POST SCRIPTS

to reconsider New Line Cinema, which made the film, as a sponsor. The group then told the studio it would not be part of the bazaar that began Thursday...city officials say advertising plans, including a loop of the new film that was to be played on televisions at the festival, might offend non-Christians. "Our guidance was that this very prominently placed advertisement would...be insensitive to the many people of different faiths who come to enjoy the market for its food and unique gifts...

Hey, if people want to participate for the food and gifts that's fine but please respect the reason for the event and take any offenses home with you when you leave. I'm pretty sure that non-Christians attending a Christmas event would expect to find "things associated with Christmas" on display anyway. Just like they expect green beer to flow like water on March 17th...18th...19th. I 'm also pretty certain that anyone attending a gay pride parade in San Francisco had better be prepared for the possibility of offense and expect almost anything including wagging weenies and bare buns. So what makes this different? Why are we not sensitive toward Christians? Why does the big diversity tent hang a sign saying "Christians need not apply"?

The answer is obvious to anyone willing to speak the ugly truth. It is bigotry pure and simple. It is also the reason the season has become very secularized and "commercial". Christians have been coward into putting faith...in the closet because our expressions of faith might offend. We stopped sending traditional cards and singing traditional songs so as not to offend. Even poor Cindy is a victim of this nonsense:

"We've worked hard to make sure there is a fair representation of all those faiths celebrating something special," said Cindy Gatziolis, a spokeswoman for Mayor's Office of Special Events.

Something special? This woman cannot even bring herself to acknowledge the event by name. (Christkindlmarket...looks like Christ+small child+market to me, correct me if I'm wrong my husband is napping).

95% of American's say they celebrate Christmas. I think that figure alone demonstrates there should be a place for Jesus in the festival in Chicago...and in stores and celebrations across the land. We are a strong people, we can handle it.

"The Nativity Story", the movie that's causing all the commotion in Chicago is opening in theaters this week. I've seen the trailers and it looks like a wonderful movie. I hope you'll go see it.