Letters

Page 4 of 5

I encourage you to review our proposal and look forward to continuing to work with you toward an acceptable solution for all parties concerned.

David Girard, President

CHBA, Sea to Sky Chapter

Is our country really free?

A few weeks ago, as I entered the Village of Pemberton quite late in the evening, I was astonished to see a lit up stable with a manger in front of the elementary school. At first sight, it felt that I really belong to this town that I call home and whenever I passed the scene afterwards, a feeling of joy came over me.

A few days ago, when I found out that some people had an issue with the stable on school grounds and that the school board decided to have it removed, I was trying to understand where the origin of these issues lie? Why do people have a problem with the message of love and peace? What if someone would have put up a reindeer, a Santa, or an elf? I don’t think we would have had any comments, complaints or actions from any Christian groups, although none of the named above have anything to do with the “Christmas” story. While I consider myself a person of faith, as well as an individual that respects other people’s beliefs, I must admit that it is hard for me to understand that the sight of a stable could offend others. Perhaps a sign at the entrance of town stating the following could have saved it: CAUTION: 200 metres to the display of a Nativity scene on the left side of the road! If religiously offended look to your right.

If we claim to be a free country, I believe we have to allow others to express their beliefs, as long as they are not harming anyone. Anything else would offend freedom of speech and expression!

While some businesses and establishments are not even using the term “Merry Christmas” anymore and call it Happy Holidays or Season Greetings, I do not understand why we don’t say Merry Christmas when it is Christmas…. In the same way as I say Happy Hanukah to my Jewish friends when it is Hanukah. What is the big deal to name the festivals for what they truly are? No one should be forced to celebrate or say anything he doesn’t care for or believe in, but if we can’t express what we believe in, is our country really free?

Full text

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 next »