Several weeks ago I wrote a column about the current commercial-like use of white lights for decorating during the Christmas season. (Being a traditionalist, I flatly refuse to call it the “Holiday season” when we are clearly talking about Christmas.) I advocated strongly, again for traditionalist reasons, for the old-fashioned, but never outlived multi-colored lights, in particular for our homes and neighborhoods decorations of Christmas trees, house and yard trimming.
I got a lot of glowing praise and agreement from local and distant communicators who equally condemned the practice of replacing soft, warm, and eye-pleasing multi-colored lights with harsh, glaring and cold-feeling white lights that might be more adaptable to commercial venues and settings than near, on and in the homes. Some parents even told me that they heard from their children when they made the change to all white lights that they wanted their parents to bring back the colored lights.
But the other side, the home of the Grinches and grouches, (that’s nice-speak for liberals and progressives) had their very minority viewpoints as well. In very strident tones they admonished that God shouldn’t be brought into this discussion, and to keep the children out of it as well. (Libs don’t like stiff competition.) And that if people wanted to put up white lights, the symbols of purity as one proclaimed, they should not be coerced into putting up colored lights.
One especially cranky woman chastised me saying that she shouldn’t have to look at the ugly colors that so many homes were displaying. She refused to identify herself other than to say it offended her. Fortunately these anti-tradition proponents were so small in number that I felt no obligation to apologize or humble myself as I was so proud of the largo difference in numbers between the dissenters and the approvers.
Then I got more encouragement when I read about author, lawyer, speechwriter and columnist Ben Stein who has been entertaining the American public for many years with his books and public speeches. He has made many appearances on television shows both in the guise of an actor and as himself very prominently displayed in both happy and dour facades.
But Ben Stein is a gifted and serious, mostly conservative advocate for the preservation and safekeeping of traditional mores of both Judeo and Christian faiths. In his own words he states, “I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.”
In many liberal, atheistic or agnostic circles, Mr. Stein would be put down for speaking those words; but he has a very enlightened and intelligent rationale, explaining, “It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.”
The fact that some people would be aghast at those remarks bothers him not in the least. He is strong of heart and in courage. That doesn’t mean that he likes to hear dissenting remarks or enjoys getting short shrift from others as he says, “I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.” To me it just shows that Ben Stein is a God-loving, gentle, but forceful person whose mission in life will not be deterred by a hostile and unfriendly person.
In the world of celebrities, which includes Mr. Stein to varying degrees, he is considered irreverent towards the self-loving, liberal preaching, actors and actresses who are disdainful towards anyone who outwardly shows his or her love for God, which he does without shame or embarrassment. And he rhetorically asks: “…where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? … and where did these celebrities come from and where is the America we once knew …?”
Why is it that people easily trash God and then wonder why the world is the way it is? Why do people believe what is published in the newspapers, or what they hear around the water fountain then doubt the Bible’s truths? And why do liberals insist on keeping God out of the schools and government when our Constitution only prohibits the making of a law which establishes a religion? Are they worried that we might produce more God-loving citizens in opposition to their beliefs?
My guess is that it is the last question that prevails and quoting the bible again, 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Gerald A. “Jerry” McConnell, 92, of Hampton, died Sunday, February 19, 2017, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, Mass., surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 27, 1924 in Altoona, Pa., the fifth son of the late John E. and Grace (Fletcher) McConnell.
Jerry served ten years with the US Marine Corps and participated in the landing against Japanese Army on Guadalcanal and another ten years with the US Air Force. After moving to Hampton in 1957 he started his community activities serving in many capacities.
He shared 72 years of marriage with his wife Betty P. (Hamilton) McConnell. In addition to his wife, family members include nieces and nephews.
