Something to Think About

A little religious hypocrisy here at Christmas time surfaces on the Internets. I will stick my neck out, she said in jest, and predict that on the Internet will be the only place to read about this stunt.

A Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 6, 2007, House Res. 847, with the stated purpose of 'recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.' It was introduced by Rep. Steve King, (R-IA) and was patterned after a House Resolution back in October 2007 that recognized the Muslim faith and Ramadan.

Resolution:
Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith.

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible;

Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization;

Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity;

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy and Grace; and

Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;
(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;
(3) acknowledges the international religious historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;
(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christian and Christianity in the founding of th United States and in the formation of the western civilizations;
(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and
(6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Nothing earth shattering, right? Well, 9 Dems chose to vote 'no' on the resolution.

They are:
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY)
Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA)
Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA)
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)

What's the big deal? Maybe none if you don't think religions should be respected equally. All of these Dems, except for Barbara Lee who was not present during the Muslim respect vote, voted 'yes' to a similar resolution recognizing and voicing respect for the Muslims. The vote on the resolution, on October 2, 2007 concerning the Muslims had absolutely no 'no' votes. Some Republicans voted 'present', as did 1 Dem, but none voted 'no'.

On October 5, 2004, House Resolution 816 passed unanimously recognizing the Indian holiday of Diwali as an important day for Indian Americans and Indians around the world.

Interesting that 9 members voted 'present', one of whom is Republican on the vote recognizing Christianity and Christmas. That Republican, Rep. Pence, (R-IN) also voted 'present' on the bill recognizing Muslims and Ramadan. However, the Dems who voted 'present' about Christmas, voted 'yes' to Ramadan. Those are:
Barney Frank (D-MA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), John Conyers (D-MI), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT).

The House members who are Jewish that are mentioned above as voting yes to Ramadan and present to Christmas are a curiosity, huh? While they don't celebrate either holiday formally through their religion, at least it's not the Christians beheading them.

Something to think about.