With the “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas” signs back in Redmond for the fourth consecutive year, people are strongly voicing their opinions about the notices.
Once again posted by a mystery person or group, City of Redmond employees first noticed the green signs with white lettering this past Saturday near churches on 166th Avenue Northeast. The Reporter and one resident spotted signs near the City Hall campus and the Redmond Regional Library on Northeast 85th Street/160th Avenue Northeast and the Redmond Fire Headquarters on 161st Avenue Northeast.
The signs feature a Bible verse on the front side, and on the back there’s a nativity scene, which is new to this year’s signs.
“This is where the ‘politically correct’ thinking gets it wrong. We need to spread love, respect, embrace and share other citizens’ cultures and holidays because it matters! It brings us closer to each other’s one-nation concept regardless of the diversity. I cannot wait to start greeting people with ‘Merry Christmas’ greetings. It is just too early for me, personally,” said reader Ed Kaddoura.
Added Christine Olson on the Reporter’s Facebook page: “(They’re) aggressive… Just say ‘Merry Christmas’ if you want to say it… No need to tell others how to live their lives. Very simple.”
Lisa Rhodes, City of Redmond communications manager, noted: “We are not aware of how many there are, or who is responsible for placing them. We have received a few emails and calls from residents and media inquiring about the legality of the signs and the city’s thoughts or plans for them, not concerns about the message.”
Mayor John Marchione added: “The ‘It’s OK to say Merry Christmas’ signs are a form of free speech that is permissible on public property. The city has no plans to remove the signs. Since the signs began appearing three years ago, the people placing the signs have removed them by New Year’s day.”
Underneath the main message, in smaller letters, there’s a quotation from Romans 1:16 of the Bible: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” A lengthy verse from the Gospel of Luke follows in tiny lettering.
On Facebook, some residents said the signs are “silly” or “ridiculous” because people should be able to say what they want whether it’s emblazoned on a sign or not.
Others noted that they’re grateful for the signs, and the First Amendment allows them to say “Merry Christmas.”
Robyn Nelson added: “Given we live in a community were many cultures and religions village together — we should also be mindful and respectful to others differences from our own, and that is stressing religious differences. Say whatever you are most comfortable with, but why not go with a simple ‘Happy Holiday!’ It’s not only Christmas but Kwanzaa, Haunkkah, Yule, Ramadan and a few more. It’s all about acceptance and understanding! Happy Holidays!”
