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Pasco Letters to the Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 30, 2007

Spirit Of Community

Over the past couple of weeks there has been some discussion regarding the Holiday Tree Lighting event hosted by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. As a pastor I am pleased to be part of this chamber, where I can express my Christian faith through love for my neighbors, and on the whole I have no problem participating in family-friendly events that appeal to a wider, diverse audience.

When I was told this first-ever tree lighting would be a community event with churches, schools and other groups participating, I was eager to help, and I felt no concern about the naming of the event.

"Happy holidays" is a common greeting in the United States during December. The word "holiday" is likely derived from the Middle English holidai, meaning "holy day." For the average person in the United States, it can have several variations and meanings:

It can be a general salutation or expression of goodwill such as "season's greetings." It can be a collective statement for the period encompassing Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and the new year.

"Happy holidays" can be an inclusive wish that expresses sensitivity for neighbors with various religious and secular traditions (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.).

While some see this phrase as an intentional attempt to diminish the public celebration of Christmas and Christian traditions, it probably is not viewed that way by most people who use the greeting in department stores, public schools and greeting cards.

As a Christian I certainly treasure the Christmas stories, carols and traditions of my faith; however, I do not take offense when I hear the 1942 classic song "Happy Holiday" by Irving Berlin, or when I receive a general holiday greeting card from a friend.

On the other hand, I hope others don't feel offended when I send them a Christmas card sharing the good news and great joy I celebrate.

I feel that a general holiday gathering agrees with the stated mission of the chamber, which is to "continually improve the quality of life in the Greater Wesley Chapel area." Clearly, the chamber does not exclude religious expression (as a result, churches are welcome to sing Christmas songs at this event), but it is also not obligated to endorse one particular group or a preferred holiday.

This freedom of speech and respect for our neighbor seems consistent with the type of community we want to build. In such a community, I expect that those who value their historic Christian roots would be respected as well.

This past weekend, as I was mulling over the holiday issue, it occurred to me that the first American holiday was a gathering of Christian pilgrims and their friendly Native American neighbors. While these people represented diverse beliefs and traditions, I do not think they diminished their own faith or religious beliefs by inviting their neighbors for a joint celebration.

It is in this spirit of community that I invite all of the Wesley Chapel community to gather for the first Holiday Tree Lighting event from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday at Wesley Chapel District Park.

JEFFREY OLSEN

Wesley Chapel

'Detrimental' Comments

As the former chair of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, I have been extremely proud of the board of directors for adhering to the values of the chamber.

However, I am writing because I must disagree with the chamber representative's statement that "this is a conservative Republican community. ..." ("Tree, As In Christmas," letters, Nov. 26)

Although the letter did not mention which individual made the statement, it is in direct contradiction to the political impartiality required of the board of directors and its employees. Moreover, the statement is not an accurate representation of the demographics of our community.

Our chamber is a values-based organization whose mission is to "foster an orderly expansion in all areas of the community, and support and encourage the individuals and families through cooperative partnerships."

That mission has been the central tenet of the chamber. The board of directors prides itself on building a strong and diverse community, including acceptance of all faiths and political views. They also seek the input of members when making important decisions that affect the direction of the organization.

It is a shame that this individual feels the chamber does not need to poll members for their views, and I hope they rethink their decision.

As a resident of Wesley Chapel and a member of the chamber, I believe that such a narrow characterization of party affiliation made by anyone on behalf of the chamber is detrimental to the future of the organization.

The individual who made the statement above should refrain from making further statements on behalf of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. It is apparent that the views of this individual directly contradict the political impartiality that this chamber addresses in its bylaws.

ALISON MORANO

Wesley Chapel

Christian Principles

After reading "Share The Season" (letters, Nov. 26) by Jacquie Petet, I want to add my support for the timely message.

I do so because I want to share the wonderful feeling I have experienced when readers take the time to respond with appreciation and support. On the other hand, I also have discovered just how quickly some readers will attack anyone who has the audacity to mention God, His beloved Son or pretty much anything to do with Christianity.

Even though this country was founded on the principles of Christianity, there are those individuals who become inflamed when they see or hear anything having to do with religion, especially at this time of year when it has become politically incorrect to wish another soul a "merry Christmas."

Because of the birth of the Christ child so many years ago, today's retailers who have fallen prey to political correctness still take advantage of the Christmas season with sale after sale in an attempt to have a successful financial year. But so as not to risk offending a minority of customers, their employees are discouraged from wishing anyone a merry Christmas. I find this situation to be quite ironic.

That being said, I heartily cheer Jacquie Petet for the message, and the Tribune for having the courage to print the letter.

Even though my wife and I have pretty much decided on our charitable giving for this year, we just might find something for Christian Social Services. And for sure, we will keep them, and those they serve in the community, in our thoughts and prayers.

RICHARD P. PHELAN

Zephyrhills

Pardon The Agents

I wonder how many Tribune readers recognized the sick irony in a recent Associated Press story about President Bush and his "presidential pardon" of a turkey.

Contrast that annual absurdity and Bush's participation in it with his arrogant and obstinate refusal to grant an immediate pardon to U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean. In a blatant case of "legal lynching," they were "convicted" for simply doing their sworn duty on the U.S.-Mexican border by attempting to arrest a professional drug smuggler.

Both have suffered physical abuse and assault from fellow prison inmates and been in solitary confinement the past 361 days. They have endured near-total separation from their wives and young children under a harsh 10-year sentence.

Shame on you, Mr. President, and all those congressional cowards, Republican and Democrat, who, with just a few exceptions, have aided and abetted in this tragedy!

P.J. CORR

Wesley Chapel

The writer is lead pastor of Grace Community Of Wesley Chapel. The writer also chairs the Pasco County Democratic Party.

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