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I remember not so long ago when the smell of wood stoves and the chill in the air brought feelings of happiness and excitement to me and most of my community. Now it seems that all I think of is who is going to be complaining and just what it will be about this year. I know there is confusion amongst many special interest groups and horribly bored citizens on just what our country should do regarding holiday celebrations. This is a question that has vexed so many that the season for giving has become the season for combative foolishness.

Last year I wrote an editorial about a public school in the neighboring town to mine that was dealing with the problems of certain parents that wanted to remove a giving tree from the school. I found it astounding that certain parents were actually teaching their kids to not give to others and to only be concerned with themselves. So much fuss was focused on removing a symbol of generosity and love from the children's sight that issues such as corporations taking over school lunch, lack of funds for proper school supplies, insufficient heat and so many other problems in our public school system were ignored.

Our Country's constitution has been dragged through the mus because of these special interest groups and people who have nothing better to do than make others unhappy. The United States of America was founded on many ideas as well as ideals and yes mistakes in the past and the present have shaken her from time to time. With all these excess energy spent on such foolish things like taking the beauty and majesty of seeing decorations in public places as we walk and drive by them seems so trivial to me.

I believe this; The Bill of Rights clearly states that citizens of this country have the freedom of religion. All that means is that if you do not wish to practice and participate in the nationally recognized religion and its holiday celebrations than you have that right without fear of penalty of any kind. This also means you have the right to practice your religion and display your religious symbols without the fear of persecution. I try to figure out why these people who hide behind the constitution in order to manipulate it still haven't managed to read it in its proper context. Maybe a good idea would be to complain to the schools and the government about putting more money into programs that promote social studies and Constitutional history in order to educate children on the importance of the rights we all hold as citizens of this country and to not focus so much energy on taking away things that bring joy and community.

When I take into consideration all the liberties that are stepped on, rights taken away, and lives that are shattered, maybe some twinkling lights and peace on earth could ease the pain if just for one season. As an American please practice what you wish and leave room for the rest of us to believe what we want and take in the warmth and love that a season like Christmas brings to so many of us. If you are opposed then you have the right to not practice it, but you do not have the right to tell me that I cannot and that others in a communal effort to decorate for the season have to take it down because you have nothing better to do than complain about it. Take the energy and focus it on things that can help change a community for the better, not on taking Santa away from children.

Learn more about this author, Maria Brogna.
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