1.  What issue is Mr. Jacoby addressing in this commentary?

2.  Describe the two sides of the issue Mr. Jacoby addresses in his article.  With which view does he attempt to persuade the reader to agree?

3.  Before reading this article, how did you view this issue?

4.  Did Mr. Jacoby's arguments cause you to re-think your position?  Explain your answer.

5.  With which of the following statements do you agree?  With which do you disagree?  Explain your answers. 

• ...this attempt to fade Christmas into a nondenominational winter holdiay stems from a twisted notion of courtesy -- from the idea that tolerance and respect for minorities require intolerance and disrespect for the majority. (para. 6)
• But suppressing the language, symbols, or customs of Christians in a predominantly Christian society is not inclusive.  It's insulting.  It's discriminatory too. (para. 7-8)
• In this tolerant and open-hearted nation, religious minorities are not expected to keep their beliefs out of sight or to squelch their traditions lest someone, somewhere, take offense.  Surely the religious majority shouldn't be expected to either. (para. 8)
• It makes me feel grateful -- to live in a land where freedom of religion shelters the Hanukkah menorah in my window no less than the Christmas tree in my neighbor's. (para. 9)

6.  Mr. Jacoby is interested in your response to his commentary.  Please email your comments or questions to Mr. Jacoby at editor@studentnewsdaily.com.