Well, it's that time of year. Too early for manger scenes but just in time to start a menorah for Hanukkah 12/8-16. Where can I get one?

If it is so important to have a public display of the manger scene, I would think that all of the local Christian churchs would put one in their lawn. I guess it's not that important.

One reason may be that Oregon ranks as the 46th least religious state (http://bit.ly/125KDXT) and the number of residents affiliated with any religious congregation represent only 35% in Del Norte County and Curry County can't even muster 20%. (http://bit.ly/rOqTDI)

Then there's the First Amendment which not only supports the right to believe what you want but also protects the rest from having to experience the dominant religion's icons on public lands that we all pay taxes on. It does bring into question why Christmas is still a Federal holiday, though. I guess it's become too much of a money maker.

Winter Solstice is on what some people say will be the last day for humans on Earth (12/21). The festival is thousands of years old and is said to be the reason the Church set Christmas on the 25th. To make it easier to indoctrinate more pagans.

December 6th is becoming a popular alternative day for gift giving to de-commercialize the celebration of Christ's birth. It celebrates St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Or how about January 6th, the date many theologians believe to be the actual birth date of Jesus of Nazareth.

That being said, I wish you all a Happy Holiday - which ever one(s) you choose.

Gordon Clay
Brookings