Tolerance and Acceptance is Controversial

Anna Gregoline | December 20, 2004
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This church ad is being denied on the basis that it's too controversial for some major networks like NBC.

I've seen the ad in question, and thought it was very nice, and it doesn't say anything except that, "Whoever you are, we'll accept you."

Kris Weberg | December 21, 2004
Of course they're controversial. In the last election, 11 states' populations voted against tolerance and acceptance.

Anna Gregoline | December 21, 2004
I'm just surprised that the same network that produces "Will and Grace" would not allow this ad to run.

Erik Bates | December 21, 2004
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Robert Phillips | December 23, 2004
Yes the United Church of Christ...a Christ centered church that allows openly gay pastors and is accepting of gay parishoners...What was the saying that was banned at the Republican National Convention? If someone can remember it is very indicative of this issue.

Jackie Mason | December 25, 2004
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John E Gunter | December 26, 2004
Well, from Rob's comment above, not all Christians have a hatred of gays. Or at least I would figure members of the United Church of Christ would be considered Christians.

John

Amy Austin | December 28, 2004
Here's the perfect place for this year's "Christmas card" (the name "traditionally" given to a folding piece of paper with well-wishing sentiments at this particular season/time of the year -- hence, the quotation marks... end of introductory disclaimer):

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2005, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the Western Hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or gender preference of the wishee.

***
By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher.

This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

Jackie Mason | December 28, 2004
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Anna Gregoline | December 28, 2004
What wasn't politically correct in your examples? I'm afraid I'm missing something.

Scott Hardie | December 29, 2004
Chanukah stamps, Ramadan stamps, Kwanzaa stamps, but no Christmas stamps? Yeah, that's messed up all right.

There are plenty of people who celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa, you're right. One of my Jewish professors at Bradley celebrated Christmas every year, albeit as a secular gift-giving holiday and not as a religious observance.

Love the wish contract, Amy.

Scott Horowitz | December 29, 2004
I know this is in bad taste, but were the kwanzaa stamps black? hehehehe just kidding all. Remember the commercial, Happy Chrismuhanukwanzika!

Anna Gregoline | December 29, 2004
I think there's been plenty of Christmas stamps. Only fair to let other holidays have a turn.

I went to the u.s. postal service stamp site - they have one santa stamp and madonna and child stamps as well as the other ones mentioned.

Jackie Mason | December 29, 2004
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Anna Gregoline | December 29, 2004
I think you're reading way too much into the Post Office's stamp selection choices.

Amy Austin | December 29, 2004
Hmm...

Anna Gregoline | December 29, 2004
Afraid not - I took a closer look - the Madonna and Child stamps clearly say "Christmas" right at the top.

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Jackie Mason | December 30, 2004
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Anna Gregoline | December 30, 2004
Oh, ok. That is kind of odd. I'm surprised though at all the fuss this Christmas about "Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas" etc. Does it really matter that much? I think people worry too much about equality in those sorts of things, when there are far greater issues out there.