Sorry, O'Reilly, Merry Christmas is NOT appropriate

[heidiho]

Bill and his right-wing kooky buddies are crusading to have "Merry Christmas" reinstated over the more politically-correct "Happy Holidays"

They are actually asking us to boycott business that post Happy Holidays signs instead of the Merry Christmas ones.

Sorry . . .I don't think that Merry Christmas is even appropriate.
What other religion celebrates it's highest holy day by saying "Merry"

Do you wish your Jewish friends "Rip-Roaring Rosh Hashanah" or "Have a Gay Yom Kippur". How about wishing our Muslim friends a "Rollicking Ramadan" or our Hindu friends a "Vivacious Wesak" (Buddha's birthday). The adjectives I used are all synonyms for "Merry".

If they were interested in keeping to the religious meaning of the
holiday, they would only be able to say

"HOLY CHRISTMAS" or "BLESSED CHRISTMAS" Agree?

[dorktv]

1. I say happy Yom Kippur then get yelled at for mispronoucing the words.

:D

[Borgnine]

2. Holy shit!

These thugs are really feeling empowered, aren't they?

I agree with you. I celebrate Christmas, but I never use "Merry Christmas" with someone I don't know well.

[Swamp Rat]

5. Of course THOSE guys aren't sorry

[Ladyhawk]

12. Is that pic photoshopped? That is WAY over the top, even for that site.nt

[Borgnine]

15. Yeah, it's just my own take on it.

Within a year they're going to be so full of themselves that I'm sure I could get an authentic one for my signature.

[lgardengate]

23. The pick...YUCK!!

Only morans would wear that stupid sheet.They should catch themselves on fire with the burning cross.What an insult to the Cross.

[Ladyhawk]

44. Quite probably. :) It's pretty funny. n/t

[Flammable Materials]

30. Ah, I see someone else has gotten into the game ...

... of subverting that stupid 'not sorry' website!

[noamnety]

3. What a nice Christmas message

The message is you'd better be Christian, and if you aren't, you'd better shut up and pretend to be Christian if you don't want to be blacklisted.

One step away from yellow stars on our shirts.

[Ian David]

6. Instead of "Happy Holidays"

Instead of Happy Holidays, why don't we do THIS:



It's what they REALLY want anyway, isn't it?

[tjdee]

4. Easter is the highest holy day, not Christmas.

[Ian David]

8. Sunday (or Saturday) is the holiest holiday

The Sabbath is the only holiday listed in The 10 Commandments.

[tjdee]

16. The 10 commandments were written before the birth of Jesus.

And in Christianity, he's a pretty important guy. :)

You're right about the Sabbath, and that it is a holy day...but I am fairly sure that in practice, as far as the different Christian sects go, Easter is the centerpiece of celebrated days as it remembers the resurrection, the entire point of Christianity.

Is that biblical? Who knows? But that's why it's so confusing to perpetually join the Old and New Testaments.

[jimshoes]

7. The rest of the world is

laughing at us. Used to be that people had a sense of or an awareness of when they were doing something really stupid. Not any more. I think it's just unchecked arrogance.

[gatorboy]

9. I wonder how many of these yahoo's display trees,

which I read were originally a Wiccan and Nordic celebration of the continuation of life through winter due to the evergreen never going into dormancy as other trees do.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. I decided that the next time someone says "Merry Christmas" to me,

I will respond with Happy Hanukkah. I can't wait to see the reaction I get. :evilgrin:


Lou Dobbs just doesn't understand what the big deal is with saying "Merry Christmas." He SAYS he and his Jewish friends get along quite well...Lou wishes THEM a Merry Christmas and they reply with Happy Hanukkah. They have no problem with that. :eyes: I suppose friends are different, but I can't for the life of me figure out why Lou Dobbs would wish his Jewish friends Merry Christmas?????? :crazy: Why the hell would he wish someone a Merry Christmas when he KNOWS they don't celebrate it?

[Borgnine]

13. I'm actually annoyed when somebody I don't know...

...wishes me "Merry Christmas." I celebrate Christmas, mostly out of the tradition of it all, but what if I didn't? I guess the automatic assumption and arrogance/ignorance of the person is what bothers me. I always respond with "Happy Holidays!" which sometimes raises an eyebrow or two.

Edit: I should also note that I'm not really a politically correct person either. However, when it comes to this, I guess I just view it as a blind assumption that everybody shares your faith or beliefs.

[pdxmom]

17. I just don't understand

When all this garbage started from the right about taking back Christmas (whatever that means), it all really tweaked me off.

How can ANYONE be offended when they are being offered good wishes of any kind? Maybe someone doesn't celebrate that particular religious holiday, but it shouldn't even be about the words...I thought it was all about the sentiment and the feeling.

I feel that we've gotten so polarized and political that the reason for the season has been totally lost. And that just makes me sad.

[in_cog_ni_to]

18. It annoys me too and I'm Christian also.

;) My husband and son are Jewish and I guess I'm just a defensive wife and mom. We celebrate both holidays.

I was working at my son's school last week and the Cybarian :eyes: wished me a Merry Christmas and I was taken aback by it. I didn't like it. I wished her a Good Holiday, but left with a bad feeling. My schtick from now on though, will be "Happy Hanukkah" in response.

[Borgnine]

21. Cybarian? Ahahaha.

That's the first time I ever heard that term. In that case, I'd be too busy laughing to get offended.

[in_cog_ni_to]

28. Yeah. It was hard to control myself

the first time I saw her title. She does all of the logging of the books, tests, media, games, etc. on the computers. We have an accelerated reader program where kids have to read so many books per semester to earn points. Each book has a reading level and points assigned to it. The kids then go to the media center and take a test on the computer about the book they read. 10 questions and they get a certain number of points according to the % of questions they get right. They need 10 points by the end of each semester or their grade drop a grade. She is in charge of THAT program too. Silly title, I agree. I wonder how long it took someone to think that one up.

[jellybelly]

11. not bad

'Merry Christmas' doesn't seem bad. But boycotting stores that display Happy Holidays is a joke. Fudgin' weirdos.

[Ladyhawk]

14. Yeah, what's the problem with being inclusive?

I have Jewish friends and I never even thought about wishing them a Merry Christmas. :) I wished them a very Happy Hanukkah...twice because the holiday lasts eight days.

[lgardengate]

19. I mostly say Merry Christmas and Happy H.....

I have trouble even remembering to say Happy Holidays alot of the time because i grew up with "Merry Christmas". I don't see the point of it not being appropriate for any reason.We all know what the Holiday is so, it just seems like making a big deal out of nothing to me.Can't spell Happy "H." but i think it should be included so i do that too.

[tsuki]

20. If I saw O'Reilly, I'd say Merry Loopah.

[Clark2008]

29. ...and a Happy Falafel...

[Algorem]

37. and a butt-load of good vibrations

[lectrobyte]

50. Thanks, I'm getting a new keyboard for Christmas now. Boy, coffee

sure does make the nose hairs tingle. Thanks for the laugh, I'm picturing some on his show giving him that response.

[Sara Beverley]

22. We were saying "Happy Holidays" when I was a kid. (i'm over 50 now)

Check out the Hallmark cards from the 1940's. These folks must be nuts. They are a danger to all sane people.

[lgardengate]

25. I guess i just never heard it where i was.

In the Chicago burb i grew up in it was "Merry Christmas" everywhere...school,stores,local tv, etc. I was aware of Happy Holidays about in the late 70s but almost no one near me used it except some TV stations.

[immoderate]

42. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, or Happy Chanukah

can not be anything but a well meaning wish. How can people be so stupid as to be offended? These are days. If I say have a happy day, or have a merry day, how could that be an insult to an intelligent person?

(Have a nice day could be an insult, as "nice" is a put-down. {E.g. Is she good looking? Well, she's nice.} But that's another matter.)

Freepers see the value in being the persecuted. When the population finally wakes up to the fact that they have been royally screwed, the freeps will not want to admit they have been in charge. Therefore, all this, "they banned the Declaration," and, "they stole Christmas" crap. Ugh!

--IMM

[Union Thug]

24. "If they were interested in keeping to the religious meaning..."

They wouldn't be celebrating the birth of christ on an obviously pagan holiday with largely pagan symbols (except for their bizarre thrusting of the nativity scene into nothern winter landscapes).

But more accurately, there is no religious meaning anyway. This is just an american capitalist spend fest holiday. It's a consumer fetish bachanalia, a dionysian fest with dollars instead of wine.

[HEyHEY]

26. Merry Christmas is so appropriatte

That's what it is...it's FUCKING christmas.

I'm not even religious and I accept that.

"Sorry . . .I don't think that Merry Christmas is even appropriate.
What other religion celebrates it's highest holy day by saying "Merry"


Who gives a shit it's their holiday they can say what they want. Fuck I'm tired of this kind of crap.

[vetwife]

32. I do believe and Merry Christmas is appropriate IMO

Christmas is appropriate to christians and people the world over.
This is so out of touch. Christmas is Christmas and has been for me for 54 years. What is wrong with saying Merry Christmas. One can say Happy Hannukah as well. They can say Happy Holidays to people who don't believe in anything but to have a holiday, first you have to have a celebration or memorial of something, which brings us back to Christmas or Hannukah . Jeeze !

[HEyHEY]

33. It is just a waste of time

People need to shut up and mind their own business

[InfoMinister]

35. I Agree

What I can't understand is why someone would boycott over this crap. Just let people say what they want. The US is supposed to be a free country last time I checked and all I'm seeing with this Merry Christmas debate is anger toward a religion from both sides. I can't really see why anyone would be offended by it at all. It doesn't assume anything about the other person or force them to join the religion just because you say Merry Christmas. IMO you don't have to be part of a religion to celebrate any of these holidays. Check out Japan. Non-Christians even celebrate Christmas there as just another commercial holiday.

[CatholicEdHead]

27. Remember the Religous Right

most often does not know and/or care about the history of Christmas and other holidays (e.g. their pagan past to get new converts).

Without a historical basis, insanity ensues.

[Groggy]

31. I can see a business saying Happy Holidays to cover

people of all faiths or non faith. Personally, I say Merry Christmas to people I know that celebrate Christmas and Happy Holidays to people that don't. Simple. Why is this even an issue?? Do we have to argue about everything???

[CatholicEdHead]

34. They want it to be an issue

that is why.

You are right. Federated and all other department stores really just want to maximize sales. That means reaching out to everyone who is a potential buyer. Not just Christians those who call themselves Christians.

[babylonsister]

36. Groggy, same here personally

and I will never let someone instruct me that 'Merry Christmas' is wrong 'cause they say so. Are there not more important things going on in this country/world to worry/argue about?

[vetwife]

40. I don't agree. Who's waste of time? ITs once a year and

if we have become a people so intolerant of saying Merry Christmas, then we have really got some problmes ! People can say Bah Humbug if they are offended.

[Bush was AWOL]

38. I'm annoyed that there is even such silly discussions on either side

from the Happy Holidays crew or the Merry Christmas group. Personally, as a Christian, I'm not offended by either. I'm very tolerant of all religions and I see no reason for either side to make such a big deal out of such a silly issue.

[yellowdogintexas]

39. another "straw man" false issue for the RW to stir their minions

up with. Bad grammer I know, but that is how I feel about it.

Duh, I was wishing people "Season's Greetings" when I was 10, in 1958.

"Season's Greetings" is a nice short way of saying "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" in one short statement. As is Happy Holidays, which is by the way a nice Holiday song title as well.

They are going to keep up with all these false issues to keep the masses stirred up and arrogant ...there will be a new one in just a little while, just wait.

Jeez, can't believe all these idiots actually pay attention to what those lamebrains say

[Zorro]

41. Merry fuckin' Christmas works for me

and so does Happy Goddamn New Year.

[jayctravis]

43. How about instead they protest to close retail stores on Sunday?

I mean...isn't working on Sunday against something in the bible? I remember a dozen years ago pretty much everything was closed on Sunday.

That'd go over great with the retail stores. :)

[YellowRubberDuckie]

45. Oh who cares?!

I'm more troubled that you really care who this idiot is talking to than the fact that he wants to say Merry christmas. if you want to say Happy Holidays, get crackin'. Let him say whatever he wants. WHO REALLY CARES? And more importantly...WHY ARE YOU LISTENING?!
Duckie

[Bridget Burke]

46. This whole controversy is phony.

It was all drummed up by the Dominionists--the nutcases who are politicizing religion. Links have been posted in about 2 dozen of the previous threads on the subject.

They're claiming to be victims & getting notice from the media whores. It's not that they can't say "Merry Christmas"--it's that they don't want anybody else to use another greeting.

Interestingly, at the heart of the Dominionist/Christian Reconstructionist movement is the weird sort of Calvinism that would love to abolish such a Popish/Pagan celebration.

[Sleepless In NY]

47. Ok, O'Reilly..How about : "Merry Falafel", instead?

Does this hypocrite ever give up? Guess not. With all we have to worry about in this world, he's worried about holiday greetings? Bill, your conduct proves you aren't that religious, so lets move on, shall we?

[Jo March]

52. I'd love for thousands of people to email him with that message!

That would be great!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

48. True. Just another way to politicize religion and get the masses all

riled up so they can be easily led. The dominionists are working hand in glove with the neo-cons and the christian-zionists to create a fascist theocracy in this country. I know that sounds VERY "tinfoil hat"...but I do believe that is their goal....and they will use any means available..even this "Take Back Merry Christmas" crapola. It is just the beginning.....

[Bridget Burke]

49. The Dominionists are quite worrying.

And I've seen this anti-"Seasons Greetings" stuff on their websites--the ones that pretend to be conservative Christian. The Dominionists are glad to use the Fundamentalists / Evangelicals, but they are not conservative--they're radical.

[DougieZero]

51. Christmas is under attack!

[killbotfactory]

53. God forbids people from being polite

People just say have a merry christmas, referring to the time of year. Saying happy holidays is just trying to be polite and not assume someone celebrates christmas.

Right wingers are a bunch of obnoxious assholes.

[AngryOldDem]

54. Have you noticed that Fox does make a point of saying

"Merry Christmas" over anything more inclusive?

To me, they are making tremendous asses of themselves, trying to prove a point that really doesn't need to be made.