Chuck Williams: Welcoming diversity with open arms

All weekend -- and most of mine was spent in downtown Columbus -- there were signs of the season.

Hundreds of people came downtown on Friday night for the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Broadway median. Chorus groups sang traditional Christmas carols as part of the ceremony.

All the way down to the fake snow, it felt a lot like Christmas.

On Saturday morning, it felt even more like Christmas. There was the Bi-City Christmas parade, and there was a chill in the air. Many church groups participated in the parade.

Many times over, someone from a politician to a youth softball player would wish those watching from the side of the Broadway streets a Merry Christmas.

It did not feel politically correct or incorrect. It felt a lot like it should feel as we move deeper into December.

Sunday afternoon there was a concert in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts that was outstanding. The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band played, for the most part, holiday music. It started with "Joy to the World" and ended with "God Bless Us Everyone."

In the middle was a tribute to the troops with the band playing the Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army songs.

A full house -- many of them military, but not all of them -- saluted our troops.

It was fitting in every way and beautifully done.

So, why have we expended nearly 220 words talking about Christmas, our troops and the weekend? Because words have great power. And for nearly two weeks, I have not been able to get 30 words out of my head:

"WARNING: Harris County is politically incorrect. We say: Merry Christmas, God Bless America and In God We Trust. We salute our troops and our flag. If this offends you LEAVE!"

Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley put those words on a sign, and now the whole world knows about it thanks to social media and the Fox News Network. I have known the sheriff for a lot of years and our relationship has been professional and respectful.

And, like many, I don't disagree with his views on Christmas, God or the troops.

But does that give me the right to invite people who don't believe that to LEAVE? I think we all know the answer to that. Of course it doesn't.

Sheriff Jolley could have easily made his point without the kicker.

The Christmas season and the soldiers were celebrated all weekend in downtown Columbus.

It was celebrated by a diverse group of people of all ages, colors and backgrounds.

And nowhere did I see a sign suggesting those who did not share those values and beliefs could LEAVE.

And that is as it should be.

Chuck Williams, senior reporter, chwilliams@ledger-enquirer.com.

This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 10:14 PM with the headline "Chuck Williams: Welcoming diversity with open arms ."