Thursday, December 19, 2013

Whatever Happened to Free Speech

I read in the paper today that Phil Robertson is being kicked off of Duck Dynasty because he said that homosexuals are sinners. He even quoted scripture to show why he believes that. I've only seen a few episodes of the series, (Other than sports I don't watch much TV) but I've discovered that I have quite a lot in common with the four men on the show as far as beliefs.

What scares me is that we've gotten into an Orwellian state where people with sincere religious beliefs aren't allowed to say their mind for fear of censure. What's next? Putting him in jail for having such beliefs in the first place. I know some who would agree with that. I thought the first amendment protected speech other than obscenity or fighting words. He certainly wasn't trying to pick a fight, just state what he sincerely believes, and I've heard much worse obscenity on that same TV network.

I understand that the network has the right to air what they wish and not air what they don't wish, but by refusing to allow this man to state his opinion for fear that it would offend a portion of the audience just proves what conservatives have been saying for a long time. The media is controlled by the left wing who want to use it to spread their agenda. Namely the acceptance of homosexual behavior.

By the way, stating support of homosexuality on television also offends a large portion of the audience, the Christians. But we know how to counter it. We just don't watch. Maybe it's time we spoke up more for our free speech rights.

UPDATE! Due to public demand, Phil has been reinstated. It seems A&E realized that there are a lot of people who agree with Phil and they DO watch TV.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Truth

First of all, most Americans don't even know what the twelve days of Christmas are. They are the twelve days from December 26 to January 6. In many other countries, Christmas is not a day of partying and gift giving, but a day of religious solemnity. That is, on Christmas, they actually observe Christmas. The day of giving gifts is January 6, sometimes called Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. The custom to which the populr song refers is the custom of giving gradually nicer gifts on each of the twelve days.

The Biggest untruth about the song going around today is that it was written as some coded reference to Biblical truths. Such as the two turtle doves meaning the two testaments etc. This makes as no sense as there is no connection between the items in the song and what they are supposed to represent. How am I supposed to remember testaments from turtle doves, or gospels from calling birds? It's hard enough remembering the entire song without having to remember what everything stands for. There is an excellent article about this on Snopes.com here http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp

I don't mean to ruin this for anyone but I don't mind letting the truth get in the way of a good story.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Christmas Songs That Aren't

While listening to a collection of traditional Christmas songs, it occurred to me that many of the songs which we so readily identify with Christmas actually don't mention anything about Christmas. I've made a partial list below. Please comment to add some more.

Winter Wonderland
While this song mentions the season of winter and many things associated with it, Christmas is not mentioned at all. This is true of several others on the list including...
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Frosty the Snowman
Jingle Bells and
Jingle Bell Rock
In fact the only version of this song I've heard that really rocks is the version by Geoff Moore and the Distance on Sparrow Records' "CHRISTMAS" album.

Sleigh Ride
is actually a good song (especially the Boston Pops' instrumental version) but again doesn't mention Christmas in the lyrics. It does say something about a birthday party, though.

Not so common is the song
Marshmallow World
I actually dislike this song very much because my mother had it on a Johnny Mathis Christmas album and my little sister played it to death one year.

Often included on Christmas compilations is the song
My Favorite Things
from The Sound of Music, A musical which has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas.

The biggest surprise to most people, though, would have to be
The Hallelujah Chorus
While the song comes from an oratorio about the life of Christ, this chorus is actually sung for the resurrection. It's really an Easter song but nobody sings it, then.

There's my list so far. I may add more as I notice them. Feel free to comment on these and add some yourselves. Also go here and buy my book. (I need the money for Christmas presents.)