Denver Mayor to Light Community Menorah (He's the "Merry Christmas" censor)

Jewish Colorado ^ | Dec 04 | Jewish Colorado

[churchillbuff]

The Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado has announced that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper will once again light the community Menorah on the first night of Chanukah. The public is invited to join in the annual community lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 7 beginning at 5:30 pm.

“I look forward to joining the Denver Jewish community in lighting the community Menorah again this year,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper, who will make his second consecutive appearance at the Federation’s ceremony. “Chanukah brings communities across Colorado and the world together in celebration of light, freedom and peace.”

The community Menorah is located at 300 S. Dahlia Street, corner of East Alameda and South Dahlia Street in Denver, next to the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado building.

“We are honored that Mayor Hickenlooper will once again be taking part in our community Menorah lighting ceremony,” stated Doug Seserman, President and CEO of Federation. “The Mayor’s presence represents Denver’s support and observance of this important Jewish holiday and we appreciate his participation,” Seserman continued.

Lighting ceremonies will continue nightly through Chanukah beginning with the Mayor lighting on December 7 and ending on December 14. The lighting schedule for December 8-14 is still tentative, but Federation anticipates that various local Jewish agencies will host the lighting each night.

[talleyman]

Vote with your wallets - and tell the local merchants why you won't be doing your Christmas shopping there...

[SJackson]

It's not a nice thing that an elected offical appears to endorse one example of traditional religious expression while rejecting another traditional religious expression which has also entered secular life….Not a nice thing at all. For any of us.

No, you said Now I'm even madder than I was! I normally would think that lighting the menorah is a nice thing but not now. Why do the Jews get to call it Hanukkah but the Christians can't call it Christmas? This isn't "inclusive", it's divisive.

I’d suggest you take your anger out at the mayor rather than the Jewish community. From other articles on this incident, I understand the Mayor has set up a crèche at Denver City Hall. If you don’t let him know how you feel that will be gone next year too.

[paleocon patriarch]

So called Christmas never had anything to do with the teachings of Yeshua. It's been a scam from day one.

Saturnalia may have been responsible for the pageantry of our midwinter festival, but it's Mithraism

[www.uvm.edu/~classics/life/holiday.html] that seems to have inspired certain symbolic religious elements of Christmas. Mithraism arose in the Mediterranean world at the same time as Christianity, either imported from Iran, as Franz Cumont believed, or as a new religion which borrowed the name Mithras from the Persians, as the Congress of Mithraic Studies suggested in 1971.

Mithraism radiated from India where there is evidence of its practice from 1400 B.C. Mitra was part of the Hindu pantheon and Mithra was a minor Zooroastrian deity, the god of the airy light between heaven and earth. He was also a military general in Chinese mythology .

The soldiers' god, even in Rome (although the faith was embraced by male emperors, farmers, bureaucrats, merchants, and slaves, as well as soldiers), demanded a high standard of behavior, “temperance, self-control, and compassion -- even in victory”. Thus, Tertullian chides his fellow Christians for unbecoming behavior: “Are you not ashamed, my fellow soldiers of Christ, that you will be condemned, not by Christ, but by some soldier of Mithras?”

The comparison of Mithraists and Christians is not coincidental. December 25 was Mithras' birthday before it was Jesus'. The Online Mithraic Faith Newsletter [no longer available] says:
“Since earliest history, the Sun has been celebrated with rituals by many cultures when it began it's journey into dominance after it's apparent weakness during winter. The origin of these rites, Mithrasists believe, is this proclamation at the dawn of human history by Mithras commanding His followers to observe such rites on that day to celebrate the birth of Mithras, the Invincible Sun.”

But the actual choice of December 25 for Christmas was made under the Emperor Aurelian because this was the date of the Winter Solstice and was the day devotees of Mithras celebrated the dies natalis solis invicti (birthday of the invincible sun).

Mithraism, like Christianity, offers salvation to its adherents. Mithras was born into the world to save humanity from evil. Both figures ascended in human form, Mithras to wield the sun chariot, Christ to Heaven. The following summarizes the aspects of Mithraism that are also found in Christianity.

“Mithras, the sun-god, was born of a virgin in a cave on December 25, and worshipped on Sunday, the day of the conquering sun. He was a savior-god who rivaled Jesus in popularity. He died and was resurrected in order to become a messenger god, an intermediary between man and the good god of light, and the leader of the forces of righteousness against the dark forces of the god evil.”
- Pagan Origins of Christmas

[mvpel]

An elected official attending and participating in an event sponsored by a community organization is not the same as the expendature of government money on proselytization for a particular religion.

[F.J. Mitchell]

May those who elected this maggot, become the rotting meat upon which he dines.

[F.J. Mitchell]

Hey myself, I just noticed how close the Mayor's name resembles; Mayor Chickenpooper.

[paleocon patriarch]

More on December 25 and Mithraism

"A central feature of the ceremonial associated with Mithras was the taurobolium, the ritual slaughter of a bull which commemorated and repeated Mithras' primeval act. The initiate was baptized in its blood, partaking of its life-giving properties."

[Yaelle]

I like the menorah ceremony. That is really nice. However, Merry Christmas is not offensive and should be displayed. When people wish me a Merry Christmas, I wish them one right back. It is not offensive to non-Christians, other than intolerant boobs!

[Gingersnap]

"I’d suggest you take your anger out at the mayor rather than the Jewish community. From other articles on this incident, I understand the Mayor has set up a crèche at Denver City Hall."

I've already written a letter explaining why I won't be shopping in Denver this season. The Mayor is a former entrepreneur and he will respond to economics if he responds to anything.

The Mayor did not set up a creche. The creche has been a part of the annual display for decades. The issue has been taken to court more than once.

I wish the Mayor would light a Christmas tree AND a menorah. Heck, he could throw a match on a pagan bonfire and I wouldn't mind. But to endorse the one and dispatch the other is wrong.

[Gingersnap]

"An elected official attending and participating in an event sponsored by a community organization is not the same as the expendature of government money on proselytization for a particular religion."

You've got a point. But I really doubt that anyone has "met Jesus" while walking past the City & County building during December. Proselytizing is an active sort of business.

But if we say no public money for any religious-related display, we are going to be poorer as a culture. "Merry Christmas" is a Christian greeting to those of us who are but it's a traditional seasonal greeting to those of us who aren't.

[SJackson]

I've already written a letter explaining why I won't be shopping in Denver this season. The Mayor is a former entrepreneur and he will respond to economics if he responds to anything...The Mayor did not set up a creche. The creche has been a part of the annual display for decades. The issue has been taken to court more than once...I wish the Mayor would light a Christmas tree AND a menorah. Heck, he could throw a match on a pagan bonfire and I wouldn't mind. But to endorse the one and dispatch the other is wrong.

Either the articles I’m reading are wrong or you’re setting up a strawman with this recognizing Chanuka but not Christmas nonsense.

The mayors plan to replace Merry Christmas next year is stupid, I’ve noted that and you should complain.

Beyond that, there is a Creche on Denver city property. There are lights. That looks like a Christmas tree to me in the foreground. On city property and apparently “lit” by the mayor and a local named Matt Casias.

There is no Menorah on city property because, according to the city supervisor responsible for the displays, …Strode frowns on the idea of adding a Hanukkah menorah or other religious symbol because, he said, "it would open the door for every other religion" to add their icons to his display.. That’s fine, I can’t imagine they need one there. But because the Mayor is attending a Hanukkah celebration at a Jewish Community Center, he’s endorsing Chanuka and dispatching Christmas? The facts don’t support that.

[SJackson]

Look, the letters worked. All this endorsing Chanukah and dispatching Christmas nonsense for nothing.

"Merry Christmas" to stay on city hall "I am not 'Scrooge'," mayor says

Heading off a holiday controversy, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said today the "Merry Christmas" sign will stay on the City and County Building.

The Denver Post reported Nov. 26 that Hickenlooper had decided that next year, an illuminated sign on the front of the building above a Nativity-scene display would read "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."

"We're trying to be more inclusive," the mayor told The Post then.

The sign is part of the city's colorful holiday lighting display at city hall.

Today, Hickenlooper issued a statement saying the lights will continue to spell out "Merry Christmas."

"Last week a journalist accurately quoted my comments that a 'Happy Holidays' sign encompassing greetings for all religious and cultural observances would be an appropriate complement to the existing holiday display," the mayor said.

"I was under the impression perhaps erroneously that the existing 'Merry Christmas' sign was becoming worn out and would need to be replaced soon anyway.

"Over the past several days, it has become clear to me that there is strong community sentiment to maintain the 'Merry Christmas' sign, and I am glad to oblige.

"My intention was never to disrespect or slight anyone or any religious tradition. I apologize to anyone who may have been offended or mistakenly felt I was being anti-Christmas."

The mayor added: "'Hickenlooper' might have two O's, but I am not 'Scrooge."'

"We are happy to keep the 'Merry Christmas' sign, and perhaps we can explore the possibility of also adding a 'Happy Holidays' sign to the display next year," he said.

A Nativity scene depicting Jesus and other biblical figures has been a part of the city display for decades.

In the 1980s, a group unsuccessfully sued the city, arguing the creche violates the constitutionally guaranteed separation between church and state.

But the U.S. and Colorado supreme courts ruled that Nativity scenes can be installed on government property if decorations also include other, more secular figures such as Santa Claus, reindeer and toy soldiers, as Denver's does.

"Over the decades, some have questioned the appropriateness of a nativity scene at the City and County Building," Hickenlooper's statement said today, "but the courts decided that issue long ago. The Nativity scene remains a part of the holiday display, and out of respect for a longstanding community tradition, there are no plans otherwise."

[Gingersnap]

"I apologize to anyone who may have been offended or mistakenly felt I was being anti-Christmas."

Excellent! But all the fuss is what did the trick.

Now we can go back to discussing the BIG issues like whether or not Michael Moore looks even worse without the beard!

[apackof2]

Denver Colorado Freepers; I have a really good idea for the "Holiday Parade"

Organize some CO Freepers to go to the parade dressed as the Holy Family!!!
You could have lots of Mary's, Joseph's and baby Jesus's holding candles and stuffed lambs. Guess who would get the attention and the press?!!!!
Of course notify the press in advance :>)
Now that would be some "Joy to the world!"

I am from Michigan but I have a close personal friend who would drive to Denver to take part in this!!

Someone please post this on the Colorado state board

[mewzilla]

The lighting of the Menorah is a good thing The Jewish Comunity is not the ones denying the words Merry Christmas .. It's the Mayor that is doing that.

Well, I'm not too sure that what the mayor is doing is honoring the Hebrew faith. I bet he regards the Menorah as the Jewish equivalent of a Christmas tree.

[Liz]

Denver Mayor is "Merry Christmas" censor

The Secular Taliban strikes again.

The Christian-hating must be stopped.

The secularists are destroying our culture and our country.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Pretty kooky.

Anti-Christian liberals and secular humanists have really been going bananas lately.

Merry Christmas!

[Gingersnap]

Liz - see post 52 by SJackson.

It's over for now. Weren't we all talking Moore's beard or something before?

[Mo1]

Very possible .. but the Mayor also isn't changing the name of Menorah or Hanukkah

[mewzilla]

He probably doesn't feel threatened by Judaism. Which, if true, would be insulting on a number of levels.