Words can be a distraction

Words can be a distraction

EDITOR:

It seems to me that the “I miss you saying Merry Christmas” campaign is yet another “hamster wheel” for Christians. By participating we may think we are flexing our spiritual muscles while in reality we aren’t going anywhere or achieving anything. The radical message of Jesus was (and still is) about loving one another and serving others in God’s name.

How could anyone who understands this message believe that Jesus would quibble over the words that we use to greet each other in celebration of his birth into our world? Jesus was Jewish and spoke only Aramaic, so he never heard the English words, “Merry Christmas” while he walked this earth.

Back in November, First Federated Church of North Jackson submitted a press release to The Vindicator inviting the Valley to participate in Advent Conspiracy and on Dec. 5 this paper published the national press release. The concept is to get Christians to commit themselves to giving their presence instead of just presents. We have committed our presence to help feed the hungry locally and provide clean drinking water in developing nations. What if the money and energy spent in Jesus’ name to change a holiday greeting could go to help those in need? Do you realize that the amount of money raised by the “Merry Christmas” billboard committee could have fed 2,400 people at the Rescue Mission or provided clean drinking water for 6,000 people? I suspect more people would have a reason to say “Merry Christmas” and be able to experience one too.

Several years ago I, too noticed that people, especially in stores, weren’t saying “Merry Christmas” anymore. So whenever someone told me “Happy Holidays” I always replied, “Merry Christmas” with a smile. And nearly every time I received in return a warm “Merry Christmas” and a smile. And it was free.

So go ahead and wish everybody a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Let the recipient, like any hearer of the Gospel, decide what to do with your greeting.

JACK ACRI

North Jackson

Federal salaries grow while others lose jobs and benefits

EDITOR:

In the Friday’s USAToday, it was reported that the number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has exploded during the recession. Federal employees making salaries of $100,000 or more jumped from 14 percent to 19 percent of civil servants during the recession’s first 18 months — and that is before overtime pay and bonuses are counted.

This is unreal and the general taxpayer public is ignoring such practices while they are being laid off due to plant closings, taking concessions on contracts, seeing jobs going out of the country and an increasing number of foreclosures and bankruptcies. Even the pensioners have taken a cutback with health benefits and/or lost of pension due to companies going bankrupt. Senior Citizen getting Social Security will not receive any COLA adjustment for the next two years.

Both the banking Industry and the public sector are ignoring the plight of the taxpayer who basically pays their salary with state and federal income taxes.

So, when will this vicious cycle end? As the general public takes a pay concession, it should also occur with the public sector and the banking industry with their “bonuses”.

NEIL D. FRASCA

Youngstown