Gwinnett Daily Post

Christmas is here, and again society has us tip-toeing around the feelings of those who don't celebrate Christ. This act of not expressing what's in your heart to spare the feelings of those who differ is called political correctness. That term puzzled me until I gave it some thought. Politics consists largely of mud-slinging, a practice of making yourself look better by making those around you look worse.

When I consider how politicians will drag down anyone to boost themselves, it occurs to me that is exactly what political correctness is. Those who choose to believe in nothing, or aren't particularly exuberant about their beliefs, seek to diminish the rest so that they can feel better about themselves. Misery does love company.

But I choose not to participate. I don't seek to offend, but I do show the same respect to myself that I show to others. I say "merry Christmas" to all, and I do so for two reasons. The first is that I believe in Christmas and its meaning; that on this holy day our savior was born, and so I rejoice in his birth.

But I also say it is because I mean it. When I wish a merry Christmas to another, I mean it, regardless of their faith. I get quizzical looks from my guy friends when I wish them a happy Mother's Day, so I explain that as a man, they can still have a happy Mother's Day. It's a day that we all exist, so make it a happy one.

So I wish merry Christmas to all. I also welcome wishes from others for a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or even a Blessed Earth Day. I'm not offended. It's encouraging when others express what's in their hearts, and I never want to live in a world where it's not OK to be passionate about your beliefs.

So, state what's in your heart, mean it when you say it and have a merry Christmas!

— Steve Sexton

Lawrenceville