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While most Americans have responded to the terrorist attacks by reexamining the religious and philosophical foundations upon which true patriotism rests, a number in positions of influence are headed in the opposite direction for the purpose of undermining America's strength as a unique nation and distinct culture by attempting to bestow extraordinary rights and privileges upon those who perhaps pose one of the greatest ideological threats.
The New York City public school system announced plans to set up special prayer rooms in which Muslim students could commemorate Ramadan. While school authorities ensured that these rituals would not be allowed to disrupt classes, the New York Post pointed out that students "could have their schedules altered to avoid missing class." Newsmax.com noted that students would more likely be allowed to cut class all together.
One might hope that such a spirit of openness and magnanimity would be extended to other religions as well. But I wouldn't hold my breathe.
Gary Bauer, former presidential candidate and head of OurAmericanValues.org, noted in his "End of the Day" email newsletter dated 11/15/01 that the New York City public school system ranks among the most hostile towards Christian students daring to express their own beliefs. And it must be remembered that this is the same public education racket that disciplined a teacher for daring to console her despondent students that a deceased classmate had likely gone to heaven.
Fortunately though, some good may come out of this inane hypocrisy. Because of the outrage generated within the Christian community --- among both Protestants and Catholics alike --- the New York City public school system claims to have suspended the Ramadan concessions for now.
The sad part is it took nearly 5,0000 innocent lives, a serious blow to our way of life, and the looming curtailment of our liberties to get our attention as to the dangers of an uncritical acceptance of multicultural pluralism. For you see, these Ramadan prayers went on sanctioned last year in New York City public schools without similar accommodations provided for practicing Christians; this year, though, it has become an issue of cultural concern --- at least among media outlets legitimately concerned for the nation's well-being.
Furthermore, this campaign to placate those out to undermine both America's traditional values and religious foundations has not confined itself to New York City where one expects to find such kooks, weirdos, and half-wits. This scholastic poison seems to be seeping into the administrative policies of other school systems as well.
For evidence, one only need check out the Prince George's County, Maryland school calendar for the year 2001-2002. December will be of particular interest.
For on the 16th, the school system lends official recognition to the Islamic celebration of Eid Al-Fitr commemorating the conclusion of Ramadan by annotating the holiday on this academic chronology and by prohibiting the scheduling of tests, meetings, or special activities.
Christmas, on the other hand, is not even explicitly mentioned. The dates of the 24th to the 28th are glossed over as "Winter Break" as if this were a euphemism providing cover for something shameful.
Students do get Good Friday and Easter Monday off in April, but the calendar begrudgingly lets it be known that this is only because of the higher authority of Maryland state law. The statutory origins of other holidays such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day are not alluded to.
Pluralists cannot parade around like Ramadan is a swell deal then back away from Christmas using the Separation of Church and State as an excuse. The law won't allow it.
According to the Family News in Focus article "Religious Aspect of Holidays Not Taboo" by Bob Ditmer posted November 15, 2001, it is well within the confines of the law to discuss the true meaning behind key American celebrations such as Christmas without having to cower behind multicultural mutterings excusing ignorance beneath ominous clouds of tolerance run amok.
Eric Buehrer of Gateways to Better Education told Family News in Focus, "Teachers can teach that Thanksgiving is about being thankful to God... They can teach about the birth of Jesus at Christmas."
So why are liberals out to undermine Christmas while going out of their way to promote Ramadan if for no other reason than to erase America's Biblical heritage?
As Americans, peaceful Muslims deserve the same rights as other upstanding citizens. Yet as a nation founded as an outpost of Judeo-Christian civilization, they do not deserve special privileges denied the remainder of the population.
Copyright 2001 by Frederick B. Meekins
For additional commentary by this author and links to stories around the Internet, please check out the following: The American WorldView Dispatch.
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