General/Off-topic |
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What is your opinion on this article?
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| 41. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 06:19 pm |
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Quoting femme_fatal: Quoting alameda:
You see AEnigma....perhaps we have a different perspective because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England? The US does not, and never had an official state religion. There are some who would like to claim it's a Christian nation, that is not true.
In some places, like New York City, many places close down for the Jewish holidays. In my place of work, I don't think there are very many Christians here, so to say OUR religious holidays, I have to say just who are the OUR you talking abut? It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto "what do you mean "we" white man?" |
alameda
dont tell crappy false stories!USA is known for being much more christian than the whole europe together!
seriously, you know nothing about UK nor other EU countries. |
Alameda I agree in part with what you are saying. We do not have a national religion but denying that we are a nation that does not recognize Christianity as our religion is denying, in part, what the US was founded on. We are a very condradictory country. On one hand we are founded on religious freedom, but the forefathers based most of our early laws and even our constitution on fundamental Christian laws ie..10 commandments. The first people who settled here came to escape pursecution, but not to escape religion. They lived a very strict Christian lives...Puritans, Quakers...ect..
Also, as much as I hate to admit it, Americans are not so tolerant of other religions. When I moved to the south, which is predominately Baptist, I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say horrible things about Catholics. When people find out my husband is Muslim, they say really hateful things to my face about him or his religion. I am really glad you work/live in a very tolerant place like San Francisco. However, the rest of the country has some work to do. Maybe not so much in the major cities but elsewhere it isn't all tolerance and bliss.
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| 42. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 07:36 pm |
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Quoting Elisabeth: Quoting femme_fatal: Quoting alameda:
You see AEnigma....perhaps we have a different perspective because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England? The US does not, and never had an official state religion. There are some who would like to claim it's a Christian nation, that is not true.
In some places, like New York City, many places close down for the Jewish holidays. In my place of work, I don't think there are very many Christians here, so to say OUR religious holidays, I have to say just who are the OUR you talking abut? It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto "what do you mean "we" white man?" |
alameda
dont tell crappy false stories!USA is known for being much more christian than the whole europe together!
seriously, you know nothing about UK nor other EU countries. |
Alameda I agree in part with what you are saying. We do not have a national religion but denying that we are a nation that does not recognize Christianity as our religion is denying, in part, what the US was founded on. We are a very condradictory country. On one hand we are founded on religious freedom, but the forefathers based most of our early laws and even our constitution on fundamental Christian laws ie..10 commandments. The first people who settled here came to escape pursecution, but not to escape religion. They lived a very strict Christian live...Puritans, Quakers...ect..
Also, as much as I hate to admit it, Americans are not so tolerant of other religions. When I moved to the south, which is predominately Baptist, I can't tell you how times I have heard people say horrible things about Catholics. When people find out my husband is Muslim, they say really hateful things to my face about him or his religion. I am really glad you work/live in a very tolerant place like San Francisco. However, the rest of the country has some work to do. Maybe not so much in the major cities but elsewhere it isn't all tolerance and bliss. |
I'm sad to say,what you say is very true. However, what I refer to is what is written in law. There is no State Religion in the USA. I think most of the laws are based more on a universal theme. If you look at all religions, at the heart they say the same thing. In Judaism they are called the (URL=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Laws_of_Noah]Noahide Laws[/URL]
I have no problem seeing Christmas trees, lights and displays of the Maggi. In fact I very much enjoy seeing them and don't see any reason why they should not be shown.
The issue is when they are State sponsored. That implies State sponsorship of a particular religion. Yes, many of the founders were from some sort of Christian background, but also some were Deists. Just because a majority of the population are Christian, still does not change the first amendment in the Bill of Rights.
" Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
I'm glad I've lived my life in more places that are diverse like New York and San Francisco. When I've visited more rural areas, it's been a very big shock. I spent a week in Boise ID once and only saw one black person the whole time. Most the people were very white.
Where I live I see an Ethiopian couple take their evening walk. They wear their native garments. There are more than a few Indian couples walking, the women in beautiful saris or salvar khamees.....I see Chinese practicing Tai Chi on the shore. Of course, there are Muslim women with various styles of veils.
Actually the Christmas Trees and lights are not much to do with Christmas, but rather a Winter celebration. I think it goes back to pagan times.
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| 43. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 09:28 pm |
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Quoting AEnigma III: Alameda on reading your posts again today, I dont think you quite got the point I was making.
You said that in your office you have a "Holiday Party" instead of a Christmas party. This word of "holiday" instead of Christmas is what concerns me.
If you choose to live in a multi-cultural society then that means you accept and respect all other religions. If this is the case, why do we have to change the name of our national religious celebration to suit other religions?
You said that the muslims, hindus etc invited you to join in their celebrations..BUT...the main difference is that they did not change the name of those celebrations or make them non-religious. You were invited to join in, and respect their holy days.
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY can't we do the same with OUR religious holidays? 
(PS I dont think anyone can say that Muslims are any more generous than other people. If people do something just because it is in their holy book, then it is not from the heart. Many people with no religion whatsoever give generously and regularly to the poor, unfortunate and disadvantaged) |
Over the past few years more companies are using the politically correct term of "holiday party" instead of Christmas party, which is a bunch of crap in my opinion. Here we go again trying to appease the minority.
As far as businesses closing for Jewish holidays as Alameda mention, take a wild guess on who owns those businesses. Yep, the Jews. Which, I don't see a problem with.
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| 44. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 09:32 pm |
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In light of the previous comments, I thought this joke email would be amusing.....
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 01, 2005
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.
And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A
Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 02, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 03, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table .. you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?
Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.
NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 04, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving
your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower
arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed, though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F**king Employees
DATE: October 05, 2005
RE: The F**king Holiday Party
Vegetarian pr**ks, I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f***ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They
scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,
The B**ch from HELL!!!!!!!!
FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: October 06, 2005
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party.
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| 46. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 09:45 pm |
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Quoting Elisabeth: Quoting femme_fatal: Quoting alameda:
You see AEnigma....perhaps we have a different perspective because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England? The US does not, and never had an official state religion. There are some who would like to claim it's a Christian nation, that is not true.
In some places, like New York City, many places close down for the Jewish holidays. In my place of work, I don't think there are very many Christians here, so to say OUR religious holidays, I have to say just who are the OUR you talking abut? It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto "what do you mean "we" white man?" |
alameda
dont tell crappy false stories!USA is known for being much more christian than the whole europe together!
seriously, you know nothing about UK nor other EU countries. |
Alameda I agree in part with what you are saying. We do not have a national religion but denying that we are a nation that does not recognize Christianity as our religion is denying, in part, what the US was founded on. We are a very condradictory country. On one hand we are founded on religious freedom, but the forefathers based most of our early laws and even our constitution on fundamental Christian laws ie..10 commandments. The first people who settled here came to escape pursecution, but not to escape religion. They lived a very strict Christian live...Puritans, Quakers...ect..
Also, as much as I hate to admit it, Americans are not so tolerant of other religions. When I moved to the south, which is predominately Baptist, I can't tell you how times I have heard people say horrible things about Catholics. When people find out my husband is Muslim, they say really hateful things to my face about him or his religion. I am really glad you work/live in a very tolerant place like San Francisco. However, the rest of the country has some work to do. Maybe not so much in the major cities but elsewhere it isn't all tolerance and bliss. |
Where I live most people are tolerant of other religions, accept for Muslim & Jehova Witnesses. It's still that association with terrorism that people perceive and the fact that you don't see too many Muslims standing up and voicing their concerns with it.
I don't appreciate the Jehovas soliciting knocking at my door, leaving brochures, trying to convert my son when I'm not home. I believe this is the only religion, I have little tolerance for.
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| 47. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 09:47 pm |
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What kind of accomdation for Duduholics are there?  They have rights too.
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| 48. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 09:57 pm |
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Quoting teaschip1: What kind of accomdation for Duduholics are there? They have rights too. |
Sounds like something we should get printed on a tshirt?..."D*D*s have rights too!  "
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| 49. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 10:08 pm |
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Quoting AEnigma III: Quoting teaschip1: What kind of accomdation for Duduholics are there? They have rights too. |
Sounds like something we should get printed on a tshirt?..."D*D*s have rights too! " |
 Don't forget bumper stickers.
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| 50. |
09 Nov 2007 Fri 10:08 pm |
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Quoting alameda: In light of the previous comments, I thought this joke email would be amusing.....
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 01, 2005
RE: Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.
And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A
Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 02, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 03, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table .. you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?
Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.
NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: October 04, 2005
RE: Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving
your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower
arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed, though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All F**king Employees
DATE: October 05, 2005
RE: The F**king Holiday Party
Vegetarian pr**ks, I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f***ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They
scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,
The B**ch from HELL!!!!!!!!
FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: October 06, 2005
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party
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(and the missing part: )
and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.
Happy Holidays
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