header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Dec 3, 2012

There is a war on Christmas. No, really. Every year around September or October, we start to hear about the Christmas (holiday) programs at our schools, or the Christmas displays at our city halls and community centers.

And every year the “anti”-Christ-anything people come out of the woodwork.

Recently the Arkansas Society of Freestinkers – sorry, I mean Freethinkers – asked the Little Rock School District to cancel a school outing to a Charlie Brown Christmas play.

Really. Why? You ask.

Reason One: There is a scripture reading about the story of Christmas, just like there is in the cartoon version that has been airing for 50 years and consistently pulls high ratings on TV.

Reason Two: The play is held at a church. Why at a church? Well, it’s a very sinister reason: It’s the only facility for a play that could hold that many kids. Well, we can’t have that.

And how many parents were up in arms over this field trip? Exactly one. YUP, just one.

A North Carolina college recently told a student group that it would not post notices about the group’s Christmas tree sale. Why? Because the college could not contribute in the promotion of a religion. Are you kidding? No, it’s true.

Since when is there a “Christmas tree” religion? And who follows it? Tree huggers?

Here’s a little history on the subject. The Christmas tree used to be called a “yule tree”. It had nothing – and still has nothing – to do with the Christian religion. The tree is sometimes referenced as a reminder of the cross – but that’s relatively recent.

The tree, mistletoe, presents, Santa Claus, lights, etc., have NOTHING to do with the Christian religion.

Actually, the “Christmas” season is a mix of many religious, non-religious and cultural beliefs including pagan, Nordic and German, just to name a few.

So why is all this “anti” aimed at Christians? Why not the Muslims who celebrate Ramadan in this country and take time from work and school, or the Jews during their high holy days, or even the atheists on April 1 – never mind. Scratch the last one.

And why is it that Democrats in power, governors, senators and others want to call it the “holiday tree”? We can’t celebrate a Christian holiday in the public arena, but most can take off the Christmas holiday and get paid for it, or work it and get paid time and a half or double-time. Really?

Most Republicans – you know, those Bible-thumping, gun-toting religious nuts – have no problem celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or any other religious or non-religious expression you might want to have.

Why is it the party of tolerance is mostly intolerant to those of us who want to express ourselves with our particular holiday celebration, while the so-called party of “no” is more than willing to allow all people to celebrate their religious or non-religious celebration during the “holiday season?”

The so-called “party of the people” wants to squelch the wishes of more than 77 percent of the American people who say they have no problem calling it Christmas, the Christmas season, or a Christmas tree, and the party of “no” is willing to allow all people to celebrate as they see fit.

Has there been a change in the dictionary? Is it backwards day?

People, we have lost our minds. “Live and let live” is yesterday’s news. Respect for other people’s belief systems is almost completely gone. You’d better pay attention and speak up before it gets to the point where we’ll all have to read our Bibles, Korans, Torahs or even Wall Street Journals in the closet with a flashlight.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, then merry “whatever” to you – and if you are offended, so be it.

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

 

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

8 Comments

  1. kindasickofscv says:

    so – essentially – ‘why is everyone always pickin’ on me’?!

    journalism at its finest

  2. I’m with you on this, Joe. Merry Christmas!

  3. Anonymous says:

    While I agree with the message Joe is delivering, I think his logic is fundamentally flawed and his writing is nothing short of immature. The commenter “kindasickofscv” has it right in purporting this article, sarcastically, to be ‘journalism at its finest.’

    I’m fond of the idea of articulating Christmas’s traditional spirit and even the pettiness of the backlash (I won’t go as far as to call it a “war”) it faces, but I don’t think this message shines through when dulled with such immature diction as “Freestinkers” and inappropriate references as “atheists on April 1.”

    Furthermore, it is a tad ignorant to not understand that Christmas (as are other Christian holidays) is more widely recognized than any of the others Joe mentions; while it is true that Muslims may take time off of school for Islamic holidays, Christians are always freely given the time to celebrate their holidays. The Christian tradition was the point of origin for what we now refer to as “winter break” and “spring break”–which I personally prefer to call “Christmas break” and “Easter break”–and is recognized Federally while banks close on Christmas day.

    While I think it wholly unfair to prevent Christians from enthusiastically expressing their holiday traditions without distilling them through the filter of political-correctness (and that the public school system is perhaps the biggest culprit in such cases), I also don’t see it as productive or justified to bluntly insult those who are offended by Christians’ use of Christmas paraphernalia and terminology or those who wish (if over-zealously) to proactively protect other, more sensitive individuals from feeling excluded during the Christmas season.

    • EJody says:

      “While I think it wholly unfair to prevent Christians from
      enthusiastically expressing their holiday traditions without distilling
      them through the filter of political-correctness (and that the public
      school system is perhaps the biggest culprit in such cases), I also
      don’t see it as productive or justified to bluntly insult those who are
      offended by Christians’ use of Christmas paraphernalia and terminology
      or those who wish (if over-zealously) to proactively protect other, more
      sensitive individuals from feeling excluded during the Christmas
      season.”

      That is not what is happening. It is CLEARLY an assault on freedom to express religion. It’s not about someone feeling excluded from the 77-80%. It’s about the 77-80% being PROHIBITED from expressing their faith and celebrating the birth of their God. You do NOT see this discrimination against Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics or atheists. It’s only Christians– the ones who originally enshrined Freedom of Religious expression in our Constitution– that are the victims of that very document by activist judges who have disdain for them and reinterpret the Constitution to match their worldview, and those in their micro-culture.

  4. Ian Monk says:

    Y’all need to readyour bibles only heathens and sinners celebrate their birthdays. Christs mass is not in the bible. John the baptist was conceived in june and born in march Jesus 6 months behind John wasborn in september. Children were sacrificial gifts to tammuz on dec.25th before the catholics adopted it into christianty. Ezekiel8:12-18 satan deceives the world. Rev 12:9 many worship me in vainmark 7:6-9

  5. ian says:

    Mark 7:6-9 Jesus tells us many will worship him in vain. Deut 12:29-32 tells us not to do what heathens do to their gods. Jeremiah 10:1-5 says dont decorate green trees. Ezekiel 8:12-20 tells usits tammuzes birthdaynot Jesus. From johnthe baptists conception in june we can determine jesus was conceived in december. Thus a september birth atthe feast of tabernacles. The reason the inn wad full every one was keeping the feast God commanded. History shows likesundaylong after the resurrection the popes adopted pagan days into christianity. The bible prphecies this daniel7:25. 1 thessalonians tells us prove all things. Isaiah 56:3,6 warns gentiles not to defile Gods Sabbaths. Rev 12:9 the devil fools the world. 18:4 says come out of the world. I willgladly fwd resources to back up what I say here.

  6. Tony Misner says:

    I got to say Joe is thee man.I know of all these
    seemingly neverending religious clashes leads to
    violence.I only want peace and for all that partake in the holidays to have a very Merry Christmas now in 2013 and always.I also want more people like Joe here setting a fine example speak intelligently and bring peace and love for not by violence but with creative kindness the world so very lacks.

  7. ian says:

    The thing with christ mass is God said dont do to me what the heathen do to their gods. The tree thing is in jeremiah10 birthdays are never mentioned as a thing to obsrrve. On the 2 mentioned in the biblepeople were killed. The otigin of 25th dec. Celebrations is a bithday of the sun God not Jesus. He was born at the time of fall feast of tabernacles. So christs mass is idolotary and bars us from heaven.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com