Politics and religion.

[caseysmom]

We had a non-christian complain at work about our christmas tree, not a Muslim btw and so now we call it a holiday tree...got around that!

[Karen]

Well, the point is that 90% of the people living there accepted the Muslims's Eid celebration and that cost a lot more, but more important, if people settle down in another country, they should accept the customs of that country and not demand that the citizens change their way of living and adapt to their rules! If I went to an Arabic country, do you think they'd let me walk around without a scarf covering my head and serve me pork, or have a Christmas tree put up in the Square!

Many years ago, a Christian friend of mine lived in an Arabic country for her husband's job, and their slightly bedraggled artificial Christmas tree was a treasure, as there were no live Christmas trees for sale there, they do not grow in the desert! They celebrated Christmas anyway, and when they moved back to the States, gave the tree to other Christian friends there.

[cassiesmom]

Question. Does Congress have a plan in place for what to do if a member requires an extended absence? I'm thinking of two people from Illinois. Senator Mark Kirk had a stroke in January and needed brain surgery. He has been through months of extended rehabilitation. He was just on TV because he participated in a stair climb for charity at the Sears Tower. I thought he looked really good- his speech is definitely improving, he looks healthy although I could still clearly tell that his left arm is weak. The other one is House Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. who has been under care for depression (I've also heard bipolar disorder) and was just re-elected on Tuesday. He has not been able to do his congressional work for I think 3 or 4 months now. Even Rep. Giffords who also was in rehab for a lengthy period of time after her serious head injury.

Is there a certain point in time after which something happens? I know Sen. Kirk is hoping to return to the Senate, but I'm not sure if or when that will happen. I heard on the news that Jackson didn't want to run for re-election but was advised to run so he wouldn't lose his Congressional member health insurance. I think they should let the governor appoint someone (although in Illinois that could get messy) or hold a special election, or in Jackson's case let the runner-up be declared the winner and take it from there.

[RICHARD]

The funniest thing about 'religion' and being 'correct'?

People don't respect each other enough to let things slide.

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Some holidays do not have a set date.

That religious holiday that gets moved yearly because it's the thirty fifth day from the winter peri-helion on Uranus?

It doesn't really matter to me.

I respect your right to celebrate, I am not going to be insulted or think anything about it.

That said?

Have your own holidays, spend them with your family, eat, drink and be merry....

JUST DON'T EFF WITH EVERYONE ELSE'S PARTY.

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And lastly?

The part that makes me laugh about all religions is the tenent of loving everyone - except when it comes to holidays.

The people that do-not-believe are a different story.

They are going to hell, anyways.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Some holidays do not have a set date.

That religious holiday that gets moved yearly because it's the thirty fifth day from the winter peri-helion on Uranus?

That would be Easter? First Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

There is only one federal holiday that is a religious holiday. Christmas of course. So I don't think Christians need to worry.

[Lady's Human]

Question. Does Congress have a plan in place for what to do if a member requires an extended absence? I'm thinking of two people from Illinois. Senator Mark Kirk had a stroke in January and needed brain surgery. He has been through months of extended rehabilitation. He was just on TV because he participated in a stair climb for charity at the Sears Tower. I thought he looked really good- his speech is definitely improving, he looks healthy although I could still clearly tell that his left arm is weak. The other one is House Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. who has been under care for depression (I've also heard bipolar disorder) and was just re-elected on Tuesday. He has not been able to do his congressional work for I think 3 or 4 months now. Even Rep. Giffords who also was in rehab for a lengthy period of time after her serious head injury.

Is there a certain point in time after which something happens? I know Sen. Kirk is hoping to return to the Senate, but I'm not sure if or when that will happen. I heard on the news that Jackson didn't want to run for re-election but was advised to run so he wouldn't lose his Congressional member health insurance. I think they should let the governor appoint someone (although in Illinois that could get messy) or hold a special election, or in Jackson's case let the runner-up be declared the winner and take it from there.

Unless the Representative or Senator dies or resigns, they hold the seat. If they are absent, then no vote is cast from that representative.

In Rep. Giffords' case, she resigned, and the state had to hold a special election to fill the seat.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Well, I am a Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. If they don't want to hear it, they can walk away from me. I can not understand why everyone gets so upset about it. It's not like saying Merry Christmas is like saying your wife/husband is ugly. It's people who are celebrating something special to them wanting to share that joy with others.

I am not offended by other religions and am baffled that they are offended by mine. I have never in my life thumped a Bible at anyone.

I do get miffed by towns that will let other relligions display symbols of their faith in public places but not let Christians. I am glad our town still has a living nativity scene every Christmas.

Someone wished me a Happy Father's day one time. Something I never ever thought I'd be wished. I just said thank you. Same to you and left. I don't know if she was offened or not.

[cassiesmom]

Well, I am a Christian and I celebrate Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas. If they don't want to hear it, they can walk away from me. I can not understand why everyone gets so upset about it. It's not like saying Merry Christmas is like saying your wife/husband is ugly. It's people who are celebrating something special to them wanting to share that joy with others.

I am not offended by other religions and am baffled that they are offended by mine. I have never in my life thumped a Bible at anyone.

I do get miffed by towns that will let other relligions display symbols of their faith in public places but not let Christians. I am glad our town still has a living nativity scene every Christmas.

Someone wished me a Happy Father's day one time. Something I never ever thought I'd be wished. I just said thank you. Same to you and left. I don't know if she was offened or not.

One of the things I liked about working at the Catholic hospital was that I could say, "Merry Christmas" more comfortably there than with secular employers. Last year we were told to say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" just to keep it neutral.