Posted on 11/29/2005 1:05:39 PM PST by doug from upland
A great big thank you and Merry Christmas to the Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert. In this era of PC gone wild, the Speaker stepped up to the plate to save the Capitol Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree is under the control of the Architect of the Capitol. The Architect reports to the Speaker. On Nov. 19, 2005, the Speaker sent the following letter to the Architect. Chris Taylor, Asst. Press Secretary to the Speaker was kind enough to email me a copy. Upon receipt of the letter, the Architect phoned the Speaker and asked if he really wanted to do this. The Speaker answered that indeed he did. And so, it was done. The Speaker had the power to order it done, but he made the suggestion and the Architect got the idea.
J. Dennis Hastert
Fourteenth District
Illinois
November 16, 2005
The Honorable Alan M. Hantman
Architect of the Capitol
SB-15 of the Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Alan,
I am writing to suggest that the annual Capitol Holiday Tree be renamed the Capitol Christmas Tree. The first Capitol tree in 1964 was designated a Christmas tree, as were most subsequent trees. I strongly urge that we return to this tradition and join the White House, countless other public institutions and millions of American families in celebrating the holiday season with a Christmas tree.
I fully understand your desire to make all holiday displays as inclusive as possible. 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.
I look forward to working with you on this issue and hope you will consider my suggestion to restore this great tradition.
Sincerely,
J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House
And let the ba-humbugs eat fruitcake.
Merry Christmas SPeaker Hastert. Just one more hint of our guys in Congress finding their huevos again. It starts with the little things, but courage is contagious.
Ooops - I got my White House CHRISTMAS card last night and it said no such thing - it was a 'holiday' card.
They are fruitcake.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. Hastert!!!!! You have made a brave decision!
Bravo !! Bravo !!!
Send it back and tell them you want a Christmas card.
202-225-2976
Merry Christmas Speaker Hastert!
This PC secular mind set borders on psychosis. The first time someone tries to correct me when I say, "Merry Christmas", I'm going to strenuously suggest they consider therapy.
Thanks for the number. I just called and left my approval of his move on this.
Gee, who was in the White House in the mid-90s when the ridiculous change to Holiday tree was made? Hmmmmm, let me think.
I'll give a hint . . . he was led by his crotch.
And let the fruitcakes eat bah-humbergers.
Most likely enough to post here and make a remark about how ugly you are for being concerned about this front in the culture war.
T-minus 5,4,3...
Can we finally be seeing some blowback at the anti-Christians?
Let them eat fruitcake.
Our company's "Holiday party" 2 years ago featured an unfortunate incident in which a member of our Human Resources division stood on stage with the hired DJ and looked over playlists to ensure that no "Christmas" songs were played.
I am not kidding. I haven't attended one since, and am not going this year, either.
What a sad Christmas story that is.
With all due respect, Hasert sounds more like he is pleading with this guy and not telling an underling what to do:
'I am writing to suggest'...'I strongly urge'... 'I fully understand your desire to make all holiday displays as inclusive as possible.'... 'I hope you will consider my suggestion to restore this great tradition.'
That is about as wimpy of a wording as could be arranged. But, it did get the job done and I guess that is what matters.
Even sadder that a company newsletter a few months after that showcased a gay marriage of a company associate. All in the name of tolerance and diversity, I'm sure.
He had the power to demand. His press sec. told me he is that kind of guy and likes to suggest. Had the suggestion not been taken, he would have so ordered.
Denny Bump.
It's stuff like that that drove me out of the DJ business. Best $$$ decision I've ever made.
Okay. What is the company?
Thanks for the clarification.
FR mail
bttt
Got it. Have any employees put a note in the suggestion box?
Not that I know of (since we have no such box). Suggestions in any form usually lead to charges of not being a "team player".
WOW!!! That really was his number! I damn near dropped the phone. Got my "thank you" across though!!
What, did you think I'd put up a fake number? :)
I applaud Hastert's actions, but it shouldn't be necessary to rescue a holiday from a bunch of PC Scrooges.
Why is it that we are asked to give up traditions in the name of tolerance and diversity. Muslims can have prayer areas in schools facing Mecca. It's okay to sing Hunnuka songs at school but Christmas songs are not allowed, only Holiday songs. I am tired of being tolerant in the name of diversity, I am not giving up my traditions for ACLU, or the politically correct stores, people. I am glad he a least addressed the issue. Hillary and Bill can have their "Holiday Trees"
It has been slow and insidious, but perhaps people have had enough of the assault from the left.
Good work Doug.
Semper Fi'
JarheadFromFlorida
I didn't notice whether or not it said "Christmas". I figured the Psalm inside spoke for itself.
Right on, Speaker Hastert 1-202-225-2976.
Yes, it has now gone back to its original name --- the Capitol Christmas Tree.
Since attendance at this daytime event was considered mandatory, the powers that be quietly decided that would be a good time to kinda lock everybody in and perform the surprise Drug Test.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL! :-)
Just called and left message for Speaker Hastert. I also mailed a Merry Christmas card with a Christmas Tree on the front and word of thanks. You're right if enough people continue to insist on American Traditions and values instead of having others define/change our traditions we might just be able to return America around.
With FReepers like DFU on the west coast and Kristinn covering the east, we can't lose...
Complete with condoms
A side note: In the original States, property ownership, usually real estate of a certain value and/or income, was required of voters, and the requirements were higher for office holders. In a couple of States, candidates for office also had to be Protestant. So much for separation of church and state.
Good idea, Doug....
We really need to let these people know when we approve of what they do....otherwise, they will believe the media...when the media says the 99% of Americans would rather have it named the Holiday Tree...LOL
Thanks doug - I left my message! Merry CHRISTmas
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