Have a Merry Christmas!  Oh wait, I can’t say that.  Happy Holidays then.   Apparently saying “Merry Christmas” to someone is no longer “politically correct,” because some people are offended.  Since one person is offended I can no longer express my religion or opinions during the holiday season.  I find that to be highly ironic, since, you know, pretty much the entire holiday season revolves around religion.

So why, all of a sudden, is there this attack on Christmas?  What’s with the ideas of “political correctness” melting our brains, and so much fuss over people’s religions? I’m surprised we can even express any of our freedoms anymore.  With everything we say or do, someone is offended.  And there is no possible way to live in a society where one person is not offended by my opinion.  Seriously though, if one person is offended because I celebrate Christmas, why can’t they just look the other way, and get over it like the rest of the country does with countless other problems?  I don’t have a problem with people celebrating whatever holiday they want to, and openly doing so.  Why can’t they show me the same courtesy?  That’s the problem with “political correctness.”  They believe in free speech, unless they disagree with what you are saying.  Then you are a bigot.

With this “political correctness,” we must tread carefully when we wish to express our opinions, especially when we are in locations, such as school, where political backlash is very common.  In order to protect religious ideas pertaining to the holidays, Governor Perry has passed a bill dubbed “The Merry Christmas Bill,” that protects the rights of both teachers and students to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” with no fear of hostile criticism.  It’s disappointing that this bill is even necessary.  The fact that students and administrators are receiving such hatred for a simple holiday comment is outrageous.  Why is it such a big deal if someone wishes you to be well for the season?  They are merely expressing their hope that you will be well and enjoy your celebrations, not forcing you to believe what they believe.

“The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV.  In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views,” Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said.

Part of the problem is the culture of hate that has been created in the US.  Everyone is two-faced and judgmental.  We can criticize one group for their beliefs, but we must baby the poor cultures that are bullied by the overwhelming mass.  This has been seen time and time again in our culture, first with racism, sexism, and, most recently, marriage equality.  In each situation, we are only allowed to criticize the majority.  If any derogatory comment is made to the minority, then you can very easily find yourself either in court, or shunned by society.

The freedoms the First Amendment guarantees are slowly being diminished, namely, that of free speech.  Our society no longer allows us to freely express our ideas and opinions without fear of criticism.  We are only allowed to say what the perceived mass believes.  But hey, that’s politics for you.  For the holiday season, can we not forget the mess of political correctness and just enjoy ourselves?  The true meaning of this wonderful time of year is to care for others and give thanks for all that we are blessed to have.  So this holiday season, enjoy yourself, be safe, and have a merry whatever holiday you celebrate.