The Case Against Santa - Adult Eyes Only!

OK. Yes, It is a shameless trick. I AM hoping the "Adult Eyes Only" comment would increase my hit count. The point of my innuendo was that I will be speaking honestly about Santa and perhaps a Santa-believing child might not wish to hear this. Therefore proceed with caution.

First off, let me establish that my family loves Santa. We have tree ornaments that are of Santa and usually watch any Christmas cartoons that include Santa, especially Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and my girls have recently taken a picture with Santa. But, like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, my wife and I have made a point of explaining to our girls that Santa is a fairy tale. Now, before all of the Civil Conservative readers fall on the floor from shock, let me give my best explanation at why I'm willing to rip this exciting fantasy away from my kids. Hopefully, I can present a compelling case for any parents to consider.

I will focus my case towards those readers who have Faith in God. Although I will note that even atheists can argue the point that we should not teach our children that Santa is real, my argument is based on those who wish to nurture and strengthen your child's Faith. For any of you who are from the South Bay and believe you're a big deal, walking through the Del Amo mall some Christmas season will tell you that many countries have different variations on Santa Claus. What is generally understood in the US about Santa is mainly through popular songs. Santa has a list of all children that he checks twice - the nice list and the naughty list. Those on the nice list get presents, while those on the naughty list get coal in their stockings or nothing. These lists are created of course, due to his ever-watchful eyes. He knows if you've been bad or good, so you'd better be good for goodness sake. At supernatural speeds, he goes to every house in the world to deliver presents to children based on his lists. To any of those who are Christian, this role may sound a bit familiar to you. Well, like God actually. That is what God does. We believe that He is the One who watches you at all places at all times, and assesses your behavior and rewards you for your deeds. What's important to note is that even if a parent does not explain to their child each of these Godly characteristics and connects them to Santa, by merely playing the game that he exists is tacit approval of this portrayal of Santa that is taught to the children through our culture.

As a matter of full disclosure, I was taught about Santa. In fact, my mom still gives me presents from Santa. Indeed, I am not warped (despite what Trishee might say) by it, nor have I lost my Faith in the Almighty. I concede this point to show that I'm not making an exaggerated point but a subtle one. I do not believe that children who are told Santa is real will be screwed up, they will survive. Please know that I understand this. I do not contend this being a make or break decision to their happiness. But I do believe that Faith is a very fragile thing and this tender time of innocence is a fertile ground for planting seeds of Faith that make deep roots. Any one who has children can clearly see the purity of their souls. To maintain this purity, they require clarity on a real, but intangible & invisible God. How to see His beauty in nature, how to feel His leadership directing them, and how to hear His subtle call when the distractions are very loud need strong Faith.


Oh, the test we would have given them to reveal that Mommy and Daddy have lied to them year after year. Each year our lies becoming more elaborate to outsmart their challenging questions. I believe this would affect their trust in us, albeit in an unconscious way. I would be concerned that this fun is jading their ability to trust an unseen Santa-like figure who is watching their lives looking for their correct behavior? When they grow up and get out into the mainstream world and are told that God is a Fairy Tale just like Santa Claus, will this have any traction with them due to our attempts to mislead them? or will they have the proper foundation from which to answer?

I am very aware this is a counter-cultural idea, as I've viewed many peoples' astounded faces when I have told them of this decision my wife and I have made. As such, please do not hold back and give me your two cents on this issue. Is there any validity to this position? Or am I harming our kids by not allowing them to fully experience Christmas?

The Great Halloween Debate

My wife and I had a discussion, err - debate, err - argument regarding trick or treating this Halloween and I'd like to write about it and seek advice from the Civil Conservative readers (both of you!) to help settle this debate. You see, we have two daughters, 6 and 5 year olds, and my wife and I took them out trick or treating this year. The question up for debate was what time is it appropriate to take them out?

My position was that since they are so young, an earlier time would be better for them. One of them is afraid of the dark and the other I believe would be at least uncomfortable in the dark. So, this passed year, we took the girls out at 5 o'clock by my suggestion for an early trick or treat. (In order to get a clear idea, this is still during daylight savings time and sunset was at 6:01pm that night.) My vision of going early was to be heading back home once it got dark. Also, the younger girl gets tired easily and would be asking for me to carry her all the way home, if we didn't go out early.

My wife's position was that this was much too early to go out. She felt that we should at least wait until the sun goes down. She pointed to the facts that 1. there were NO other kids trick or treating at this time and 2. her own experience growing up proved this to be too early. Not only did she view it as too early, but in addition she expressed that such an early trick or treat time was rude to our neighbors. Many of whom weren't even home, and most of those we did see had to shuffle to get ready, stating "You're here early!"

Please comment and add your two cents to this issue. I'm sure there are parents our there with kids our age that can speak on this topic who have come to a solution. Even if you don't have kids, I'd like to hear from you too.

Here's a picture of my girls the "princess fairy" and cheerleader with a neighborhood friend. It also better reveals the time of day.



If you're wondering, Superbaby (Mikey) slept through most of the evening, probably from a busy day saving everyone:

Giving Thanks FROM America

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I am thankful for all who read this particular posting. Its purpose is to make the case of the clear connection between God and America by using the example of tomorrow's great holiday. The following are a few excerpts taken from proclaimations regarding Thanksgiving from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Men whose intellect, wisdom and character far exceed the politicians of today. My hope is that those who have Faith in God are encouraged to know that such profound leaders share their view that America and God are congruous. To those who believe that religion is the major devisive factor in this country and that fundamental Faith in adhering to God's Will is an obstacle to freedom, I would like to make firm this point. While your argument may or may not be correct and have merit (at this time, I am not making any argument for or against that view), one thing is for sure, that view is inconsistent with the view of previous generations' definition of America, in particular from two of the greatest Presidents this country has ever had.

I encourage you all to read, not just my notes and excerpts, but the entire writings in their context (see links) and let me know if you believe that I am misunderstanding or misquoting the author's true intentions.

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George Washington in 1789 proclaimed the First Thanksgiving. In his view, it was "the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor". He shamelessly assigns this day for Americans to be in "service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country..."

He precisely establishes that Faith is not a divider of this country, but a uniting factor:
"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly"

He continues to state such ideas that might be considered exclusionary and arrogant by believing that God should "guide all sovereigns and nations". Also, Washington has the audacity to believe in Universal Objectivity as he asks God "to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue" obviously with the belief that there is such a thing.

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In 1863, Abraham Lincoln established that Thanksgiving is to be a National Holiday.

He challenges those who do not acknowledge God by stating that "we are prone to forget the source from which [our bounties] come ..., which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. "

Lincoln acknowledges that no matter the greatness of the founding fathers, the benefits to this country are from another source:
"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. "

In this excerpt and the following one, he explains his belief of the connection between not only God and this country, but also our submission to Him through our behavior and the blessings this country enjoys:
"It has seemed to me fit and proper that [we] should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States ... [to] a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience... and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union."

God bless you all and I hope you have great Thanksgiving weekends!

Obama Presidency - The Good

In attempt to show the thoughtful balance provided to you here at The Civil Conservative, I plan to post two separate blogs illustrating the both the positive and negative sides of an Obama Presidency which begins in two and a half months (on my birthday, by the way). Hopefully, this can make clear my comments and any compliments will not be taken as back-handed or as set up for a criticism. So, here we go with the Good Side of an Obama Presidency!

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The End

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Just Kidding - I couldn't resist.

First off, the unprecented good will this President-Elect has received will be a tremendous boost to his time in office. In addition to the continuing of the strong support from the MainStream to Liberal Media (including Chris Matthews' claim that his job is now to make the Obama Presidency successful), there are many conservative writers that are wishing for a successful Presidency for Barack. President Bush has been extremely gracious in his willingness to include the President-Elect in getting acquanted and informed on matters like the White House and national intelligence. In addition, Bush has vowed to make this the smoothest transition of power the nation has ever seen. This unified good will is likely due, in part, to the decisive win in this election. Obama magnetism was strong enough to achieve a 53% majority with a 7 point win over John McCain. Thus, he has established a mandate for the Obama Hope, which would give the President Elect a bit longer of a honeymoon as the electoral landslide communicates a unified America that is willing to give hope a chance. He is that rare politician who has captured America's hearts and minds and has inspired them to believe in him. Presidents like Reagan and Kennedy are comparable in terms of capturing America's imagination.

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Secondly, while his message of change has been a bit vague in terms of exactly what change will be implemented, it certainly has resonanted with the nation and many within in the world community. Whether the perception is correct or justified, there is no debate that the perception of America has changed.

The most obvious changed perception is that America has finally gotten the monkey off its back of being racist. The election of a black man, with a funny name as he likes to say, is an impressive statement from a country that just 45 years ago needed to enact a Federal Law in allowing blacks to drink from the same drinking foundation. This election would even argue against the claim that while America may not be publicly racist, but in private is still racist. In fact, with fair questions against Obama such as his inexperience, and the instability of an unproven record, if the nation did have reservations against him due to his race it's likely he would not have been elected.

Secondly, the perception of his administration in the US and throughout the world is that he will establish a new approach. To the US, he has professed himself to be a post-partisan leader. He ran on the idea of leading the United Sates of America (purple America), not just his party or liberals (blue America). In his acceptance speech, he promised to reach out across the aisle. In his very thoughtful research, perhaps he has learned from the Carter and Clinton administrations who were both too aggressive moving the country to the Left and the subsequent blowback they received from the nation in response. Conservatives like myself will be looking to keep him to this promise, however today he will be taken at his word.

From the world's viewpoint, he has espoused a new way of dealing with other nations. Countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela are eager to engage with the soon-to-be President, with the first two already initiating the conversations. His pledge of being open to talks with other nations in such a free way, even with those being sanctioned, clearly create a difference between how America has been viewed throughout its history. This, coupled with the American President being of brown skin sends a clear message to the world, leaders and citizens alike, that in this great country, the color of your skin is an irrelevant factor to your success, thus creating an impression of unprecedented fairness.

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Finally, his well reported intelligence and calm demeanor are ones of historical proportions. He will be a very thoughtful, very intelligent President. He is an individual who leaves no stone unturned is very careful to make a decision. Reporters following his 22 month election campaign have all marveled at his ability to remain unflappable. A writer of Newsweek recently commented that he became frustrated at always using that same word: "calm", in every article he's written about Obama. In a time, where the world's security situation has taken a backseat to recent fears of the impending recession, it will be important for the President to remain calm and project calm if (God forbid) we again encounter danger from a violent, vigilent and extremely complex enemy.

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Just to be on the record. I have no problem conceding that he is my President and hope that he can provide positive solutions to the challenges we face.

Inaugural Post

Hello to my millions and millions of fans! (or better stated, Hello Trishee)

And welcome to the inaugural post for The Civil Conservative blog. The purpose of this blog is to encourage sound arguments for my ilk. I'm thirty-something, born and raised in Los Angeles, married with three kids. I have a strong faith in Jesus, however I go against the stereotype of Christians in that I am very willing to hear out another perspective. What I seek is clarity and common ground. These things will not be achieved by name calling, but by solid argument, thoughtful reason, logic, and deduction. I hope to bring these things back to my generation. I would love if any of my friends (or enemies) would contribute this type of thoughtful response to see what ideas can be developed.

As an example of my attempt to reach common ground, I'd like my inaugural post to praise the very liberal, Hollywood star Richard Dreyfuss, who has great praise for this country and that the great freedom of this country is not free. It must be continually earned. It must be earned by our educated involvement.

Here's a couple of quotes which I whole heartedly agree with:

"We are a country bound not by any common ancestry, religion, location, people, sect, place. We are bound only by ideas. And if you don't teach those ideas, we are not bound."

"Sound bites are your enemy. Sound bites don't let you think."