in Raleigh, NC, where one Amanda Alpert complained about a religious sign posted on property she didn't own. A couple days ago, a commenter who claims to be Amanda* asked me to "get my facts straight."
She wanted to make it clear that she never asked McDonalds corporate offices to take down the sign. Instead, she just wanted to complain about the sign. Eventually, she asked the local franchise to CHANGE the sign, not REMOVE the sign. So I erred in my initial post that said she wanted the sign "be taken down."
Oh, but she does say that she's intolerant -- because she thinks that it's inappropriate for Christians to post signs about their Christmas holiday -- but it's okay for others, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (the made-up black holiday).
*Amanda, if you're reading this, don't be offended by that statement -- I really don't know if that was you who posted that comment. And if it wasn't, you see, I don't want anyone saying I'm trying to libel you. 
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Liberal though I am, I don't go so far as to dictate the choices and displays of private individuals. Employees however have the right to complain if their employer favors a religion (religious discrimination in the workplace, and all that), unless of course it's a religious institution that they work for! Customers can complain by taking their dollars elsewhere.
And yeah, Kwanzaa's always seemed a bit fishy to me. I'm not going to tell people not to celebrate it, but it's no more significant to me than Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day. Even though those examples do have origins in religion, they have been co-opted for secular celebration.
Posted by: zandperl at December 23, 2005 06:24 AM (KHEUn)
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You want diversity? Isn't diversity being accepting of other peoples differences? Well the people at that McDonalds where celebrating something that was special to them, why don't you Ms. Amanda whomever you are be a little more diverse and be accepting in their difference of culture.
What a concept.
Being diverse does not mean cleansing the world of all things that are different and not uniform to all so that certain groups are not exposed to it. It's being accepting and recognizing those differences.
Posted by: Contagion at December 23, 2005 01:43 PM (Q5WxB)
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I was with you part of the way, zandperl, until you tried to tell the employers what to do.
If I put my money into a business, I should, quite literally, be able to hire any damn person I want to for any damn reason I want to. If I don't want Christians working for me, I should have the right to not hire them.
I know that's not currently legal, but there's no reason it shouldn't be.
Posted by: Ogre at December 23, 2005 06:10 PM (s2+Ck)
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Where did Ms Alpert write that it was OK for Hanukkah etc, but not for Christmas? It wasn't in your comments; she wrote;
"Which would Include Thanksgiving, New Year's, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwaanza, as well."
Posted by: Rob G at December 25, 2005 05:51 PM (23Apa)
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"Oh, but she does say that she's intolerant -- because she thinks that it's inappropriate for Christians to post signs about their Christmas holiday -- but it's okay for others, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (the made-up black holiday)."
Where did I say that? Did you even read my response to your blogging?
Thanks Rob G!!
Posted by: Amanda Alpert at December 26, 2005 03:21 PM (VygPn)
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Um, yes, what Rob said.
Posted by: Ogre at December 26, 2005 03:35 PM (s2+Ck)
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Amanda needs to get a life. I am 53 years of age and have learned over the years that people like Amanda are quite empty inside and unhappy. Hate is a consequence of this unhappiness and it seeks to disrupt the happiness of others. Amanda used to follow the Jewish Faith but like so many others of her Faith she has become secularized and has turned to Atheism. Amanda has no goal in life and no future to look forward to and wants everyone else to feel the despair she is feeling. By declaring she is an Atheist she has really said She is her own god.
Posted by: Jack at January 11, 2006 01:47 PM (Zb/bF)
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Jack, I know a lot of people, and I think America society in general, that is that way. They are empty inside and searching for something -- but they won't allow religion to fill that void.
Posted by: Ogre at January 11, 2006 02:09 PM (/k+l4)
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