Now They Have Gone Too Far!

Hi Everyone,

For the past few years and then some, it seems that more and more people, companies, politicians and schools don't want to offend anyone. So the term, politically correct, originated. Being politically correct may be a good thing in some instances, but certainly it is not a good thing in all circumstances. But I was quite surprised to learn how far a school is willing to go to be politically correct. A friend of ours from Long Island, New York, told us about this true story that occurred to his daughter in her elementary school. The daughter told her father that the chorus teacher told them that they were only going to sing holiday songs and Hanukkah songs. Then the daughter told her father that they were going to sing, We Wish You a Swinging Holiday, which is actually, We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The children were not allowed to sing Merry Christmas and were yelled at if they did!

Is this what it is coming to? I certainly hope not. I am a firm believer in a live and let live philosophy. That would include people being able to celebrate their religious holidays including singing songs etc. Where does this school come off changing the words to a beloved and I think almost 140 year old song? In this instance, it appears that the school, in an effort to be somehow neutral by omitting those two words, have instead created a fire storm from her father. He is rightfully furious with the school. The school's position, in my opinion, is far more hurtful than the kids singing the correct words. What actual good can come from this? What does this teach the children? How do you explain to the kids that they can sing the songs correctly anywhere but at school?

Not being allowed to sing songs as they were originally written and intended is tantamount to censorship in the first degree. What state and country do we live in? How is this even allowed? Hopefully the school and the school board will revisit their decision. But maybe the second time around they will use some common sense. Maybe, like I have said about politicians, school professionals, including school board members should be taught lessons in common sense.

Til next week.

Peter