https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5704484&postID=8049882055808150268

And *I* say: It's a shame to know that Margalit is only an insensitive boob who cares more about herself than the people who want to gift her with a card.

The funding is different, one is funded by taxpayer dollars from a country where the "majority religion" (according to the comments in this post) is not being preserved by it and the other is private monies raised by the religion it is preserving. Still, in essence, they serve the same purpose.

People can be offended by whatever they want to be offended by.

Sure they can. People can be offended by whatever they want to be offended by and not take into consideration someone else's perspective or intent… but then they should not expect to thrive in a community that is globalizing with the rest of the world.

Ultimately the question is whether they take action on it or if they let it ride.

Another very valid point. Words are action, whether spoken or blogged.

And yes… it is quite good blog fodder.

One is federally funded and the other is private. There is a huge distinction between the two. But that is still neither here nor there.

If you truly do understand what I am saying about perspective and intent, then it saddens me that you say we will ultimately find common ground… because that means that we, as in you and I, have not for reasons beyond my comprehension.

There may be a couple of minor differences, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

These sorts of discussions are occasionally interesting, but overall they are kind of silly. People can be offended by whatever they want to be offended by.

Ultimately the question is whether they take action on it or if they let it ride.

Makes for good blog fodder.

If you truly do understand what I am saying about perspective and intent, then it saddens me that you say we will ultimately find common ground… because that means that we, as in you and I, have not for reasons beyond my comprehension.

As for your comparison, well, what Sue said. It depends again on the intent and perspective.

Replace "those abbreviations" with "wishing somebody a Merry Christmas" and I think we've found the heart of the matter right there.

I follow what you're saying about perspective and intent. I suspect that ultimately we'd find common ground here.

We could apply the same standards to people who say that they are offended by Xtian, or Xmas.

Should people really be offended by those abbreviations if the intent was not to offend?

I do know that millions of dollars are spent by private Christian groups funding missionaries who's sole purpose is to convert people to Christianity. Missionary work is an ongoing self-preservation mechanic from the early days when persecution was highest against Christianity.

I also know that millions of dollars are spent by the US Government in material and financial aid to Israel. The Jewish State is a self-preservation establishment from the most modern and horrific persecution against Judaism.

I have no problem with either… because as I originally stated, this isn't about religion but rather it is about perspective and the ability to understand intent.

To do so, with little or no regard for the other person's perspective, is offensive in itself and will only serve to alienate instead of unite.

Religion is a funny issue. I am a happy Jewish kid. Born and raised that way, I have chosen to stay Jewish because I believe in my mythology and don't buy the stuff the others peddle.

But I won't say that at times it is not tedious to listen to people whine about a fake war on christmas. Most of you haven't the foggiest idea what it is like to be targeted.

You know millions of dollars are spent funding missionary groups whose sole purpose is to go out and spread the word. It is a bit offensive at times to have to deal with that sort of arrogance. The suggestion that if I don't believe as they do I am going to burn in hell. Some might even say that they are using terror tactics to get people to convert.

I am sure that most of them mean well and they aren't trying to be irritating or offensive. But they are.

More to the point, I don't get too excited about people wishing me a merry christmas. I think that most of them are good people just sending good wishes. But they shouldn't get upset when I say happy holidays in return.

I am not convinced that Jesus existed and if he did I am certain that he was just a man. So why would I tell someone otherwise. When I say happy holidays I am wishing them well.

Truth is that if I was christian I'd be mad as hell about how my holiday was being treated. The commercial aspect of this time of year is appalling.

If I had my druthers we'd keep religion out of the press/public and just let it be the private and personal matter that it should be.

It'd sure cut down on the ridiculous fights that we have this time of year.

To wish good things for others…. OH NO! What could our world turn into if we let people just rampantly wish for others to enjoy a holiday and good cheer???

And for her to call us Xtians, is beyond offensive. That is "X"ing out Christ.

She sounds miserable.