[OldDave]

I agree with Quirky. Just because there are more of us that are white, with a christian background doesn't make us any more important than anyone else. As I said in an earlier post, it is easy to be the majority and feel as if others don't matter. For the most part others are trying to live their lives according to their beliefs, a principal this country was founded on. We are, and always have been a melting pot. This country is extremely new compared to many of the groups that are coming here for a better life. (Except the people who were here when our forefathers came...and I'm part Choctaw, so I was here first.)

And throughout our history there have always been hated groups. I used to have a boss you was described as always having to have one person in his doghouse. Didn't matter if it was justified, he just needed someone to feel superior to. If you look at some of the sadder parts of our history there have always been groups that were looked down on: the Irish, the Italians, the Jews, women, and on and on. I would argue all those groups have become Americans first, and have helped build our country. Certainly there are some people that come here to do harm. But you know, we grow our own religious nuts here. The federal building in OKC that was blown up is two hours south of me, and the county park where those guys mixed up their fuel oil and fertilizer is 30 minutes north of here. Evil is evil, and it is not conveniently recognized by a religion, a color or a country of origin. I know in these days that's hard to remember, but I believe with all my heart it's true.

So, you can go on and on about how Christmas is being destroyed, or you can celebrate what you believe with your family and friends and give others with different beliefs the freedom to do the same. Our fathers and grandfathers died to let us live that freedom. (By the way, if you think our Christmas in this country is mostly about religion you have had your head in the sand. It's about money, gifts and parties. Sure many people are deeply devoted to their beliefs, and I'm happy for them, but the religious celebrations don't start the day after Halloween...Walmart does.)

I realize I'm not going to change anyone's mind here. That's one of our burdens of being older...we're all more stubborn than Missouri mules. And if you've never met one you really should. They leave a lasting impression!

It is a season of love. I would implore people to remember that and stop worrying about preserving America the way it was less than 150 years ago in the good old days, you know: women couldn't vote, blacks could be owned by other people, the Irish need not apply and my Choctaw forefathers were being wiped out...remember the only good Indian is a dead Indian.

For me, I don't want to go back, I want to move forward and try to love my neighbor...I read that somewhere.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and whatever else works for you this time of year. Let's all try to actually live that.