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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

Government, Do Your Job

Regarding "Merry Christmas, Now Get To Work" (Our Opinion, Dec. 21):

Your recent editorial discussing the frivolity of Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, of recognizing "the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith" was right on with regard to the call for Congress to concentrate on the issues they were elected to work on. For the record, I am a Christian, I celebrate Christmas, but I do so by faith, not because it is recognized by our government.

And contrary to Rep. King's assertion that "the foundation of this nation and this culture is Christian," he needs to study history. Our country was founded on the separation of church and state so we have the right to follow our faith without government interference, and so our laws may be created without religious interference.

And for the record Rep. King, Congress has already recognized the historical importance of Christmas; it is the only religious holiday that gets a government day off. Your blasting of the nine nay voters was totally "un-Christian."

JULIA STANDER

Tampa

Include All Religions

As the U.S. House recently added a measure supporting Christmas to the already existing legislation regarding Ramadan and the Hindu holidays, it might be a good idea to remind people of the full language of the First Amendment. We all know, because we are oft reminded, that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. The second clause is just as important. It says, "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." I submit that political correctness has sabotaged the intention of these words.

The government is obligated to foster all religions equally and not interfere in their free expression. The intent is not served by eliminating reference to one or more religions, but by including them all.

Political correctness is the product of irrational fears and the cowardly effort to force other people to think as we do. I call it Christmas, and I always will.

JOHN P. CLARK

Dade City

Thanks For Column

Regarding "A Muslim Embraces Christmas" (Other Views, Dec. 24):

Saleh Mubarak's guest column was the most impressive Christmas article I have read in years. I just wanted to say thank you Mr. Mubarak; you truly represent the meaning of America and Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Happy Eid, Happy Hanukkah, and happy holidays to everyone.

LINK MALOY

Tampa

Greeting Is Generic

Regarding "Secular Songs Reassure Us Tis The Season To Be Jolly" (Our Opinion, Dec. 25):

Your editorial on religious holiday songs with secular origins was magnificent and timely. On the other hand, the editorial cartoon by H. Payne with the title "Happy Holidays!" was political correctness gone amok!

The scene is clearly about Christmas and for the caption to not say "Merry Christmas" is ludicrous.

Dec. 25 is in fact Christmas; what are we afraid of? We are fortunate to live in a community where all faiths are represented and respected. Each has their specific holiday and should be respected as such. There are appropriate greetings on Hanukkah and on other religious holidays. They should be respected and not thrown in a generic pot with "Happy Holidays."

ROLFE ARNHYM

Tampa

Offensive To Christians

I assume there are a number of conservative Christians like me who viewed your Dec. 25 political cartoon with utter dismay.

What was your artist/cartoonist trying to depict? That the three wise men, while recognizing a child had been born in Bethlehem, were scurrying to where? After all, the caption said "Happy Holidays," not "Merry Christmas."

If they hadn't recognized it to be the Christ child, then they, like all the rest of the political-correctness crowd, can smugly laugh as they seemingly won another victory.

WAYNE DOZARK

Tampa

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