Santa Shmanta...

To the editor: The other night I saw an advertisement for a big name jewelry store where Santa bought something extra special for his wife. I could only imagine the outcry if they had used the image of Christ or the Mohammed to advertise jewelry. Santa Claus is not a religious icon. While this season coincides with the holy days of various world religions, you will not see a Crucifix or Star of David hanging from the rear view of Santa’s sleigh. Basing an argument for banning Santa on religious grounds is absurd. Referencing the non-existent separation of church and state is ignorant. Shouldn’t arguments which reference educational institutions be made in an educated manner? Imposing views on others by force is wrong. Children should be taught to be tolerant of different viewpoints, to celebrate our differences. Today we’ve taught them to bully, that disagreement is better resolved by threat than understanding. Good job! Samuel Stanaitis Pine Island