That was an asinine comment and simply not true. But if you wanted to piss people off then you did it. Congratulations.

A better question would be — how are minorities treated in a place like Israel or an Islamic country like Turkey. My guess is not as well as in our country. Thank god for separation of Church and State — and a respect for minorities. Although this Christmas issue is a little stupid, I have to admit, it’s an interesting one to explore because it deals with the role of religion in American public life — and how to best handle it. As usual, the issue is being pushed a little too far, and becomes a little victim-like, but no one wants to go back to the days where all children in public schools were taught to sing religious Christmas carols. The question is what is the best way to keep an important Christian religious holiday spiritually meaningful to Americans without the religious aspects going too far into the public sector.

Just so you know, I’m also against displaying of menorahs in public, although those who display it say it isn’t really that much of a religious symbol. I would be more comfortable with displays of dreidels.

So, ethical question for the day: In the city where I spent 90% of my time, I’m a member of a minority. Do I get to act the victim and complain about the various big bullies and their insensitive-to-the-likes-of-me ways? Or do I have to keep all the bitching to myself, because after all those like me are so common in the rest of the country? Maybe so. On the other hand, I spend very little time Out There …

OK, you got me. I’m a bit of a drama queen. Only two Jews, one a friend, really sent me an email, both wondering what was so bad about Walmart’s policy.

I also got an email from someone who is Catholic, all gung-ho about me understanding the kindness of Christians over this Christmas-Hanukkah issue.

And then an atheist wrote (I have no idea what religion) saying it was the Constitution that separates Church and State, and this has nothing to do with the kindness of Christians, since America is not a “Christian” country, despite what Bill O’Reilly says.

And then some crazy anti-Semite wrote, saying something I really didn’t understand.

But, Muc, you’re absolutely right — I took upon myself to take the traditional Jewish stance — and blame everything on fellow Jews.

it seems like you’ve now decided to adopt the long-held jewish tradition of throwing yourself on the altar and playing the victim but i can’t see how anyone would seriously get in an uproar over your points.

Better safe &c: yes, but what would be your reaction if someone wish you a Happy Hanukah, Kwanza or Ramadan?

By Tatyana on 12.15.05 7:36 am

Tatyana, if someone wished me a greeting from their culture, my first impression would not be that they were trying to offend me. if someone told me to f*ck off, i would be offended. i don’t quite understand how someone that wishes me well, or glad tidings, or whatever, using words from their culture, that i don’t believe in, can be offensive. they’re not asking me to join, they’re including me in a part of something they believe me, part of their celebration. is it wrong for me to respect that others have different beliefs than i do and that maybe, all they are doing is offering me something very simple, almost like a hello, but a hello that is part of what they believe in. i don’t actually understand why merry christmas has become so offensive.