November 29, 2006

The War on Christmas

"Inclusion" or Common Sense 

While browsing the NYS Parks website this month, it became apparent that NYS Parks rejected common sense by continuing to refer to all Christmas tree lighting events as "holiday tree" lightings. Why is a simple issue so complicated?

When Commissioner Castro replied to our initial letter back in February, it appeared that this issue was resolved. When the chief policy maker of NYS Parks agreed that the current policy was incorrect, it is only reasonable to conclude that she would order a change in policy. This nuance in interpretation of the word "agreement" was nothing more than a dishonest political answer.

As no other religious or secular symbols have been sanitized in relationship to their name, it would appear that this is nothing more than government sanctioned hostility toward Christians. This is morally indefensible and wrong. Can anyone  cite an example to the contrary? There is no justification to continue this policy.

Back in 2005, the former LI Regional Director of NYS Parks, John Norbeck indicated that NYS Parks changed the name of the Christmas tree to "holiday tree" to be more "inclusive". How can the word inclusion which according to Webster's dictionary is defined as "including or being included" be interpreted in an arbitrary manner when applied to selected groups such as Christians. This arbitrary methodology is often applied under the banner of  "diversity". It's obvious according to principles of George Orwell's book, 1984, excluding only Christians helps foster an inclusive environment. 

While history records Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Christ, it should serve as a time for reflection. How should we treat each other? A simple answer can be found in the Old Testament book, Leviticus chapter 19 verse 9; "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."  This has been referred to as the golden rule, treat others as you want to be treated.  

Love is the companion to justice. Standing up for what is right is never easy, its the ultimate choice of who we wish to serve and is a reflection of our true character.  A simple answer can be found in the Gospel of Mathew, Chapter 6, verse 24; "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other: or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  While some can argue that this is the very definition of politics, even politicians must choose.      

Its important to love your neighbor, its equally important to speak out when your neighbor is wrong. We would ask Commissioner Castro (and her successor) to reverse the policy of excluding Christians. Its as simple as common sense.