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America has won a war this year. It was no military operation however,
but a battle for tradition, for the possibility to greet each other during Christmas
with a traditional Christian "Merry Christmas" and not "Happy Holidays".
In the Polish tradition it is of course a little bit different,
as the 50 years of communism got the job done,
and we had "Gwiazdor" ("Father Star") instead of Santa Claus it was ok to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"
there is a plain tree instead of Christmas Tree.
But America always fights for such things,
we always say "Merry Christmas" and we do have a Christmas Tree,
and America fights for this like a lion and nothing changes here.
It even turns out, that the opposite side's giving up.
I've noticed that a few years ago,
while shopping in Home Depot for the Christmas ornaments.
I noticed "Happy Holidays" written everywhere,
so I asked a salesman why was that so,
why wasn't there "Merry Christmas"?
And he said with the low voice just like in communism times,
when you were talking about Solidarity:
"You know, it is politically incorrect"
So I replied: "Really? In that case-saying out loud
- Merry Christmas, and have a nice day!"
Then I left the store and so did others customers.
So the business had to use its head
for it was loosing the money.
And now it's not like that anymore,
the Christians in America have succeeded in this matter,
and the "Merry Christmas" greetings exist.
However, it is interesting to see,
how this well organised minority is trying to impose its will on the majority.
That's what happened when they tried to clear out
"In God we trust" inscriptions.
Inscriptions, which appear on every American coin.
Just as they tried to wrest the panels with the decalogue
out of the Supreme Court building.
This also didn't work out.
They wanted the President not to swear on the Holy Bible,
or the people in the court not to raise their hand saying "so help me God".
They strived to change all of that but did not succeed.
Since the 1777, the American Congress starts its sessions with a prayer,
because that is the American tradition.
This is a country founded by the white imigrants' from Europe descendants.
The country of Judeo-Christian tradition.
There is over 70 % of Christians in America now,
including over 50 % of Protestants, over 25% of Catholics,
and only 1,6 % of the atheists.
However it happens quite often that they try to impose their will to the majority.
But also, quite often happens, that other religions fight for the believers.
Let me give you an example:
I was once in Salt Lake City, Utah.
There is a famous Mormon's temple there -
- you know the greatest American Mormon, Mitt Romney,
who ran in the presidential election this year.
But the most interesting thing there, is a computer they have.
I think, there are all of the genealogical data of all the people in world.
I was looking up for my name, wondering if Kolonko is maybe from Colon - Columbus,
the America's explorer -it would be a big deal for my family.
So I was doing the research a few generations back
you can easily check it there.
And when I finished, a lady asked me to sing into the commemorative book.
I gave my address, and received some gift, which was nice.
They were all nice actually there.
I came back to New York and forgot the whole thing.
And then, on some Saturday, I am having a jam session at home with my friend,
we play the guitars, there is a beer and cigarettes,
I am half-naked, wearing only leather trousers and we hear a doorbell.
I open the door: there are two guys in black there.
Black trousers, black suits, black ties.
If they had had black shades, they would have been "Men in Black".
"How can I help you" - I asked
And they replied: "We are from the Latter Day Saints Church"
I thought - means they're Mormons, they don't smoke, don't drink,
and I have a beer in my hand, and a cigarette in my mouth...
So I say:" Ok, but how can I help?"
"We wanted to talk to you about faith"
"OK, but could you come back next week?"
They looked at each other, smiled and said "Yes".
Very nice guys.
Just when I forgot about this, a week later - a doorbell!
Again Sunday, 10 o'clock, I look trough the peephole: "Men in Black".
It turns out, they have entire "army" of missionaries,
who walk from one house to another and encourage people to convert to their religion.
I began to wonder, why don't Catholics do that,
to walk from house to house saying: you must go to the mass today.
Why don't they go and tell people: you must have a Chritmas Tree in the window.
Why don't they go and tell people:
you must say "Merry Christmas", while you say "Happy Hanukkah".
I don't know why is that so but I think this is the source of the Catholicism's strength.
This religion does not impose itself, but exists, grows and lasts.
Merry Christmas!
From New York, Mariusz Max Kolonko, I tell it like it is.