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House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., has struck a blow against political correctness by convincing the architect of the Capitol that the tree on the Capitol grounds be rechristened the Capitol "Christmas" Tree instead of the more recently employed Capitol "Holiday" Tree.
"A Christmas tree is a Christmas tree," says Hastert mouthpiece Ron Bonjean, by way of explanation.
As first reported in this morning's Washington Times, the tree has in recent years been known as the "Holiday" tree. But in a letter to Architect of the Capitol Alan Hantman, Hastert says he wants it to be henceforth known as the "Christmas" tree. It is unclear just when the first change was instituted, and by whom.
"I fully understand your desire to make all holiday displays as inclusive as possible," Hastert writes. "There are many ways to accomplish this, and the Supreme Court has ruled that such displays in public buildings are fully permissible under the Constitution."
This year's tree is a 65-foot Engelmann Spruce from the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico. It sits on the west front grounds of the Capitol, just outside the Speaker's balcony. (Here in the Capitol it is our sincere opinion that this tree has it all over the White House tree.)
Incidentally, the White House tree, located on the Ellipse, is known as the "National Christmas Tree."
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Thank God someone has the cahonies to put Christ back in Christmas. Like all symbals this tree represents something very important.
Tommy Watts, Fort Smith (Sent Nov 30, 2005 3:04:23 AM)
Geesh. Some people got to get a life. It's a Christmas Tree. It's been a Christmas tree for a very long time.
There's a lot of things I don't like but I don't form parades and write letters that my feelings have been hurt because other people do things that bother me. What the heck is going on this country?
Courtney Harrington, Honolulu, HI (Sent Nov 29, 2005 7:07:52 PM)
I am a Christian. It makes no difference to me what the tree is called. The name will not change my beliefs or make me feel any different. It could be considered a religious symbol, true. It is actually a symbol of festive times reminding people to go out and shop. Franklin D. Roosevelt actually changed Thanksgiving day to extend the shopping season for the retailers and this brightly lighted tree, with all of the decorations is exactly the same thing.
It is not worth starting another religious war over a tree that reminds us to shop, go to parties and have a good time. If the government intended to actually remind us to go to church, believe in Jesus, follow the 10 commandments - THEY WOULDN'T USE A TREE!
William Charles Peck, Huntington Beach, CA (Sent Nov 29, 2005 4:27:22 PM)
What would you say if a Jew or Muslim was President? We are not all Christians in the United States of America, so get over it.
Jane Doe Sr. (Sent Nov 29, 2005 3:26:09 PM)
...the "Christmas Tree", of course, is a 'pagan' religious
symbol -- later co-opted by Christian communities in 16th Century Europe.
Also, the term "Holiday" is a slight variation of the old Christian term- 'Holy Day'.
Therefore, it seems quite odd for some Christians to protest use of the term "Holiday" {tree} for a pagan symbol.
Odder still-- that NBC News did not even mention
such relevant information in its "news" report.
GuyereL, Miami FL (Sent Nov 29, 2005 3:05:46 PM)
I feel that Hastert is right. The tree in front of the Capital should be called(renamed again)a Christmas tree, not the National Holiday Tree
Deborah Maness, McKinney, Tx. (Sent Nov 29, 2005 2:53:53 PM)
He's absolutely right, a Christmas tree is a Christmas tree....and that's why we shouldn't have one either in front of the Capitol or the White House. Christmas is a religious holiday.
Susan Jameson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Nov 29, 2005 2:14:10 PM)
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