With all of the problems we face today in our world, war in Iraq, recent worries over a transit strike In NYC, problems with our school finances, way-too-high taxes here in Nassau County, isn’t it interesting that a big news story right now would be controversy about emphasizing religious faith during a holiday government ceremony?
It is clear that Federal Courts have allowed religious displays as long as all religions are afforded the same opportunity. We know that government can not be in a position of promoting one or more religions as superior to secularism.
One of the great things about this country that we live in is that our constitution preserves the right of each of us to pursue whatever religious beliefs we want to, or to have no religious belief at all, if that is what we choose. That is the great thing about America. No one can regulate what we think, or even our right to think, and act, and pursue whatever we believe, as long as we don’t infringe on the rights of others. What makes our political system the envy of the whole world is the great diversity of ideas from across the spectrum that influence the direction of our country.
What is so wonderful about this time of year is the fact that there are so many religious and cultural expressions that are celebrated at the same time, and sometimes at the same place, as we are doing here tonight. This can only happen in America. In fact, there are some places in the world that it is dangerous to do something or celebrate something different from what everyone else is celebrating. It is a good thing that we can stand here together, at the seat of government here in Nassau County, with all of our racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural differences, and celebrate the values that bind us together.
As many of you know, I’ve been Catholic all of my life and I do not stop being a Catholic simply because I serve as County Executive – but I am not here to promote my religion. While I understand what is unique about Christmas, I’ve always believed that many of the ideals I have learned from my religion are shared by people in all walks of life and all faiths. I don’t know anybody that would say that hope is a bad thing. I don’t know anyone who would say that peace, or joy, or love is a bad thing. Nobody is against these ideals. These ideals are universal.
So it is a wonderful thing that we are here tonight, not fighting over the things which divide and separate us, but celebrating the things that bring us together. It is such a privilege for me to have the honor to stand with you as County Executive, to wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanukah, a Happy Kwanzaa and a joyous holiday season, whatever you celebrate, or even if you choose not to celebrate at all. And as we look to a New Year, let us choose to do whatever we can to make the world a better place for ourselves, our children, and our children’s children. Thank you, and have a wonderful holiday.
