Posted on 12/28/2005 11:40:33 AM PST by presidio9
President Bush December 19 sent warm greetings to all who are celebrating Kwanzaa -- a seven-day observance emphasizing seven principles of African culture.
Kwanzaa, which will begin December 26, represents an African-American and pan-African holiday celebrating family, community and culture.
For additional information see Holidays and African Americans.
Following is the text of the statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary December 19, 2005
December 2005
I send greetings to those observing Kwanzaa.
African Americans and people around the world reflect on African heritage during Kwanzaa. The seven days of this celebration emphasize the seven principles of Nguzo Saba -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These values contribute to a culture of citizenship and compassion, and Kwanzaa activities help pass on African values and traditions to future generations.
As families and friends gather for Kwanzaa, Americans remember the many contributions African Americans have made to our country's character and celebrate the diversity that makes our Nation strong. May your commitment to family, faith, and community thrive during this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy Kwanzaa.
But a Presidential acknowledgment such as this would seem to lends credibility to it. If this wasn't the purpose in this case, what would it be?
You're entitled to your opinion. You've certainly stated it often enough over the past few days that you feel that Bush did no wrong in mentioning Kwanzaa. I think that the vast majority of FReepers here would disagree with you, but you can say whatever damned crazy thing that comes to your mind and that you bang out on your keyboard. However, your opinion not withstanding, Bush was extolling the virtues of Kwanzaa when he gave it such unworthy praise and recognition.
Shoot. And I haven't bought a single thing for anyone.
Oh, well. Try again next year.
So are the Klansmen who celebrate Klanzaa (invented holiday, just like Kwanzaa, to prove my point). Would you defend him in recognizing a holiday such as Klanzaa? No difference between the two.
P.C. Crap.
Do we, or do we not have freedom of religion in this country?
Speaking of invented religions...let's talk about Utah.
Wait? Are you saying that Kwanzaa is a religion? Because, in fact, it is. See Kawaida.
So, why is it being taught and celebrated in so many of our schools?
Invented by you apparently...unless you have information not available on the Internet on the Klan's rituals and celebrations of Klanzaa.
And, by the way, you failed to answer my question about the appropriateness of the President recognizing Klanzaa - the fictitious KKK holiday. Why is that? Do you cede the point or are you just trying to change the subject and turn this Kwanzaa thread into a religious flameware about the predominant religion in Utah?
I said it was an invention used to prove a point. Stop deflecting and answer the question. Would it be appropriate for President Bush to recognize a holiday such as Klanzaa - or even Hitler's birthday - similarly to his recognition of Kwanzaa in light of your statement that he is the President of all Americans?
You are probably correct. However it does seem that a Presidential acknowledgment such as this is met to lend credibility to this "holiday".
It's not me trying to turn this discussion into a religious flame war.
Simply stated.
By and in large, the observants of Kwanza (I know some) are not members of racial hate groups, and in spite of the fact that the history of the Kwanza creator may be filled with violence and hate, his sins do not fall on the observers, any more than children will be put to death for their fathers.
They are guilty of little more than celebrating a made up holiday.
As a matter of fact, my Kwanza observant friends observe Christmas.
Perhaps you should educate yourself in the meaning of Kawanza, for it is neither a religious or a political Holiday,and in no way seeks to replace Christmas.
By the way...words have meaning, so quit spreading misinformation.
Kwanza is not a holiday.
Wrong. It is displayed prominanently on the White House website and is archived as an official presidential message. It is given equal billing with the President's Christmas message and his Hannukah message. Are you saying that those messages are just worthless statements that no one reads or cares about?
Why can't you just admit that the president was wrong in recognizing or mentioning Kwanzaa. I mean, you do as much when you say that you would have preferred that he ignored it. We agree! I wish he had ignored it. But it isn't a small thing. He is lending credibility and legitimacy to a fake holiday invented by a violent, sadistic thug to spread his virulent brand of racist black nationalism and Marxism. As I said to you before, either the President is pandering to the wrong crowd - one that he's never going to reach anyway - or he's simply ignorant about the origins and nature of Kwanzaa. Or both.
Why interpret it as his intention to "lend credibility" to Kwanzaa? Why not interpret it as his desire to acknowledge a Black holiday and thus avoid being called racist--which we know he's sensitivie about? Until the "extolling the virtues" comment made earlier, I really didn't realize how minimally laudatory to Kwanzaa itself the statement actually was. It's more laudatory of Black contributions to society than it is of the holiday.
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