US Opinion and Commentary

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Christmas in America

Posted December 23rd, 2016 at 1:50 pm (UTC-4)
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Whether you greet people by saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays,” Americans will observe Christmas in some way or another on Sunday.

The multi-ethnic, multi-religious nature of the United States raised the consciousness of some to try to be more inclusive with their greetings. But the supposedly politically-correct “Happy Holidays” offends some who believe it diminishes Christmas, and those who choose to use it in their well-wishes.

Add to that legal prohibitions on publicly sponsored religious displays and events, and you have ammunition for some to wage a culture war.

Hopefully, the sentiment of peace and joy that Christmas conveys will prevail.

If Islam Is a Religion of Violence, So Is Christianity

Posted June 16th, 2016 at 2:53 pm (UTC-4)
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I am tired of hearing…that Islam is inherently violent. I am even more tired of hearing that Christianity is inherently peaceful….inherently a religion of love. With all due respect to my many Christian friends, I seriously beg to differ.

Obama at the Intersection of Religion and Politics

Posted February 4th, 2016 at 4:16 pm (UTC-4)
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During a 24-hour span, President Barack Obama walked that line between American politics and American religion. On Wednesday’s first-of-his-presidency visit to a mosque, Obama thanked Muslim-Americans for their service to the country and acknowledged their concerns and fears of being targeted or blamed when terrorists strike. He assured Muslims — especially the young — that they fit in the American fabric, exhorting “You are not Muslim or American. You are Muslim and American.” Thursday, Obama took advantage of the annual National Prayer Breakfast to press the mostly Christian audience to reject an underlying theme in the presidential campaign, saying “faith is the great cure for fear.” The president’s high-wire act has drawn both praise and scorn.