By MamaLiberty
Trump: ‘We are stopping cold the attacks on Judeo-Christian values’ (CNN)
We are stopping cold the attacks on Judeo-Christian values,” Trump said to applause, before slamming people who don’t say “Merry Christmas. They don’t use the word Christmas because it is not politically correct,” Trump said, complaining that department stores will use red and Christmas decorations but say “Happy New Year.” “We’re saying Merry Christmas again.”
I used to be a Catholic and am now agnostic. (Long story) I’ve studied history, religion and ethics most of my adult life. I don’t remember anything in all that even suggesting that decorating for Christmas and a trite greeting constitute the core values of Judeo-Christian philosophy.
The “politically correct” insanity intrudes far, far more into our lives and freedom than this. And no smug pronouncement from the president will change that.
And then, there is the monumental hypocrisy of Trump’s statement when compared to the stupid and destructive nonsense over athletes, and others, who refuse to salute the flag or stand for the anthem. (Among a great many other things…)
Now, when only the professional athletes were involved, their employers certainly had the right to question their actions, and even to fire them if they wanted. But, of course, it has now dripped down to just about everyone and there is no justification for it.
A person standing for, or kneeling for, their own belief and convictions is no different than having the freedom to say “Merry Christmas”… at the very least. The politically correct insanity is geared to control what people think and say, and “Christmas” is hardly the worst target, by any means.
Individual liberty, freedom to think, speak and act in response to one’s own principles and ideals… as long as there is no force or fraud against others, of course. These have always been the core “values” of the Judeo-Christian philosophy. Those who are religious base that on their understanding of the bible and other writings, of course, but many of us who are not (or no longer) religious have a somewhat different view of ethics and morality, but based on the same freedom.
So, I won’t be wishing anyone a “Merry Christmas,” since I don’t have anything to do with religion or their holidays now, but I will continue steadfast in my commitment to the Judeo-Christian values of life, liberty and self government.
The Price of Liberty 
Most holidays have become an occasion for retailers to cash in or employees to take a day off. How many actually remember what the original meaning was and celebrate as such, believer or not?
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The merchants are not responsible for the overspending, maxed out credit cards and dysfunctional family dynamics so prevalent in this “holiday.” They are definitely counting on that spending spree, but they can’t force anyone to do so. And, unfortunately, the entire vicious cycle has little or nothing to do with Christianity or Western “values,” whether they believe it or not.
The utter insanity of giving mounds of toys and electronics to children who actually need far more exercise and sound nutrition… well, I could go on and on. Now, what people choose to do with their own money is not my business, of course, but I have no interest in promoting such or participating.
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I just wish everyone a “Happy Holiday” that covers all, I hope
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I don’t pay any attention to “holidays” at all anymore. If people insist on addressing me with some sort of holiday phrase, I just smile and walk on…. doesn’t matter to me either way.
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Mama – If it does you no harm but makes those who wish you a Merry Christmas feel better, why not respond with a warm holiday greeting? I can’t see how It would violate any of your ethics or principles or individualism to wish neighbors and friends warm tidings of joy for the coming new year.
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Oh, I have no problem returning warm greetings where appropriate. I am just not going to mention “holidays” myself. My particular “new year” starts with the Winter Solstice. That is when I can begin to look forward to the spring, summer and all of the wonderful things not possible during the long, cold winter. Makes as much sense as any other arbitrary date set. 🙂 People find their joy in all sorts of things, very few having anything to do with my “wishes” or greetings.
But the point of the article is that Christmas greetings, decorations and holidays in general are NOT the basis of Judeo-Christian principles. How people choose to deal with holidays, celebrations of any kind, is their own business, of course. But it is what it is, and Trump’s trivialization of Western principles is sad.
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Mama – it is always appropriate to return warm greetings.
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No it is not “always.” All too often it is hypocritical and manipulative. I won’t encourage either one.
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