Dear Editor:This is an open letter to the Downey Chamber of Commerce. This is the third or fourth time I've written about this matter of the Holiday Lane Parade instead of Christmas Parade. I'm sick and tired of politically correct nonsense. I again ask the Chamber what holiday are we celebrating? Just a few years ago, actually for many centuries, we celebrated Christmas, described in Webster's Dictionary as a "Christmas feast on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Christ, observed as a legal holiday." But now to be politically correct, it is "winter break" or "winter solstice." We can't even sing Christmas carols or have Christmas plays in our schools. It is most notable that Cambridge, Mass., has now designated a school holiday for Muslim children. What's happening in America? Does anyone care? If so, do you (we) care enough to let the "politically correct" know we want our freedoms and culture back? I've never seen Merry Winter Break cards or a Happy Winter Solstice greeting of any kind. Stores are filled at this time of year with anything that could possibly make a dime for the merchants. Winter break? Decorations are seen everywhere, as well as "winter break" trees to decorate. It is at this time of the year we have a day called "Black Friday," the day merchants try to get out of "red" ink and back into "black" ink. Could the Chamber please explain why we don't have a "Spring Break Parade," so merchants could further enrich themselves? If people are offended by the world Christmas, so be it. They can opt out of the celebration. America has given away too much of our culture and traditions, so as not to offend. Now it is time to make our voices heard and to restore what we once had. We've lost too much. To those who feel otherwise, establish and celebrate your own traditions. You're free to do so. The Jewish people have done this beautifully. -- Elsa Van Leuven, Downey

********** Published: November 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 30