The Grinch lives
November 25, 2009
SANTA ANA – The removal of a Christmas tree from the Orange County Superior courthouse Monday has prompted a petition among court employees to have the tree – connected to a gift drive for poor children – put back.
The six-foot artificial tree, which was adorned with tags seeking toy donations to ‘Operation Santa Claus,’ was removed Monday after a member of the public complained about the tree being in the courthouse, court spokeswoman Gwen Vieau said.
“It’s a public building and we have to serve the diversity of our community,” she said.
Question: How does the presence of a Christmas tree devoted to a gift drive for poor children prevent a public building from serving the diversity of the community? Discuss among yourselves.
RUDE JUDE :
Date: November 25, 2009
So then, a Christmas tree isn’t part of MOST peoples’ diversity? Give me a break! This is so ridiculous that it makes me puke!
Vanagram :
Date: November 25, 2009
I hate this topic– it irritates the crap out of me every time something stupid like this comes up.
The protesters always reference the First Amendment that states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .”
This has been conveniently and incorrectly summarized into the phrase “separation of church and state” which has in turn been twisted and warped by misinformed people over time. In short, this part of the Constitution says that the state cannot adopt an official religion, and cannot prohibit you from practicing any religion you may choose. Period.
But somehow this has morphed into the erroneous concept of guaranteeing people an ABSENCE of religion in public places, including locations owned ‘by the people’.
There is no constitutional right to an ABSENCE of religion in public places, including ‘public houses’ (i.e. courthouse, city hall, library, etc.).
Both stupid AND ignorant — a bad combination all around. And, as Ron White would say, “there ain’t no cure for stupid.”
R.D. Walker :
Date: November 25, 2009
It is even worse than that, Van. There are no Christmas trees in scripture. It represents nothing metaphysical and it bears no literal connection to Christianity. Nobody worships Christmas trees and there is nothing religiously exclusive about them. They are simply a festive secular tradition that has a calendar correlation to a religious holiday which, by the way, is a secular and governmental holiday as well.
Even that is too much for these cultural vandals. Motherfuckers…
R.D. Walker :
Date: November 25, 2009
Make no mistake, it isn’t people of other religions (for the most part) doing this. It is post-Christian atheists.
Vanagram :
Date: November 25, 2009
RD– you are correct. And it pisses me off even more.
Remove the Valentine’s Day heart fund raisers for the American Heart Association, too, because after all, Valentine’s Day is based on SAINT Valentine.
Ditto on the Easter Bunny for the exact same reasons you mention re: symbol that coincides with a religions holiday.
No Bunnies. No trees. National Security at risk as we might offend someone’s sensibilities…
On related but unrelated note, when is Fort Hood going to go be “gun free”? I know soldiers stationed there can’t walk around armed — but I’m talking the ZERO TOLERANCE policy banning all firearms from military bases? That’s gotta be coming soon in this fucked up society we find ourselves living in.
RUDE JUDE :
Date: November 25, 2009
Take their “days off” for Christmas and the like from the giverment workers since it’s not suitable to mix those holidays with the “state” and see who starts whining. Make them WORK on those days since they don’t believe they should be recognized anyway. JFC!!!
Bman :
Date: November 25, 2009
Decorating evergreen trees with lights at Christmastime is not a universal Christian custom. It began in northern Europe and spread from there. There are no evergreen trees on South Pacific islands or in equatorial Africa. Other trees can, of course, be decorated but that changes the original symbolism. Even if you decorate an evergreen tree in Australia in December, that is their summer season.
Placing lights on evergreen trees in December originated among pagan groups in northern Europe because they considered these trees to be symbols of unending life. They saw lights as symbolizing hope—a virtue much needed during the long hours of darkness that the winter solstice (December 21/22) brings to that region.
Christian missionaries in northern Europe decided that, instead of trying to stamp out evergreens and lights as pagan customs, they could retain these elements but change their symbolism.
Missionaries encouraged new Christians to see evergreens as symbolizing God’s eternal love for all creation and to associate light with Jesus, the light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6) and the light of the world (John 9:5).
Of course, most people don’t know this. It is my belief that the Christmas Tree is under attack because; 1) It is used by many during the Christian Holiday of Christmas. The bastards can’t ban Christmas, so go after the tree. 2) Christmas trees aren’t diverse enough for some. Afterall, they dont grow on the equator or in Africa, etc so are mostly enjoyed by European (white) descent. 3) When one thinks of Christmas trees, one thinks of Santa Claus, or Saint Nichollas. St. Nick was a white guy (not diverse enough) and also a religious person. He was a saint afterall. 4) Or they hate Christmas trees because the bastards are members of Earth First….
Shawn :
Date: November 28, 2009
RD, I think that (http://therealrevo.com/blog/?p=15998#comment-20234) is the most succinct argument against these attacks on Christmas I’ve ever seen.