Jewish World Review Dec. 5, 2005 / 4 Kislev 5766
Bill O'Reilly
Hey, it's the solstice buying season
http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com |
Corporate America should get down on its knees and thank God
that the baby Jesus was born 2,000 plus years ago. OK, how many people did I
offend with that first sentence? Let's see, I mentioned praying to God, the
baby Jesus, and even hinted at the celebration of Christmas. Totally out of
line, don't you think?
The federal holiday of Christmas is once again under siege this
year by secular forces that want to wipe out any public display of America's
Judeo-Christian traditions. And what a problematic situation this has
become, especially for big business. Sears and Kmart will absolutely not
mention the word "Christmas" in advertising this year. Wal-Mart will not
either, along with scores of other retail stores. The reason these
operations give for avoiding the C-word is that they don't want to offend
anyone by mentioning a holiday they might not celebrate. These stores
believe the greeting "Happy Holidays" is more "inclusive," although I'm sure
there are some Americans who don't believe in any holidays, so what about
them?
Frankly, the executives who have banished Christmas from their
advertising are insane. By doing that, they are offending tens of millions
of traditional Americans who respect the Christmas season and want it called
exactly what it is Christmas.
Back in 1870, President U.S. Grant signed a law making Christmas
a holiday for all American citizens. That's why you have the day off. That's
why no mail is delivered. Santa is the only designated delivery guy on Dec.
25. Can I say Santa? Is that inclusive?
There is a huge backlash brewing on this Christmas deal. Judging
from reaction to my reporting on television and radio, millions of Americans
have had enough of denigrating the birth of Jesus. The holiday honors peace
and generosity in the name of a great philosopher who has had a tremendous
influence on the USA. Eighty-five percent of Americans call themselves
Christians, and believe me, many of them are not happy with "Happy Holidays"
as the imposed greeting of the season.
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Federated Department Stores (that's Macy's, Bloomingdale's and
others) learned its lesson last year when it pushed the "Merry Christmas"
greeting out the door and sales suffered. This year, Federated is back in
the Christmas spirit, so to speak, using "Merry Christmas" along with other
seasonal greetings to advertise stuff.
It's all so blatantly dumb. All these corporate geniuses have to
do is incorporate all the greetings into the store brochures and displays.
Most Christians are more than happy to acknowledge Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Happy
Winter Time or whatever. Use them all, and to all a good night.
But no. The incredibly dense grinches that run many American
companies are so infected with political correctness, so afraid somebody
might complain about the word "Christmas" that they throw the baby Jesus out
with the bathwater.
Well, humbug. You do that I'm shopping elsewhere. Three wise
men once came bearing gifts to honor a baby who would grow up to bring a
great message to the world. If corporate chieftains are not wise enough to
honor that message as well, they don't deserve any Christmas cheer. Simple
as that.
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JWR contributor Bill O'Reilly is host of the
Fox News show, "The O'Reilly Factor," and author
of, most recently, "Who's Looking Out for You?" Comments by clicking here.
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