SOME THOUGHTS ON CHRISTMAS

First let me say that I am an Athiest. I have no reason at this point in my life to believe in a divine being of any type and don't see any day that I would become a believer.

I also am against organized religion in all forms. I have learned through many classes and much experience that religion is simply not for me. I view all of them as simply organizations that take advantage of people in some form. I also don't think a person needs to be part of an organized religion to believe in a divine being (i.e. God). Last, I will say what I say to anybody who I discuss these beliefs with. Religion is the single biggest cause of war, death and destruction in human history. I simply do not want to be affiliated with any group with a history that most religious groups have.

Now, having said all of that, I want to talk a bit about the use of God in America and specifically about Christmas and attempts to take it out of American society.

I for one will NOT critisize people for celebrating their own religious holidays. I am a firm believer in a lot of the ideals of the Christmas holiday. How can anybody oppose ideas such as peace and good will towards our fellow humans? This along with other ideals are central to the celebration of Christmas. Even though I am an Athiest, I DO agree with these ideals and will not oppose any display of such things.

For this reason and others, I am highly distressed by the attempts of secular groups such as the ACLU and others to take Christmas out of public display. I have heard many stories of the ACLU in particular threatening state and local government organizations with lawsuits if they don't take down what they feel are displays of Christian symbols during Christmas. Examples include the exclusion of religious Christmas music from concerts in schools and exclusion of nativity scenes in front of city halls and other government buildings accross America.

This nonsense has gone to the extreme. I was listening to a radio talk show last night. The guest's son was told he could not attend a dance because he was dressed up as Santa Claus. I could not believe the reaction of these people at the school. Santa Claus for DECADES has been a COMMERCIAL figure with VERY LITTLE in the way of religious relevance.

I think one of the answers to the ACLU and others is for these towns, school boards, etc.... to go to hell so to speak. But unfortunately, most of these town governments can't afford to be taken to court by the ACLU. So, they cave in to them.

Anyway, that is enough for now. I will comment more on this later.

Disclaimer: What is written above are the thoughts of MITCH BROWN only. If you don't agree with what is written here, that is fine. Just don't bitch about it.