Scenes of The Nativity

Nativity Scene - Christkindl market Chicago
by Túrelio CC

Every year around this time there always seems to be some controversy over displays commemorating the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This sort of thing was almost unheard of when I was a kid. Now it happens every year. That sickens me.

There are also public menorah displays to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, there are some who protest that as well. Again, that sickens me.

Most of those protests are by atheists. Those who do not believe in a higher power. Those who have rejected God. I pity them.

Often these protesters cite "the separation of church and state in the Constitution." Sorry ee-jits, here's what the Constitution has to say about religion:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment to the Constitution

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Article VI of the Constitution

These are the only references to religion that I can find in the Constitution. There is no constitutionally mandated "separation of church and state" and it seems to me that the intent of the Founders was to tell future governments to back off when it comes to religion. A government order to remove a Nativity scene from any property, public or private, is a direct violation of the Constitution. (Don't bother to mention the Supreme Court in the comments in this regard. Those political appointees lost my respect and any credibility they may have had, long ago. Go look up Dred Scott.)

Then there is the Declaration of Independence...

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 

...

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

So to me, it's pretty clear that this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. By men (and yes, women) who firmly believed in God. While we're at it, let's throw some numbers out there.

Wikipedia

Source: ARDA

Seems that the majority of Americans believe in God. Yes, there seems to be a disturbing upward trend in the number of unbelievers but still, most of us believe in a Supreme Being. 

Far too often I think we let the extremists in this country drive the agenda. Now I'm not one to shove my religion down anyone's throat, it is, after all, a free country. If you don't want to worship, you don't have to. But I fail to see how a display representing the birth of the Messiah or a menorah celebrating the Festival of Lights impinges on anyone's so-called "rights."

Now if it's a huge display with lots of bright lights and booming music, yeah I can see how that might annoy the neighbors. But most of these displays are not like that at all. So how are they bothering anyone but the most extreme fanatics who have some sort of political ax to grind?

Drive on, don't look, get over yourself.

I have no quarrel with those who don't believe, I have pity for them, but I'm not going to try and make them believe what I believe. I expect that they should return the favor.

At Christmas and Hanukkah, let us have our displays and pretty lights.

Oh, one last thing, it's "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah," it's not happy holidays. Though they are holidays and we do like to be happy at this time of year, stuff your political correctness. If you're offended, too bad, sucks to be you, etc., etc.

Hands off my Christmas traditions and hands off the Hanukkah traditions of my Jewish friends. Most of us love this stuff and this time of year. Those who don't, be patient, you'll have all of Eternity to celebrate being separated from the Light.

And that's...

Dorfkrippe Baumkirchen
by Haneburger GFDL