Wisconsin Capitol Building's "Holiday Tree"

[PhiGam]

Unfortunately, I'm not joking.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316368,00.html

MADISON -The 35-foot tall balsam fir standing proudly in the rotunda of the Wisconsin Capitol is a familiar annual December display, but it'd be a mistake to call it a "Christmas tree," much to the dismay of one Badger State lawmaker now leading a legislative fight to change the name of the evergreen.

[LPIDelta]

Ugh. We've been having this debate at work lately.

[Drolefille]

It's interesting, at my (state) job, in my bureau, it's pretty much assumed that everyone's Christian and celebrates Christmas. Nativities are displayed, the cards I've received have all been religious (but one) and advertisements for the Christmas play several of my co-worker's church puts on went up as soon as we moved into our new office this month.

I'm not offended, I fit into their assumption, but I feel awkward because they don't consider that their next new intern could not fit this mold. Why should that person have to duck their head down or speak up and (potentially) face a tense office situation? And why do I suspect it's similar in many of the other offices?

I disagree with calling it a "Holiday Tree" no matter how non-religious the tree has become. I don't think Hanukkah bushes are all that popular, though they might be. But it is a symptom of the wider exclusion that someone might face.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I'm not offended, I fit into their assumption, but I feel awkward because they don't consider that their next new intern could not fit this mold. Why should that person have to duck their head down or speak up and (potentially) face a tense office situation? And why do I suspect it's similar in many of the other offices?

If non-Christians don't want to deal with Christmas, they're a little screwed. I mean, is it offensive for me to put Christmas lights on my house because my neighbor might be a JW or Atheist? I had a roommate who was a passionate Atheist, but she put up a Christmas tree and lights. (Yes, I know, weird.) I just don't know if anyone HATES Christianity/Christmas THAT MUCH that it would make them tense or offended.

[33girl]

Why does it have to have an official name anyway? Anyone who sees a pine tree with ornaments, tinsel and lights on it is going to call it a Christmas tree. Do they have the "holiday tree police" who fine people who use the C word?

[Kevin]

The government doesn't want to be sued for endorsing a religion.

[skylark]

Slight hijack...

This thread reminds me of a clip of the new Huckabee holiday ad. Has anyone seen it aired? It features a bookcase that looks like a cross in the background (Huckabee says it was a coincidence) and Huckabee talking about the birth of christ, then wishing everyone a merry christmas. Huckabee was on the Today show and basically said people are too sensitive if they find the commercial offensive. Maybe he doesn't care about the Jewish voters out there?

Other politicians have holiday ads, like Obama. I'm pretty sure, though, that he says something like "happy holidays" if I remember the clip correctly.

I guess I would just hope that even though a majority of americans celebrate christmas, we know enough about the potential tyranny of majoritarian rule to acknowledge and respect the faiths of minorities as well, rather than telling them "suck it up -- you live in MY country and so you have to stand back and watch the government honor MY religion's holiday and don't even think about forcing me to acknowledge your inferior beliefs." That's at least the attitude I interpret from many "merry christmas" emphasizers these days.

[Thetagirl218]

Originally Posted by skylark

Slight hijack...

This thread reminds me of a clip of the new Huckabee holiday ad. Has anyone seen it aired? It features a bookcase that looks like a cross in the background (Huckabee says it was a coincidence) and Huckabee talking about the birth of christ, then wishing everyone a merry christmas. Huckabee was on the Today show and basically said people are too sensitive if they find the commercial offensive. Maybe he doesn't care about the Jewish voters out there?

Other politicians have holiday ads, like Obama. I'm pretty sure, though, that he says something like "happy holidays" if I remember the clip correctly.

I guess I would just hope that even though a majority of americans celebrate christmas, we know enough about the potential tyranny of majoritarian rule to acknowledge and respect the faiths of minorities as well, rather than telling them "suck it up -- you live in MY country and so you have to stand back and watch the government honor MY religion's holiday and don't even think about forcing me to acknowledge your inferior beliefs." That's at least the attitude I interpret from many "merry christmas" emphasizers these days.

Ok, I have to touch on this....

I have to admit I was little shocked at the Huckabee ad, but then think who is voter base is? Christians. In fact that is one of the main reasons he has jumped in the polls. One of the points he runs on is his religious roots, he was a Baptist preacher before he entered politics!

I liked the ad, and I thought it was funny everybody copied after him....

I have many friends who are Jewish, and they don't know mind if someone tells them Merry Christmas, they just wish Happy Hannukah was addded occasionally...

[Marie]

I've never understood why Christians fight so hard for the Christmas Tree, in particular, when it is not really a Christian symbol.

Anyway, I'm in agreement with whomever said 'why does the tree need a name anyway?' Is there a sign up that says Christmas/Holiday Tree?

[skylark]

Originally Posted by Thetagirl218

I have to admit I was little shocked at the Huckabee ad, but then think who is voter base is? Christians. In fact that is one of the main reasons he has jumped in the polls. One of the points he runs on is his religious roots, he was a Baptist preacher before he entered politics!

I liked the ad, and I thought it was funny everybody copied after him....

I have many friends who are Jewish, and they don't know mind if someone tells them Merry Christmas, they just wish Happy Hannukah was addded occasionally...

Totally agree -- the Christian base is exactly why he is doing it. I'm sure he doesn't care that he alienated other religions. He probably figures he won't get their vote anyway.

I guess that I am just a little put off when any politician panders to a specific religion. I think it minimizes the less religiously-charged issues like the environment and poverty to issues like abortion and gay marriage. I'd like to see some other issues discussed this year... I think whatever your position is on these issues, we could stand for taking some time off from issues that the government is never going to solve anyway.

[Taualumna]

It's happened in Toronto before. And last year, a judge ordered a tree removed from a courthouse lobby.

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally Posted by Taualumna

It's happened in Toronto before. And last year, a judge ordered a tree removed from a courthouse lobby.

It's happening again this year in Ottawa.

Choir drops 'Christmas' from carol
Teachers' Decision; Children to sing: 'Soon it will be festive day"

http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_p...html?id=181191

[Taualumna]

Originally Posted by Lady Pi Phi

It's happening again this year in Ottawa.

Choir drops 'Christmas' from carol
Teachers' Decision; Children to sing: 'Soon it will be festive day"

http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_p...html?id=181191

"Silver Bells" also has the line "It's Christmas time in the city..." No mention of whether they sang "It's FESTIVE time in the city"

If they wanted to be more inclusive, they could have sung:

Frosty the Snowman
Jingle Bells
Winter Wonderland
Sleigh Ride

[nittanyalum]

Hey, Happy Winter Solstice/Yule Tide, everyone...

[CutiePie2000]

If "Christmas" is so offensive for whoever out there, I fully expect them to be at work on December 25th.