PHOTO: Christian activist tries to steer shoppers from Wal-Mart re: Xmas

[Bluebear]

Note: I LOVE his church name. Truth in advertising!


Christian activist Dick Otterstad, left, of the Church of the Divide, is met by Linda Ostrofsky, right, as he protests Wal-Mart's decision to drop the word 'Christmas' from its holiday advertising campaign, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in Sacramento, Calif. The Bentonville, Ark.-based company says it supports the generic greeting, 'Happy Holidays,' because it is more inclusive of other faiths.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A group of religious protesters demonstrated outside a Wal-Mart superstore Saturday, hoping to turn away customers by calling attention to the retailer's decision to use "happy holidays" rather than "merry Christmas" in its seasonal advertising.

But even shoppers who agreed with the protesters weren't willing to interrupt their quest for holiday deals.

"I believe in Christ, and I don't like the use of 'xmas' or the use of 'happy holidays,'" said Steven Van Noy, 39, as he left the store loaded down with packages. "The bottom line is that they had what I needed at Wal-Mart, so I went to Wal-Mart to buy it."

About 50 protesters took part in Saturday's demonstration, organized by religious leaders. Dick Otterstad of the Church of the Divide donned a Santa Claus costume and greeted shoppers with the message: Don't forget about the meaning of Christmas. "It is insulting that Wal-Mart has chosen to ignore the reason for the season," Otterstad said. "Taking the word 'Christmas' out of the holiday implies there's something sinful about it. ... This is a part of our culture."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051218/ap_on_re_us/wal_mart_holidays

[IrishBloodEngHeart]

1. here's the deal

1) the government should not be allowed to promote religion, so should not talk about Christmas.

2) Individuals and private companies should be allowed to say whatever they want, be that Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons greetings, whatever.

3) People should not be offended when a private company or individual wishes them a happy holiday, be it Christmas, arbor day, Chanukah, or new years.



Why are people so irrational?

[Bluebear]

2. Why is he in a Santa suit and not dressed like an oxen or ass?

Or some manger figure?

[IrishBloodEngHeart]

3. There is already an ass at the protest

he's wearing the santa suit :)

[Bluebear]

5. Thank you for following up the planted line :)

:toast:

[Sydnie]

4. Because "ass" is how he usually dresses?

Did I win??? :rofl:

[Bozita]

6. He looks a lot like Osama, doesn't he?

[Bluebear]

7. Quick, call Homeland Security.

I think he is holding an almanac too.

[Skip Intro]

8. I really would love to run into some of these morons. One week left.

Maybe I can just vist walmart, not buying anything, and get lucky?

either way, one week left of this bs

[tularetom]

9. Hmm - what do I hate more?

Wally world? Or fundagelical xtian trailer trash? God I hate these philosophical and moral dilemmas. I think I'd have to come down on the side of walmart in this case.

[PatrioticLeftie]

10. Isn't it strange...

They'll march and protest solely to push the word 'Christmas' on everyone's lap yet ignore every ethical and moral violation.

[Ravy]

11. You would think dressing as Jesus would have been more

appropriate to protest someone for "ignoring the reason for the season".

[FVZA_Colonel]

12. So, these people took the time to gather together, drive down to Wal-Mart,

and stage some protest?




They have waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much time on their hands.