukah, then you call it Hannukah Break. If you celebrate Kwanza, then it's Kwanza Break. By calling it Winter Break, it's including all of those other holidays without singling out only Christmas. I think it's quite respectful.
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Post by Tannah on Nov 2, 2004 3:21:21 GMT -5
Yea lets take all our holidays and homogenize them so it fits in With being Politically Correct. (thats what you pushing here)You say respect but your really being disrespectful and intolerant in what you are saying. We are in a Multi Cultural Country and not a melting pot like the states, but that means in part we should have tolerance for culture other than are own. Yet your saying we should be intolerant? Its all part of being Politically Correct saying one thing and meaning another.
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Post by ZELLEY on Nov 14, 2004 3:10:54 GMT -5
For the that celebrate December 25 it will be Christmas, for those that celebrate another celebretion all the best
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