Posted on 12/02/2004 2:50:10 PM PST by Road Warrior ‘04
Your right 9 news just reported Hickenlooper has backed down and the sign stays.
The float is not his doing and that falls on the parade of lights planers
Yeah ... just did more research, and if you want to go after the float-discrimination people, you can email them at info@downtowndenver.com. Or contact the other major sponsor of the parade, 9news. I don't have their email address (but you can go to their website at www.9news.com).
Christmas is a holiday.
So a Christmas theme would seem to be perfectly in keeping with the parade being a holiday event.
But you see ... you can't use rational logic like that with the city of Denver.
I'm doing my part and avoiding downtown Denver this holiday season ... then again, when do I ever go to downtown Denver?
Sounds like a real nice town.
I swear half the politicians in this country are NUTS
It's still BS! If they want to have a Holiday Parade, have it in February and honor the Presidents Holiday. This is Christmas Season!
Hey, I agree with you, but this ain't the mayor's problem. Contact the guilty party, which would be info@downtowndenver.com.
Thank you! And, Merry Christmas!
Incorrect. Hickenlooper is toying with the idea of replacing "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays" on the 2005-2006 City and County Building display. The decison hasn't been finalized, yet. "Merry Christmas" is still being displayed.
Based on all the flack he's getting on Denver radio in the past week he'll probably realize the political repercussions of such a bonehead move and not go ahead with it.
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, December 2, 2004
Mayor Hickenlooper to Keep ‘Merry Christmas’ Sign at City and County Building
(DENVER) Upon returning to Denver from a busy three-day trip to the East Coast promoting the metro area and FasTracks to national media, corporate site selectors and organizations with potential convention business, Mayor John Hickenlooper issued the following statement regarding potential changes to next year’s holiday display at the City and County Building:
“The holiday season is an important time of year for many faiths and communities to celebrate their religious and cultural traditions, as well as a time for all people to come together as a community, to help those less fortunate, and to set goals for the year ahead.
“Over the decades, some have questioned the appropriateness of a nativity scene at the City and County Building, but the courts decided that issue long ago. The nativity scene remains a part of the holiday display, and out of respect for a longstanding community tradition, there are no plans otherwise.
“Last week a journalist accurately quoted my comments that a ‘Happy Holidays’ sign encompassing greetings for all religious and cultural observances would be an appropriate complement to the existing holiday display. I was under the impression – perhaps erroneously – that the existing ‘Merry Christmas’ sign was becoming worn out and would need to be replaced soon anyway.
“Over the past several days, it has become clear to me that there is strong community sentiment to maintain the ‘Merry Christmas’ sign, and I am glad to oblige. My intention was never to disrespect or slight anyone or any religious tradition. I apologize to anyone who may have been offended or mistakenly felt I was being anti-Christmas. ‘Hickenlooper’ might have two O’s, but I am not ‘Scrooge.’ We are happy to keep the ‘Merry Christmas’ sign, and perhaps we can explore the possibility of also adding a ‘Happy Holidays’ sign to the display next year.
“We are working aggressively to end homelessness, improve our schools, and ensure that affordable housing, health care and jobs are available to all of our residents. To be successful in these efforts, we need people of all faiths and backgrounds to work together on behalf of our community and not be divided by perceived threats to their traditions.
“The foundation of our Administration has been that we, in Denver, are one community, proud of our traditions and welcoming to new ones. This time of year is a wonderful time in Denver, filled with a diverse array of traditions and events. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or simply Season’s Greetings. No matter how one says it – the message is the same – may the season bring health and happiness to you and your families and provide ample opportunities for all of us to celebrate our blessings and help others who are less fortunate.”
* * *
While the City and County of Denver issues parade permits for all parades held within the city limits, it is always the parade organizers that determine eligibility for participation. In the case of the Parade of Lights, organized by the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Partnership – not the City – has a longstanding policy governing criteria for parade participants.
# # #"
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or simply Season’s Greetings. No matter how one says it – the message is the same – may the season bring health and happiness to you and your families and provide ample opportunities for all of us to celebrate our blessings and help others who are less fortunate.”
No Mr. Mayor, the message is anything but the same. Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth for which Christians are most grateful. Without it, we are all dead in our sins and bound to Hell. Hanukkah is definitely not a celebration of Christ's anything and I'm sure my Jewish friends would not care for your lumping them into your "No matter how one says it – the message is the same". Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday of any kind. My black friends do not call it a religious holiday and "Seasons Greetings" is the ultimate PC non statement.
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