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Webb: Do not force your opinions on others

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This is in response to Raymen Starkka letter (“Merry Christmas not correct phrase,” Sun City West Independent, Dec. 23, 2020).

I do not know you, sir. However, let me opine that we need not be informed of what is or is not a “correct phrase.” You certainly have the right of your beliefs and opinions, as do we. I believe a majority of us in the Sun Cities grew up 6-9 decades ago and just about the only phrase we grew up with is “Merry Christmas.”

Does the alleged fact that it is not found in the Holy Bible (kjv/nkjv), and no one knows when Christ’s birthday was mean we cannot continue to express ourselves with Merry Christmas as we have done forever in our lives?

I, and certainly a majority of the rest of us, prefer “Merry Christmas” instead of “Blessed Holiday.” No one has ever responded to me in a rude manner or given me a dissertation on why I should not say it. During my 20-year naval career and 40-plus years of civilian life I socialized with individuals of many beliefs/religions, with the exception of Buddhism, Islam and a few others that escape me at the moment.

This reminds me of the sad manner in which many people/organizations of different faiths have attempted to dictate to us that “Happy Holidays” is more proper due to the fact it may insult others. I really do not care whether it insults those who have emigrated from other countries/faiths and disagree with me/us, our beliefs and faiths. I will never go out of my way to intentionally insult anyone.

I also am a Christian and believer in the Holy Bible, have read it and enjoyed doing so. There are various reasons when I continue to research the Holy Bible to validate my beliefs. My Bible was given to me by my mother and she annotated many scriptures that pertained to each of her nine children as to our illnesses, pain, needs or provided us with guidance mother felt we needed to know of.

I will, forever, greet anyone with “Merry Christmas” whether they respond or not.

Norman Webb

Sun City West