Exercise Your Freedom - Say Merry Christmas!

As the years pass, I've found that I don't like it when people try to tell me what to do. 

Call me ornery! Call me stubborn! Call me hard headed! Call me tough to get along with, if you'd like, although anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm very easy to get along with. 

I like a joke, a good story, even a tall tale is great - I love them all.  But if there is one thing that I don't like, it's someone telling me what I can and I can't say or do.  Even more so, when I know I'm right and not doing anything wrong or offensive. 

Granted, in my younger years, I was told once or twice to hold it down during a party with friends. And yes, I still remember that time when I was asked to curb my cussin' when women and children were present. A little embarrassing to say the least, but honestly I'm still sticking to my story that I really didn't know that they were there. 

Heck, if I had known, well then I really don't think that I'd have ever used some of the colorful language that I used - even if I was talking with a few other former Marines.

So yes, as for vulgar speech goes, I do try to hold it down.  I'm a big believer in being courteous, most Americans are actually.  Most Americans work to get along with others. Most Americans, contrary to what we see coming out of Hollywood, really are not as vulgar as the movies paint us to be.

I see nothing vulgar or obscene about wishing a person Merry Christmas, after all, this is the season to be Merry.  It is the season Christian Americans celebrate Christmas. Actually to be more accurate about the facts, this is the season when all the world celebrates Christmas.

And yes, I know full well that many non-Christians also recognize and celebrate Christmas not for the religious aspect but for it's cultural aspect.  Whether the Liberals and Atheist like it or not, Christmas is an American tradition - and yes, along with the rest of the world, Americans celebrate Christmas.

Let me try to explain this so that Liberals will understand it. The vast majority of Americans are Christians and we celebrate this time of year - not because of Winter Solstice or some pagan ritual - we celebrate Christmas to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. 

It is just that simply really. I say Merry Christmas!  It's no secret that I'm a Catholic, and subsequently a Christian.  We Christian don't stop other from celebrating their beliefs.  We ant the same respect handed to us in return.

Christian Americans don't need to be secretive or ashamed about their religious beliefs.  In fact, all Americans of all faiths don't need to hide their beliefs.  It goes against our whole nationality as Americans to be ashamed of our religious beliefs. 

That's right! As Americans, we should not be expected to hide our personal beliefs, religious or political, because of the thin skin sensitivities of others who need convincing that we respect their beliefs.  And yes. we should not be mocked or attacked for our religion as well. 

It may be popular to attack and make fun of Christians on television and in the movies, in the classroom, in the workplace, in sports and in art, but that does not make it right!

We seem to forget that we are a nation born out of people looking for a place to express their religious beliefs without fear of persecution or prosecution.  It would be a shame to think that a small percentage of liberal atheist in government can assume that they are better than us - and subsequently Lord over the rest of us by imposing their non-believing ideology upon us.

Americans traditionally hate those who think they are better or smarter or wiser than the rest of us. The biggest problem with Liberals is that they fit that bill to a tee!

I say Merry Christmas to everyone so that they too can feel good about the season. And yes, I also say it so that they understand that it's really OK to celebrate the birth of the son of God - he who ultimately died on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven.

I'm no priest or reverend. I'm just an old cowboy, a former Marine, a man who has seen the strength and love that Christ can give when times were hard and troubles surround you.  I'm not preaching, in fact, I've never been able to stay awake through most sermons. Maybe that's why I don't go to church very often.

Fact is that I've see the wonders of God in the mountains and at sea, atop a horse in the back country and moving cattle, and holding a new nephew and niece. I've seen God's wonder when I visited New York City and visited the Statue of Liberty and went to the observation deck of the Empire State Building. 

I've seen the wonder of God in the faces of people like Doctor Alabama who recently treated my leg, to the young women on stage who sang their hearts out last night in the play I attended, and yes in the sound of a crying child who wakes hungry.

I'm an American, I say Merry Christmas because it is my right and I am free to say it.  Not only because it irks Liberals to hear it being said, but mostly because it has a bigger meaning then they realize. It is a handshake and a smile. It is warmth and something real when said from the heart.  

I say Merry Christmas because it is the proper thing to say, and yes, like I said before - I really don't like someone telling me what I can and cannot say.

I see no reason that a Christian store clerk or Christian bus driver or Christian police officer is forbidden from saying Merry Christmas because some manager finds it offensive. I don't like the idea that a store manager, like the one in charge of our local WalMart, thinks he can order his employees to stop saying Merry Christmas. 

What gives him that right to do that?  Who gave him the power to forbid others from celebrating their religion in the way that they want to?  I think it is offensive to everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike.

Why non-Christians as well? It's because limiting what your employees can and cannot say isn't right.  It builds resentment and bitterness. And yes, it might only effect Christians and Christmas today - but who and what will it effect tomorrow? 

Besides, telling a person, any person, what they can and can't say goes against everything that is American!  It is shameful behavior on the part of management and should not be put up with - by the employees or the prospective customers. 

I know that employees have to take it, especially in a bad economy when jobs are hard to come by. But customers don't have to shop at a store that treats their employees and customers without respect.  And after all, it's not a good sign of good management or basic citizenship to refuse your employees the ability to express their religious beliefs in just a few words that are not offensive.

To deny any American their right to excersise their religious freedom is to deny them of the basics of dignity as people. As a prospective customer, I'll take my hard earned dollars somewhere else that respects its employees and me. And just for the record, even if I were not a Christian, I would feel the same way about taking my dollars else where.

Why?  Because to say Merry Christmas is not hard to do. Basically most say Merry Christmas as a simple gesture of peace and love and good will toward others.

It shouldn't matter if I'm a Catholic, or if I'm a Christian, or if I'm free to do so as an American. If I were not a Christian, I believe that I would still say Merry Christmas because there is nothing wrong with saying it. 
 
Some, like me, also say Merry Christmas because they've realized that it irks Liberals to no end!  It irks them because it says to them that they don't have complete control. They believe themselves to be superior and want to dictate to all of us how we should act and what we can and can't say. 
 
For me, all I can say is that if they think they can tell me what I can and can't say! Well, like Hell they can!

Americans don't do well with Dictators. In all of our history, yes we have avoided having a Dictator as the head of our Federal government. We have avoided them because we have seen the result of their work. 

Seventy years ago, on December 7th 1941, Americans were attacked by the dictatorial regime of the Japanese empire. A few days later on December 11th 1941, a former wall paper hanger turned dictator Adolf Hitler declares War on America.

Americans have fought dictators and stopped them.  Americans naturally don't like our freedoms abused and trampled on by anyone, but especially by those who think for some unknown reason that they have some right to tell us how to live.

I say Merry Christmas for a lot of reason, and yes mostly because it is that time of year, but I also say Merry Christmas because I don't like anyone messing with my freedoms or dictating to me what I can and can't do.

If you feel the same way, say Merry Christmas and declare yourself free to do so.

May God Bless you and yours during Christmas and all year round!  

Tom Correa

Liberals Wage War On Christmas!

The liberal crazies are loose and attacking anything even slightly related to Christmas! 

In Forth Worth, Texas, students and parents are outraged after their school district declared that Christmas celebrations – including Santa Claus - would no longer be allowed during the school day.

Yes, the Fort Worth Independent School District also banned students exchanging Christmas gifts after they determined that public schools could no longer "endorse or sponsor any religious activity or doctrine."

If they can't endorse, then I don't see why the Fort Worth Independent School District couldn't just respect that these Christian children have rights to celebrate Christmas between them and other Christian kids.

Someone had to try to explain the insanity at the Fort Worth Independent School District, so a spokesman for the school district actually had the job of saying the words. 

The words? What words? Well the words behind the real reason for all of the blatant attacks on Christians and especially Christmas these days. 

You see, the Fort Worth Independent School District spokesman told Fox News that "in an effort to be Politically Correct" - Teachers are not allowed to "post something that would foster or promote or impugn one doctrine or religion over another – or even give that impression."

Liberal idealism is the poison we call "Political Correctness," and "Political Correctness" is their number one weapon used to attack Christmas and all Christian holidays.

In Stockton, California, one school is finding itself at the center of the annual war on Christmas debate after teachers were told that they won’t be allowed to display Santa, Christmas trees, or even Poinsettia plants this year.

Supposedly, the ban is intended to prevent religious discrimination. Imagine that, the ban is intended to prevent religious discrimination by discriminating against Christians. 

Supposedly there is a district wide bulletin that was sent to teachers, many have reportedly received it.  It purportedly says that teachers are allowed to decorate with "benign snowflakes and snowmen," as these items "are safe and not attached to religion."

The document apparently read, "District office would like to remind everyone when displaying holiday decorations in and around school to be mindful no association to any religious affiliation i.e. Santa, poinsettias, Christmas trees, etc."


The Claudia Landeen School, part of the Lincoln Unified School District, is a kindergarten through grade eight public school. District Superintendent Tom Uslan explained the reasoning behind the ban, saying that the Lincoln Unified School District believes that since there are a "myriad of religious affiliations at the school we don’t want a pervasive theme of a class to represent one religious affiliation."

Interestingly enough, District Superintendent Tom Uslan claims that there have been no complaints at the school thus far. In fact, the ban went into effect as a pre-emptive attack.

The Lincoln Unified School District decided to ban Christmas for Christian children before there was even a single complaint.

Imagine that! They banned Christmas for their Christian students even though it hasn't offended anyone! Does that sound like good management? Not to me.

A spokesperson for the district, though, denied that a letter or communication had been sent to teachers, but did say, "There was a conversation to encourage administrators that each of our employees should enjoy their religious freedoms but we don’t want to have a pervasive theme of a classroom or public office to represent a specific religious affiliation unless we are formally teaching topics regarding those affiliations."

So the question becomes, with that said, does that mean teachers can decorate their classrooms with Santa Claus and poinsettias? The short answer is no!

Fact is that regardless as to whether a letter was sent or not, the spokesperson reiterated that religious elements cannot be "the pervasive theme" in classrooms - which means that one culture cannot trump another at a public school.  At least that's the excuse that liberal educators and policy makers want us to believe.

And by the way, the definition of "pervasive theme" may be sort of difficult to pin down. But then again, maybe not! 

After all, not very long ago California had a week of "Islamic studies" where all of the students - even those of other religions - had to dress as Muslims and learn about Islam, and learn about their religious and political agenda, and even attend a Mosque. 

What would have happened if a Christian student would have objected? 

From what I have seen these days, he would have probably been disciplined and maybe suspended from school for not adhering to the school's "political correct" agenda. 

No, this isn't about "being sensitive" to the religion of others. It's all about control and dismantling a Christian America. 

It is all about a liberal atheist desire to eliminate Christmas from America.  And no, to the Liberal Left, facts don't matter!

Especially when confronted with facts that show that approximately 90% of all Americans believe in God - or facts that show that approximately 80% of all Americans are Christians.

Christmas is part of our fabric of America. It is woven into our American Culture.

And sorry Mr Obama, but facts are facts, and the fact is "America is a Christian Nation."    

It is just that simple, and yes, it is a time of year when most all Americans celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The war on Christmas seems to get worse every year.  But then again, this war is no different that any other attack on America.  It is designed to cut away at our traditions and our values. 

It is designed to demoralize Americans.  

It is organized by the Liberal left who hate commercialism and Capitalism.  Liberals see it as a mission, as their life's work, to end Christmas and a Christian's ability to worship.

The war is being waged to deprive our children of American traditions. And yes, attacking Christians and Christmas is all part of their agenda.  

If they get their way and remove religion and traditions, remove traditional marriage, fuel hate for America, and work to make harmful drugs even more available through legislation, then they accomplish their mission of breaking down the American family unit - and subsequently blacken American society. 

No Jesus, no Santa, no Christmas, no America. All goals of American Liberalism - a truly toxic ideology.

Story by Tom Correa

Be Thankful - There's A Lot To Be Thankful For!

There are a lot of things that I'm thankful for this year. 

Among the things that I'm thankful for is that my Mom's health is good as can be expected for 77 years old.  It is great to see my Mom so active and surrounded by a great group of friends. 

She enjoys the card games, the bunko games, the lunches, the time together, it is a a great thing to see her happy.  She deserves it. 

Life is not always fair, and my mom paid her dues in many ways.  It's nice to see that my grandfather was right when he said, "God doesn't sleep. He takes care those who have earned it - either way." 

My mom has earned a good life. And yes, I'm thankful that now she's living the life she was denied for so long.  No one should be denied being happy. 

My wife is a good woman. I met her right after my divorce and she has been both friend and wonderful companion ever since.  I didn't know how she would like living out here in the so-called "boonies."  Yes, Glencoe is considered the Boonies by many - even out here.

Glencoe is definitely the country, but it's also the mountains - and yes, some say we are the "back woods" or the "back country."  Our population hasn't changed much in years, in fact we keep being threatened with loosing our Post Office because our population is so small.   And coming from the Bay Area, my wife has had to make adjustments.

I'm thankful that she has.  Like a fish taking to water, like a horse to hay, like a country-girl waiting to be shown a place of her own, she is happy out here.

My grandfather once told me that a man was more than just someone who could drink and fight.  He said a man is someone who can take care of his responsibilities before himself, and that caring that his family was well cared for was really the true test of being a man.  So yes, no kidding, I'm very thankful that she is happy here.

I'm thankful that my In-Laws are great people, and yes, I thank God that we get along so well.  It is the truth that I actually start missing them right after they leave for home after visiting for a weekend.  They like it up here, the quiet appeals to them, the freedom and space, I know it feels like their private Bed and Breakfast.

Where my father-in-law comes up and has to unwind some when he first gets here, that's not the way it is for my mother-in-law.  He's a good guy and friend, a shooter, a smart man, knows more than most mechanical engineers that I've known, and he definitely has a sense of humor that can be over the top sometimes -  but then again, can't we all.  Yes, he is a good guy. 

My mother-in-law takes in the mountains as if she were born in them.  It might me her Kentucky heritage, American Indian blood, her all American "We can do it" attitude, he closeness to her daughter that makes her at home here.  And yes my friends, having family feel at home in my home is a big deal to me.  I'm thankful that that is the way things are around here.

I've been here in Glencoe over a decade now, and it's only been in the last 2 years that I've gotten to know more of the folks around these parts.  Mostly its due to my volunteering at the American Legion, and yes being volunteered for a position within the post has made a big difference to how busy I am with the post.

I'm thankful for so much these days.  Sure this year I've had another concussion from another fall from a horse, screwed up my neck and shoulder after Murphy whacked me a good one, and of course a week ago I just about broke my leg. 

But really, I'm still thankful.  I have friends like Curtis Janto who asked me to a part of his wedding.  I was shocked that he'd want to old codger in his wedding party, after all, he is old enough to be my son.  But I was part6 of their beautiful day, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it. 

I talked with Curtis a few days ago, we laughed about this and that - but I can tell he is now taking his new role as husband in the right way.  He is a good man, and his dad Mike has all the reasons in the world to be proud of him. 

Curtis has the ability to right himself when things are not going in a positive manner.  That in itself takes a real talent to do.  It is done by first letting go of what is throwing you off center and grabbing onto what you need to right yourself.  Identifying which is which is part of the trick.  Saying to yourself that you were wrong about something and making changes to get on the correct path can be difficult.  Most times egos get in the way, but seeing the harm that might take place if you don't make things right - that can motivate you into action. 

Obama has none of these abilities, but thank God that Curtis does.  Curtis can see what he needs that to do to get ahead, and that will make him a good provider and husband.  He will always be a great son and friend, and yes I'm thankful for that.

Then there's Larry Bruns and Steve Duman.  They put up with my crazy ideas at the post.  And yes, I'm very thankful that we got the post painted and have we've now started on the kitchen.  It is amazing to think what can be done with the right eye and attitude. 

Those who see what needs to be done, and have the attitude that they themselves can do it, even alone if have to, they get things done.  That attitude is always a magnet to those like minded people who have the same desire.  And yes, I'm very thankful that Larry and Steve are like minded great friends. 

As Second Vice Commander of our post, I'm in charge of the bar and the kitchen - and volunteers make it go. So yes, I'm very thankful that Chris stepped forward to help. He really is my saving grace around there.

Talking about Steve Duman, he showed up on my property this morning.  He said he knew that I've bummed up my leg and that I might need some help.  He knew that I've needed some help to get my barn squared away.  Today, with his help, we did just that and everything looks great.  I couldn't thank him enough. 

I told him so and Steve simply said, "that's what friends do for friends!"  Hes' right, and I'm thankful for his friendship.  He is one great guy!

I find solace in seeing that our little piece of the world up here is fairly squared away.  Most folks up here work to keep it that way.  Sure some call us "Hicks" - but so what!  Heck, I've been called a lot worse than that - even lately as a matter of fact. 

Yes, even our small American Legion post has its problems.  Minor usually, nothing big really. Lately it's with a fouled mouth individual who has pushed the envelope for a long time now. 

He is around 65, and surprisingly he still hasn't learned the real facts about swearing.  Fact is that I'm sort of shocked that he has never learned that foul language and swearing up a storm loses its shock value after you use it more than once or twice.   And really, people really stop paying attention to what you're saying - and really start paying more attention to what kind of ignorant boob you are when you swear every other word. 

Of course, if your parents swore a lot than it's probably true that you swear a lot. And of course if you were in the military, than you probably perfected your swearing to an art form.  And that was probably great when you were talking with other 18 to 20 year olds who all probably talked just like you, but of course your probably weren't around women and children when you talked like that.  If it was, or is, then too bad and shame on you.

But for a man in his mid 60s, you would think that at some point in his life that he would have had to deal with regular people - you know, adults?  I mean, I remember going home on leave once while I was in the Marine Corps and saying "pass the #$%@& the potatoes" at my mom's dinner table. 

I remember how that was an educational experience - to say the least.  It was an instant awakening to what is OK around my Marine buddies, and what was not OK around everyone else.  I never forgot the lesson or the embarrassment.

But even in the Marine Corps, I remember finding out that there was a difference between swearing a blue streak when we were out in the field as a young Lance Corporal - and later attending a Platoon Commanders meeting with all Staff NCO and Officers in attendance.  I learned quickly that when in Rome, try to show a little Class.  Besides, I found out that no one really pays any attention to you if you use nothing but foul language. 

As for foul language coming from an old man, well it sure shows people that age hasn't taught him very much at all.  Heck, if by the age of 60 he really needs to swear to get your point across - then he must really have a problem with speaking clearly and understandably.  Of course, like with some these days, maybe his problem is that he may be time to lay off the drugs and the dope, and stop hanging out with bloody idiots.

But really, I'm thankful that we only have one swearing senior citizen around these parts.  At least only one like the one who I'm thinking about.  The guy can't put together a full sentence without swearing every other word.  And the real irony? Well the real irony is that the guy can't understand how his foul mouth is very offensive to the men and women around him!  Imagine that!

Now that I'm talking about my dislike for foul language around women and children, I'm sure someone out there is going to write and say, "Hey, what kind of Marine are you that doesn't swear?"

Well, let me make something clear here, I swear.  In fact, I started swearing a blue streak the other day when I almost broke my leg - but I'm not talking about that moment when you cuss because you hit your thumb with a hammer - I'm talking about everyday conversation, and especially when women and children are present.  During everyday conversation, let's be honest here, there is very little need for it to make your point.

And yes, I'm thankful for that! But of course, there are other things to be thankful for. 

I was sent a News Article about a massive wildfire in Arizona that has burnt down more than 30 homes and has forced nearly 10,000 Americans to evacuate their homes.  I was sent the article because someone wanted me to comment on it simply because the people who started the fires are Illegal Aliens who are crossing the Southeastern Arizona desert.

So what can I say about it that Americans haven't heard?  This is the same Illegal aliens, who the Government Accountability Office (GAO) which is the investigative arm of Congress says has purposely started multiple wildfires in a five year period with the intention of destroying homes and killing Americans.

It is a form of attacking Americans.  It is a form of Terrorism.  And no, I've never said that only Muslims are Terrorists.  This is Terrorism from across our Southern border.  It is a way of attacking Americans in an attempt to kill us!

But wait, the whole idea that it is vital to secure our southern border is something Obama does not want to acknowledge.  The Obama Administration and the Democrat Party look to these same people who are starting these fires as prospective Democrat voters!

This is an attack on American soil.  And yes, I wish Obama would find the courage to go to Arizona and Texas, and face the people down there, and tell those 10,000 Americans who had to be evacuated their homes that he is honestly and truly doing all that he can do to secure the border to stop these sorts of attacks. 

Really folks, if this is all that Obama can do to solve the problem - then he is pathetic!

And yes, that brings me to something that I'm thankful for this year.  The fact is that I'm thankful that Barak Hussein Obama only has one more year in office, and you bet that I'm extremely thankful for that.

Maybe after he leaves office, he can go home to Kenya and open up a Golf Course and New United Nations building there. Then again, maybe after he's in office he can just go back to Chicago where in-action and impotence is considered a great job - and pathetic politics is the way of life.

Story by Tom Correa

American Pride - The Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

In the year of 1621, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Massachusetts and the Wampanoag Indians shared a late Autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as the first Thanksgiving celebration in the colonies. 

For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.  It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.


This is that Proclamation establishing Thanksgiving Day:

By Order of the President of the United States

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.  To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln