Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all my friends old and new. There will be many new and exciting features for 2008. I thank everyone for their support in 2007.

Whats Wrong with Happy Holidays?

Local editorials across the nation are reflecting on the phrase Happy Holidays this time of year. Conservative Christians feel somewhat unhappy that Merry Christmas has been hijacked by the phrase Happy Holidays. I find it interesting that each year, Happy Holidays is attacked and no one comes to the defense of this phrase. Instead, we focus on Merry Christmas. I grew up with Merry Christmas. I use it in my house all the time. Yet,
I love to hear Happy Holidays when I go out in public.
The reason is my area is changing. The United States is changing. We have many religious and cultural traditions. December, as a month has more than one holiday.

Thus the phrase Happy Holidays. It reflects everyone's holiday.
Yet, some feel betrayed. Why? After all, can't Merry Christmas share the stage with Happy Holidays? I like knowing my kids learn about all the major holidays in December. It teaches them about the traditions found in Judaism and African cultures. I ask myself, what is wrong with enjoying all the traditions?

If Christians are not careful, Merry Christmas will soon carry the stigma of Intolerance. This is ironic, considering Jesus never intended his birthday to represent such a theme. So during this time of peace, lets think about what Jesus would do. I think Jesus would be open minded enough to run down to the store and say, Happy Holidays.

To all my friends, old and new. I wish you all a blessed holiday and Happy New Year.

Working Families Party

The Working Families Party of New York State is working for changes in Legislation that reflect many of the values of hard working people who have little or no representation in Albany. I will give a larger overview of the parties objectives in the People Making a Difference Blog. Please support them during election time by voting on their party line. Here is the website to get to know the party.

http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/

Book Signing in Camden on January 5th - Live Concert

There will be a book signing in Camden on the 5th of January. I will be giving part of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. This is part of a benefit which includes 5 hours of music. I have seen the lineup and highly recommend you get your tickets early. The location of the event will be at the High School. The High School is located just outside the village of Camden on rt. 13.

Vermont Society for the Study of Education

Please check out the story I have on the NCLB horror story site regarding activism and ending the nightmare of NCLB. For those wanting to go directly to the site, just copy the link below to your browser.
http://www.vsse.net/node/265

Rome Art and Community Center a Great Success

The book signing at the Rome Art and Community Center was a great success. The Mayor of Rome showed up for the event. Many thanks to the Mayor for his support. The audience was responsive and very interested in many aspects of the presentation and the book. I was appreciative of the kind words and feedback from all who attended. The musical presentation from Josh and Matt was outstanding. More on them later. Many thanks Rome for a great turnout. More dates for book signings will be posted this week.