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Home : 2005 : December : 4

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By MrsM

This country was founded on religious freedom. It is your freedom not to practice religion if you choose not to. The mention of GOD on our money and in our pledge reflects the historical basis of our country. Christian believers
know that God is three persons in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Many people are familiar with the story of Jesus, and maybe that is what you are referring to. Your freedom not to practice religion, however, does not mean you have the right to deny any mention of any religion. Christmas does not become "holiday" because it might offend 5% of the people. YES, the statistic is that

when polled, 95% of the people stated that they observe Christmas in some way.

There is a child who won't say the pledge in our school. It's her right not to, and she looks miserable sitting on the floor while the rest of the student body stands and pledges. My students question me about her, but I explain and defend her right to follow her parents' teachings on that matter. In any school I have been, there has not been a mandatory statement that every child must say the pledge no matter what. Family preferences are accomodated.

For others, another website to visit is www.saychristmas.org. There you will find a link to a list of questions and answers about what is permissible UNDER LAW in our schools regarding religious expression. Christmas carols with religious words IS allowed. In fact, in our school, there are many carols sung by third graders, and near the end is "Away in a Manger" while two children walk across the gym, portraying Mary holding Jesus, and Joseph. It's allowed by law. The ADF (who has the website) has NOT lost a case in 3 years against the ACLU on these issues. Now, the music teacher asks for volunteers, so there are NO non-believers being forced to portray religious characters.

I listen to Christian radio on my way to work in the morning. Dr. Dobson of Focus on the Family is also campaigning for "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays". That website is www.family.org. Corporate policy toward Chrisitanity and Christmas will affect my spending this Christmas season.