cognitive dissident

I rarely reprint anything in its entirety, but this deserves to be read in full:

ACLU's stand on Christmas misunderstood by many

The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware would like to extend a warm thank you to the many people who have sent us Christmas cards this year.

Although most of the cards conveyed messages of peace and blessings, some who sent greetings may be under the mistaken impression that the ACLU disdains both Christmas and Christians.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of our own members and staff are dedicated Christians, and since 1920, the ACLU has defended the rights of all Americans, including Christians, to worship as they see fit.

For example, we recently advocated on behalf of a student in a New Jersey elementary school who wanted to sing "Awesome God" in a school talent show.

And despite reports to the contrary, we believe people should be free to say "Merry Christmas" to one another.

In the United States, we have inherited a tradition, both legal and social, of religious liberty. We may hold whatever beliefs we like, or none at all, without fear of government intrusion.

As religious wars rage around the world, we should not take our religious freedom for granted.

The U.S. Constitution protects our right to practice our religion in our homes, in our houses of worship and in the public square.

Some claim this is not enough, and that the government should not only protect our religious rights, but should itself practice and endorse a particular religious tradition. Religion thrives when government stays out of the business of deciding how best to celebrate religious holidays.

Religion prospers in the hands of individuals, families and faith communities. When the government endorses religion, the government ceases to protect religious freedom.

This holiday season, I will give thanks for the freedom to celebrate any way I choose. Cheers!

Drewry Nash Fennell, Executive Director, ACLU of Delaware

Bravo!