Last year we heard a lot about the “War on Christmas” both in local news and national coverage. Stores like Target, Wal-Mart and others dropped Christmas from promotions and replaced it with the more PC “Happy Holidays.” Some businesses even banned employees from uttering “Merry Christmas” in fear someone might be offended. A local church was told they could not put a nativity scene in the Bartlett library, even though it was to be in an area designated for public announcements. The library, under order of the mayor, allowed the display after Bill O’Reilly and local media picked up the story. Several retailers promised to add “Merry Christmas” back into their advertising and it is there this year. It seemed all was quiet until an ad by Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was refused and criticized because some think a bookcase in the background looks like a cross and because Huckabee makes religious references. Then there’s the “Downtown Holiday Parade” and the “Holiday Tree” in-front of FedExForum. Now I ask you, what other holiday uses a tree at this time of year??? A school system in Michigan banned the words, Christmas, Christ, Nativity and even Santa.
This is supposedly so no one could possibly be offended but who’s complaining? I know Jewish people who thinks it’s all a joke, in-fact they celebrate Christmas, just the Santa version. I think most people don’t mind adding “Happy Holidays” but they do object to getting rid of “Merry Christmas.” Retailers aren’t afraid to take your Christmas money but they won’t use the word. A Collierville store is fighting back, as they did last year, by offering a discount to people who say “Merry Christmas.” The store even passes out buttons urging people to use the phrase.
Now there’s the controversy in Shelby County government because Commissioner Henri Brooks sent out an email about an on county property Kwanzaa celebration. Probate Court clerk Chris Thomas wrote back saying the celebration should not be allowed because Kwanzaa is religious based. Thomas’ point is that Christmas, Hanukkah and other religious celebrations are not allowed. According to the official Kwanzaa site, it does have some religious basis, “a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation.” Kwanzaa was created by a black nationalist and separatist. Thomas says he has nothing against Kwanzaa but his concern is over equality.
What do you think about all this???
Crazy! I feel that my right to be an open Christian is taken away by those who may be offended. Let them be offended. What happened to Constitutional Rights regarding religion? Isn’t that one reason why this country exists? Didn’t our forefathers write the Constitution bearing God’s name?
In another 20 years, I am afraid that we will be experiencing all kinds of civil unrest because of these people who want to change everything.
I’m tired of the whole world trying to keep from offending these stupid atheists! As a Christian, I’m the one being offended. Christians outnumber these idiots. So I say let’s show-em who is going to prevail!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS.. IN GOD WE TRUST!!!!!
TO ALL YOU atheists YOU USE MONEY DONT YOU .. WELL IT HAS IN GOD WE TRUST…. SO IF IF OFFENDS YOU WHY USE IT ???
To all you atheist and atheist sympathizers. Turn a deaf ear when you hear “Merry Christmas”,
“Jesus”, “a prayer” or any other thing that should cause you to have a “pitty party”. Jesus was here first and he is still the only one that matters. If you c h o o s e to pretend that there is no God, that is your choice. It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are fake than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. You will have your day when you meet your maker, GOD, Christian or nonchristian. If you haven’t made it right with God before your judgement, you will not have that chance.
It is high time we Christians stand up for what is right at every opportunity. This is our
Christian responsibility. My hat is off to those merchants who continue to display the true meaning of the Christmas Season. Jesus is the “Lord of Lords”, “King of Kings”, the Alpha and the Omega” and “the Beginning and the End”. Atheist, you will know the truth either on this earth or when you meet God for your judgement. No matter what you atheist say or do, we Christians have peace and joy in our hearts, and we know from where that contentment comes.
We shall continue to rejoyce in the Lord Jesus.
THANK YOU ANONYMOUS. COULDNT OF SAID IT BETTER MYSELF.. MERRY CHRISTMAS
LETS KEEP CHRIST!!-IN CHRISTMAS NOT X-MAS
I bet this retard Henri Brooks was at the front of the committee to try and ban Christmas, but she is the first to jump up like a Sharpton Jessie wanna be to be identified as someone fighting for a black thing. And yes this isn’t even over religion; this is just another Henri Brooks fiasco. And sorry but Kwanzaa is a black issue, not really about marking any significance but another black panthers backed (formed by a nationalist/separatist) project wanting to force INequality for blacks…again not equal but MORE….why because of their poor deprived heritage.
Religious events should be allowed, however racially motivated projects should be banned. As for Kwanzaa, it talks a nice talk but with the black undertones it really means nothing except a hidden agenda for black RADICALS.
I agree that with the religious undertones of Kwanzaa it should not be allowed if we can’t say a prayer or have the 10 Comandments displayed in county properties. Although not being to do either is dumb. We should have God first in all things we do, He is here for us, we should be fighting to do the same for Him.
I want to know why it is that all these other religions can keep their holidays with out change?! Christmas is a Christian holiday and I don’t believe it is anyone’s right to take anything that it stands for away! I can’t believe the news hasn’t even done a t.v. report on all the Christian Persecution that has been going on! Attacking or taking away anything that involves Christ is persecution! Why not attack any other holiday that doesn’t pertain to Christianity? This nation was founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ how dare the government allow these atheist to steal away our rights and take out the meaning this nation first began! Just earlier I was watching the news about Mr. Huckabee’s commercial for Christmas and the reporter slammed it because the window pane looked too much like a cross. What?!!! How dare he!!! Our government needs to wake up and quit being spineless when it comes to these atheist’s demands if you take God out then our fore fathers have died in vain. Christmas is about Christ this nation is about Christ!!!
Kwanzaa??? What a sham this “made up” holiday is! I am disgusted at the black community for not WANTING to observe the holiday called “christmas” like 98% of other Americans. The black community will do anything to separate themselves from the rest of the community. Kwanzaa is not something that started in Africa it’s a silly way the black community can distance themselves even further from white America!
THE COUNTY PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE USED. IT SEEMS THAT HENRI BROOKS DOESNOT EVEN KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF KWANZA. WERE THEY WILLING TO PAY FOR THE USE OF THE PROPERTY????? IF WE CAN’T SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS THEN KWANZA SHOULD NOT BE CELEBRATED ON COUNTY PROPERTY. HENRI BROOKS SHOWED HER OWN IGNORANCE TODAY. SHE NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC. SHE SHOULD INVEST IN A PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE. IN THIS CITY THERE IS ALWAYS A DOUBLE STANDARD AND THIS SITUATION IS NO DIFFFERENT. I HOPE THE ANSWER IS NO, WHERE HAVE THEY HAD IT BEFORE???? NOT EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS, BUT YET THEY CELEBRATE IT. SORRY HENRI BROOKS. SEEMS AS THOUGH THE CITIZENS OF SHELBY CO HAVE TOLD U HOW THEY FEEL. LOOK AT THE RESULTS OF THE POLL.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH WILL E. HARRYTON ON THE COMMENTS ABOUT HENRI BROOKS. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER RACIAL ISSUE IN THIS CITY. THE BLACKS MAKE EVERYTHING THAT WAY. I LOVE THE NAME WILL E. HARRYTON…..HOW APPROPRIATE. COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER.
If the blacks want to celebrate Kwanzee (or whatever it is) let them do so if it makes them feel good. I celebrate Christmas because it is my Savior’s birthday and I don’t want anyone
telling me I cannot do so because I will celebrate anyway. This is a free country where we can express our views without being threatened. There are still other groups of people who do it their way, all but the Atheist’s. They do not celebrate period because they don’t have anything to celebrate. All they can do is be different and cause trouble for God fearing people. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all you Atheist.
I’m saddened and embarrassed by the above comments. “Idiots”, “retard”, “stupid” -these are some of the things you’ve chosen to call others, along with making racist generalizations like “the blacks make everything that way.” You don’t need to worry about other people taking Christ out of Christmas, you’ve already done that.
This with Henri Brooks is about par. She’s testing the waters to see if she can squeak something by because of the racial nonsense that’s going on in this city. Apparently, she seems to think that if it’s a black religious gathering on government property, then it’s ok. If the religious holidays of Christians, Jews and Muslims can not be observed on public property, neither should the pseudo-religious black holiday.
By the way, when did the county get into the business of loaning out public property for non-public purposes?
I for one am sick of the black public officials in Memphis thinking they are high and mighter than thou! The way Henri Brooks talks she thinks she is gods gift to Memphis goverment! Step down Henri Brooks you are a laughing stock, just like your co-workers on their way to federal prison as we speak!
Ego maniac behavior and arrogance seems to be a staple in Memphis politics.
TK
Hi, I am soooo SICK and TIRED of politically correct “stuff” (to be polite). We are a country founded on Christian principles and have a Constitution that was written to guarantee our religious freedoms. We have a society that has kicked God out of schools, events and public forums and now we all watch the news and wonder “why are kids killing eachother” and “why is this world like it is”? Well the answer is simple, it is like this because it is self inflicted. When we kicked God out of our public lives He quietly backed up and granted our wish. Until we wake up and return to our Christian principles, I might add whether you want to be a Chrisitan or not, then we can’t expect Him to help us. We have no right belly aching about the world being so messed up when we asked Him to leave us alone.
Another thing while I am on my soap box. Can we ever get past this reverse prejudice?? I mean we can’t have anything that is remotely “white” this or that but then we have to have Kwanzaa celebrations, celebrating “the creator” but, not mentioning God but, can’t have Christmas things celebrating our Savior’s birth. How dare someone to be “offended” over Christmas and the Savior’s birth celebration. So, can’t we just quit making things black this or that or white this or that and no more “African American” and be Americans?? Seems like a reasonable request.
Merry Christmas,
Andy
Good job Andy!
But the city will be completely broke if we rebuild every slum in the projects and pay for mental help for the parents and grandparents of the screwed up kids we have in Memphis. It just seems to me the (african americans) (Black people) or whatever they want to be called are living in LA LA land and Henri Brooks is a prime example of the problem with black memphians.
Black and White should work together. Committee member Henri Brooks spreads hate and discontent. If she wants attention let her do something that will be of good report. Not refusing to pledge alligence to the flag in the state legislature. Everyone should pray for her as she has unresolved child hood issues. I didn’t do anything to you but I will be your scape goat if it will heal you., From a voter that would like for us to all get along.
I’am sick of this race crap is never going to stop till the white people put there foot down and stop giving into the black’s. Stop with this politc correct BS. I have a right to say what I want say, and if you do not like it to bad. Ever time someone gives into the black’s it only gets worse. But if you stand up to them it is racism. But if they do the same thing they say it is not racism it’s there right. I SAY PUT FOOT DOWN AND IF THE BLACK’S DO NOT LIKE IT TO BAD, MOVE!
It’s not about race. It has boiled down to whoe thinks their version of Christmas deserves more airtime. It’s an every year event to wait for the first story from the guy that says he heard a thunderous voice that told him he needed to build a replica of a barn. but not just anyplace. It has to be in front of city hall and if you don’t build it there, Next year you are on the construction crew for the singing Christmas tree. And they say god is not vengeful. Witty stuff aside… You and I pay taxes to the government to do crap that we had to do ourselves years ago like pick up garbage and hire people to point guns at criminals. I do not pay taxes for the city to build a replica barn in front of city hall because it makes an insecure idiot down the road feel like he’s safe in the arms of the lord at Christmas. In my opinion, If the citizens of the midsouth are that insecure in their faith, We need a wagonload of better preachers or at least preachers that can make them a little more confident about their own abilities before they ask for a city hall barnraising. All kidding aside, Faith begins at home and there will come a time when faith will take you home. You can’t find faith in a fake barn….
This country was founded on faith by people who came here for freedom to worship without government interference…now we have no right to express that freedom…my opinion, if one expression of faith is not allowed well then none should be allowed…and Ms. Brooks remarks about “the ignorance” of people was simply uncalled for…what does her faith say about name calling?…
The main thing to remember about this subject is FREEDOM. Let’s celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and all together on a separate day. This is America and we have the freedom to do so. Thanks to our heritage as a free country, these celebrations can take place. The only problem is when you allow one and not the others. Kwanzaa obviously according to their own website has some religious overtones. It’s not even about that though. I just want equality. I think some people believe that repercussions are necessary to heal things that were done away with so long ago. I know equality in the truest form is not attainable on earth, however, we can strive for it and this is a place and time when we must demand it.
“Reparations” is what some of these folks want. I say hog wash. I never ever owned a slave NOR was anyone of them, or anyone alive for that matter (born in American), owned as a slave. Soooo, does anyone alive here owe “reparation”? I know not.
It is high time to quit playing a pity card or pity party and go on with your life. I can NOT live in the past it makes me a looser if I dwell on the bad or negative things and the same is true for anyone else. You have ot to move on and let go of it.
We are all better than lying on our backsides crying and “whoa is me”. Henri Brooks is better than that too. She can get over it and focus on being productive and moving forward, if she wants too. Some people are more comfortable living in the past. I say, I feel very sorry for you. But, I don’t owe you one thing. NOTHING!
Still saying, Merry Christmas!
Andy
Everyone should be allowed to express his or her beliefs respectfully. There’s nothing wrong with saying Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Happy Hanukkah. The religious meaning behind Christmas was lost long ago – it is a celebration of the mighty dollar. Nothing more. If a Christian retailer wants to put Merry Christmas in the windows, they should do it. If a Jewish retailer puts Happy Hanukkah, great. Agnostic? Happy Holidays. All these political crazies that have nothing better to do than whine about being offended should take a long hard look at the city they live in and find a REAL problem to battle.
So what ABOUT Kwanzaa?! This is (or it’s supposed to be) a Christian nation – at least, it was intended to be by our Founding Fathers – and Christmas (Christ-Mass) is the only Christian holiday celebrated this time of year. Kwanzaa is just something somebody made up in the last few years – which has no basis in historical fact, and which is only celebrated by a few people of one ethnic group. Christmas, on the other hand, is celebrated by many more people, of many more ethnic groups.
I don’t respond to ignorance, either – so I won’t mention Henri Brooks, or Deidre Malone, or WHOEVER she was, that resorted to personal attacks on Chris Thomas…
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Chris Thomas deserves a pat on the back for speaking out about this issue, Henri Brooks deserves a slap on the wrist for making a complete fool out of herself on local tv and calling the public ignorant. If Henri Brooks is so concerned about kwanzaa all she had to do was pay the $300 to the pink palace out of her own pocket and continue her celebration at the same location. $300 is nothing! Yet she would rather the public pay thousands in court cost for her idiotic decisions. Another day in the life of the bumbling memphis city goverment filled with criminals and high school educated clowns.
Another fine example of our tax dollars at work..
Merry Christmas
NOT
Merry Chris-ma-hon-a-kwanz-a-ca
If they cannot have Christmas celebrations than why is it ok for them to celebrate Hanukkah? It is the same thing, it all runs into the Christmas celebrations, but you know they will get there way. I apploud Chris Thomas for standing up for what is right, if he has to go by rules, THEY ALL SHOULD! YES get that lawsuit filed!!
What i’m tried of is black people begging white people for there permission to do anything. Black people stand up and get your own place to have events. This celebration comes the same time every year. Start planning for it now. I do Kwanzaa 365 days a year in my home where i pay the mortage. I don’t need permission from no one to do what i do in my home. Peace&Love
If she is aloud to have her party in a Government building then that gives all us the right to do the same thing. And do it right in front of her and the Government. Merry Christmas all.
Right On Unknown and Party on!!!,Next they will have Al and Jesse out.
This kwanza thing is just another problem we have in Memphis with the black community wanting something seperate from whites. I remember when people got mad over having to have our police and government protect the KKK marches here in Memphis, but we all had to be reminded that the same police and government had to protect the Dr. Martin Luther King marches. The same should be with Kwanza if it is going to be allowed on publice property and paid for by taxpayers money then as a taxpayer they city and county should pay for the Christians to have a party, the Jewish to have a party and the muslims have their party. What is right for one is right for all.
Have a Very Merry Christmas
Chris Thomas is absolutely right. Kwanzaa is a religious celebration. If the County is going to celebrate Kwanzaa, then they must allow celebrations of a religious nature to take place in County buildings throughout Shelby County. This would include Hanukkah, Passover,Christmas, Easter, the Chinese New Year, to list a number of them St. Patrick’s Day. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the Muslim and Hispanic religious ceremonies.
I read the spineless response from Mayor Wharton’s office, and it’s just as I expected. He points the finger of responsibility to a department WITHIN his administration. The man is supposed to lead the entire County and when one of his departments has made an error, he should be the one to step forward and correct it. Wharton has a problem taking a stand even it’s in the men’s room!
Sadly, because Caucasians are the minority in Memphis, Mr. Thomas’ lawsuit will probably fail. But at least a blow has been struck for equality.
Pat
Dear Stephanie & George
May I ask why you didn’t tell the whole story about Henri Brooks and what she stands for ?.
You made it sound like she is such a nice person, gee why is that?
Ms. Brooks, a Memphis democrat made headlines two months ago when she was reproached for not standing while her fellow lawmakers recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
“It’s not one nation under God and it’s not liberty and justice for all,”
Why didn’t you tell the whole story also would white people like or enjoy Kwanzaa? You be the judge!
As a Wican, we would like to use the City Hall basement or better yet MLGW conference room (their lights are on 24/7 anyway) for a gathering. We are not a Christian group and we won’t pray, or anything like that (remember separation of church and state). We just feel as a group of citizens, the city should foot the bill. Besides we PAY our taxes and our tax money helped construct those buildings and pays those utilities and we deserve to be recognized because we are a group of citizens. And we got whites, blacks a couple of Mexicans (I’m sure they are here legally), a few orientals, we even have some true RED blooded american Indians in our group. So we are not a racially divided group, come on Memphis, let us free load off of your mighty chocolate city, oops wrong city.
The men that wrote the constitution of these United States gave us the freedom to practice christianity without govenment interference. Yes christianity! Read the inaugural speeches of the first 20 presidents. Read the preamble of the US and all of the lower48 states. This country was founded on freedom of christianity, not any religion that someone can dream up. There sis one God and one Son of God. What is Kwanzzee or however you spell it. It was thought up by a man not the result of the inspired word of God.Check the history of this country and then tell me I am Wrong.
It is ridiculous to have a Kwanzaa celebration in a public office at tax payers’ expense especially since you can’t celebrate Christmas or Haunaka.
Ms. Hooks,
Get your “swerve” on–off of County property.
Thank you,
Taxpayer
I think this is more about Henri Brooks than Kwanzaa. Brooks is a racist and few people can stand her, black or white. At every meeting the only questions she asks are about minority participation. She has openly said that by minority, she means Black. Then there’s the refusing to pledge deal. IS Kwanzaa religion based, no. Does it have religious overtones and reference the creator? Yes. The man who created Kwanzaa was a black separatist and even he says it was to give blacks an alternative to taking part in the majority celebrations. I.E, it was a separatist move. Cinco de Mayo is not religious at all and the only reason it’s celebrated is because of the liquor industry, same with St. Patrick’s Day. Thompson is standing up for everyone who is tired of being told they can’t do something but someone else can. The constitution says nothing about SEPARATING church and state, it says the government cannot create and OFFICIAL religion and tell everyone they MUST follow it. That’s a BIG difference.
Some one needs to tell the the facts about Kwanza. Leroi Jones invented this holiday in 1966. Mr. Jones is a writer. His most well known book was Blues for Mr Charlie. He subsequently changed his name to an Islamic name. He is anti-white,militant and a black separatist. It is not certain that Kwanza , as such, is even an African festival. There is no comparison to Hannukah or Christmas. Attempts to give equal weight to Kwanza is somewhat ridiculous. No religious holiday celebrations should be held on government property. But if Ms Brooks wants to hold a Kwanza celebration, then there should also be Hannukah and Christmas celebrations on government property. After all, the civil rights struggles of the ’60s was equality for ALL, not preferential treatment for some.
I beleive that they should be allowed to have their party in a government building as soon as any other group that request to do so is allowed. Ms. Hooks said that Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but they celebrate having a creator and that is what Christians do with God. How is this different? Concerned Christian that we are being pushed out more and more everyday! Lets take a stand!
If the Kwanzaa celebration is allowed to go forth at a county building, then we should also allow the Miss White America pageant to take place there. Oops, that would be racist, wouldn’t it…guess it’s OK to have a Miss Black America pageant, though.
Nice double standards this city has…makes me sick.
You know…I see the comments and I hear the news and it saddens me that today in 2007 we are still a society that is so racially divided. The tenets of Kwanzaa are decent in and of themselves. However, the foundation, origin, and continuation of the leaders of Kwanzaa is what concerns me. This holiday was founded on the basis of the Black Power movement and continues today to separate the black community from the white community. When I read the articles from the US Organization (that founded Kwanzaa), it sounds very similar to Black Supremacy with an utter contempt and seemingly hatred for the white community. Never would a holiday founded out of White Supremacy be even spoken in the public schools or in a government facility. However, not only is Kwanzaa allowed but it is promoted. I truly don’t understand how this has been accepted and understand why my children are subjected to this sort of separation. Kwanzaa is touted as a Black Holiday and does not apply to every child school so why is this allowed anywhere in a government facility?
I have checked out the official web site for Kwanzaa and it states that “Kwanzaa is clearly an African holiday created for Aftican peoples. But other people can and do celebrate it.” The website continues on to state that “particular people shoud always be in control” and “audience attendance is one thing; conducting a ritual is another.” These statements seem very racist. Does this mean that if my skin color were white I could attend but not participate in the ceremonies? What if I were decended from people who were born in Africa. Whites are born in Africa too you know.
It seems to me that there are enough real holidays that we do not have to make up more just to please one ethnic group. Our holidays are for people of all colors. Christmas, Hannakka and even Ramadan or however it is spelled includes every color not just one. Although I do like the date since it is my birthday but I don’t believe everyone of a specific color only and to the exclustion of all others should celebrate my birthday.
I’m not sure how people who celebrate Kwanzaa became athiests in this thread. There are alot of undercurrents here because of opinions people have formed about Ms. Brooks. She does tend to speak her mind so even if you disagree with her, you know where she stands(that’s better than alot of others who are vague). She has the right to stand up for what she believes in and also to help further the goals of any legal organization she wishes to support,… just like the rest of us.
To me, the issue is using the the power of her political position to obtain a meeting space not usually allowed for other groups. Would anyone like to guess how much money it will cost to cover the additional hours of operation of that building, the heat, security, housekeeping? And Ms. Brooks, you would be the first one in line to speak up about any slight you feel
We have libraries, churches, community centers and private meeting facilities that allow groups to meet at little or no cost, these buildings are intended for the public use. Our government buildings should be color blind and culture blind, I don’t need my government to have a nativity or holiday tree to express MY beliefs.
Jesus would not want us arguing over this. Jesus was and IS about loving each other.
now my rant, blacks do not need nor deserve preferential treatment, they deserve equal treatment, so when SOME of them do not take advantage of the head start programs (cause you ain’t teaching them at home), the numerous scholarships available for them for college based on color only, or the many jobs available that other ethnic groups are now working in and flocking to this area for, DO NOT blame it on the whites or anyone else. It is each person’s choices that designs their lives. If so many other ethnic groups and races can come here with little or no cash, very little language ability and open businesses and buy houses and put their kids in private schools, so can you, it’s how hard you work for what you want. Not many people appreciate things when they come to easy. Our government tries to provide a safety net, rent subsidies, assistance, food and medical care to those that need it most. The rest of us work and spend our money on the same things and work harder to get better things.
Martin Luther King wanted each man to be judged by his own actions, not those of his fellow man, race, color, or religion. Racists on both sides need to embrace this, deal with each other accordingly. It not always what you say but how you say it that causes offense. Be civil.
Merry Christmas
Commissioner Brooks refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance while a State Rep., because it contains the word God. Now she is trying to force Kwanzaa on the citizens of Shelby County at the expense of Christians. She claims that this has nothing to do with religious beliefs. You would think after her close call with death a few years ago, she would realize that only GOD saved her. It is time for people like Commissioner Brooks to go, and find out who the real Creator is. Merry Christmas to all and to all Happy Birthday Jesus.
Chris Thomas for Mayor!!!
Time for the double standards to stop.
I want to force my Christian beliefs on everyone else. After all, when the U.S. Constitution says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” that clearly means Christianity should be established as the official religion of the U.S. It doesn’t matter that the Founding Fathers never mention God in the Constitution, because as long as we say they did, and say it loud enough and often enough, people will believe it. Just like “KGB” wrote in the first response on this thread: “Didn’t our forefathers write the Constitution bearing God’s name?” Nope, but we’ve convinced “KGB” that they did, and now “KGB”’s out there trying to convince others of something that isn’t true. It’s very effective; you should try it too. Or if you want to be more subtle, try saying something like “we need to put God BACK in the Constitution.” That way you can imply God was taken out at some point, even though that’s not true either.
And in 1797, when the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Treaty of Tripoli, written by Founding Father George Washington, which states: “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,” clearly what they meant is that this country IS founded on Christianity. How else can you interpret that?
Need more proof? Founding Father John Adams said our government was “founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretence of miracle or mystery”. Again, an obvious endorsement for Christianity as our national religion. I think this could also be interpreted to mean “in about 150 years, we should add ‘Under God’ to the Pledge.”
We should also keep proclaiming that God has been kicked out of school. In fact, prayer has never been outlawed in school, and is Constitutionally protected, so long as it doesn’t disrupt school or infringe on the rights of others. This is simply not good enough. 1) You can’t be a good Christian unless you let EVERYONE around you know you are. 2) saying God has been kicked out of our schools helps make us look like victims (it also makes God look powerless, but he’ll forgive us for that), which brings me to my next point:
Christians are clearly being persecuted. When was the last time a Christian was elected President? Look at all the Christians in Memphis being jailed and executed for their Christian beliefs. Sometimes you have to drive as much as two miles in Memphis to find a Christian church. For the past few weeks, I’ve only seen 30-40 Christmas shows on all the major TV networks. I’ve seen zero specials for other religions, and zero is too many.
We’re the majority, after all, and the majority rules in this country. If we want to mandate prayer in the schools, then that’s the way it should be. Unless the Catholic majority in this country wants everyone to say a Catholic prayer, then forget about that majority thing.
If Henri Brooks really cared about her community, she wouldn’t spend so much of her time creating issues that cause disruption in the work place. Since she has taken office, it appears to me that the only time she makes the news is when she is causing disruption. It is ashame that she thinks she can take advantage of her position as an elected official to spread malcontent among the employees throughout all of Shelby County Government. She has a political agenda all right, and it doesn’t include anything to do with the efficiency of our government. Instead, it has everything to do with a huge chip she has on her shoulders. If she really wants to share Kwanzaa with her community, she can go just about anywhere, libraries, community centers, churches and share it with the people she was elected to serve or she could go and help serve dinner to the homeless or spend some time tutoring the illiterate in our community. And it’s not just the use of County property that is disturbing to me but what are all of the County employees going to be doing all day on the 26th when they are supposed to be working to provide services for her constituents? She sent an email out to all of the employees inviting them to her celebration. While that was considerate of her to invite everyone, who is going to be minding the shop? How much work really got done on Wednesday and Thursday of this week when everyone was using the County email system to vent? And this is exactly what she wanted to do. Cause confusion and disruption. She was successful once again. Is Mayor Wharton going to allow all of the other ethnic groups to have their cultural celebrations in the Chambers at the County building? I sincerely doubt it. I say “WAY TO GO CHRIS THOMAS”!!! And thank you for standing up for what you believe is right. If she can spend County money (and she will be spending County money in some form or another) to celebrate Kwanzaa, then all of the other groups like the Latino Community, just to name one of many, should seek permission to do the same thing with one of their many cultural celebrations and that permission should be granted without hesitation. Instead of using the celebration of Kwanzaa as a means to spread such disruption, she could spread the true meaning of “Kwanzaa” by being an example of the kind of person that spreads positive attitude and by being the kind of person that “Kwanzaa” teaches. She was elected to be a “servant” to her community and I have not seen that in anything she has done so far. Henri Brooks needs to get to work and allow the rest of Shelby County Government to do the same.
To hell with them all!! Let them do what ever they want , let them burn Memphrica to the ground!!!!!!
There is money and power in racial politics. Look at Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton and the Democratic Party. Henri Brooks is just the latest “con artist” plying her hand at stiring the racial pot for power and cash gains. As long as ignorant blacks and whites allow these people to have public power and a public forum we will continue to be “shucked and jived”.
Lets give Chris Thomas a round of applause and our public support. Other than Mike Fleming and Ben Fergusion, Chris Thomas is the only local public figure to stand up to one of our local “Con Artists”. If a majority of Shelby Citizens stood up against all these “Charlatans” including AC Whorton, King Willie and Henry Brooks just to mention a few, Shelby County could be a nice place to live.
But just as the last election illustrated, “A Majority of Memphians don’t Care or are to ignorant to know any better”.
Chris Thomas is my hero. IT seems as long as it benefits the black community its O.K. but lord help us if we want to have an all white anything in this racist a$$ city. Long live Nathan Bedford Forrest and the Klu Klux Klan!!! Free the WHITE MAN from all this BULLSHIT!!!
I challenge you to investigate Kwanzaa for yourself. I did and learned some interesting things. Among the numerous “rituals” is something that I can only describe as praying to dead ancestors which includes pouring a drink libation for them. Kwanzaa, in my opinion, is a psuedo-religion that was constructed by a racist as a counter to Christmas.
You shouldn’t be only linking to the Kwanzaa “official” site. They won’t tell you the REAL truth.
Kwanzaa was started by a militant black radical who hated white people. He believed white Christians are the ones that sold “them”, that burned “them”, that hanged “them” so he wanted to give blacks a holiday to celebrate so they wouldn’t have to celebrate Christmas with white people.
Don’t believe it? All you have to do is look it up yourself.
I laugh each time I hear or read a speech from people like Henri Brooks, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and all the other 21st century uncle Toms that rely on poor blacks to put fried chicken on their plate every Sunday. We (white people) brought the blacks to the United States, we purchased them in slave sales, we fed them, clothed them, built them shotgun houses to live in and made sure they were healthy enough to do the work we had for them during the growing season on our farms. Sadly the end came when northern politics put an end to the lavish lifestyle of the south, they figured if they do not need slaves… why does the south. So we turned our slaves loose, they became sharecroppers and had to EARN there homes and food….instead they went into poverty, became lazy and became unproductive citizens…..they STILL wanted everything giving to them. Today that is the problem we have with the blacks in Memphis….they still want that handout, they still want that free home, they still want the white man to GIVE them what they feel they deserve. Who is to blame? The mothers, the fathers, the grandparents and great grandparents of the black people of Memphis thats who! They taught there offspring to hate and wait for the handout from the white man. Sad thing is each generation of blacks get more violent and more needing of that free handout….Facts are facts…..its time to stop the REVERSE racism of the blacks in Memphis.
I smell a civil war a brewing in the minds of all the jonny-come-lately civil rights activists who missed the boat 40 years ago who are using extortion (felony) and a veiled agenda of seperatism right here in memphis area.
Too late, you shoulda stood up when the heat was on with the rest of the nonviolent protesters, but, you didn’t and neither did your icons, they just lied. Now they are thinking being a liar is a good policy/strategy.
Religious overtones? Gimme a break, maybe if you are into devil worship.
Chris Thomas for Shelby County Mayor!!!
If ignorance is bliss, then Henri Brooks is the happiest person in the world!
This has gone from should a Kwanzee event be held in a city gov. bldg, to arguing all the ignorants racist crap. Should this Kwanzee event be held in a government building????NO it isn’t a gov. function. If they want to use a public facility, PAY for it…remember the statement a few before here, blacks wanting everything given to them as a free hand out….Henri Brooks with her skanky long fingers trembling out saying GIVE ME SUMTIN FREE….
No you can not use the city’s buildings for your tribal meetings. I say this because Kwanzee is a tribal gathering right?
Now get your pitiful freeloading somehow elected by ignorant voters who can’t even read butt back to work and EARN your pay as an official of whatever it is you are supposed to be Henri ! ! ! !
You guys keep missing the point.This isn’t about Kwanzaa,or religion,or even rights.It’s all about this silly woman craving attention.Henri Brooks wants her 5 minutes of fame.Well she got it.I bet if you go to her house, you wouldnt find anything at all about Kwanzaa.You would find a Christmas tree with presents under it.Someone in this womans childhood told her she was something special.I hate to bust your bubble lady,but you are just a small speck on this earth just like the rest of us.I suggest you get over yourself and stop trying to be something you are not.What you are is just another embarrassment for the city.IDIOT !
Did you know that after Christ was crucified, His followers were persecuted. In Greek the “X” stands for “Chi”. This symbol and the fish were used when passing information to His believers that a meeting was to take place. Today, people have forgotten the origin of the symbol, and it has become an inexpensive way to print the word Christmas in advertisements.
I was in Los Angeles when Kwanzaa was invented. Why did that come about? Because the pastor of the AME church — his name is insigificant — needed more money in the church coffers. We all give “just a little more” during a Holiday. Kwanzaa is supposed to be a harvesting ceremony in Africa, where the natives thank GOD for a good harvest. Therefore, it is religous.
I wish Mr. Thomas every good luck in his lawsuit, but I think he’s swimming against the tide. However, although I believe he will fail this time, the lawsuit should continue so that the County offices, i.e., the Taxpayer money, is not spent to benefit just one portion of society.
Speaking of benefitting one portion of our society: Did everyone see the news byte this summer about the Fire Department opening up the fire hydrants in Tom Lee Park so that the children could “cool themselves?” That water was not from the Mississippi River or from grey water (recycled). Both those water sources are polluted. Guess what? That water, released during hot temperatures and DURING A DROUGHT was OUR DRINKING WATER! Used for the benefit of about a hundred African American kids and only in one park. Don’t talk to me about discrimination.
As to removing “In God We Trust” from our money and “one nation, under God” from our Pledge of Allegiance. Trust in God and in each other was the only thing our forefathers had. And that goes for any ethnic origin. I was a little girl when they added the “One nation, under God” phrase to the Pledge. The nation was in agreement with the change and it passed without problems that I could remember my parents discussing.
Prayer in School? Pledge to the Flag in school? Thank you, Madeline Murray O’Hare, a blowhard self-avowed atheist who later became a minister. And to the unremembered father who took umbrage at his children saying the Pledge. (Yes, even at my young age, it was my opinion that Ms. O’Hare wasn’t challenging prayer and Pledge for the benefit of her children, but, rather, to gain notoriety. Sadly, the notoriety led to her murder and one of her sons was convicted.) There were kids in my classes who didn’t start their day with a prayer or the Pledge; they sat quietly until we were finished. The other kids accepted their decisions and at my school there were no battles in the playground during recess or after school.
Again, I wish Mr. Thomas every good luck in his pursuit of justice and equality. I look forward to celebrating Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hispanic AND African American religious events in EVERY Shelby County building next year. The council members, especially Ms. Brooks and Mayor Wharton, have to be reminded that these are not THEIR buildings. The buildings were built by taxpayer money so that County business can be conducted and those elected to office have the burden to protect the public from unnecessary spending. If this ceremony takes place, the maintenance bill for after hours electricity, heating, security service, janitorial service etc., should be sent to Ms. Brooks — at her home, to prevent any attempt to have public funds pay for a religious celebration.
IF YOU WONT TO CELEBRATE kwanzaa go to africa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I guess he’ll be there tonight.
This is another advancement in the guise of freedom. If Christians cannot do a similiar activity on public grounds then why should this be allowed.It claims to be spiritual in nature and a celebration, how much closer to Christmas can you get.This is another example of reverse discrimination and shouldnt be allowed in a public building paid for by our tax dollars even if I personally dont see anything wrong with it.Maybe Ms Brooks should be more concerned about crime/murder in our city then celebrating something that creates controversy.
Does the Kwanzaa group/club/ whatever get the same benefits that a church are allowed? Tax exemption? Tax breaks or credits , and if so how is this group listed to be entitled to these benefits?
Its also my understanding the judge who made the ruling was an afro american man? Could this ruling be racist, is he a member of this group/club?
I have seen Ms. Brooks on more than one occasion turn a situation that she is privy to racial. The seat she has been placed in should be one to unite and build a city. Not divide, or cause friction.
Now both races are allowed the same rights regardless of color. I could be wrong but I would like to believe that MORE people have these same feelings. The past is the past, and it can be changed, and has. People are treated like people, the are given the same opportunities in life to make better futures. Looking back or dwelling on the past will only continue to breed hate in the youth we will need to take care of us in the future.
With the crime and the hate we have now, adding fuel to the fire for no reason sure wont have a positive effect on that. Our kids are already choosing a lazy, free, criminal, no education, and no responsiblity for their actions life. We as a community are allowing it. But not addressing it and adding to the hate. Turn the other cheek in life wont work for ever.
This is a time we should be showing our children, fairness, responsibility, work, education, what families are really suppose to be to each other. One group should have the same treatment and fairness as the next.
As far as tax payers expense, I personally pay enough in taxes just to live and eat. I am not found of paying for others to party, dance, whatever it is thats going on with my dime. I dont recall saying yes I will pay for this.
Where has common sense and reason gone?
Man! I Wouldn’t live in “Memfrica”If you gave me 10 square blocks downtown! what a mess! all I see from here is a loud talking,demanding etnic group who is determined to cause all white folks to embrace racism in self defense!you have unqualified people running the show and its obvious that they are in over their heads and at some point will force! Memphis & Shelby county into default and bankrupcy!you have the ”hand out” or public assistance Leaches,or” consumers” who do not contribute in any way!they only devour everything ”free” in sight, while loudly demanding more. most of the public officials who are not in jail are obviously racist in their tv appearances and statements. carry on Memfrica! the people who pay for it all are moving to Mississippi,and all other counties out side Shelby county.
The black adgenda: there will be no end to the “problems” out of the black communities until there are no more “white folks” to war with.
I am calling on all people who live in Shelby County,but outside the desolate wasteland of the city of Memphis.People of,Bartlett,Germantown,Millington,Lakeland,Arlington,Collierville,and the unincorperated areas,to please,PLEASE,stop spending your money in the city of Memphis.Spend it in your own towns,Thats ,gas,food,entertainment,and yes,that includes no Redbirds,no Grizzlies,no Fed Ex Forum.Please,don’t spend one single dime in Memphis.I know most of us work there,but we don’t have to spend there.It’s proven every day that we are not appreciated anyway.They need us a whole lot more than we need them.Give it several months,and I promise you the thug like attitude of the goverment of that wretched city will change.Just try it.You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.We need to learn to stick together,instead of waiting for the next person.C’mon,JUST TRY IT !!
LOL….. Americans making an issue out of something as small as saying Merry Christmas? Heck….. I come from a Muslim country but even banners with Merry Christmas is all over and we say it to one another. My Muslim colleagues say it to me… of course I do not say it to them in return…
Dun you guys have something else better to direct your energies and stuff? How did this all come to be? Say USA and automatically you guys are categorized as CHRISTIANS…. IN GOD WE TRUST is even on your currency but saying MERRY CHRISTMAS is taboo? What has the world come to…