Posted on 12/02/2004 11:05:56 PM PST by churchillbuff
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.
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"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."
"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."
Over the decades? Does this Bozo know what a decade is? How many decades, MISTER MAYOR????? No plans otherwise...... for now. Keep up the good work, Denver!
I'm telling ya this election woke a sleeping giant.
A highlight of my childhood was when our
folks would drive us to the Civic Center in
downtown Denver to see the magnificent
Christmas lights.
But then the city quit lighting it due to expense...
or so they said. Wonder if they ever came back.
There was a wonderful neon sign near
I25 and 6th Ave. in Denver which said, quite hugely:
PRAYER CHANGES THINGS
Then the PC patrol had it removed of course, several
years ago.
I remember seeing it as a little girl with sleepy eyes
as our Dad would drive us all back from visiting relatives at night.
I loved that sign.
Anyone remember?
The city hall lights are still on - but privately financed these days, I think. This "Merry Christmas" sign is part of the lights display.
Oh, that's nice to know... thanks
Yes, The Christian Soldiers will raze the Secularist Landscape of Non Believers and raise the Laws Of God over the Laws of Man.
THere is no Christmas without Christ. To insult Christians by trying to take over their holiday is a terrible thing to do. I guess the "Inclusives" crowd have no problem alienating the MAJORITY and making them feel "left out" in the cold.
I certainly remember the lights and the civic center...Especially the beautiful Nativity scene! Making the yearly Christmas trip to the civic center was a wonderful childhood tradition. (The lights came back and are still on as far as I know). I missed the neon prayer sign. We lived in southeast Denver and didn't take that exit. Do you remember the huge cross on the flatirons at Easter? Unfortunately, I think that's gone now.
No redeeming qualities in U.S. history before the ACLU showed up.
Of course the ACLU is full of such nonsense.
Guy's quick on his feet, alright. Somebody oughta tap dance him right off the public stage.
Looks to me like Christian citizens are "under the impression" that the Mayor is "worn out" and "needs to be replaced soon," as well.
"I'm telling ya this election woke a sleeping giant" would make a great tagline.
The Secular Taliban left the building Nov 2, Mr Mayor. Live with it.
My husband said basically the same thing last night.
If the secular people want a holiday, take Aug 30 or some other day.
But leave CHRISTMAS alone!
We lived in SE Denver, too...
the neon sign was just SW of downtown as I-25 swung
around past the tire factory, somewhere between there
and the 6th Ave exit.
I certainly do remember the cross.
Didn't know they got that, too.
That way a couple years down the road someone can conveniently 'forget' to put up the Merry Christmas sign and still accomplish the mission.
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