Merry Christmas

I am going to take a risk today and wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Yes, you read that correctly... I said I was taking a risk, which is a bit bizarre.

I read recently of someone getting fired for saying Merry Christmas to a co-worker. So many of these stories are false, and this one may be false as well, but it still brings to light a very important issue. We live in a time when everything is offensive to someone.

My question is this: how can anyone be offended by something in which they do not believe? I think the issue is not whether someone is offended or not; instead, I think the issue is something deeper and much more sinister.

If one is really offended by a Merry Christmas greeting then one should be equally offended by another other greeting that falls outside their belief system. If everyone is extended this right then everyone should stop greeting each other. If I believe in Christmas and you do not, then, I should be given the equally right to greet you in my belief and be offended if you do not respond back to me according to my belief system, correct? I mean, if you do not acknowledge my Christmas greeting because I believe in it and you do not then, am I not allowed the same right to be offended because you did not acknowledge my belief in Christmas? This is the cyclical action of this if the playing field were fair and level. It could drive all of us crazy.

How is one offended by Merry Christmas? What is so offensive about this greeting? It can't be the intent. It can't be the presentation. So, what is it about the greeting that is so offensive? If we have to read the minds of those we encounter before we greet them then the future of greeting one another is in serious jeopardy, and I truly believe it is.

What this mindset will produce is less conversation and more isolated individualism. Why go out of your way to greet your neighbor in a friendly manner when the risks are so high. More and more of us will just stare at the ground and walk quickly to our next engagement. And, yet, we read, almost weekly, how terrible it is when someone does not stop to help someone in need. We live in a time where everyone judges everyone else with the hope that no one will judge them for doing some of the same things.

So, what is the answer? I do not know, but I do know one thing. When I say "Merry Christmas" it is not meant to offend, but instead, it is meant to sincerely wish you and yours a lovely time with family and friends. It is rooted in what I believe about the season. My belief does not mean I disrespect your belief. It simply means that I believe my belief to be true. It does not mean I do not respect you to believe what you feel is true. Do you see where I am going with this? The answer is to begin to have real discussions about this issue and allow everyone's opinion to matter. That is why the comment section is here. So, Merry Christmas! I look forward to your comments in the new year!

The Reason for the Name

So, I am sure you want to know the reason I named this blog, "Ideals and Rules."

Well, the answer begins with my perspective on life. What I see is a growing sense of pragmatism manifesting as entitlement. There is a growing sense of judgement; more of us are pointing our fingers at others forgetting that while we have one finger pointed at the other person there are still four pointing back at us.

What I am looking for is ideals and not more rules. Rules apply to situations but often have to be adjusted as situations change. Ideals are those ideas that drive us and motivate us. They are principles that we value and hold high. They are those ideas that have been tested and tried and deemed best.

Ideas are just ideas competing with every other idea, good or bad. Ideals are long-range goals. They are the goals we strive for when all goes extremely well. Rules are situation and burdensome. They are what we put into place when we begin to lose our ideals.

Ideals and rules are the crossroads of culture. Do you want a rule, which can be instituted quick and fast, or do you want an ideal which requires work, dedication and diligence. An ideal is the ultimate standard of excellence, the example of perfection. What does it say when a culture beings to move away from ideals and towards rules? I do not know; what do you think? Can't wait to here your answers!

Ideals and Rules Explained

Leo Tolstoy once said, "We do not want an ideal, but a rule -a guidance- suited to our strengths and to the average level of the moral forces of our society." What he was saying was that it would be much easier to live our lives according to rules than according to an ideal.

Over the course of time, I have found this to be true. It is hard and most days are difficult living according to an ideal, but to live one's life according to rules, well, that is much easier in application and on one's conscience.

This blog will examine life, with the understanding that everyone has a certain perspective about life and will present that perspective. All perspectives are welcome here, but there are some ground rules, which I humbly ask to be respected.

First, there will be no vulgar, callous, insulting attitudes allowed. This blog is home to mutual respect. All opinions are welcome as long as they are stated in a respectful manner.

Second, difference is valued here. This blog is not conservative, liberal or independent. It is a dialogue where difference is celebrated and respected.

Third, the sole purpose of this blog is to learn from each other in order to discover more about our world and about each other.

And, finally, the reason to dialogue is to understand that no one has all the answers. Please do not come to this blog with the attitude that you have all the answers because you do not. None of us have all the answers, but if we can respect each other, listen more than we talk and grow in our understanding of each other and our world, then, we might just have a chance to change it for the better.

So, welcome! I do not care who you are or what you believe... you will always be welcome here... as long as all of us follow the four ground rules. Do not miss that little word at the end of the sentence. There will be more on that subject in the future. Have a great day!