 Good Grief! |
Posted on 12/10/2005 8:36:10 PM PST by LdSentinal
Supervisor apologizes after outcry over his angry response to prayer that invoked Jesus
MELVILLE, N.Y. — When the Rev. Nick Zientarski uttered the name of Jesus Christ during his traditional blessing of the official Christmas tree lighting in Manhasset last week, he had no idea he had signed on as a soldier in the Christmas wars. Even as he spoke, the Roman Catholic priest said, he could hear North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman angrily objecting behind him, "this is inappropriate." Then, Kaiman got up and told the crowd, "I just want to make it clear that this is no way a religious ceremony."
A collective gasp was heard from the 200 adults and children gathered around the gazebo across from Town Hall. And nothing has been the same since in well-heeled Manhasset, which counts at least a dozen houses of worship in little more than two square miles.
"I have to tell you that Manhasset is in an uproar," said Christine Roberts, who is Jewish and attended the ceremony with her two sons. "It really was the wrong thing to say at the wrong time. There is a lot of hostility going around. Angry letters to the editor of the local paper. Angry conversations. Insanity has absolutely overtaken this town."
(Excerpt) Read more at insidebayarea.com ...
This is typical on Long Island. There is fierce anti-Christian bigotry as exemplified in this case.
Actually, I just read the whole article. Apparently, people are reacting to what Kaiman said, not the prayer of the Priest. Good!
Open mouth.......insert foot!
Would they have a problem with Wicca giving a fertility bleesing to the May Pole?
I have a dear Jewish friend who lives in Europe. We see each other infrequently, and communicate only slightly more often. Yesterday I sent an E-mail to him, and he replied promptly. He closed his message with these words. "...and most importantly, Merry Christmas to you and your family."
"I'm getting an education on this myself as I speak to a number of people in the community, and realize there really is a concern that the holiday is being diminished because people such as myself who gloss over the specific purpose of the holiday," he [Supervisor Jon Kaiman] said. "In the discussions and meetings I've had with Father Nick and Monsignor McCann (the pastor of St. Mary's) since last Friday, as well as my conversations with local residents, I've gotten a new perspective on the issue."Supervisor Jon Kaiman still can't say the C word.
Hello before I make a comment I should read the whole article and not slam all the citizens of this community it just takes a few idiots to ruin a village....
If he has a new perspective that's good.
| Good Grief! |
"I just want to make it clear that this is no way a religious ceremony. YEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Attended a Christmas Boat Parade in FL this evening.
One boat had a replica of the Nativity scene with lights that said "Happy Birthday, Jesus Christ'........which is exactly the event that Christmas celebrates!
"this is inappropriate." Then, Kaiman got up and told the crowd, "I just want to make it clear that this is no way a religious ceremony."
WHAT PLANET IS HE FROM? For cryin' out loud it's CHRISTmas. What does he think the holiday is all about in the first place?
God bless Father Nick!
Maybe we all need to send the mayor a religious Merry Christmas greeting!!!!!!!!!!!!
**Maybe we all need to send the mayor a religious Merry Christmas greeting!!!!!!!!!!!!**
Guess that should have been Supervisor Kaiman.....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.