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The Name Change: Why We Did It (Paper Drops "Christmas")
Bucks County Courier Times ^
| December 10, 2003
| Editorial Board
Posted on 12/10/2003 8:19:47 PM PST by 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
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; US: Pennsylvania
KEYWORDS: buckscounty; christmas; cya; newspapers; purge
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To: Lancey Howard
This is my local paper. They changed the name last year, and contributions plummeted. They must have thought that a year passing would settle things down, but the fund is again flagging. Hence, the "can't we just be friends?' editorial.
Sure we can. Change the name back, you liberal simps!
21
posted on
12/10/2003 8:36:35 PM PST
by
weeder
To: Lancey Howard
We didn't drop Give-A-Christmas in favor of Holiday Fund in a politically correct effort to minimize religion
Oh, really? Who celebrates Christmas? Who exactly is celebrating these "holidays"?
To: Lancey Howard
Happy Nothing Day, Members of The Board! You are working December 25th, of course, as "Winter Holiday" has not been designated as a day off. Maasalama!
23
posted on
12/10/2003 8:39:30 PM PST
by
arasina
(What will YOU do when Howard Dean or Hillary Clinton is president?)
To: Lancey Howard
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 the worst news I've heard all day.
24
posted on
12/10/2003 8:41:04 PM PST
by
#3Fan
To: baseballfanjm
I noted the paper stated that 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. Perhaps if liberals had tried to take Christ out of everything, more would have gotten to know God. I find it ironic they chose Christmas. I'd like to see all the poor in Buck's County have a nice Christmas but not at such a high cost. Liberals just don't get it.
25
posted on
12/10/2003 8:44:00 PM PST
by
Jaidyn
To: Lancey Howard
We didn't drop Give-A-Christmas in favor of Holiday Fund in a politically correct effort to minimize religion. Oh, how clever! They anticipate any person's common sense reaction and they proceed in an attempt to neutralize it from the getgo right there in the very first sentence! Except that it ain't working!
26
posted on
12/10/2003 8:44:48 PM PST
by
Revolting cat!
(Merry Shopping Season and a Happy Pre-Christmas Storewide Sales Event!)
To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA
Is this in your neck of the woods ping?
27
posted on
12/10/2003 8:44:53 PM PST
by
secret garden
(And then, there are those who need a smack)
To: Lancey Howard
..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...It's not enough, to slap our culture in the face. They have to be patronizing about it, too.
28
posted on
12/10/2003 8:45:00 PM PST
by
Byron_the_Aussie
(http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup2.html)
To: Lancey Howard
Liar liar pants on fire.
People should make an effort to give directly to those in need.
29
posted on
12/10/2003 8:45:08 PM PST
by
OldFriend
(DEMS INHABIT A PARALLEL UNIVERSE)
To: GeronL
I did it, thanks for the suggestion!....they want us to die, but to remember them in our wills...of course.
30
posted on
12/10/2003 8:46:27 PM PST
by
ronnieb
To: Lancey Howard
We recognize that people are understandably angry over what many view as assaults on religion.uhh, YEAH!
31
posted on
12/10/2003 8:47:46 PM PST
by
jaz.357
(We should be more open-minded toward people trying to kill us.)
To: ronnieb
Maybe someday, if things get bad enough, lets hope they won't, they'll start catering to christians the same way they do to 'others' (muslims), if it comes to the point where we start throwing real bombs. Lets hope it won't ever become necessary.
32
posted on
12/10/2003 8:50:24 PM PST
by
GeronL
(Is your Tagline weak, limp and ineffective? Has it hurt your relationship? Try TiAGra today!!!!)
To: Lancey Howard
Dear Bucks County Courier Times:
If you are truly interested in "maximizing the fund's appeal by welcoming the newcomers' participation," you can simply create separate funds for each of the growing demographic groups that is allegedly prompting the change in the name of your holiday charity. I suspect that you realize this would have been a useless exercise, since the cost of creating multiple funds like this would have exceeded the combined contributions to the "Give-A-Kwanzaa," "Give-A-Jihad," and whatever other idiotic charities you would have created.
In addition, I strongly suspect that there is a certain amount of hypocrisy going on at your newspaper. If I sat down right now and wrote a check for $50 to the "Give-A-Christmas" fund, I am quite certain that my use of the old name would not keep you from cashing it.
Sincerely,
Alberta's Child
33
posted on
12/10/2003 8:50:27 PM PST
by
Alberta's Child
(Alberta -- the TRUE North strong and free.)
To: OldFriend
people should, of course do that, but other people shouldn't rename those efforts to suit their purposes, those people should instead, start their own charities. No one suggests not giving, simply giving thru another venue, so lets not misrepresent, what is being said, or you are open to being called what you are calling!
34
posted on
12/10/2003 8:51:43 PM PST
by
ronnieb
To: Lancey Howard
What is really funny ...
I mean really funny as in
How many of these fools realize where the word Holiday comes from?
"Holiday" originates form "Holy Day", thus
"Happy Holidays" can easily elicit the following reply, "Happy Holy Days to you as well!!"
I have had some fun with this.
RileyD, nwJ
35
posted on
12/10/2003 8:55:00 PM PST
by
RileyD, nwJ
("Only the humble are sane." annon)
To: GeronL
Bump your#2....
BOYCOTT the charity. Give to the Salvation Army instead!
36
posted on
12/10/2003 8:55:55 PM PST
by
maestro
To: GeronL
BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
How to write:
Letters need: a signature, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Limit: 200 words for letters
Frequency: Writers are eligible for publication every four weeks. Submissions are edited for taste, libel, style, grammar and length.
Not accepted: thank you letters, poetry, classroom assignments, replies to replies, consumer complaints and letters written as part of an organized campaign.
FAX: 215-949-4177
E-mail:
gpetroziello@phillyBurbs.com Send to: Bucks County Courier Times
8400 Route 13
Levittown, Pa. 19057
37
posted on
12/10/2003 8:56:39 PM PST
by
weeder
To: Lancey Howard
Yeah, but did you notice how, no matter how hard the writer tried, he still couldn't hide his snide, we're-better-than-you-clods attitude?
To: weeder
This is my local paper. They changed the name last year, and contributions plummeted. They must have thought that a year passing would settle things down, but the fund is again flagging. Hence, the "can't we just be friends?' editorial. Sure we can. Change the name back, you liberal simps!What? Could it possibly be that mainly Christians are contributing to the Give-A-Christmas Fund? Why don't they have a charity for every religious holiday and see how much charity they get from the groups they are so worried about offending.
39
posted on
12/10/2003 8:58:21 PM PST
by
Lijahsbubbe
(One person CAN change the world, but most of the time, you probably shouldn't)
To: Cicero
You mean like "To tell the truth..." or "Frankly,.." when they are neither truthful or frank.
40
posted on
12/10/2003 8:59:25 PM PST
by
expatpat
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