Christmas and Hanukkah are here. Once again, the bureaucrats have attempted to banish Santa Claus, Christmas trees, manger scenes and menorahs from the public square. This dangerous quartet should not be allowed lest we insult someone. Where in the Constitution does it address hurting another person’s feelings? It appears many of our political leaders think that hurting other people’s feelings is somehow unconstitutional.
The politicians cite legal theories to justify removing religious objects from public display. Somehow, these symbols would break down the separation of church and state. Academics want to ensure that one culture is not valued above another. These leaders and teachers do not mind insulting others’ feelings over controversial public policies such as abortion and gay marriage, but they do seem to worry about the feelings of those who do not believe in the public display of Christmas or Hanukkah symbols. Since our society is based on the rule of law, public emotion is irrelevant.
Educating society about the beliefs and practices of citizens makes us all more aware of the richness of our culture. The banning of the “dangerous quartet” from the public square highlights the hypocrisy of our government leaders. It seems to me their only criterion is whether the issue has to do with religion — and, more specifically, Christianity and Judaism.
The dangerous quartet in the public square highlights wonderful traditions that have been part of the United States since its inception. The sight of these symbols brings many of us into the holiday spirit and reminds us of the importance of the need to be kind, give to charity, and savor time with family and friends — classic American values.
As a Jewish person growing up in a Christian neighborhood, I never felt insulted by public Christian symbols. I was secure in my own beliefs and practices. I never had a Christmas tree or a manger scene. However, when given the opportunity to dress up as Santa and visit sick children in the hospital, I was delighted. Never did I feel my religion was being disrespected. Instead, I thought about what a wonderful country we have, where we can all share our beliefs.
During World War II, my relatives had to hide their Judaism to survive. I will never hide who I am, what I believe, or what traditions I practice. Removing religious symbols from the public square diminishes all of us. Our beautiful traditions go together like a fine quilt. Why would I be offended by seeing the beauty of other people’s beliefs? A Christmas tree is beautiful. A manger scene can be a work of art. A menorah with its twinkling lights can illuminate the night and remind us that miracles can happen.
Do we really want to be a country that stifles the public expression of multiple religions? I do not become less Jewish because my neighbors share their Christianity. My Jewish belief and practice is not diminished by my neighbor’s Muslim beliefs and practices. Only by sharing our deepest beliefs do we gain understanding and acceptance.
Howard Drutman is a psychologist in Roswell.
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