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
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
Merry Christmas. These kinds of things make it even a little merrier.
Ahh....I was so looking forward to the Eidkwanhaunu Tree.
The whole thing is ridiculous. Christian tradition is the only one with the tree and outlawing the word, Christmas, is offensive and discriminatory.
Praise the Lord...glad to see some folks ARE ACTUALLY GETTING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O TannenbaumP !!
Bravo, Mr. Speaker! And, thank you.
You chose not to attend your firm's holiday party and I don't blame you.
Hope you and yours have a very happy Christmas.
And Merry Christmas to you as well.
Yep. Sad to say, but it's come down to in-your-face time for the culture war. It's about time we pushed back.
Bet that provided an interesting juxtaposition. Puts a whole new twist on the "spirit of giving".
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