Sunday, November 27, 2005

A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Okay, it's sort of related to Advent, but since when did "Christmas shopping" and "Christmas trees" become "religious", and not secular, matters?

Boston set off a furor this week when it officially renamed a giant tree erected in a city park a "holiday tree" instead of a "Christmas tree."

The move drew an angry response from Christian conservatives, including evangelist Jerry Falwell who heckled Boston officials and pressed the city to change the name back.

"There's been a concerted effort to steal Christmas," Falwell told Fox Television.
...
Last year, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lit what he called a "Christmas tree" at a state ceremony. The year before, he and former California Gov. Gray Davis presided over ceremonies for the more secular "holiday trees."
I think somewhere along the way, Charlie Brown, we completely lost the point.

Of course, there is this:

Falwell and the conservative Liberty Counsel led a campaign that threatened to sue anyone who spreads what they see as misinformation about Christmas celebrations in public spaces.
Which makes me wonder: if they become aware of what they're doing, will they sue themselves, and leave the rest of us alone?

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