In the law nothing is simple. Madam justice Cohen recently ordered the removal of an artificial Christmas Tree from a public entrance after a complaint by one member of the public. Madam justice Cohen is well respected and intellectually brilliant. Her decision has been criticized in the media and she has received much negative commentary.

The origins of the "Christmas tree" has always been controversial. The Prophet Jeremiah condemned the middle easterm practice of decorating trees as "the Way of the heathen." The Pagan religions of Europe, and in particular Rome, widely adopted the tree as a sympbol of faith.

This Pagan tradition also clashed with the leaders of the early Christian Church who viewed the practice as Pagan and prohibited the decoration of Christian homes with trees and evergreens.

Enghish strongman Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan, also condmened the practice. American Puritans, such as Governor William Bradford, condemned the practice as "Pagan Mockery".

Why such controversy over a decorated tree? In North America there is a clear separation of Church and State. Minority rights are protected. The separation of State and religion dictates that no religion be favoured and none be discriminated against.

In a recent unofficial poll in a grade one class, in a public school, almost all the kids voted to allow all religious symbols in public places as a celebration of all faiths. The kids have more common sense than most adults and they are probably correct.

In North America religion has always been essential to the our development.  The American dollar bill states: " IN God we Trust". 

The Freemasons who embrace all faiths and view all members as Brothers accept all forms of religious expression provided their is a core belief in a Supreme Being. They got it right.

Any tradition that allows Freedom of Religion and glorifies God is good and should not be discouraged.

The Communists attempted to stop religious practices and failed. The Puritans, Romans and Taliban, the Spanish Inquisitors attempted to restrict religious freedom and failed.

Madam Justice Cohen should have had a full hearing on the issue of the tree and allowed for intervenor status applications to be heard. This case would no doubt go all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Consideration should also be given to the retailers/capitalists who rely on Christmas sales for all their profits. Not to mentioned our beloved governments that also takes a big cut in tax revenue and source deductions from all those people working over time.

How would they feel if people were not in the Christmas spirit which makes them to overpay in December for all those gifts?

If we attack the Christmas tree, why allow a "Santa Claus" parade down University Avenue to Queen Street? Surely people driving downtown and inconvenienced by the million plus people are offended to be stuck in traffic on public streets.

Why should the Post Office accept and deliver Christmas Cards, as some people are offended by this practice? Moreover, why overpay for gifts before Christmas, just so retailers and the government can make more money, and why not delay shopping for Christmas until February or March when retail prices will collapse (or never buy anything to give as gifts so all those business interests can go bankrup)?

Why buy liqour from government liquor stores in Ontario for a Christian celebration? (not to mention the other groups who celebrate with liquor purchases in December)? We should not forget that some people are offended that government stores, not to mention all those Christmas decorations and gift bags, sell alcohol for a religious majority that wants to have fun with business associates, friends and family.

It is very difficult to draw the line on the exclusion of symbols, if not impossible. It is much better to allow all forms of religious expression as long as God is glorified and no group is discriminated against.

Good will towards all men and women and a little seasonal festivities should also generate a lot of profits and tax revenue which helps maintain the capitalist economy and our democratic State. This is win win.