FIRST NO SMOKE, NOW NO SANTA: MARYLAND TOWN TELLS JOLLY 'OLE NICK TO STAY HOME!

DRUDGE ^ | MATT DRUDGE

[jbstrick]

XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX WED NOV 28 2001 11:14:49 ET XXXXX

FIRST NO SMOKE, NOW NO SANTA: MARYLAND TOWN TELLS JOLLY 'OLE NICK TO STAY HOME

A Maryland town in the very same country that tried banning cigarette smoking in homes, has now told Santa Claus to stay away from a public Christmas tree lighting!

The Montgomery County community of Kensington has banned the jolly old man from its annual tree lighting ceremony this Sunday. "Because two families in our town felt that they would be uncomfortable with Santa Claus being a part of our event," Mayor Lynn Raufaste said.

The Town Council banned Santa after the complaints.

In years past, Santa would arrive on a fire truck and light the tree with the mayor. But on Sunday, the mayor will do the honors herself.

"This is a part of the American life, and I just think it's a shame that we can't have one in our town this year,"

Raufaste said. Montgomery County lawmakers recently passed legislation that would have regulated smoking in the privacy of people's homes.

The county reversed course this week after a rash of worldwide attention and a public opinion backlash.

"At least now Santa can stay at home and smoke, if nothing else, since he is now banned from the tree lighting," mocked one Montgomery County lawmaker on Wednesday. "We have become a national embarrassment."

Developing...

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[dpa5923]

Even better, show up in a Santa suit.

That's it! I don't live in Maryland, but if the word could get out to have dozens of people dress as Santa for this tree-lighting it would be awesome!

[fourdeuce82d]

To those idiots who have for years claimed that the ACLU was NOT trying to rid our country of all inferences to the Christian version of Christmas

Santa Claus is an "inference" to the Christian "version" of Christmas?

[moyden]

Who cares? As long as they get the trains running on time.

[EggsAckley]

Even better, show up in a Santa suit.

What a great idea!
Wouldn't it be funny if a whole
bunch of Santas showed up that night??!
We should write their newspaper and suggest that
to the residents of that county!

[Leesylvanian]

"This is a part of the American life, and I just think it's a shame that we can't have one in our town this year," Raufaste said.

Ummm, if the council and mayor had any b***s and didn't back down to two "families," then maybe the rest of the town could enjoy Santa and Christmas.

What if two Christian families called the mayor and said they're uncomfortable with any homosexual demonstration or statements. Would the sodomites be banned? Me thinks not!

[Fred25]

COUNTY

CITY

It’s not a “Christmas Tree”, it’s a “Town Tree”. See the Calendar of events for December.

”Celebration of the American Spirit Through Lights and Music. Includes the Town Tree Lighting Ceremony”

Kitty L. Raufaste, Mayor

Council Members:

Chris Bruch

Glenn Cowan

Leanne Pfautz

Barbara Scharman

[pollwatcher]

Mont. Co. is, by some measures, the most AFFLUENT county in America. It is also one of the most liberal (so much for all those RICH conservatives). It is essentially a DC suburb of bureaucrats who dictate how the 90+% geographical rest of Marylanders will behave and vote. They gave us our most esteemed guvner, Parris Glendenning. They, along with Prince George's Co. and Baltimore City, were responsible for Glendenning and Clinton's victories in MD. Maybe we need a 51rd state - "Northern Maryland."

[ICE-FLYER]

Santa Claus is an "inference" to the Christian "version" of Christmas?

I have seen them say so in Holly Hill Florida as they complained about the displays in front of town hall. The Manger scene was bad, then Santa was bad too. Yes, to them it is the next logical extension. Chris Cringle, the picture of Santa Praying to Jesus in the Manger that many have seen and the old St. Nick. A saint? Of what religion?? How horrible.

The ACLU is right down there with the American hating UN in my book.

[TLBSHOW]

The national embarrassment is the election of socialist and anti-americans to the towns and cities across america. They are taking Mayor seats and common council seats in the attempt to take over this country from within. That is what is a national embarrassment.

[Digger]

How about sending a few of those Tennessee people who protested the tax increase. Here again, a few run the territory & NOBODY opposes them so they win. That is an example of why I think America will lose most of tehir freedoms.

[Neets]

If I post what I want to say sweetie, I'll be banned for sure...sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Thanks mucho for the bumperoonie tho.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

email:mayyor.council@tok.org

phone: 301-949-2424

I called them and told them "I will boycott ANYTHING that comes from their town. In Addition, I will never visit your town as long as this stands. There are a lot of people who feel the same way as I do."

Please call and email them.
LET"S ROLL!

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

email:mayor.council@tok.org

phone: 301-949-2424

I called them and told them "I will boycott ANYTHING that comes from their town. In Addition, I will never visit your town as long as this stands. There are a lot of people who feel the same way as I do."

Please call and email them.
LET"S ROLL!

[Helix]

How about dressed as a Santa, flying Old Glory, smoking a cigar, and (preferrably) with a reindeer in tow draped with a banner which says "God Bless America", "We support the second amendment" and visit FreeRepublic. (Or if no reindeer are available, perhaps on the car.)

I really feel like offending someone.

[pollwatcher]

Baltimore's Fell's Point has an annual charity event called "Night of a Thousand Elvises." Kensington may unwittingly start a new night for a thousand Santas!

[Mr. D]

I just called the mayor's (queen) office and she was unavailable, I left a voice mail to pass on my utter disgust with her decision. Please keep calling!

[AAABEST]

I'd say a boycott like the one Bezerkly brough upon themselves in very much in order here.

[Aurelius]

BUMP

[World'sGoneInsane]

"Because two families in our town felt that they would be uncomfortable with Santa Claus being a part of our event," Mayor Lynn Raufaste said.

I bet these two families hate Santa because he smokes a pipe. I hope someone gets dressed as Santa and watches the ceremony. If these two families are that uncomfortable, they can leave.

[mwl1]

Dont forget these stupid people who elect these idiots will most likely vote in brain-dead Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as their governor next year.