schu

Does anyone else get the feeling that the demand by the fundies that we all declare a merry xmas to everyone is the beginning of xian persecution of infidels?

Well, maybe persecution is a little to strong, but they seem to want EVERYONE to proclaim a merry xmas and if you say happy holidays they seem to see it as a slap in their faces.

This isn't just the rabid neocon radio personalities either although even the jewish ones seem to think we should all say merry xmas too.

It seems to me that this is part of the same push to demonize secularism by the neocon fundies. Even moderates like CNN's Jack Cafferity seem to be on this kick.

I suppose it must be a response to the Evil Atheist Conspiracy. But maybe I'm just being paranoid.

Plognark

Yeah, i've noticed some pretty hardcore backlash to the "happy holidays" thing in the last few years.

Seems like with the reelection of Bush many Christains have been emboldened to fight back against plurality, tolerance, and political correctness

mirage

I am the last person to agree with a Fundie, but I do find "Happy Holidays" a little sickly and perhaps politically correct. Perhaps that is just the UK perspective, here everyone says merry Christmas, and never happy holidays despite the relatively low rate of church attendance and belief. I think that atheists and non-Christian theists should keep the right to celebrate Christmas as a secular festival.

animus

I wonder if they'd object to "Merry Christ's Mess"?

Julian

I always thought that 'Happy Holidays' was used because it includes both christmas and new year's. It is after all plural.

Julian

PoodleLovinPessimist

I've always interpreted it as being inclusive of Hannukah (and, more recently Kwanzaa).

I don't get offended by people wishing me a merry xmas. If that's the worst "oppression" the xian majority imposed, I'd consider that an acceptable level of secularism.

the shadow

Happy Festivus!