DECEMBER 23 2007 UPDATE
A CHRISTMAS CARD (thanks Hugh)
RECALLING PUBLIUS’ WARNING
The Federalist Papers, co-authored by Hamilton, Madison and Jay, under the pseudonym Publius, warned against the tyranny of the minority.
On several fronts, sociopolitical minorities are challenging the traditions of the majority.
Recently, NBC aired a commentary about “the war against Christmas” noting the number of stores etc who no longer festoon their windows and shopping areas with signs which proclaim “Merry Christmas.” And, the nay-sayers have won in the courts, through
the lawsuits to prohibit displays of Christmas scenes, eg, mangers, on public property, which were often sources of public pride which pulled together volunteer efforts in the best spirit of the holidays. Now, a teenager and her father, self-declared atheists, are challenging the Illinois law which allows a “moment of silence” in schools – the daughter contending she is in effect being pressured to pray while being silent.
Let’s not mince words. Christmas is a holiday, worldwide. New Year’s Day is a holiday, worldwide. Thus, it is appropriate to wish someone “happy holidays.” But, when you are selling what are patently gifts in the Christmas tradition, and adorning your stores etc with Christmas trees, wreaths, etc., there should be an obvious and public greeting, “Merry Christmas.”
We are predominantly a Christian nation, but one tolerant of different beliefs, who are guaranteed freedom of religious and political expression. Christmas traditions are a fundamental element of Christian religious beliefs – and their proper celebration should not be denied, anymore than those of the Jewish faith celebrating Hannukah. Those who choose not to celebrate a religious holiday have the ages-old option of remaining silent.
Why cannot all acknowledge the unchallengable truth? Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem. Long before Europeans gave us Santa Claus and the Germans in particular gave us Christmas trees, the civilized world celebrated Christmas as a religious remembrance. Even the most vociferous minority cannot detach Christmas from its origins. Acknowledging that cardinal fact does not mean any person must embrace Christianity, but there is a large dose of hypocrisy among merchants who make money off Christmas giving but refuse to accept the reality of Christmas.
We need peace in the Middle East; we need more comprehensive efforts to feed, clothe and educate the poor; we need to protect our environment. Sadly, we also need to reassert our national tolerance for all religions – and religious practices.
REGION 5 GOLD
The other Region 5 tournament will be held 30 May - 1 June in Niceville Florida. Contact is Danny Hensley at 850-582-6255.
CHRISTMAS CLINIC
USA Olympic Softball Pitcher Monica Abbott will hold a One Day Pitching & Hitting Clinic on Saturday, Dec.29th from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino,CA. This clinic is for the beginner softball player to the advanced. She will share her knowledge and tips including the newest teaching techniques from Team USA. The University of Tennessee's Four time Pitcher of the Year, NCAA All-Time Career Strikeout Leader, 2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will oversee the clinic and will work with the pitchers and assist in other areas. Overseeing hitting and assisting Monica Abbott will be current University of Oklahoma All American Samantha Ricketts . The 2007 USA Softball Player of the Year Top 3 Finalist and arguably last seasons NCAA Division 1's most feared hitter will share her knowledge of what made her the hitter she is today. She will show you the basic fundamentals of hitting and how to bring power to your game. There will be other current Division 1 players assisting on this knowledge filled three hour clinic that will help give you the understanding of how to become a better softball player.
http://www.usasoftball.com/news.asp?uid=2292
Entire One Day Clinic Cost is
$45
COMMITMENTS
Christina Roosmalen - Jurnior ('09), 1B/OF, Plano West High, Texas Glory Gold has verbally committed to Southern Miss.
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
This ancient land is now leading the world in cotton production and gold mining; it has wisely spent proceeds from mineral wealth on improving infrastructure. Literacy is at 99% and its 45% GDP growth is fueled by low taxes in an energy-self-sufficient country. There is a major university in Tashkent. There are four UN World Heritage sites where much of world history had its foundation: Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisyabz, and Itchan Kala. Freed from the Soviet yoke, this 2,700 year old country is placing ads in Europe and the USA proclaiming that it is open for business.