Got a few minutes to spare? (and I know you do...)
As you are aware, the Religious Right has an extensive cadre of keyboard warriors waiting to fire off indignant letters to the guy who put "Happy Holidays" and a snowflake in his bakery window instead of a hearty "Merry Christmas" and a nativity scene.
The Right is outraged that cities and schools and stores want to include everyone in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays? I don't think so - don't you realize everyone who matters celebrates Christmas?
It seems that the persecution of the majority is never ending!
Are you sick of this too?
People are recognizing that more than just Christians celebrate in this winter season. Stores are realizing that they can sell Chanukah cards and Kwanzaa cards (ironic, isn't it?) and Solstice cards and why discriminate - a dollar is a dollar!
The "Parade of Lights" down Mainstreet USA really scares the shit out of some people.
One way I found to fight against this (and I know others have done this too - please tell me your sites) is to find "attack lists" on conservative sites and use them for our own letters. Just make sure you can replace the suggested text with your own - some don't let you.
I went to http://www.rightmarch.com and clicked on the link to send a letter to their Christmas list. But I took out their pre-written text and replaced it with this:
"Thank you for trying to be considerate and fair in your winter holiday plans.
I know a lot of people have been sending you emails about "Christmas Under Attack!" and other such inflammatory titles. But when 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas, I hardly think it is in danger of disappearing.
I think "Happy Holidays" is just as warm and welcoming as "Merry Christmas" and a "Parade of Lights" shouldn't be about Jesus, but about the warmth of community that Christians, Jews, Muslims, Humanists, Bhuddists and everyone can celebrate this time of year.
You are on this email list, put together by the website www.marchright.com, because you dared to welcome everyone to your store or event or school. The "MarchRight" group wants to silence the wonderful, diverse community that is America and replace it with their own narrow view. Don't let them prevail.
As I copied from the original words in this group email, but with a very different meaning: "...let's all celebrate this joyous time of the year together. Thank you."
Remember, use your own words. Be kind. They have been getting tons of ranting and raving mail from the other side. Be a voice of calm reason.
And let me know of other places where we can hijack their hit lists.