Capitol Ideas

By Ben Bryant

January 31, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Finally,

It’s about time that someone stood up to the poltically correct crowd and reminded them that this is a Christian nation and that people should be able to express themselves as such without being sanctioned by others who fear that someone who isn’t a Christian will be offended.

It’s too bad that laws have to be written to protect our traditional norms and mores but liberals and atheists are to blame.

By C Walker

January 31, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Don’t legislators have something more important to do? People need healthcare, jobs, etc…and they can worry about whether a person says Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

By Bagel Boy

January 31, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

I celebrate Hanukah. I am 30 years old and every year somebody says “Merry Christmas” to me. And you know what I say? “THANK YOU. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, TOO”. Who cares? I love Christmas. A big problem in our country, in my humble opinion, is that we are becoming a bunch of wimps who cry racism and bigotry and stomp our feet everytime something we don’t like happens. Another problem is politicians wasting time and our tax dollars with ridiculous legislation to solve ridiculous problems. TOUGHEN UP, PEOPLE. You think our parents and grandparents who fought the World Wars would sit around crying about some cashier at the Orange Julius saying “Merry Christmas”? How about this for a theory: when someone says “Merry Christmas” they are saying “Happy Holidays”. The world is not specially tailored to your beliefs and desires and if you don’t like it, TOO BAD! The little baby doesn’t like to hear “too bad”, do you? And one other thing - there’s a war going on. Hamas is in the middle East. Iran and North Korea are becoming more dangerous by the day. Nevertheless, let’s concern ourselves with people who say Merry Christmas. If you have so much free time you should be reading a book. Or working. Just my opinion. Merry Christmas. Oh, yeah….and Happy Hanukah.

By Sheesh

January 31, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Bagel Boy,

Shalom and AMEN!

By Margaret

January 31, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Who cares if people wish each other “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”. There are many more important things that the Leg should be dealing with—the debacle they created several years ago with natural gas. It is really outrageous the things that these right wingers think are important!

By Hotness

January 31, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Merry Christmas, what’s is the problem, we have been saying Merry Christmas for years. People who come to this country and decide to live here have to understand that is has been the foundation that was already laid which has made this country great and wounderful to live in. So for December 2006, in advance Everyone Have A Merry Christmas and complete it with a Happy New Year.

Atl’s Hotness

By Fluffernut

January 31, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Having to legislate morality is bad enough. Now they’re legislating what we can and can’t say? When does this end? Aren’t there far more important issues to be dealt with on MY TAX DOLLARS? This only provides the punchline to the joke that is the Georgia Legislature. Wake up and deal with some important issues and stop pandering! Bunch of yella-bellied, low-life, good ole boy idiots, grumble…grumble…grumble.

By Joni

January 31, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

All the people who are expressing the “who cares?” opinion will be the ones who are heading up the details that burst into my home or other meeting place while I am reading my Bible or praying or worshipping and gun me and my fellow Christians down because of the Name of Jesus. Religious freedom is okay for you but not for me because of The One that I worship.

By War Eagle

January 31, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Who is offended by Merry Xmas, the muslims? The minorities? Well toughen up and get a life. America is where the majority rules. We should not bow down to PC pressure. This is America-learn to be American, speak American English, learn our customs and respect them or leave! That goes for the Liberals too! We spend too much time on this BS when we should just pull our troops out and bomb back to the stone age Iran and Iraq and Hamas. Then, after Wal Mart and Target finish their was over who gets what street corner, we can put troops on the ground. And if any Euro weenie countries get offended, let’s send them a condolence package-fat man and little boy!

By Tammy

January 31, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

Joni says it all.. THANKS! And Merry Christmas!!!

By ATL_Badger

January 31, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

I am a liberal with a lot of liberal friends and I went to one of the most liberal universities in America and I can tell you that I have never heard of anybody being offended by Merry Christmas. None of my Jewish or Muslim friends are offended as well. To all of those on this board who wish to embark on a Quixotic Crusade against a phantom secular menace in this fabricated “War Against Christmas”, be my guest and waste your time if you wish, but I doubt that Jesus would really care since Easter is really the cornerstone of Christianity. Law or no law, “Merry Christmas” will always be legal.

By Cheryl

January 31, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

As someone who travels, I must say it is a shame that America trys to be political correct. When I travel in the Philippines, Germany and Turkey which is a muslim country and I abided by their laws and learned about their cultures and had a nice time and stayed true to my Christianity walk. So when in Rome—learn about the Romans—but still be you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

By Tamika Thomas

January 31, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

As one person already pointed out, there are more pressing issues that need to be addressed and whether or not people can say Merry Christmas doesn’t rank #1 on the list. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t make the list! What’s needed is jobs, a stronger education system, and healthcare. Stop focusing on bull and address the issues that really matter and impact us all!

By Brison

January 31, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Bah Humbug to Clay Cox! Passing a law to prevent people from wishing others joy and happiness during the Christmas holiday is just plain stupid. I assume that he is the type that thinks public profanity and obscene gestures are okay because of “freedom of speech rights”. I hope LOTS of voters are paying attention - and will vote for a more astute representative that can will find better uses for the tax-payers’ money and time.

By LWATKINS

January 31, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

No—no there shouldn’t even be an idea about a “law” on this matter being entertained—what a waste of tax payer money! I AM SICK & TIRED of the constant whining of those who think they have to expound on anything & everything that doesn’t suit them or that they don’t like!! Has anyone ever heard of the phrase “suffer in silence”?? If it is something REALLY BIG, go ahead & express your views but frankly, a lot of this is “nit picking”. If you don’t like “Merry Christmas” fine-don’t say it…but don’t tell me I can’t!!!!

By Diane Tavegia

January 31, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Remember the story where the ‘author’ stood by and did nothing when ‘they came for the Jews’, ‘they came for the non-whites’ and then they came for him and no one was left to defend him or help? Well, I salute our legislature for being PRO active instead of RE active and addressing this politically correct nonsense!

Our granddaughter is 5 and was told in her Connecticut school to not wear red and greens or any holiday appearing outfits. She was also told NOT to say Merry Christmas but Happy Winter. When I talked to her in Dec., she asked me if I celebrated Hanukkah, Kwanza or ‘someother day’. I was appalled!

May I join others who have wished you all a very Merry Christmas 2006 and while I’m at it, for Easter….

Jesus is Risen! He is risen INDEED!

Diane Tavegia

By Tamika

January 31, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

we need a Law and A Constitutional Admendment to force people to Say Merry Chrisatmas—

By James

January 31, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

I HATE THE TERM POLITICALLY CORRECT!!!

Wish someone a merry or happy whatever holiday you celebrate. If someone wishes the wrong one to smile and get over it. There are more important things in the world to worry about.

By E

January 31, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to be kidding me!

There’s a reason why Georgia schools rank #49 out of 50 states in SAT scores…because we focus on stupid nonsense like this!

There are SO many more important things we should be thinking about and working on…healthcare, illiteracy, our economy, education, and jobs (or rather, lack of them). Are we already forgetting that Ford and GM are both closing their plants here…and that Delta is in dire trouble? Not many people can have “Happy Holidays” or a “Merry Christmas” if they’re homeless, can’t feed their families, and filing bankruptcy because they’ve been laid off and can’t find another job!

Can we PLEASE get our priorities straight for a change?

It’s about time all of us (and especially our lawmakers underneath the Gold Dome) start being a little more concerned about things that really matter…instead of wasting time AND OUR TAX MONEY on such trivial, frivolous nonsense!

By Tired of it all

January 31, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

This Christmas was the last straw with ‘happy holidays’. What about the common sense way. I wish you a ‘Merry Christmas’, you greet me with whatever greeting is appropriate for your religion. Why should anyone be upset over that? I agree with Rep. Clay Cox that this should not become generic. Religions are important to many people, who should be upset over being treated generically.

By David

January 31, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me? Is this the type of stuff our tax dollars are funding? A LAW to allow people to say merry christmas? No wonder our educational system is in such good shape; our government leaders aren’t focused on the right things, so how can our educators?

By Ashley

January 31, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

I am so sick and tired of Political Correctness… I will wish you a Merry Christmas, which in this day and age really only means “Have a wonderful holiday season”. I happen to use the term Christmas because I am a Christian. If you wish me a Happy Quanza or Happy Hanukah (Whatever) - Fine with me! Thank you! I feel like those people who want to get rid of Merry Christmas are negating my religion. Isn’t America about Religious Freedom? Why is it important that I recognize your political, religious, racial and any other beliefs, but because I am a White Christian, my beliefs of all sorts and way of life has to change to accommodate everyone else… Someone accommodate me…

By BN

February 1, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

As far as I’m concerned, anyone who backs this bill can go to hell!

By Debbie

February 1, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be nice if our political leaders took as much time worrying about things like Education, Health Insurance, Unemployment, the Homeless, etc., etc., etc. as they do about Political Correctness and if we should be allowed to say “Merry Christmas”!!!!!!!!! What the hell is happening to this country??????? Could you have ever imagined this as a point of concern a generation ago????? Start doing something about something real!!!!!!!

By Cullen

February 1, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

Folks, before you condemn this legislation, at least read it first. I’ve provided a link to it for those not savvy enough to find in on their own. The law covers the expression of speach for all public and legal holidays. “Merry Christmas” is just one of the examples of free speach that it would cover. And by the way, the bill does not specific use the words “Merry Christmas”. (http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/fulltext/hb950.htm)

By sarah

February 1, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

absolutely! something should be done to allow individuals to express what they want to. this is a ridiculous argument in the fact that all people are different and there is NO WAY to spare any one group or person’s feelings. this country was formed on the basis of Christianity so it seems only right that the Christians who reside here should be allowed to verbally celebrate their holiday. there are, however, people who do not celebrate Christmas and these silly politically correct “officials” are so worried that we might offend someone by not acknowledging their holidays that they make ridiculous rules that all must abide by. what they don’t realize is that people of other cultures and who celebrate different holidays usually do not mind if you say Merry Christmas or Happy Easter or whatever to them. most of the time they smile politely and respond the same way or tell you that they don’t celebrate those holidays. i have a friend who is east indian and he does not celebrate Christmas. i still bought him a gift and told him Merry Christmas, but he did not do the same because he takes no part in Christmas. he was not offended that i did this for him, it is just somehting he doesn’t do and nobody got offended by anything! i can guarantee that it was not a foreigner that began this argument and if it was shame on them. this is not their country. we as amercians should be respectful of other peoples cultures, but we should not lose sight of what America is to us. we are our own country. we have our own holidays and “rituals”. things are different here than in Mexico, Poland, Germany, or France. we can’t please everybody and we never will be able to. that is just how things go. people are different, yes, but that should not make us give up what we really are just to satisfy one person or a single minority group.

By The Omega

February 1, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

It is DEFINITELY much ado about nothing. Merry Christmas has always been the proper greeting. So why change it now. Everyone have their differ views, opinions and religions but at the end of the day Christmas is about the birth of Christ & he’s the one that wakes us ALL every morning. Bible & other religion pertaining to Christ our Lord Jesus Christ has already been taking out of schools and courthouses. We think the world is gettin worse keep taking his name away and we’re all gonna be in for a rude awakening. The hurricanes in Fla isn’t just a coincedence neither was the Tsunami or the Gulf Hurricane Katrina. Wake up people we have more serious issues than worrying about how & would Merry Christmas offend certain folks.

By jim dumond

February 1, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Much ado about nothing?

Geez folks, appears to be much ado about freedoms and libereties we currently enjoy in this nation, regardless of religious affiliations.

By HB

February 1, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Cullen, you’re right that this bill covers the expression of speech for all public and legal holidays. That’s exactly what concerns me.

Several legislators during the debate claimed that they wanted to protect religious expression. First of all, we have a constitutional amendment, the very first one in fact, that covers that, so it seems unnecessary to pass a new law. But what really gets me is that this law does not protect religious expression at all! I’m no lawyer, and if there’s one out there, please tell me if I’m wrong, but Christmas is the only religious holiday covered by this because it is the only one that is a public or religious holiday. Under this law, if it is enacted, all state employees and students will have additional legal protection of their right to say Happy 4th of July or Happy Confederate Memorial Day (a state public holiday), but the door will still be open to ban Happy Easter or Happy Hanukah.

It’s just political pandering in an election year, and with a mere 40 days to get this year’s legislative work done, I would like to see the House spend time solving actual problems instead of creating non-issues just to get voters all riled up under the guise of “religious freedom.” That simply is not what this bill is about.

By Motivator

February 1, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

The message is supposed to represent peace and harmony to all so when someone wishes you a Happy anything simply wish them peace and harmony in return. Why must we fight over such trivial issues?

Debating in forums such as these are what continue to fuel these types of discussions in congress. Simply do what you feel is right and if employers/colleagues choose to oppress you think nothing of it and let them deal with their own issues!

Stay true to yourself, respect others and law or no law will not make any difference in the end!

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Diwali and Happy Everything to Everyone!

By cris

February 3, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

It was never against the law to say “merry christmas” in a public school. This law is solving a problem that doesn’t exist. If teachers and high school administrators think they’re not allowed to say “merry christmas,” it’s because they’re stupid, which isn’t surprising given the state of our public schools.

This law also protects a person if he/she wants to say “jesus sucks,” or “i’m glad jesus is dead,” or “jesus was a homo.” you wouldn’t be able to even reprimand such a student or employee because this is how they “observe” the holiday. What a collosal waste of time. Christmas is becoming completely worthless. Now it’s only about consumerism and politics. That’s just lovely.

By nunya

February 3, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

It’s Merry Christmas! Our country was founded on and our core laws are based on Christian beliefs. I’m sick and tired of politically correctness and everyone trying to force Americans to assimilate to every other culture that makes its way to this country. People who immigrate here should assimilate to our culture! If you don’t like it, leave it! The real problem here are public (government) schools. The government has a monopoly on education unless you choose to homeschool or private school. The liberal public school system teaches tolerance to other cultures while ignoring our own. If you don’t like what’s going on in government schools, take your child out and put them in private school or home school. Then they can say Merry Christmas whenever they want.

By Patti

February 7, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

When did common sense and personal choice become taboo? If you wish someone a Merry Christmas, continue to do so. If you wish someone Happy Holidays, do that! Quit being petty, people!

By ShadowMarch

February 7, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

“There is No War Against Christmas”….makes about as much sense as, “Domestic Spying without a warrant is perfectly legal and only used against terrorists.”

By CLM

February 13, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

It is acceptable for people to bash Christmas and other religious holidays because it is clasified as “free speech”. However someone who says “Merry Christmas” is not given that same right. Based actions that took place in 2005, the phrase “Merry Christmas” is now in the same category as yelling “Fire” in a theatre. What a shame that legislation is needed to protect everyone’s right to “free speech”