A World Order

There are signs of a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for the  mysterious coronavirus pandemic, and some amongst us are redirecting our thoughts to the increasing threat of Chinese world dominance.  

This morning, I found myself moving my viewpoint.  I remembered studies of the global population rate of growth — to be more accurate, the decreasing rate of growth.  Global demographic trends indicate a serious change in world order by the 22nd century.  I know … dust to dust, etc. 

Thus, perhaps, the Chinese world dominance idea needs to be rethought. There is a very obvious decline in the rate of population growth in China … certainly, if we ignore the rape of Uyghur women by Han Chinese [Sorry, I couldn’t resist that].  But, I don’t wish to focus on the human rights issue, at this moment.

A serious declining rate of population growth is well documented, not only in China, but also in Japan … and many countries globally.  There is just one exception — Islamic countries.  Muslim birth rates are exceeding forecasts by unusual numbers for religious and political reasons. 

The extraordinary picture that I wish to share with you, now, is one where an Islamic muezzin can be seen screaming from the rooftops of Buddhist temples, and also from the steeples of Christian cathedrals.

Yes, a change in the world order — religious and political — that we haven’t really envisaged. 

The Small Print

Occasionally, I read something, hidden away from the headlines, that make me wonder at its popular knowledge.  Is it something new or something that requires a reminder.

Today, I noticed a story about a local government complaint that some Muslim religious marriages are not being recorded in the civil register.  It seems that these marriages simply become known as common-law marriages.  As such, in fact, they are only regarded by the community as a marriage under Islamic law, that accepts underage marriage, which may be simply dissolved by the husband stating verbally his wish for a divorce.

This becomes a problem, legally, when government agencies do not accept Sharia law … and further causes such laws of sexual abuse to slowly infiltrate, illegally, into our culture. 

Should we be concerned?

A Piece Of Cardboard

It happened yesterday, and made getting asleep so very difficult that I had to write about it this morning … to someone.

Leaving the local Superstore, I was confronted by a woman sitting on a low wall looking quite sad.  She was colourfully well-dressed, complete with a hijab, and seemed healthy.  I was surprised, not so much by the Islamic dress, but by a an old piece of cardboard that she was holding tightly in front of her, upon which was written, “I AM POOR GIVE ME MONEY”.  I experienced the proverbial ‘double-take’ … and walked away.

That’s why I had difficulty sleeping — not because of the hijab (known to be worn by some Christians also) but because she was a Muslim and, therefore, without a doubt, a refugee … and ... I walked away.

I needed answers.  Why, on a cold November day, did she need to sit outside the Superstore, apparently ignored by most people?  Why didn’t she visit the local mosque and talk to a charitable imam.  The government gives welfare cheques to all refugees, why is it insufficient (It is greater than my pension)?  Does she have a husband who demands more money?

So many embarrassing questions that need to be addressed.

NB.  It must be noted that, personally, I have some acceptance of Canada’s refugee policies … it is illegal immigrants that make me extremely angry (whatever their ethnic origin).  Just saying.

Religion 9 - Religion or Cult?

Like, so many people, I have been involved in private conversations regarding the question of fundamental Islam.  While conversation can be interesting, it is limiting in individual scope, such that I felt the need to expand the specific subject of cultism to an Internet discussion amongst my circle of friends, et al.

Thus, this Blog discussion desires your participation.

Obviously, there was, initially, a conversation regarding the development of ‘Daesh’ (A derogative term for the illegitimate organization called ISIL), that changed its focus into the question defining a cult.

One friend introduced a suggestion that the numbers of asylum seekers from the Middle East into Canada should be reduced to 10,000 per year and, then, balanced by increasing the numbers of Asians (Specifically from India and China) on the basis that Asian people had a historic antipathy towards Muslims.  India’s democratic government allows Islam to flourish ... for the moment.  China’s Marxist (Communist) government, otherwise described as “democratic with Chinese characteristics”, seems able ... at the moment, to avoid fundamental Islamic problems.  In fact, in my opinion, there is no fundamental Islamic problem in China.  The whole Muslim culture is a problem according to the government.  It seems that many countries believe that China is correct on this question.

The subject became one of cultism by suggesting that China itself was a cult society.  I had to disagree with this misrepresentation.  China, as a Communist country, bans all forms of religion (Other than that mismanaged by the CCP) and this creates a belief, to the outsider, that religion thrives underground in small groups resembling cults.  In my experience, most Chinese people are very spiritual, almost naive (As may be observed at any Buddhist temple) but not religious in a Christian sense.

Thus, there was a statement that Islam is a cult, to which I disagree.  ‘Daesh’ on the other hand, could be described as a cult, because of its religious veneration, sinister practices, misplaced admiration for a particular person, and being fashionable among a particular section of society.

Now, therefore, the question extends to Christianity, is it also a cult?  I believe that, even though there are small cults within Christianity, it is a religion ... Islam too.  On the other hand, Buddhism would, more accurately, be defined a cult (It does not believe in superhuman controlling powers).

Should cults be banned?  Are we all religious in one way or another, or simply spiritual?  Is it a matter of defining terms?

Please join the conversation.

Immigration 4 - Assimilation

I’ve wanted to write this for some time.  Ever since I realized that my posts were becoming rants.

I’m a nice guy.  Really.  And I feel that I know something about fundamental Islam (I’ve lived and worked in Islamic countries).

Fortunately, I am an immigrant who became a citizen ... and I use the word ‘fortunately’, wisely.

It was easier for me to assimilate into Canadian culture, although I don’t usually like to get up on a Sunday morning and drive, half asleep, to a restaurant for ‘brunch’, eh.

But, now, I find myself frustrated by misunderstood Muslims who exacerbate the Islamic Problem.

This isn’t about hate.  Buddhism taught me that ... Christianity too.  It is about assimilation.

Let me conjure up a common scene for you:

A city center on a sunny weekend.  Any large city in Canada (This could also apply, for example, in the U.K. or the U.S.).

Imagine being able to stand in a prominent position overlooking the scene.

Now, scan the crowd and identify a French Canadian.  Possible?  No.

Ok, try to identify an Italian Canadian, a Korean Canadian, or a Mexican Canadian.  Impossible.  Right?

Now, try to identify a Muslim Canadian.  Oh, wow!  That’s easier than eating strawberry ice cream.

But it’s not about numbers.  It doesn’t matter if there are 25 or 25,000, they are identifiable, and it’s got nothing to do with religion.  The Qu’ran demands only that they should dress “modestly”.  Just like my mother, I suppose.

In my opinion, it’s about the Muslims misinterpreted belief that they are different.  That a world defined by Sharia law would be perfection.  Quiet, moderate, Muslims do not loudly decry the Islamic inspired atrocities because they are patiently ... waiting.

Actually, back in the city center, there are a few young Muslims who look like other Canadians but, unfortunately, they are too afraid to be identified by demanding that their imams teach assimilation and not contradistinction ... hopefully, in one of the two official languages.

Is it enough to just simply "hope"?

Religion 8 - Ancient Manuscript

I have just read an interesting article in the Toronto Star newspaper about two ancient fragments of the Qu’ran recently uncovered by the University of Birmingham in the UK.  My focus was attracted towards the words used by scholars who were captivated by the sudden discovery.

It seems that the pieces of manuscript, written in ink on goatskin, have been carbon-dated by Oxford University as “close to the time of the Prophet Mohammad”, who is believed to have lived between 570 and 632 AD.  “ The manuscript could well have been written just after he died,” said David Thomas, a professor of Christian and Islamic studies at the University of Birmingham.  Although, at the same time, it was stated that the goatskin was from the time of the Prophet’s life.

Muslim tradition says that the declarations of the Qu’ran were received between 610 and 632 AD, but were not written down immediately.  Nevertheless, the relationship to the Christian Commandments should not be dismissed.

The manuscript is to be displayed to the public in October and, already, there is some global hysteria developing.  Mohammed Ali, the administer of the Birmingham Mosque described his emotion as, “There were tears in my eyes,” he said, recalling his thrill at seeing something from the time of the Prophet.  “It is very much unique.  This is something from his life”.

I can’t help wondering how long it will be before these fragments will be demanded by the huge Muslim community in Birmingham (20% of the population) housed in a gold-framed glass case, becoming part of a future ceremony stating that they could be of the Prophet himself.

Religion 7 - A Reaction To Islam

The following draft list (subject to amendment) is a stark indication of how the world is reacting against the encroachment of extreme Islam.  As is my way, I hope that there will be some discussion;  for example, are we over-reacting?

Angola;  the government does not legally recognize any Muslim organizations; as a result, mosques in the country have faced restrictions and most have been shut down by the government.

Australia;  there are a large number of militant Islamic groups in the country, and the government plans to broaden the listing criteria for terrorist organizations, and lower the threshold for arrest without warrant for terrorism offences.

Austria (edited);  The police have arrested 13 men ... targeting suspected jihad recruiters.  Reforms to Austria’s Islam law came into force in 2016.The most significant change comes in the shape of a ban on foreign funding, which is intended to prevent people from being “remote controlled” externally and to help the Austrian authorities maintain a certain amount of control. This will have a knock-on effect on the employment of Imams, 65 of which were commissioned by Turkish religious authorities and who will now be forced to return to their homelands, and even educational institutions will have to change, 150 Muslim nurseries or kindergartens in Vienna will be seriously affected.

Canada (edited);  There have been many arrests of suspect jihadists, returning from Iraq and Syria, and their passports confiscated.  Other Muslim suspects are also being arrested and held ... many are appealing deportation.  The wearing of a full-face veil (niqab or burqa) is banned in public places in the province of Quebec, and restricted throughout Canada.  Anti-Muslim sentiment is higher in Quebec than rest of Canada, a study finds.  But across the country, Canadians harbour more negative attitudes toward Muslims than other groups.  Even though Quebec politicians routinely claim otherwise, a recent study suggests Islamophobia is widespread in the province and more prevalent here than elsewhere in Canada.  Whites, Catholics, Indigenous people, racial minorities and members of the LGBT community all received higher average scores than Muslims when Canadians were asked to assign a score between zero and 100 to their feelings about these groups.  Muslims received the lowest average score, 56, in Quebec. The next lowest was 67, in the Prairies. British Columbians had the most favourable view of Muslims, with an average score of 77.

China;  has executed eight jihadists in China's campaign against separatism, and a Chinese court has sent 22 Muslim Imams to jail for 5 to 16 years, for spreading hatred.  Muslim prayers are banned in government buildings and schools in Xinjiang.

Cuba (edited);   The city of Havana is set to build Cuba’s first mosque, touted to be one of the largest in Latin America, as its Muslim population continues to grow.  Since 2015, when the government authorized that Cuba’s some 10,000 Muslims should have a place of worship, they have been congregating in a building space in downtown Havana for prayers, where copies of the Quran in both Spanish and Arabic are abundant. The new mosque is set to be built in Old Havana.

Czech Republic (edited);  Though no exact figures exist, the Muslim community in the Czech Republic is small, between 5,000 and 20,000, or less than 0.02 percent of the total population.  Attempts to open mosques have been stopped by local citizens.  Slovakia last year passed a law effectively banning Islam from gaining official status as a religion.  Currently, Islam is recognised as a religion in the Czech Republic, but its followers are restricted from several basic privileges enjoyed by other faiths, including the right to establish schools, to hold legally recognised weddings and conduct religious ceremonies in public spaces.  According to a Harvard University survey published earlier in 2017, of the hundreds of thousands of people in Europe, Czechs exhibited a higher level of implicit racial bias than in any other European country. 

France (edited);  The country has banned the full-face veils in public places with a 150-euro fine.  The government has yet to formulate an official policy towards making integration easier. It is difficult to determine in France who may be called a Muslim. Some Muslims in France describe themselves as "non-practicing". Most simply observe Ramadan and other basic rules, but are otherwise secular.

Germany (edited);  In the past year (2014), there were 81 attacks targeting mosques.  As elsewhere in Western Europe, the rapid growth of the Muslim community in Germany has led to social tensions and political controversy, partly connected to Islamic extremism, and more generally due to the perceived difficulties of multiculturalism and fears of Uberfremdung.  According to 2013 study by Social Science Research Center Berlin, two thirds of the Muslims interviewed say that religious rules are more important to them than the laws of the country in which they live, almost 60 percent of the Muslim respondents reject homosexuals as friends; 45 percent think that Jews cannot be trusted; and an equally large group believes that the West is out to destroy Islam.  The new Interior Minister, recently, caused an uproar when he declared that "Islam doesn't belong to Germany." 

Netherlands;  a Dutch MP, Machiel De Graaf, calls for the removal of all mosques in the country. "We want to clean Netherlands of Islam".  He spoke on behalf of the Party for Freedom (PVV) "All mosques in the Netherlands should be shut down.  Without Islam, the Netherlands would be a wonderful country”, he said.

Norway;  a record number of Muslims were deported last year as a way of fighting crime.

Poland;  the Polish Defense League has issued a warning to Muslims.

U.K.;  there are a large number of Muslim groups demanding that the U.K. should be solely governed by Sharia Law, forcing the Prime Minister to publically declare that the U.K. is a Christian community, and the British Home Secretary is preparing to introduce an 'anti-social behaviour order' for extremists and strip dual nationals of their citizenship.

Some Muslims in Northern Ireland have announced plans to leave the country to avoid anti-Islamic violence.  The announcement comes after an attack on a Muslim family in the city of Belfast, when crazed rioters broke into their home and assaulted them.

U.S.A.;  16 states have introduced legislation to specifically ban Sharia law.

A new controversial amendment that will ban the recognition of "foreign laws" — would include Sharia law in Alabama and North Carolina.

Politics 14 - Pork on the School Menu

The following story was sent to me by a very good friend in South Africa (Yes!).  I feel obligated to copy it here:

MAYOR REFUSES TO REMOVE PORK FROM SCHOOL CANTEEN MENU ... EXPLAINS WHY

Muslim parents demanded the abolition of pork in all the school canteens of a Montreal suburb.  The mayor of the Montreal suburb of Dorval, has refused, and the town clerk sent a note to all parents to explain why.

“Muslims must understand that they have to adapt to Canada and Quebec, its customs, its traditions, its way of life, because that's where they chose to emigrate.  They must understand that they have to integrate and learn to live in Quebec.  They must understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle, not the Canadians who so generously welcomed them.

They must understand that Canadians are neither racist nor xenophobic, they accepted many immigrants before Muslims (whereas the reverse is not true, in that Muslim states do not accept non-Muslim immigrants).

That, no more than other nations, Canadians are not willing to give up their identity, or their culture.

And if Canada is a land of welcome, it's not the Mayor of Dorval who welcomes foreigners, but the Canadian-Quebecois people as a whole.

Finally, they must understand that in Canada (Quebec) with its Judeo-Christian roots, Christmas trees, churches and religious festivals, religion must remain in the private domain.

The municipality of Dorval was right to refuse any concessions to Islam and Sharia.  For Muslims who disagree with secularism and do not feel comfortable in Canada, there are 57 beautiful Muslim countries in the world, most of them under-populated and ready to receive them with open arms in accordance with Shariah.

If you left your country for Canada, and not for other Muslim countries, It is because you have considered that life is better in Canada than elsewhere.

Ask yourself the question, just once, “Why is it better here in Canada than where you come from?”

A canteen with pork is part of the answer.”

Religion 5 - A Question of Hypocricy

I have just written a comment in a well-known magazine and, for the first time, cannot resist posting that same comment here.

Two, seemingly well-organized, French terrorists are on the run (At the time of writing).  But, usually, every criminal makes a mistake, and it is likely that these two will also have made a mistake (Assuming that the police have identified them correctly).

Enough (almost) has been written about the fanatical belief of most Muslims to adhere to the assumed words of their Prophet.  Therefore, it seems quite obvious to me that many (more than we imagine) know the two men concerned, but will sympathize with their terrible actions, and will not reveal their whereabouts.

Yet, every time there is a murderous terrorist incident, most Muslims around the globe, from the Imams to the small man and woman in the street can be heard to say, "We do not condone these terrorist actions".  Yet, I repeat, many know the two men involved.  Therefore, are they actually saying, "We do not condone these specific terrorist actions ... but infidels must be eliminated somehow".

It will be interesting to discover, when (if) these men are caught, if it will be the result of information from the tight-knit Muslim community.  Otherwise, the word hypocrite must be applied ... in the form of satire, perhaps.

Travel 5 - South East Asia (Bangladesh)

The 1:00 AM arrival, from China, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was my worst airport experience ever.  Travel agencies indicate accurately that one can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport, but nothing is said about the inability to obtain Bangladesh taka at any currency exchange outside the country.  Therefore, at 1:00 AM, the main currency exchange point is closed ... and, thus, the great ‘red tape’ odyssey began.

More than one hour later, I exited Immigration control, found my suitcase, and walked outside to be greeted by a huge number of aggressive taxi hustlers, not to mention the residual humidity and high temperature.  Eventually, I met the driver sent to take me to the foreign teachers residence ... another 45 minutes.

Arriving at the residence, I was met by a tall, muscular, bare-chested, eunuch-looking porter, who carried my heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs.  The apartment had two en-suite bedrooms, occupied by two nursing teachers, and one spare room for me.  Thus, my outside bathroom contained a ‘squat’ toilet and a cold bucket shower.  I just ‘crashed’ onto the bed for the remainder of the morning.

Next day, although having been advised to rest, I walked to the campus of the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (A fifteen-minute walk).  Rickshaws were available, but I was still trying to come to terms with the value of the taka (It seems that the rickshaw ride would cost approximately 20 cents Canadian).

Hey, taxi!

Then, I was met by the senior foreign teacher, the head of a Canadian-sponsored nursing faculty, who knew nothing about my terms of employment.

Eventually, I was introduced to the Vice-Chancellor, who explained that, although there was an English language faculty of 16 professors, there was not a specific English language programme.  He wanted to create a BA (Honors) programme as soon as possible but, at the moment, English was taught as a minor subject.  My task was to audit the English classes, both students and teachers, and produce a report providing advice for improving the teaching.

Excellent Students

The audit of English language classes concentrated on the teaching of oral English and, although there were instances when regular classes concentrated on the teaching of reading and writing, it was possible to observe teaching styles.  Readability of PowerPoint presentations was particularly interesting.

University Tagore Celebration

During this period, the university celebrated the anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a writer, poet, and composer, who won the first Nobel Prize for Literature for a non-European in 1913.  I was introduced as the guest of honor ... and it was.

Tagore Celebration Student Participants

I finished my report four weeks later and, although requested (invited) to stay and teach for the remaining four weeks, I found that the negative conditions found in my report were very difficult to overcome within the short period remaining.  Therefore, I did not hesitate to accept an invitation to move downtown to my friend’s apartment ... with its modern conveniences.

Relocating to the relatively modern down town area, nevertheless, had its drawbacks.  Although 90% of the population are Muslim, according to the Constitution it is a secular country, and it is not hard to imagine a mosque on (almost) every city block.  Normally, I could live with that, but this is the 21st century and the imams have discovered electronics (Loudspeakers).  Now, I could live with that too, if the range of sound from each mosque did not overlap, but they do and the sound of calls to prayer is similar to the echos of the Grand Canyon.  Of course, there will be at least one reader who will chide me for being critical of the traditions of another country.  Nevertheless, the reverberating sound of the calls outside one's bedroom window every (every) morning starting at 5:00 AM ... is extremely irritating.

Incidentally, another aspect of Bangladeshi life that will never be forgotten, is the low value of human life.  Every time I picked up a daily newspaper, I was astonished by the number of murders that were taking place every day (Every day).  There are two categories;  firstly the group attacks on males resulting from some petty street argument and, secondly, the 'honor' killings of females, more often than not, housemaids.  Then, only if reported, do the police become involved, but only to document the incident (Rarely is there a report of a conviction).  It is difficult not to mention religion in this context.

During my stay, my friend was required to attend a conference in Bangkok.  And as the hotel, etc., was paid for, it seemed natural that I should accompany her (Probably explained in part Travel 6).

Religion 4 - The Global Blasphemy Law

As a keen reader of international media, I thought that I was aware of most things, but the following article, when it appeared in Forbes Magazine caught me on the hop.  It describes an attempt to create a global blasphemy law applicable to every nation.

US Supports UN Anti-Free Speech Measure 

While you were out scavenging the Walmart super sales or trying on trinkets at Tiffany or Cartier, your government has been quietly wrapping up a Christmas gift of its own: adoption of UN resolution 16/18. An initiative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly Organization of Islamic Conferences), the confederacy of 56 Islamic states, Resolution 16/18 seeks to limit speech that is viewed as “discriminatory” or which involves the “defamation of religion” – specifically that which can be viewed as “incitement to imminent violence.”  Whatever that means. 

Initially proposed in response to alleged discrimination against Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11 and in an effort to clamp down on anti-Muslim attacks in non-Muslim countries, Resolution 16/18 has been through a number of revisions over the years in order to make it palatable to American representatives concerned about U.S. Constitutional guarantees of free speech. Previous versions of the Resolution, which sought to criminalize blasphemous speech and the “defamation of religion,” were regularly rejected by the American delegation and by the US State Department, which insisted that limitations on speech – even speech deemed to be racist or blasphemous – were at odds with the Constitution. But this latest version, which includes the “incitement to imminent violence” phrase – that is, which criminalizes speech which incites violence against others on the basis of religion, race, or national origin – has succeeded in winning US approval – despite the fact that it (indirectly) places limitations as well on speech considered “blasphemous.” 

The background to all of this, unsurprisingly, is an effort on the part of Muslim countries to limit what they consider to be defamatory and blasphemous speech: criticism of Islam, say, or insulting the prophet Mohammed – which, as we’ve learned, can mean anything from drawing a cartoon or making a joke in a comedy sketch to burning a Koran. Such acts – according to some readings of the Koran and, indeed, according to law in some OIC countries – are punishable by death. Hence the riots that met the publication of the so-called “Danish cartoons,” the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, the murder of Theo van Gogh, and on and on. 

Deception.   Here’s where Resolution 16/18 gets tricky.  Because who, exactly, arbitrates what is “incitement to imminent violence”? Violence by whom? If drawing a caricature of the Prophet incites violence by Islamic radicals to the tune of riots, arson, and murder, all sanctioned by the IOC itself – then drawing such a caricature (or writing a book like the Satanic Verses) will now constitute a criminal act. And that is exactly what the OIC was aiming for. It is also in direct violation of the principles of Western democracy – and the First Amendment. (Though it is crucial to note that any resolution passed by the General Assembly remains non-binding, which makes you sort of wonder what the point of all this is, anyway.) 

Moreover, since many would claim that the persecution of blasphemers is mandated by their religion, conflicts emerge between guarantees of free expression and the guarantee of freedom of religion and the practice of one’s faith. In other words: your free speech allows you to insult my prophet: my freedom of religion compels me to kill you for it. 

What about “incitement to violence”?  Whose violence? 

This is how the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation plays “Gotcha. 

This is how the American government, however unwittingly, subsumes its own Constitution in deference to the demands of the Islamic state.  It’s a dangerous game. 

Yet in all of this, America has stood strong in its defense of free speech – even blasphemous, hateful, racist, sexist, Pentecostal, homophobic, and ignorant speech. We must continue to do so, no matter what pressures we may face. Because in the end, limiting our rights to self-expression and – above all – the questioning of religious beliefs – will never help to make the world more peaceful – or more free.

Abigail R. Esman

Religion 3 - Political Correctness

Recently, I learnt that the CEO of a large chain of grocery stores told his staff that they should not wish customers a 'Merry Christmas' this year fearing that they may offend some non-Christians.  Instead, they were permitted to say "Happy Holidays'.  Well, I can assure you that this person is very offended by this decision.

To wish me 'Happy Holidays' during a freezing December is absolutely ridiculous.  In my view a happy holiday would be a stroll around a warm city such as Rome, or somewhere just as inviting but, believe it or not, I am not going anywhere.

Who are these stupid people who are offended by sharing my joy of Christmas — I have yet to meet or hear from anyone.

Recently, I returned from many years living in China.  During my stay in that country I was often invited to celebrate the birthdays of the Buddha and Confucius.  Those who invited me knew that I was not a Buddhist and they were not concerned in any way ... and I was delighted to join them.  Many years ago, I lived in Oman.  There, I was invited to join the end of Ramadan celebrations — I was treated as an honoured guest of the Sultan and, once again, I was delighted to to join in.

On neither occasion was I expected to either become a Buddhist or a Muslim — just, simply, be respectful of their customs and enjoy their company which, naturally, I was.

Therefore, during the next few days, please wish everyone a 'Happy Christmas', and a 'Peaceful New Year'.

Today, I looked at some Christmas cards and, suddenly, I had a brainwave (No remarks please).  I would buy some Christmas cards that were blank inside.  Then, I would create an insert containing a happy message.  On an obscure part of the page I shall type;  'This insert is removable in order that the card may be used next year but, please, do not return to sender.'

Now, before you all shout that I am creating a new generation of Scrooges, think for a moment — these cards may develop a life of their own, an honorable pyramid scheme, renewable cards that will decorate one's home repeatedly.

Note — It seems too late for this year.  Nevertheless, it shouldn't stop you buying them now.

Happy Christmas!