Terry Mattingly at Get Religion found a story by Terri Jo Ryan in the Waco Tribune-Herald that may be the just the first signal of another saddening, secularizing trend: the sensitivity police changing the name of Saint Patrick’s Day. It might be offensive to someone, somewhere to discuss saints or great Christian missionaries like Patrick:
Faith and begorrah, is nothing sacred?
Some folks are trying to transform the name of Tuesday’s holiday from St. Patrick’s Day to "Shamrock Day."
Card shops have banners proclaiming the occasion; the Disney Channel is using the term; and some places in this country have changed the name of their community celebrations of Celtic heritage to the "nonoffending" terminology.
In Ryan’s story, the local experts in Waco were appalled
"I’m afraid I could use all kinds of expressions that wouldn’t be principled to describe this trend," said Monsignor Mark Deering, 88, senior-most Catholic cleric in these parts.
Deering, retired pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church of Waco, came here from Ireland in 1953 as a freshly minted missionary priest and never left.
"I don’t think that would ever be a success to call it Shamrock Day," he said.
People the world over, of every culture and race, enjoy being Irish for the day, he added. And he said he’s heard no one take great umbrage before at having a Christian saint’s name attached to the day of merriment.
"In fact, in New York City, when the parade comes down Fifth Avenue, the Jews take more joy in it than almost anyone," Deering said.
But the organizers of Shamrock Day celebrations, such as the Habitot Children’s Museum in California, cite the need for "cultural diversity to our audience without broaching religious boundaries."
"A number of modern-day celebrations have their origins in religious holidays but have become broadly celebrated by everyone. Halloween and Mardi Gras are prime examples," the Habitot spokeswoman said, as reported on CustosFidei.blogspot.com on March 14, 2007.
Say hi to Tito if you hang out at Custos Fidei. Mattingly concluded:
So if this is a trend or even a mini-trend, where is the national coverage? Put this up on the Drudge Report or let Chris Matthews tee off on it and we’d have a firestorm, especially if President Barack Obama were to take a shot at this topic during one of his scheduled meetings today with Irish-American leaders.
I'll end with the joke I made at lunch with my co-workers the other day. As one of them expressed disgust at Obama offering Britain's leader some DVDs (which may not even work in European DVD players), they wondered what the Irish leaders would get.
"A box of Lucky Charms," I suggested.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Whoever thought...
March 18, 2009 - 06:57 ET by HeavyChevythe word "diverse" would be so "oppressive?"
It's been turned on its
March 18, 2009 - 07:19 ET by motherbeltIt's been turned on its head, just like "tolerance."
Tolerance used to mean not taking offense at a different viewpoint.
Now it means not giving offense by expressing a different viewpoint.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
MB that is another word which drives me insane
March 18, 2009 - 08:07 ET by HeavyChevy"tolerance" my God you can't make a move these days without someone getting offended!
But,
March 18, 2009 - 08:10 ET by general companyFeel free to be offensive to those you disagree with, well unless you are the offensive party that is?
I cant wait for the alarm clock to ring,
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
You know MB
March 18, 2009 - 08:25 ET by HeavyChevyin 2000 at one of my first full time IT jobs my coworker who was Caucasian and I would all day long call each other something "off color" (I'm being nice it got really bad at times) but it was all in fun. He gave his worst and I returned the favor in kind and we went home friends and started back up at first light the next day.
The world needs to grow a set.
Is that you?
March 18, 2009 - 09:26 ET by AgnosticSam? Ralph? Is that you?
One of my favorite cartoons.
A person may be won over with logic and reason but the masses must be bought with spectacle and platitudes. - 2008 Elections
LMAO!
March 18, 2009 - 09:29 ET by motherbeltThat was my first thought too!!
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Yeah that was us
March 18, 2009 - 10:35 ET by HeavyChevyMan we were an HR's nightmare!
Of course I was Ralph :-)
The liberals have pretty
March 18, 2009 - 07:54 ET by dborschjr68The liberals have pretty much tainted everything they have been able to put their hands upon.
I remember when "gay" meant happy, and joyous. Now it's being used as a sexual identifier. And I remember when "liberal" meant giving and charitable. Now it's being used as a frame of mind bent on destroying religion, Capitalism, and common sense.
=====================
To the MSM: It has been said that, "The pen is mightier than the sword". So I'll tell ya what- how's about you hold onto a pen and see if it stops me from slapping your face. I'm just sayin'...
I say Erin GO'Bama
March 18, 2009 - 18:08 ET by Jeannie DeAngelishttp://jeannieology....
Great Idea!
March 18, 2009 - 07:00 ET by heldmywAnd we can rename Eid al-Fitr "Fall Funtime", and Eid al-Adha "The OTHER Thanksgiving".
Get back to me on that, eh?
Shamrock Day just a 'nuance'
March 18, 2009 - 07:23 ET by SickofLibsOur new Homeland Security Secretary says we can't use the word terrorism anymore - now it's 'man-caused disasters'.
Napolitano: "I presume there is always a threat from terrorism. In my speech, although I did not use the word "terrorism," I referred to "man-caused" disasters. That is perhaps only a nuance, but it demonstrates that we want to move away from the politics of fear toward a policy of being prepared for all risks that can occur."
That offends me!
March 18, 2009 - 08:50 ET by dmntd1What about the female homicide-bombers? She's implying that men are evil, and cause all of the terrorist bombings in the world.
What was it they put.... something like <\sarc>
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy." - Winston Churchill
Of course, Shamrock Day is
March 18, 2009 - 09:10 ET by motherbeltOf course, Shamrock Day is just a "nuance," just like calling Thanksgiving "Turkey Day!"
That is perhaps only a nuance, but it demonstrates that we want to move
away from the politics of fear toward a policy of being prepared for
all risks that can occur."
Sure Janet, we have to be prepared for all the homeland security risks that can occur: terrorism and....and....uh...and.....
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
You're right, motherbelt!
March 18, 2009 - 10:15 ET by EugeniaYou're right, motherbelt! I hate it when people wrongly call Thanksgiving Day "turkey day"!
A WORD OF WARNING...
March 18, 2009 - 07:03 ET by danybhoyAny buisiness, ANY, that goes into the world of "Happy Shamrock Day" can go to hell. Same goes for the idiots who don't like Merry Christmas & want to say "Happy Holidays". America is getting sick of this sort of crap, & I for one, take my elsewhere if your store is pimping "Happy Holidays" or Happy Shamrock Day".
This is about God in public life, & while I'm not a very religious person, I despise the PC @-holes so much I go out of my way to be up front to let a buisiness know how I feel when & if I see ANY PC influence.
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
Here, here
March 18, 2009 - 10:17 ET by ConservativeFLI'm with you. I spent most of the last Christmas season pissing off the people at stores by loudly proclaiming Merry Christmas and I'm happy to do so with St. Patrick's Day as well. I have had it with this "don't offend" anyone mentality. I am certainly offended, but I suppose it doesn't count since I'm conservative.
"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15." Ronald Reagan
I find it hilarious that
March 18, 2009 - 07:15 ET by motherbeltI find it hilarious that the PC police never want to give up the celebration; they just want to have it without those pesky religious overtones (that's why the Easter Bunny was invented, I suspect.)
Let's face it, St. Patrick's Day has long since ceased to be a religious celebration, just like Christmas has been commercialized to the point that we have to have "reason for the season" reminders.
They just want to make it official now, by removing even a hint of religion.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Ah, the Grand Old Oprah Police Party ( aka DNC ) Say
March 18, 2009 - 07:45 ET by legacyrepublican"We are the people we have been waiting for" ... because, all those other people are just narrow minded bigoted stupid people hanging on to the their religion and guns.
Let's use our PC police to put them in concentration camps and re-educated them until they see it our way.
We won't use a yellow star. We will just redefine all the religious days and celebrations until they give themselves away.
I am so sick of this
March 18, 2009 - 07:22 ET by Arelit is time for Christians to stand up against those that are trying to squash our religious freedoms. St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday like Chritmas and Easter. If you don't like it or it offends you don't celebrate it.
I wonder what Ireland's
March 18, 2009 - 07:30 ET by SickofLibsI wonder what Ireland's Favorite Son, Séamus O'Bama, has to say about this?
Give him time. The
March 18, 2009 - 08:18 ET by fitzfongGive him time. The teleprompter hasn't loaded yet.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Lol!!!!
March 18, 2009 - 10:15 ET by EugeniaLol!!!!
More filler
March 18, 2009 - 07:30 ET by Ragamuffin"the leader in documenting, exposing and neutralizing liberal media bias."
Good job Tim!
~More filler
March 18, 2009 - 08:05 ET by choselife3xAnother pointless post by Scragglymuffin.
Hope and Change= Despair and Socialism
thanks
March 18, 2009 - 08:14 ET by RagamuffinThanks for the personal attack rather than sticking to the issues at hand.
~You mean like you were doing with Tim?
March 18, 2009 - 08:22 ET by choselife3xHope and Change= Despair and Socialism
I didn't say anything bad
March 18, 2009 - 10:02 ET by RagamuffinI didn't say anything bad about him. Nice try!
~Your hands aren't big enough
March 18, 2009 - 10:13 ET by choselife3xTo cover all that 'back'. Nice try!
Hope and Change=
Despair and Socialism
Gee, that died a quick
March 18, 2009 - 10:07 ET by SickofLibsGee, that died a quick death.
#1 fishing rule: refresh your bait often.
Get A Life
March 18, 2009 - 07:52 ET by GothampcSome people need to get a life. If all they have to do is sit around and think up politically correct ways to rename holidays, then they are a useless waste of space.
Seriously, I want to know. Who has time to think up this stuff?
Hell, why stop with
March 18, 2009 - 08:09 ET by ConservativeRexHell, why stop with Shamrock Day? we already have "Turkey Day"
Just think, we could have the "Green Nice Smelling Tree Day" or that "Firecracker Day" or to be really politically incorrect, instead of "Firecracker Day" we could say "Black Cat Day" ( for those of you old enough, know what I mean) and kill two birds with one day, so to speak. It's limitless how we could really screw up the calenders. Then again, they'd have to hire more people to make these different calenders. Bonus.
Why not fight fire with
March 18, 2009 - 08:10 ET by TheBigBWhy not fight fire with fire? The elementary school my boys attend has the Fall Festival instead of Halloween, where the kids bring their costumes to school in bags for inspection instead of getting to wear them, and the Winter Carnival in place of Christmas. I asked their principal once why the events were re-named, and was told that "the district has that policy in place so we don't offend anyone." I then proceeded to tell the principal that not only was I offended that they didn't use the proper terminology, the district policy stated that "schools shall use their own best judgment as to what to call their events."
At that point, she looked over to her secretary, who miraculously produced a stack of files that required her attention "that very minute". She grabbed the files, excused herself and walked away from me. I don't know if you would call that a victory or not, but it sure was funny at the time.
".....And as we look at the News at 10 time-lapse SkyCam, we see as the sun goes down it gets dark."
Old one just to piss off the PC police
March 18, 2009 - 08:18 ET by AndanteWhat is an Irish seven course meal?.....
...A six-pack and a potato
-------------------------------------
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson
ROFL
March 18, 2009 - 08:53 ET by Lord ErondPerfect!
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
That's the problem when you
March 18, 2009 - 08:15 ET by fitzfongThat's the problem when you cave to the Parasite Correct...give 'em an inch and they want the universe. Mark Levin has borrowed the phrase "soft tyranny", and I think that's appropriate here. The only way to stop this march is to fight back...cut off the spiggot to these institutions. We have our hard-earned money arbitrarily taken to fund public schools, but the more we spend, the worse the results. Instead of doing their jobs and teaching kids the basic skills required to succeed (you know, like math and reading), they waste our money going off the board to teach junk science, multi-cultural PC garbage and union thug peer pressure tactics. Is it any wonder that we're producing a bunch of pop culture-obsessed imbeciles like Meghan McCain?
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
I am AMERICAN
March 18, 2009 - 08:52 ET by Lord ErondMy ancestors came here, they stopped being Polish and were AMERICANS
They attempted to assimilate as best they could, they learned the language, and they didn't demand any special treatment.
I am a third generation AMERICAN. Yet I love Polish jokes and am always looking to hear one I haven't been told.
Why is it such a big deal for everyone else to accept this with respect to their heritage?
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
As an American of Irish
March 18, 2009 - 09:07 ET by fitzfongAs an American of Irish descent, I enjoy a good "Paddy Irishman" joke as much as anyone else does. What I don't enjoy is having my traditional holidays (Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, Easter) bastardized to appease the Michael Newdows of the world. We are forced to surrender increasing amounts of our hard-earned money to put into the government sinkhole so that a bunch of incompetents who can't teach reading, writing or math can still dictate what feast days we can celebrate and how we can celebrate them.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
~Lord Erond
March 18, 2009 - 09:23 ET by choselife3xWhy is the suicide rate so low in the Polish community?
It's hard to kill yourself jumping out of a basement window.
Hope and Change=
Despair and Socialism
Here's one courtesy of my
March 18, 2009 - 13:22 ET by HockeyKidHere's one courtesy of my Polish aunt, then:
Q: Why did the mayor of Cleveland decree that citizens must put their trash on the curb in clear trash bags?
A: So the Poles could do their window shopping.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Walt Disney is spinning in his grave
March 18, 2009 - 09:06 ET by SickofLibsHere's the latest Disney Holiday Hijacking Extravaganza (no mention of Irish, Ireland or St. Patrick)
Here's the Disney contact form
And finally, Walt Disney was of 100% Irish heritage. His grandparents came over from Ireland in 1834.
Wait till the suits at
March 18, 2009 - 09:12 ET by fitzfongWait till the suits at Disney get wind of the "Holy Trinity" symbolism behind the Shamrock. March 17 will become "Unconventional Weed Day".
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
UWD- lol!
March 18, 2009 - 09:13 ET by SickofLibsUWD- lol!
So March 17 is a holiday in
March 18, 2009 - 09:14 ET by motherbeltSo March 17 is a holiday in honor of shamrocks now???
Well, why not? Apparently in November we honor turkeys on "Turkey Day."
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Turkey day
March 18, 2009 - 11:53 ET by dmsmsaWell, why not? Apparently in November we honor turkeys on "Turkey Day."
You are right motherbelt
it occurs on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November
Looks like some
March 18, 2009 - 09:07 ET by RD Kingof those serpents St. Patty run off the Emerald Isle not only slithered in to DC but Waco too. Instead of PC police it's time we called them what they really are AA police for anti-American.
More from the PC police
March 18, 2009 - 09:25 ET by dark_dsWell changing St Paddy's Day to Shamrock Day doesnt take into account what the the Earth Liberation folks might think. I mean dont those Shamrocks have feelings I am sure the little green plants might be offended. And another thing what is all that green beer doing to our planet .. the dye must be causing unknown damages. And Lepprechauns and Rainbows are an obvious dig at gay little people. And all the gold at the end of the Rainbow .. shouldnt that gold be divided up evenly to all and be given back to the original Druids of Ireland?
"America is on the Short Bus to Socialism"
those Earth Liberation folks...
March 18, 2009 - 09:48 ET by SickofLibsyou're right... but first we gotta get them to change Earth Day to Planet Day or Celestial Body Day.
Just to be inclusive.
And PETA must become OETO - Organisms For The Ethical Treament of Organisms.
Secular Crusades
March 18, 2009 - 09:34 ET by zachlindChaplain at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton resigns over ban on word 'God'By Howard Goodman | South Florida Sun-Sentinel March 18, 2009
On a similar note did anyone see the above news item on Drudge about a Chaplain in Florida not being able to use the word God when praying at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton, Florida ? It appears this secularism crusade is gathering even more steam than I thought. In case anyone is interested here is the email address for the Hospice by the Sea organization in Florida.
info@hospice1.org
Disney's PC idiocies
March 18, 2009 - 09:54 ET by Mary Louise TurnerLong ago, the Walt Disney name meant the ultimate in family friendly entertainment. Now, its anti-Catholic, pro-abortion (it supports Planned Parenthood), uber-liberal policies make me want to retch. The "Shamrock Day" lunacy proves how far the company has slid into the PC abyss.
Where does it end?
March 18, 2009 - 10:07 ET by SasquatchI guess St. Louis will just be Louis from now on...
What about san francisco,
March 18, 2009 - 10:49 ET by TexasteacherWhat about san francisco, San Antonio, St. Paul, St. Petersburg, etc., etc.?
obama's notion of bi-partisanship is telling conservatives to shut up and do what he wants.
Los Angeles, Santa Ana, St.
March 18, 2009 - 11:41 ET by fitzfongLos Angeles, Santa Ana, St. Paul, San Pedro, San Diego, Las Cruces, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Corpus Christi...
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Here's a radical thought,
March 18, 2009 - 12:39 ET by eaglewingz08Here's a radical thought, how about the people who claim to be offended by "St. Pat's" opening THEIR minds and hearts to the people who are celebrating an importing day, for CULTURAL DIVERSITY's sake and STOP being OFFENDED because you are not compelled to participate or celebrate in it at all?
Nah. That would require
March 18, 2009 - 13:25 ET by HockeyKidNah. That would require ACTUAL tolerance--something completely beyond the ability of lefties everywhere.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Also- Santa Fe, Sacramento,
March 18, 2009 - 14:16 ET by Tim the EnchanterAlso- Santa Fe, Sacramento, St. Augustine, Mt. St. Helens...
Designate March
March 18, 2009 - 17:37 ET by FormerMarineOfficerCeltic Heritage Month. The contributions of Americans of Gaelic heritage as well as the sundry other Celts need to be collectively represented.
Here's an idea: the next
March 18, 2009 - 18:40 ET by RogerCfromSDHere's an idea: the next time some whiny, pansy-ass cries about being offended, just look them in the yes and say, "So what? Get over it."
A nation cannot be free without a free, unbiased media. We are not free.
Shamrock Day. Heart
March 18, 2009 - 21:08 ET by RR GOPShamrock Day.
Heart Day.
Pine Tree Day.
Rabbit Day.
Sounds kinda like Nineteen Eighty-Four...or perhaps the revamped French Revolutionary calendar.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).