The Name Change: Why We Did It (Paper Drops "Christmas")

Bucks County Courier Times ^ | December 10, 2003 | Editorial Board

[Lancey Howard]

The name change: Why we did it Bucks County Courier Times

Our view: We didn't drop Give-A-Christmas in favor of Holiday Fund in a politically correct effort to minimize religion. We changed in recognition of changing demographics and to broaden the fund's appeal.

We get it. We really do. We understand why some folks are upset about the name change for our annual fund drive. We've read all the letters - and we sympathize.

But replacing Give-A-Christmas with Holiday Fund - a change we implemented last year - wasn't done to minimize the importance of Christianity's most celebrated and joyous holiday. We recognize and accept the monumental impact Jesus Christ had and continues to have on the world. We recognize and accept the profound role Christians played in the founding and development of this nation. Indeed, some came here in order to practice their religion without persecution. Their contribution to this nation is clear and unassailable. To a large degree, we are who we are today because of them.

And we are proud of that heritage. We really are.

We also recognize the good and charitable things Christian churches and organizations do here and around the world. Millions of less fortunate people are better off because of those generous and caring efforts. We recognize all of that.

We also recognize that these are trying times for Christians. Not only has prayer been banned from the public schools, the word, "God," is unwelcome in many public venues. The Nativity scene and The Ten Commandments likewise have been banished from the public square.

We recognize that people are understandably angry over what many view as assaults on religion.

But we also recognize that ours is a nation of mixed cultures and religions. And non-Christians are among the nation's fastest growing populations. That's as true in Bucks County as it is across the rest of America.

So our name change was motivated chiefly by changing demographics. We wanted to maximize the fund's appeal by welcoming the newcomers' participation. Our goal, after all, is to raise as much money as we can, so we can help as many people as possible.

It was a practical decision, not one driven by political correctness or any other ideology, as many of our letter-writing critics have charged. Nor was our intention to water down or in any way neutralize Christmas.

Much of the money contributed did and does buy Christmas gifts for struggling members of our community, but it also is used to pay for staples - food, and fuel, and clothing for people in need. And to pay for other life-sustaining services.

So for quite a few folks the fund doesn't really give a Christmas as much as it gives necessities - and hope. These are causes worthy of our attention.

Our hope is that you won't let the letter writers dissuade you from contributing to the Holiday Fund. We won't keep the critical letters out of the paper because our mission here is to provide a forum for citizens to express their points of view. And we want to hear from you - good or bad.

Still, we hope that those who are angry with us can muster up some understanding - if not, perhaps some forgiveness. Because we meant no harm or disrespect. We really didn't.

Our intention was to maximize inclusion, not minimize the importance of Christmas or Christ or Christians. We wanted to broaden the fund's appeal - because the need is broad and, unfortunately, growing.

December 10, 2003 6:08 AM

[GeronL]

BOYCOTT the charity. Give to the Salvation Army instead!

[ECM]

Amen!

;D

[GeronL]

.... because those who blow up school children in the name of Allah mean just as much to us as you do....

[Timesink]

This is the Mainstream Media Shenanigans ping list. Please freepmail me to be added or dropped.
Please note this is a medium- to high-volume list.
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[Billthedrill]

Well, if the decision was intended to broaden the appeal of the charity, that means they expect that it will increase the donations, right? And so it may, but I sure wouldn't be betting that way at the moment.

[GeronL]

How sad this is.

[dagnabbit]

BOYCOTT the charity. Give to the Salvation Army instead!

Works for me.

[baseballfanjm]

Without Christmas, would they have this fund this time of the year? Enough said.

[ronnieb]

Please don't argue as we shuffle you off the stage, please don't neglect to pay as you leave, please don't argue as we shove you into the dustbin...we love you..please die...quietly, without making a scene....

[GeronL]

I very much hope contributions drop so far that they change the name back. But then, I am in Texas and it shouldn't make me mad, but it does.

[Lancey Howard]

This toilet paper is published in Bucks County, which is a Philadelphia suburban area. The paper is at least as liberal as the Inquirer, but with the kind of 10th-grade writing skills you see above.

Obviously, the problem with the paper's hand-wringing "explanation" is that this time of year IS this time of year - - "the holiday season" - - BECAUSE of Christmas. (I also have no doubt that these mice have no clue that "Holiday" MEANS "Holy Day".)

If this paper wants to have a multi-cultural, politically correct "Holiday Fund", then let them have it during, say, Ramadan. Let Christmas be Christmas. In any event, my wife and I will no longer participate in this paper's charities..... or subscription.

[GeronL]

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/feedback.cfm?tmpl=interact

Feedback form!!!!

[GeronL]

See #13. Write them, write the same thing thats in your post

[Lancey Howard]

Without Christmas, would they have this fund this time of the year? Enough said.

HA!
I was typing and you cut right to the chase. (Please see post #12.)

[GeronL]

write them and tell them so. feedback form is above, but you are a local... so go for it

[WackyKat]

I hope the "Holiday Fund" is down about 50% this year

[PLMerite]

"Without Christmas, would they have this fund this time of the year? Enough said."

Yeah, somebody tell me about all the Kwanzaa charity drives.

[Lancey Howard]

BOYCOTT the charity. Give to the Salvation Army instead!

Yep. We are done with this paper.
The New York Post is available at every Wawa in the area anyway.

[Cicero]

We really do.

We really are.

Psychologically, I'd say these little speech tics are like someone looking you straight in the eye while he lies to you, because he thinks that will make you believe him.