Column: Thanks for Listening

Happy holidays!

I always found it a bit funny that people say “happy holidays” as to not offend anyone that is of a different religion or belief system. I would rather know what someone’s belief system is and try and find more information about what their beliefs are and find some common ground between our two religions.

I like to say “merry Christmas” because I believe in Christ. I also would happily say happy “happy Hanukkah” to my friends who are Jewish. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights (Dec 1-9). In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” means dedication.

I would also say “happy Kwanzaa” for my friends who are African American. I think it is cool that the name Kwanzaa means first fruits. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1) is dedicated to one of the following principles. In order, they are:

Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

I think it is important to find common ground between religions as well as people because think of the wars we could have avoided over the years if we just looked for common ground. This season of holidays, we should remember this: Being too politically correct is an easy way to avoid making a new friend or finding out about something new. Search out somebody different than you and find out about them. It may just surprise you how much you have in common.

‘Bullying’

In tomorrow’s edition we wrap up our “Bullying” series, and I want to thank everyone who has taken part in this series. We have had some incredible stories, editorials and guest columns that focused on what is a sad situation for many at our schools.

Please continue to fight and focus on ways to decrease the amount of bullying going on in schools, on buses and in the halls of our local schools.

Please still contact either Kelli Lageson or me here at the Tribune if you have a story — good or bad — about bullying because we still plan on doing periodic updates to this series that was very dear to us. Bullying is something that we cannot let up on.

I will continue my push to reach out to school board members, administrators, faculty, staff and students to eliminate bullying and to have a no-bullying policy that is actually enforced and not just stated on paper.

Business After Hours

I invite everyone to join me at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course at 5 p.m. this Tuesday as the Albert Lea Tribune hosts Business after Hours. Join us for food, gifts and fun with Santa, the Albert Lea Caroliers and our staff as we thank you all for a wonderful year.

Everyday Heroes

Our theme for Progress 2011 is “Everyday Heroes.” This year, we are opening it up to you. The readers get to share their heroes.

The person could be your parent, your child, your doctor, your teacher, your mechanic, your gas station clerk, your veterinarian, whomever.

You can send your words and photos by postal mail, e-mail, Facebook or in person.

• By e-mail, send your message to heroes@albertleatribune.com.

• By Facebook, “like” the Albert Lea Tribune, if you haven’t already, then look on our wall for a link for the Tribune’s Facebook page dedicated to Progress 2011. Tell us your Everyday Hero.

• By postal mail, send the letter to Hometown Heroes, Albert Lea Tribune, 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

• In person, just stop at the Tribune office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.