Posted on 12/02/2004 9:30:33 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore's low-key plans for the city's Christmas were silly and she should reconsider them, Prime Minister John Howard said today.
The council will spend just $600,000 on its Christmas celebrations this year.
From that money will come a small Christmas tree over the Town Hall entrance, the Martin Place Christmas tree, 21 metal stars over Pitt St Mall, banners in eight languages wishing season's greetings and lights on 35 trees in Chifley Square.
Ms Moore said Sydney was a multicultural city with 200 nationalities and "we are just trying to keep a generic approach without trying to push any one religious belief".
"We are cognisant of the fact that in Australia we are a very multicultural society."
Mr Howard spoke at length on the issue on John Laws radio program.
"This is political correctness from central casting. It is unbelievable," Mr Howard said.
"The most significant thing is, I have never met a Jewish person or a Muslim Australian who wants us to stop celebrating Christmas.
"This is the ridiculous thing about this blanding out of any kind of distinctive identity that we might have."
Mr Howard said Ms Moore's explanation was worse than the decision.
"You have a generic approach to Christmas? I mean you can't have a generic approach to Christmas. It celebrates an historic event.
"It celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and it has become a focal point around the world for the families to get together, to celebrate.
"You can't replace that. In a thousand years you're not going to find a replacement in Australia for Christmas.
"I think this is silly. I really do.
"I think the lady should reconsider. She won't, I know that, but it really is just so unnecessary."
Thank God for John Howard!
Is one of the holiday banners going to be in Arabic?
I think you could just about put the house on it. Save us from politically correct morons!
Way to go Johnny!
The strait jacket of multiculturalism tightens.
I love the way he talks. So direct and no nonsense. Just like Bush.
No wasted words. Is he like that all the time?
Pretty much so. He appeals to the great mass of Aussies struggling to keep their families together and pay off their homes. The chardonay socialists hate him with a passion - again, just like President Bush.
He's arguably the best Prime Minister this country has ever had.
That's good. Bush and Howard, two of the greatest, just at the right time!
Oh, I forgot to ask, how long is his term and can he run again?
This is his second term?
This is his FOURTH term, and increased his majority substantially this time around.
He's just turned 65 years of age, so at least one more three year term is not out of the question.
Wow! That's wonderful. You guys are lucky. As a Texan, I've had Bush around for 9 years so far already, but for the rest of the nation, 4 more years is it.
I just love him.
Your big challenge is to find someone who can carry on Dubya's great work after '08.
Any ideas?
Honestly, it's hard for me to say right now. People on here usually start up with things like Condi08, or Rudi08 or whatever, but to tell you the truth, Bush is so high profile and in charge that I don't think anyone else has had the chance to really define their own selves.
Not necessarily a bad thing right now, but we've got to start seeing something from someone else soon.
Jeb would be great as far as being as straightforward, strong and honest as George, but I don't think the country would go for another Bush just yet.
Maybe later.
I guess we should find out who scares the turbans off the terrorists the best!
Any suggestions from you?
Seems there are a lot of RINOs wondering around, ready to put their hands up for '08.
I think the GOP would be well advised to give them a big miss.
Somebody in the Reagan/Bush II mould would be ideal. Who would fit that category?
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