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Simply put the law's only functions were to impose an identity on Texas citizens...
Let's start here, then. What identity could one "impose" on another by telling them:
"You are free to say 'Merry Christmas' if you choose." "You are free to say 'Happy Hanukkah' if you choose." "You are free to say 'Happy Holidays' if you choose."
The only thing I don't understand here is your selective reading. It only convinces me even more that the state of Texas did the right thing, as apparently it is true that when some people hear the word "Christmas" they freak out and try to undermine whatever's including it. This is a bill telling people they're free to talk about Christmas if they want, and also free to just greet people with "Happy Holidays" until the cows come home (Hey, this thread's about Texas; it fits), and you can't hear anything but the big bad C word.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iamme73
...based on cultural and religious markers and to send a clear signal to all that the State government of Texas identifies with this group of citizens and not others. This is how conservatives use the power of government.
Again, what group!? I see the following group being protected here by this bill:
Let's start here, then. What identity could one "impose" on another by telling them:
"You are free to say 'Merry Christmas' if you choose." "You are free to say 'Happy Hanukkah' if you choose." "You are free to say 'Happy Holidays' if you choose."
The only thing I don't understand here is your selective reading. It only convinces me even more that the state of Texas did the right thing, as apparently it is true that when some people hear the word "Christmas" they freak out and try to undermine whatever's including it. This is a bill telling people they're free to talk about Christmas if they want, and also free to just greet people with "Happy Holidays" until the cows come home (Hey, this thread's about Texas; it fits), and you can't hear anything but the big bad C word.
Again, what group!? I see the following group being protected here by this bill:
Christians, Jews, and everyone else.
Wow, how alienating
They are already free to say whatever they want to say.
The identity it imposes is there in the bill. The bill was specifically written to deny others the ability to voice their concerns with the state government of Texas.
It seeks to impose an identity that is against those people. I know those people don't count to conservatives, but that is the imposition.
The state of Texas government has said we identify with you and not with other Texas citizens and have set down a religious and cultural marker.
They are already free to say whatever they want to say.
Ideally. But there are those who would try and remove that freedom, and you know it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iamme73
The identity it imposes is there in the bill. The bill was specifically written to deny others the ability to voice their concerns with the state government of Texas.
Actually, no, there is nothing being denied in the bill at all, save the ability to deny others the right to say a few things. If your argument is that this bill keeps people from punishing the phrase "Merry Christmas" in some way, I say EXACTLY and then ask again what the problem is.
How come the bill didn't specifically cite Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it's a cultural holiday. It's therefore included in the "Happy Holidays" inclusive phrase. And Kwanzaa symbols and imagery and phrases are not prohibited or discouraged in any way.
Just a little side note - it may interest some people that with an AA population of 12.2 percent, Texas is below the national average when it comes to AA population.
I didn't realize that when I moved here but WOW, the difference is striking when I drive one hour east into Louisiana, which is 32.4 percent AA.
Ideally. But there are those who would try and remoe that freedom, and you know it.
Actually, no, there is nothing being denied in the bill at all, save the ability to deny others the right to say a few things. If your argument is that this bill keeps people from punishing the phrase "Merry Christmas" in some way, I say EXACTLY and then ask again what the problem is.
No, I don't know that.
Yes there is something being denied that is the right of those who disagree with xmas celebrations using public money and institutions and teachers using a religious holiday with their children.
The Texas state government has said we don't identify with you, but with these other people and it used a cultural and religious marker to make that clear.
I know to conservatives this isn't a denial of freedom because those people don't count, but it is.
Yes there is something being denied that is the right of those who disagree with xmas celebrations using public money and institutions and teachers using a religious holiday with their children.
The Texas state government has said we don't identify with you, but with these other people and it used a cultural and religious marker to make that clear.
I know to conservatives this isn't a denial of freedom because those people don't count, but it is.
What's the difference between someone claiming no religion but being exposed in public areas to religious symbols, and someone claiming a particular religion but being exposed in public areas to OTHER religious beliefs and also the disbelief in the religion they follow?
Is one scenario more acceptable than the other? Why or why not?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it's a cultural holiday. It's therefore included in the "Happy Holidays" inclusive phrase. And Kwanzaa symbols and imagery and phrases are not prohibited or discouraged in any way.
Just a little side note - it may interest some people that with an AA population of 12.2 percent, Texas is below the national average when it comes to AA population.
I didn't realize that when I moved here but WOW, the difference is striking when I drive one hour east into Louisiana, which is 32.4 percent AA.
The original doctrine of Kwanzaa was fiercely anti-Christian.
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