Peartree12249 wrote:Hey Rick, Discussing politics and /religion is a very slippery slope. So before I get drawn into an argument that I'll probably regret. I'll limit my 2 cents to just this post.
I don't think the issue of singing Christmas carols and praying in school is either pro or anti American. I can see how people on both sides of the discussion can be pro-American.
I think that we need to have special consideration for Jewish people. Given their history, the jewish ghettos of Russia, central & eastern Europe, polgroms, & the holocoust, I think Christians need to be a little more understanding of their sensitivity re: the subject.IMO praying in school if it's too Christian focused can be uncomfortable if not down right offensive to people of other faiths or none at all. How would you like it if your kids were expected to turn to the east and pray to Allah? This country was founded on Christian principles by Christians. However it was also based on the concept of religious freedom for all. For me the argument of if you don't like it move doesn't wash. Religious tolerance is what separates the US from other countries. Christianity is not the State religion. People shouldn't have it forced down their throats. Public schools can and should teach kids right from wrong and help to instill a strong moral foundation for our kids. My mother was a widow raising us kids on a very limited income. She still found the money to send us kids to a Catholic school because she wanted us to have a Christian education and a strong moral foundation. If people feel that public schools are not doing the job, they can send their children to a religious school of their choice.
That being said, I also think that we often to go off the deep end in trying to be politically correct and pretending that Christmas and Easter are just holidays and not Christian holidays. We replace images of the baby Jesus and the risen Christ with Santa, reindeer and the Easter bunny. In our efforts to be all inclusive, we've lost the meaning of these sacred days. Somewhere there needs to be a balance. We just need to tone done the rhetoric and try to be a little more tolerant of other people's experiences and views.

With all due respect, Bull.....
Whats next? take these poor peoples past in consideration and stop speaking & teaching English in school and switch to hebrew???
This isnt about the freedom of religion. The christmas songs and everything has to do with christmas is more of a cultural tradition in this country. I have lived in 3 different countries and one thing I have learned is , when you move to a country, you have to respect & accept everything as one package.
This means if you moved to US, you learn the main language , you obey the laws and you adapt to the traditions.
no one is forcing these people to practice
the religion . and no one is stopping them from practicing their own religion.
I think its ridiculus that people expect the schooling and society change traditions that go back years , to adapt to THEIR needs. As Rick said, if you dont like it, take a hike. I dont recall any american promising any people from any other nation that they will not only give them the opportunity to live a good life here, but now sacrifice their holidays and tradition just so theyre not offending anyone?
Its very simple. People who move here , need to learn the language, get a job and live life according to this county's rules and tradition. If it does conflict with their beliefs or opinions, then use the return ticket back home, where xmas songs would be the least of their concerns
