Posted on 12/12/2005 4:34:14 PM PST by SJackson
It may have colorful lights, a train chugging underneath it and hundreds of ornaments, but the “Capitol Holiday Tree” is causing a stir among those who work at the Capitol.
The 35-foot Balsam fir has had the moniker since 1985, but 46 state legislators, mostly Republicans, wrote and signed a letter to Gov. Jim Doyle requesting the tree’s name be changed to the “Wisconsin State Christmas Tree.”
State Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said he spearheaded the effort with Rep. Terry Moulton, R-Chippewa Falls, adding the tree’s name should truly reflect the season.
“It’s not an Easter tree, it’s not a Labor Day tree — it is a Christmas tree,” Suder said. “This tree at the Capitol is there to celebrate Christmas, and we both felt very strongly that we should give the tree its proper name rather than some non-descript name that is basically meaningless.”
The Capitol first housed such a tree in 1916; in 1985, a lawsuit was brought against the state to have the word “Christmas” taken out of the tree’s name, which was then changed to the Holiday Tree.
“Any idiot can bring a lawsuit for any ridiculous reason,” Suder said. “If someone is going to sue over calling the tree in the Capitol a ‘Christmas Tree,’ then I say ‘bring it on.’”
Suder added the state should not shy away from changing the tree’s name due to fear that a “frivolous” lawsuit may arise.
But Doyle spokesperson Melanie Fonder indicated the governor is not likely to respond with a name change for the evergreen.
“The last time I checked, Christmas was still a holiday,” Fonder said. “It’s too bad our Legislature has nothing more important to focus on than what to call a tree.”
However, Suder said the measure is important in keeping with the spirit of the season.
“We’re simply asking the governor to restore common sense and give the tree its proper name,” Suder said. “This is in the Capitol to celebrate Christ’s birthday. And maybe that makes some people uncomfortable, but it is a national holiday — in fact, it’s a worldwide holiday.”
Though Suder acknowledged there are people in the state who may take issue with adding “Christmas” back to the tree’s name, he feels most residents wouldn’t mind having the old name restored.
“We shouldn’t bow to fringe groups that want to take Christ out of Christmas,” Suder said, adding he hoped Doyle’s decision comes “expeditiously” and in favor of the legislators’ mission.
I'm amazed this goes back to 85. It think the earliest major "victories" for the no religious displays folks were in the late 80s. In the federal courts. I guess Wisconsion was a "leader".
"I guess Wisconsin was a 'leader'".
You can thank Annie Gaylor (retired) and her spawn Annie Laurie who is carrying the torch forward these days. She's on O'Reilly and Hannity & Colmes so often, I'm surprised she has any time left to stomp out religion on a local level. *Rolleyes*
http://www.ffrf.org
(I pinged the gang on this a few days ago.) That spokeswomyn for Doyle is SUCH a b*tch. She's that way in real life, too. *Smirk* (She's a friend of my liberal sister.)
Those who wish to either join the celebration or to profit from it, should be welcome do so with in the context of respect for Christianity and Christian values and traditions.
All others should just STFU maintain a respectful silence, as we do for those holidays not ours.
They should most certainly not try to tell us what is or is not acceptable, or (gag!) "appropriate".
Rumor has it, that Jessica McBride- in her blog thought the tree should be renamed to be called the "money tree". After all, it was donated by WEAC to their dear governor Doyle.
WEAC? Yep- it's a money tree, all right!
Forget the tree. Where's the creche?
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