Jefferson Review

"Your Liberty is Our Interest"

Home /  Archives / Links / Quotes / Book Reviews / Advertise /Contact us / Subscribe / Calendar

Grumpy Christians, Government is not Santa Claus

By Theresa Fritz Camoriano

1.     Grumpy Christians – Many Christians are in a snit today because some businesses wish them “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”.  They are even urging boycotts of the offending businesses. It reminds me of feminists who are offended when a well-intentioned man opens a door for them!  This “victim” mentality may be very seductive, but it is not very productive.  Christians have been persecuted throughout history, but they have not allowed themselves to take on the mentality of victims.  It seems that even Christian martyrs have faced their deaths in better spirits than today’s grumpy Christians!  Christians are supposed to be happy people, thankful that Christ died to redeem their sins.  These folks who take offense and get their underwear in a knot over such minor, perceived slights as someone wishing them “happy holidays” have more in common with the atheists of the ACLU than with people who appreciate the “good news”. So, let’s get the chips off of our shoulders, practice some Christian forgiveness, and have a great birthday party!

2.     Government is not Santa Claus – We Santa’s helpers, who are doing our Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts for family and friends, might want to consider the differences between Santa Claus and the government.  Santa makes his list, determines who is naughty or nice, and voluntarily gives presents from his own resources, carefully choosing presents according to what he thinks is best for each person.  On the other hand, government has no resources of its own and can only give “gifts” from resources it has forcibly taken by others (practicing “fleecerosity”, not generosity).  Government also is prohibited from discriminating between those who are naughty and those who are nice or from considering each person’s individual needs and desires; instead, it must treat everyone the same.  While Santa asks nothing in return for his gifts, except perhaps some goodwill, the government not only asks but demands plenty from the recipients of its “fleecerosity”, requiring them to jump through many hoops and often causing them to become dependent on government for their very survival.  So, we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that many people, who would like to meet Santa Claus in person and would enjoy his jovial company, would tremble in fear if someone came up to them and said, “Hello, I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.”

Weather (Louisville) / Mapquest /  White Pages / Business Search / CNN / Dictionary / E-card / MSN