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
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.
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