Putting the [Blank] Back In [Blank]mas 7

Today's OC Register includes a collection of letters on both sides of the "Christ back in Christmas" issue, including a number from people who relate Christians' desire to have Christ recognized as akin to Nazism or a "Department of Homeland Religiosity." (The new letters aren't posted yet, but the letter that started it all is linked here.)

I remember Buddha's birthday being a big deal in Japan, where I grew up. People, to my knowledge, did not say "Happy Holidays" to one another then. I am aware of no effort to take Muhammed out of Muhammed's birthday. Why then the fervor about Christ and Christmas? Simple: anti-Christiansim. Your spellchecker will not find that word in its dictionary. Our socieity is in such denial that it exists that it refuses to even name it.

Meanwhile, the LA Times showcased North Carolina pastor Patrick Wooden's efforts to encourage people to shop only in stores where "Merry Christmas" was a part of the season. (here) He had a wonderful quote: "Our position is: If [stores] want the gold, frankincense and myrrh, they should acknowledge the birth of the child."