The other "holiday" this time of year is a a quasi-holiday with questionable origins of Marxism - Kwanzaa, celebrated by African-Americans. But the Kwanzaa ceremonies have no African counterparts; they are completely the invention of one urban American black guy with revolutionary pretensions. The inventor was Ron Karenga, aka Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of United Slaves, a violent nationalist rival to the Black Panthers.
In 1969 Karenga’s gang clashed with the Black Panthers over control of a black studies program at UCLA. Everyone was packing heat. When the gun smoke cleared two Panthers lay dead at the student center.
In May of 1971 Karenga stood trial for torturing two dissident members of his cult. Both Deborah Jones and Gail Davis described how Karenga had them tortured for two long days. Karenga was convicted and served more than three years in a California State prison.
When Karenga declared that he was a convert to Marxism, those who knew him took it as a sign that he had mellowed. His violent past and muddled thinking were, apparently, job enhancements in the California university system. Karenga is now a professor at California State University in Long Beach.
What makes Kwanzaa so pathetic is its total lack of authenticity. The name of Kwanzaa and of each of its principles are all Swahili, a language not spoken by anyone brought to America in the days of the slave trade. The culture of East African Swahili speakers is profoundly alien to the cultures of West Africa.
They don’t even make sense on their own terms. For the day of “muhindi,” ears of corn are set aside for each child in the family, but corn is not indigenous to Africa. Corn was first cultivated by Mexican Indians; it was brought to Africa by white folks. The day of muhindi looks more like a Mayan shindig than anything African. And where else on this planet does anyone celebrate a harvest ritual in December? This incongruity springs from Karenga’s desire to make Kwanzaa the black anti-Christmas. That’s why Kwanzaa goes from December 26th to January first, instead of sometime in October, when crops are actually harvested.
Ann Coulter writes about this quasi-holiday in TownHouse.com:
Kwanzaa itself is a lunatic blend of schmaltzy ’60s rhetoric, black racism and Marxism. Indeed, the seven "principles" of Kwanzaa praise collectivism in every possible arena of life — economics, work, personality, even litter removal. ("Kuumba: Everyone should strive to improve the community and make it more beautiful.") It takes a village to raise a police snitch.
When Karenga was asked to distinguish Kawaida, the philosophy underlying Kwanzaa, from "classical Marxism," he essentially explained that under Kawaida, we also hate whites. While taking the "best of early Chinese and Cuban socialism" — which one assumes would exclude the forced abortions, imprisonment for homosexuals and forced labor — Kawaida practitioners believe one’s racial identity "determines life conditions, life chances and self-understanding." There’s an inclusive philosophy for you.
With all that, enough said.
Have a Merry Christmas season and a Happy New Year!
Posted by Walt in Holidays categories at 3:17 PM EST
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Jews For “It’s OK To Say ‘Merry Christmas”
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Don Feder and I’m the president of Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation. Our organization was founded to provide a Jewish response to anti-Christian bias in the news media, entertainment, government and the culture.
Our board of advisors includes distinguished rabbis, scholars, academics, authors and communicators.
Let me anticipate your first question today: What on earth are we doing here? Why would a group of Jews - who don’t celebrate Christmas - care about the disappearance of Christmas?
Because Christmas is disappearing from our culture, at an ever-accelerating pace - disappearing from stores, disappearing from schools and disappearing from the public square.
Because this is an overwhelmingly Christian nation and it’s a matter of simple courtesy to acknowledge a holiday celebrated by 96% of the American people. Would a Christian living in Israel be offended if someone wished them a Happy Hanukah? Based on population, America is more Christian than Israel is Jewish.
Because religion - all religion which teaches God and morality — enriches our society, instead of diminishing it.
Because Christmas is part of the fabric of American life, from the earliest settlements on these shores, to the delightful 1897 New York Sun editorial (addressed to a little girl named Virginia), to the troops who celebrated Christmas in Europe and the Pacific during World War II, to classics like “Miracle on 34th. Street,” to the Americans serving in Iraq today.
I believe Christmas is under attack primarily for three reasons.
First the tyranny of the hypersensitive — who’ve decided that they have an inalienable right not to encounter beliefs or symbols different from their own.
But this is supposed to be a democracy. When exactly was a militant and perpetually aggrieved minority given the power to censor the majority religion?
Second, some over-zealous officials have taken it upon themselves to re-interpret the First Amendment to exclude any public recognition of Christmas. But the Supreme Court has never held that Christmas carols or Christmas decorations in schools, or community Christmas trees or Christmas parties are unconstitutional.
Of course, if the politically correct posse can’t get you on constitutional grounds, they always have “sensitivity” or “inclusiveness” to fall back on.
Finally, I believe, there’s a subliminal urge on the part of the cultural elite to undermine America’s Judeo-Christian ethic. By purging public celebrations (or even acknowledgements) of Christmas, they hope move us further down the road to a spiritually sanitized - and spiritually bankrupt — America, one divorced from biblical values.
Christmas is a subtle reminder that Americans are people of faith.
Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation is here today to say “enough, already!”
If you’re offended by a municipal Christmas tree or Santa in a holiday parade or a manger in a park - Get over it. There’s a lot that offends me. That doesn’t give me the right to ban it.
If you’re a public-school administrator who thinks Christmas carols or decorations are in violation of the First Amendment, read the Constitution - even in light of the Supreme Court’s current distortions thereof.
If you’re a retailer who does 20% of his business during the Christmas season, and you won’t even acknowledge the holiday that’s enriching you - well, you deserve to lose that business.
The war on Christmas should matter to all people of faith - and all people of good will.
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 7:18 AM EST
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Christmas Wars Continue in Public Schools
Press release by: Liberty Council
Orlando, FL - The war against Christmas continues in the public schools. In the past few weeks, Liberty Counsel has handled scores of Christmas cases. Here are a few examples of some school-related controversies. Additional information can be found at LC.org
Birmingham, AL - Students at Brookwood Forest Elementary School were asked to create "holiday bags" for their classmates, but they were told the bags could not contain anything religious - no angels, crosses, or words like "Noel," etc. Candy canes were prohibited because they resemble the canes used by the Shepherds in the nativity. Red and green colors and Christmas trees were forbidden. Hanukkah dreidels were permitted.
Lewistown, PA - The Lewiston Elementary School prohibited a kindergarten student from passing out balloons to her classmates during a Christmas party because the balloons contained depictions of Biblical scenes, such as Noah’s ark or the battle between David and Goliath, along with a Bible verse below the picture. A school spokesperson stated the school was attempting "to separate church and state."
Medway, MA - The Medway Middle School banned students from wearing red and green elf hats during its "winter" pageant. Christmas trees were called "Magical trees." The school also pulled a religious song from the program.
Liberty Counsel learned of these cases hours before or shortly after the events took place. The fact that these events already occurred does not alleviate the schools of liability. Liberty Counsel will make sure that these schools do not commit these same constitutional violations in the future. Past violations are not immune from legal liability.
Liberty Counsel’s Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign first educates, and, if necessary, litigates to ensure that Christmas is not censored. In the past few weeks, Liberty Counsel has filed and won a federal lawsuit in Florida and resolved scores of Christmas cases.
Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "Educators need to be educated. Students can no longer be treated as prisoners in the war on Christmas. Students have the right to celebrate Christmas, especially when they engage in interpersonal communication. To treat as contraband anything associated with Christmas, like the colors red and green, Christmas trees or traditional carols, is absurd and insulting. Censoring Christmas is not safe. It is unconstitutional."
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 8:56 PM EST
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Orlando, FL – In the past few weeks, Liberty Counsel has handled scores of cases in defense of Christmas as part of its Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign. Although many cases have been resolved, many remain in process. Below is a small sample.
Neptune Beach/Atlantic Beach, FL – Our lawsuit was settled. Yesterday Ken Koenig erected a nativity scene that will remain in place until December 31.
New York City – The NYC Environmental Protection Agency allowed Hanukkah banners and in the past has allowed employees to celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali. But the agency banned Christmas banners and red and green decorations. The agency even removed the “holiday trees.” Liberty Counsel’s legal memo was circulated among the staff who then obtained 115 petitions demanding that the agency back down. The agency will now allow Christmas decorations and has issued an apology to employees.
Indianapolis, IN – Employees at the Indiana State Department of Health were told that they could not have Christmas parties during lunch hours. They had to be “holiday” rather than “Christmas” parties, and the employee-initiated parties could have no religious content. Following Liberty Counsel’s demand letter, the Department will now allow employees to have their own Christmas parties with religious content.
Manchester, NH – Children attending Green Acres Elementary School will be singing “I Hate This Holiday” on December 21. The song espouses hatred for Christmas. Liberty Counsel’s demand letter requests that the song be dropped from the program.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Teachers and children at Boulevard Heights Elementary School have been told that they may not say “Merry Christmas” and have been instructed to say “Happy Holidays.” Liberty Counsel has issued a legal memo to school authorities.
Wellington, FL – A Liberty Counsel attorney will appear at the City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. tonight on behalf of our client, Robert Galt. The City displays a Christmas tree and a Menorah, but no nativity scene. Liberty Counsel’s legal memo was sent to the Council a few weeks ago. Tonight’s meeting will address the display.
Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated:
“While the war on Christmas continues, the Christmas Grinches have been running for their lives. Retailers and government officials are learning that Christmas is here to stay.”
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 8:07 AM EST
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Updated:
We can thank the ACLU and all the other left-wing liberal organizations for their assistance in educating the public on the existence of the Ten Commandments and the true meaning of Christmas.
A few years ago, hardly anyone knew what the Ten Commandments were or what they meant. These organizations have been attacking the Ten Commandments displays in schools and public buildings. Today, you can ask anyone about the Ten Commandants, and they will know what they are and what they stand for.
And this time of year these ACLU has been aggressively attacking the spirit of Christmas and trying to secularize it. But again their efforts have awakened the sleeping giant. Their actions are backfiring and more people today are becoming aware of what they are really doing and are learning that many of their lawsuits are without merit. The ACLU uses scare tactics to gain their questionable victories before they ever go to court.
A partial list of links to some of the battles that have recently been won in the name of Christmas:
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These victories are just the tip of the iceberg and growing all the time.
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 12:35 PM EST
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"I don’t want a black history month. Black history is American history." - Morgan Freeman
In a recent interview on CBS ‘60 Minutes’, Morgan Freeman stated says the concept of a month dedicated to black history is "ridiculous" and racist. He believes giving black history only one month is not right.
Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."
The actor says he believes the labels "black" and "white" are an obstacle to beating racism.
"I am going to stop calling you a white man and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man," Freeman says.
Source: TownHall.com
Black history is American history
Posted by Walt in Affirmative Action categories at 8:58 PM EST
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What is this world coming to?
For most people using a public restroom, it’s an easy choice: men’s room or women’s. But A Brazilian city is trying to create an alternative for those who don’t fit easily into either category.
Soon, in the Brazilian city, Nova Iguacu, transvestites may have there own restrooms if the city’s major approves the bill that was just passed by the city council. According to the bill’s sponsor:
Moreira said he got the idea when dozens of transvestites showed up recently for a samba show. "It was a real problem. The women didn’t feel comfortable having them in the ladies’ room, and the men didn’t want them in their bathroom either," he said.
Source: TownHall.com
Less than 2% of the city’s population is a transvestite. Most business owners said this new law could pose an unnecessary burden on them.
Posted by Walt in Affirmative Action categories at 7:03 AM EST
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On Thursday, December 15th at 1:30 pm, Comedian Jackie Mason, a founding member of Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation, will be riding down 5th Avenue in New York City, (from St. Patrick’s Cathedral) to highlight the war on Christmas.
Jackie will be in a 15-ft. Ford Excursion with banners proclaiming "Jews for ‘It’s OK To Say Merry Christmas.’" His route will pass many of the retail stores that no longer wish shoppers a "Merry Christmas."
Jackie will be talking "tachlis" with the press (at 1:30), in front of St. Pat’s. Additional statements by
- Don Feder, president of Jews against Anti-Christian Defamation
- Bill Donohue, president of The Catholic League
- Rabbi Aryeh Spero, a member of the JAACD advisory board
- Attorney and author Raoul Felder.
On December 1st, Jews Against Anti-Christian held a press conference at the National Press Club to publicize efforts to purge Christmas from the culture, including the Wisconsin elementary school that decided to change the lyrics of "Silent Night" to "Cold In The Night." For more information visit their website - www.jews4fairness.org.
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 2:47 PM EST
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The practice of naming hurricanes solely after women came to an end in 1978 when men’s and women’s names were included in the Eastern North Pacific storm lists. In 1979, male and female names were included in lists for the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. This may have been caused by some Women groups claiming why should women’s names be used.
The idea has been considered that there is discrimination against minorities because the naming convention of hurricanes. But, with one of the most destructive hurricane seasons over, why would anyone one minority group want to make claim via by a name, to any hurricane that kills and destroys billions of dollars of property?
Two years ago, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee did consider this change to the naming convention. WorldNetDaily.com reported:
The congressional newspaper the Hill reported that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, feels that the current names are too "lily white," and is seeking to have better representation for names reflecting African-Americans and other ethnic groups.
"All racial groups should be represented," Lee said, according to the Hill. She hoped federal weather officials "would try to be inclusive of African-American names."
A sampling of popular names that could be used include Keisha, Jamal and Deshawn, according to the paper.
Suppose all hurricanes were given just African-Americans or other ethnic groups, someone could say that the naming convention reflects that African-Americans and other ethnic groups are violent.
Fortunately this idea melted away with the 2003 hurricane season.
Posted by Walt in Affirmative Action categories at 8:24 AM EST
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The First Amendment speaks louder than the Grinches
Weston, WI - Late yesterday afternoon after receiving a demand letter from Liberty Counsel, the D.C. Everest School District reversed course and decided not to censor religious themes from a student-sponsored, homeroom door decorating competition.
From December 12-14, students will be participating in the "Winter Spirit Week Door Decorating Contest sponsored by the Student Council. But in a December 7, 2005, Weekly Bulletin, the D.C. Everest Senior High School told students that no religious Christmas themes were permitted. The Bulletin stated that the doors can be decorated to depict "[a]ny winter scene," so long as there are "[n]o religious ties." Principal Thomas Johansen said that any doors with religious themes would be disqualified.
Students with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes immediately obtained more than 200 student petitions protesting the discriminatory rule. Representing the students, Liberty Counsel issued a demand letter on December 7 to Kristine Gilmore, the Superintendent, and the entire school board. The letter warned the District that this kind of censorship would be met by a lawsuit. Late yesterday afternoon, the following email was sent by the District to its employees: "Our school attorneys have advised us that the phrase ‘no religious ties’ in the Winter Spirit Week Door Decorating rules is not in compliance with existing laws. Therefore, if the Student Council holds the Winter Spirit Week Door Decorating Contest, the phrase ‘no religious ties’ must be deleted from the rules." The District has also given written confirmation to Liberty Counsel confirming the changed policy.
Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated: "The students are elated that their religious viewpoints will not disqualify them from the contest. For these students, the Christmas ‘Grinch’ is gone. They can now decorate their doors with the joy of Christmas. Private religious speech that occurs on public property is fully protected by the First Amendment. Christmas cannot be treated like contraband."
Liberty Counsel’s Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign is designed to educate about the constitutionality of celebrating Christmas. A free legal memo is available at LC.org.
Posted by Walt in Christmas categories at 3:48 PM EST
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