You have always been able to call it whatever you want. So has everyone else. The presumption here comes from Christians calling out those who choose not to follow their sacred example, not the other way around. Once again, it is the Christians who are the oppressor wannabes.
Come on, you know the atheists can't stand the word Christmas. Same with crosses and any type of religious symbolism, etc.
The significance is whatever an individual wishes to attach to it. It doesn't have to go beyond or even as far as "Gee, that looks pretty."
So?
Where are those people? On Bill O'Reilly again?
What? There aren't groups out there who take it upon themselves to make phone calls, send e-mails and perhaps even write letters to complaint about such public displays? You must come out from under that rock! :lol:
Assumes facts not in evidence. People -- including me -- certainly have a right to be offended by Christian attempts to expropriate and brand the holiday season, thereby excluding the mention, expression, or even recognition of other holidays that fall at the same time of year. But no one is offended by the term Christmas tree as a personal choice of terminology by Christians and assorted non-Christians alike.
Sounds like you're jealous to me.
No, it isn't. The "War on Christmas" is just as much a seasonal fable as Rudolph. Both have proven to be reliable moneymakers, however.
Perhaps there aren't enough scrooges around to actually make it count as a "war," but you can't deny that there are a lot of bitchers and moaners around when it comes to anything to do with Christmas things, especially those related to Christianity.
Do some research. Nothing has changed under Chafee.
Perhaps he and the previous governor referred to it as a "holiday" tree. Check it out.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee: It's Not 'Tradition' to Call It a Christmas Tree | CNS News
Yes, it could, though local government buildings would also need coverage. But Christian lawmakers annually insist upon their naked pandering. Then the ACLU among others has to come along and smack them down. Maybe we should stop electing Jesus-freaks.
That I can agree with. I don't think any politicians should be approving this kind of decorating.
The alternative of course is to declare a public forum on public property where the holiday expressions of all are welcome. Then you could indeed have sweet baby Jesus in his little manger on the city hall lawn. But you'd have to be prepared for him to have this as his next-door neighbor...
Now that's just douchy. Really. Celebrate your Winter Soltice, but there is absolutely no need to denigrate others while you do it. Scrooge.
