Prosperity

Just for the record, I believe the following, and, after watching the news, I feel this needs to be said:

Prosperity is not a right. America is a great country because it gives people the opportunity to prosper, through hard work and ambition.

People help those that are more needy than themselves during the Christmas season* because it is the right thing to do.

* And while I'm in a ranting mood... Yes, I celebrate Christmas, so I will say Merry Christmas to you. If you celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa or Ramadan or anything else during this 'holiday season' then feel free to respond with Merry/Happy __________. I promise I will not be offended. In fact, such a response would probably make me stop to think and be grateful for the religious diversity we are blessed with in this country. Unfortunately, this is not the way most of these interactions go. Apparently, we as Americans in general are not mature enough to appreciate this religious freedom and instead revert to the 'politically correct' Happy Holidays, or worst, Season's Greetings. Instead of displaying our religious differences proudly, we sap the spirit out of Christmas by watering it down and hiding it. Next time, instead of grumbling about the intolerance of the person who wishes you a Merry Christmas, swallow your own intolerance and reclaim the religion that is the core of these holidays.