Please note the following story. It is typical this time of year.
A Pasco man is refusing to take down a Christmas decoration that his neighborhood association says violates its rules.
It's a sign that says "Jesus is the reason for the season."
Covenants for Mediterranean Villas say signs can't be more than 2 feet by 2 feet. This one is 6 feet by 3-and-a-half feet.
Homeowner Tim Meeker says he thinks it's the message not the size that the association finds objectionable, and he won't take it down.
The association says the Jesus message would be welcome on a sign the right size.
Fox News would call this another battle in the "War On Christmas". That this story made Associated Press today is indicative of our general discomfort with the topic. This is a guy looking for a fight and not someone just wanting to make a point involving his beliefs. Freedom of Speech may not cover the size of the sign, that will probably go to court anyway, Mr. Meeker is just looking for a battle otherwise he might have had a sign made that would fit his contractual agreement with the homeowner's association that's involved here. He could still express himself. I suspect Tim may not be happy with the agreement, or feels that under circumstances involving his religious rights he should be able to do as he pleases inflicting his neighbors with dogma. Ho Ho Ho!
I'm very tired of hearing about this "War" but since it seems to many news organizations that you are not just let me take a moment to say "Merry Christmas". I say this without remorse. I make the statement out of a desire to wish you all the best I know to offer whether you celebrate the day or not.
Because, you see, the statement is about me and not about you.
How often in the course of the day does someone ask "how are you?". The fact is no one actually listens to your answer because they really don't care. If you respond with "not so well" then you may find yourself facing someone who is sorry they asked the question. I always say "pretty good, so far". That's about my basic pessimism and solid belief that you can only really count on how things have gone to the moment.
"Merry Christmas" is different. It implies the optimistic It is never, or rarely, said pessimistically. It is strictly seasonal and non-intrusive despite the politically correct concern over using the term "Christmas" out of concern that the person you are addressing doesn't celebrate the day. Again, this is about the person who says it and not the person being subjected to the greeting.
I say Merry Christmas to remind myself of all those things that are positive about the holiday and the many memories I have tucked away and bring out once a year to remind myself that being pessimistic isn't always necessary. I don't use it as a means to convert someone to the ranks of the faithful or because I can't come up with anything else. I always have "pretty good...so far" as a back-up plan.
As to Mr. Meeker's sign I say sure why not? Express yourself to yourself as you wish. Just be a good Christian and honor your agreements while you are doing it.
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