The Paddock

Does Anyone
[Cheers]

Anyone that still considers themselves a "democrat" or a "republican" in my book is a dinosaur. . . Times have changed. . . It's time to stop rooting for the other team to lose. . .

ABSOLUTELY, 1000% SPOT ON!!!

People are either conservative or liberal now.... with some, on both sides, being closer to center than others. Either way, we ALL should root for AMERICA first... NOT R's & D's.

Conservative and Liberal are just more labels. . . Issues are what matter. . .

Each individual issue is up for debate, the ideology, or the old tag of liberalism or conservatism does not apply. Think for yourself and do not grow attached to a parties beliefs in hope that the opposing view for any issue will fail based on a single issue, and letting a separate issue succeed because of that. . . Simply put, we should not sacrifice an issue we believe in simply to let another one pass or fail. . .

I think it's funny how one man's sensitivity to other religions' "holiday" celebrations, and not assuming the other person is Christian, by saying "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings".....is another man's "War on Christmas".

Have any of you ever said Merry Christmas to someone who is Jewish? Would you be offended if they said Happy Hanukkah to you while shopping during the "holidays"? We dems, or liberals, just don't assume that every Joe walking down the street is Christian and celebrates Christmas....In Kentucky, you're probably gonna be safe with the "Merry Christmas"....in New York, Chicago, DC, and other big cities around the US that have a bit more diversity, then perhaps using some cultural caution is in order.

It's not a "War on Christmas" (nice ginned up controversy from Faux News).....Listen, I tend to say Happy Holidays....but I'm just as excited about Christmas, and spending time with my family this weekend, as much as a true "Christmas only" Republican is. Niether of us is right or wrong.....and to my Republican friends - I promise, we Dems/Libs aren't trying to steal your Christmas...it's going to be here every year on the 25th of December.

Anyway - on to another issue in this thread - I'm with BG631 in a way. However, I'm beginning to believe the false R v D noise we all get caught up in is really a side show.....it keeps the minions (us) focused on the ruse, while the politicians in DC continue to line their pockets with corporate money (D and R) in exchange for a loosening of the rules/regulations on Wall St.......and while people on Wall St continue to reap millions/billions by pledging the same collateral multiple times over to secure new loans - that they use to invest in usually very risky bets (which sometimes fail), reap in any of the dividends (and pay themsevles) before the loans start coming due - most of us live pay check to pay check. At any rate, this is the newly exposed BS going on in Wall Street and its known as rehypothecation....See MF Global.

When the rules are rigged for Wall St to do whatever they want at the expense of our financial system (and that's what we get in both Dem and Republicans - politicians who are bought out by Wall Streeters to ensure our government looks the other way) - then our country only becomes a system that is useful for those at the top.

Most of us on here - Dem or Republican - liberal or conservative - don't live at the top...... one thing in common we do have is our socio-economic class.....and there may be a day in the very near future where that commonality may actually take precedent over any political allegiance if things continue to as they have been for the past 10-13 years, allowing Wall St., to essentially ruin our economic system due to extreme Greed.

Or they get sucked up into ginned up Social Issues....such as the fake "War on Christmas". lol

I understand your point... and have no problem with you making a conscious effort to say "Happy Holidays" or whatever... that's your choice, but you don't have the right to force others to voice "their" holiday greetings in the same way as you... nor should you EXPECT them to. The problem I have... is when people get offended or accuse others of being insensitive for simply saying what comes natural to them ("Merry Christmas"). Whether they are Christian or not, it's only a harmless greeting that people share in kindness and in the spirit of the holiday season... no one is purposely trying to offend anyone or disrespect their religious beliefs. I think those who are offended by it and/or trying to make it a "political correct" issue... are the ones who are perpetuating the problems and adding to the division in this country. In response to your above question... NO, I am not nor would I ever be offended by someone saying to me "Happy Hanukkah". I'm grown up and tolerant enough to realize some people celebrate holidays differently than others... and I don't berate, belittle or judge them in any negative way whatsoever. People say that Christians need to be more tolerant and sensitive to others feelings or beliefs... well I say... that works both ways. People need to realize that Christians are a HUGE part of our nations population and they have every right to celebrate this holiday in the spirit of "Christ"... as others have every right to celebrate for different reasons. Christians, in general, are more kind-hearted and tolerant of others than given credit for... they are falsely accused and labeled by those who are, ironically, the ones who are truly intolerant and unkind. "True" Christians know what (or who) Christmas is in honor of... it's what they believe, but that don't mean that we Christians expect others who DO NOT BELIEVE to celebrate for the same reasons. It's ridiculous for anyone to think that way. However, NON-Christians should understand that it's only natural for "Merry Christmas" to come from the mouth of a Christian. Even people who are NOT Christian will still say "Merry Christmas"... but again, it's only out of kindness and in the spirit of the holiday. We have no way of knowing what others beliefs are when we greet them... NOR do we always have any way of knowing if those who say "Merry Christmas", are Christians themselves... or even claim to be. With that said... STOP BEING SO DAMN SENSITIVE AND SO EASILY OFFENDED!!!! WE MEAN YOU NO HARM!!!

Try practicing what you preach... "tolerance".

Btw... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

NO ... it's only about the "politically" correct way that one should extend a "seasons greeting" to others... like "Merry Christmas"

I agree JawJacker - I definitely don't have a right to force others to voice their holiday greetings of choice. And I have never taken the position that others have to say Happy Holidays. I just do my thing, and let people do their's. And as an aside - if I absolutely know 100% that the other person celebrates Christmas etc., I do in fact say "Merry Christmas". I'm just more inclined to say Happy Holidays to a stranger.....

This whole "War on Christmas" bs is a non-story ginned up by Fox News who report on "examples" of this alleged War everyday leading up to the big day, as just another way to stir up anger amongst conservatives against liberals - it's yet another false/fake social "crisis" to keep the audience of conservatives steaming mad at us "crazy, American-hating, peace-loving, liberals". It's really annoying.......and most people who watch Fox News believe the crap being spewed - that's what irks me.

Finally, if someone is offended that you say "Merry Christmas" to them - that's their problem, not yours. I agree - they don't need to be so sensitive. And I can tell you.....I'm not one of those guys.

Why is it always assumed that the government is involved... how would you feel if it were a manger scene on public property made up of real LIVE people? Christians should have the same rights to public property as anyone else... where they, also, have the right to exercise their freedom of religion. Having said that... I do NOT agree to any government sponsored display of one particular religion. I understand both sides of this debate... but again, I just think that some people are WAY too sensitive and intolerant of others. It all appears to be nothing more than childish whining to me... coming from spoiled brats who want everything "their" way. (and I mean that on BOTH sides). It's no different than something being displayed in public that "I" disagree with, but instead of crying about it, I realize and accept the fact that people are different in this world. I would never give them the personal satisfaction of thinking I was offended by it... and I don't start screaming and whining about those people trying to "force" their ways, habits or beliefs on me. Instead, I just ignore it and move on... like an intelligent, grown-up adult with common sense should.

We ALL should be more tolerant of others and learn to accept people for who they are... and not be so fast to judge others and make false, unwarranted accusations.

That's exactly why our country is in such a mess... too many people, who vote, have no clue what the difference is either. When idiots vote... we get idiot politicians in office. It's sad.