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A Rhode Island lawmaker is calling Gov. Lincoln Chafee “Governor Grinch” after he defied lawmakers and decided that the state would have a “holiday tree” instead of a “Christmas tree.”
The governor defended his decision by arguing that it is in keeping with the state’s founding in 1636 by religious dissident Roger Williams as a haven for tolerance – where government and religion were kept separate.
Instead of arguing over the tree, the governor called on lawmakers to focus their energy on feeding the poor.
“I would encourage all those engaged in this discussion – whatever their opinion on the matter – to use their energy and enthusiasm to make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow Rhode Islanders,” Chafee told the Associated Press.
But Rep. Doreen Costa, called the governor a “Grinch.”
“He’s just to the left as far as left as you can possibly be,” the Republican lawmaker told Fox News & Commentary. “He tries to be politically correct 24-7.”
Costa sponsored a resolution last January declaring the tree customarily erected in December be referred to as a “Christmas tree and not as a ‘holiday tree’ or other non-traditional terms.”
“He is refusing to honor what’s passed in the House of Representatives,” she said. “That’s more concerning than anything else.”
Costa said the governor’s rebuff has become her line in the sand.
“I’m sick of being politically correct,” she said. “Nobody’s been offended by calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree. If we have a Menorah in the State House, what are we going to call it – a candle with sticks?”
So Costa has decided to erect her own Christmas tree – at the State House. And she plans on lighting it on Dec. 6 – the same day Chafee plans to host the official “holiday” tree lighting event.
“We’re going to sing Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate,” she said. “And I’m going to make a sign – Christmas tree lighting to the right and holiday tree to the left. We’ll see who gets the crowd.”
Costa said her yuletide defiance has generated lots of buzz in the state.
“My phone has been going insane today by people commending me for doing what’s right,” she said. “It has to stop somewhere. This is me taking a stand for the people I represent in Rhode Island.”
The 17-foot Colorado blue spruce was donated to the state by Big John Leyden’s Christmas Tree Farm. Leyden told the AP he’s disappointed with the governor’s choice of words.
“It’s not a holiday tree or even an ‘X-mas’ tree,” he said. “We’re a Christmas tree farm, that’s what the name is.”
But the opposition tree won’t be as nearly as big. Costa said she’s got a tiny car – and the tree will have to fit on the roof.
“It may only be a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree but at least it will be a Christmas tree,” she told the AP.
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what gets me is that Christmas is celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. and if far-left folks are so against Christmas why do they celebrate it and exchange gifts with their families and get time off of work as a benefit everyone gets for celebrating this holiday. they should be just like scrooge and say ba-humbug and go to work, don't exchange presents, or recognize or celebrate in any way. since this special day is celebrated because of the birth of our Savior. and what right does anyone have to take Christ out of Christmas. if you take Him out, then it does just become like any other day.
The question begs. Do you have to be Christian to enjoy and take part in Christmas? Do you have to be Christian to enjoy a decorated tree or lights during the holidays? Sure Christmas was started as a Christian day, but face it, it has grown into more of a cultural event that for a lot of people, has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with family and friends. Let others live their own life. Stop worrying about what others do. Just because someone wants to change what they call their tree is no threat to your faith. Are all Christians such narcissistic whiners? Get over yourself.
Ill be honest, I could care less about religion. But it is a christmas tree because it is what is used for that particular holiday. Leave religion out for a moment. Are we also going to star calling the menorah something else as well. The jewish wouldn't be too happy bout that. Im just saying, if it's not that big of a deal, then leave it as is, a christmas tree
let me get this strait, for the past 1000 years no one has ever said anything about being offended by it being a CHRISTmas tree and now just because of all the "politicall correctness" stuff that congrees has become so obsessed with were going to get into a debate over something congress should not even be worried with in the first place? why is congress even concerned with "correctness" in the first place. till they stated all this stuff no one cared what things were called and congress have more important things to do. congress should just do there job like passing laws that actualy are useful and help the country and leave the nitpicky stuff like what we want to call a CHRISTmas tree to the people.
His Honorable father would roll over in his grave if this looser son presented this plan to him. Something is wrong with this guys intellect if he believes that Americans want to be politically correct at Christmas.. I believe Lincoln has a repressed urge put on his ballet slippers and audition for a position in the "Nut Crackers Sweet".
Since the tree is located in a place that belongs to the whole public, and not just Christians, it only makes sense to call it a holiday tree. That way it can be celebrated by everyone regardless of their religion or lack thereof. While Roger Williams might have had a point at the time, that was a long time ago when our American society was not as diverse as it is today. I've seen controversy of this type raise it ugly head for several years now and there is no way to satisfy both sides on which term is correct. Further, the Catholic church stole the tree from the pagans they conquered, in the first place, and such a tree was originally a pagan phallic symbol. When I see a beautifully decorated phallic symbol sitting next to the alter in a church it always brings a smile to my face and I have to laugh to myself.
one look at chafee he looks mental and talks mental to.
If he wants to be truly non-religious then don't put up ANY tree. For that matter, the state government should stay open around December 25th as well. Isn't closing around that time also supporting religion.
calling it a "holiday tree" is an insult. What it celebrates is no mere holiday it is a celebration of what this country was founded on CHRISTIANITY! so calling it a "holiday tree" is not only a slap in the face to Jesus who blead and died to save all of us. It is also a slap in the face to the founding fathers of this country and all the people who fought and died so we could have the freedom to come to America and worship our creator! So if congress wants to insult this great nation and the creator who made them, this nation, and the Christmas trees, then they can call it a "holiday tree" I for one being a Christain will call it by its true name of CHRISTmas tree no matter what congress does! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We were founded on "christianity"? Have you read the US Constitution? Any US History books? We are not a theocracy, We are a democratic republic. Oh and the tree thing, your "XMAS TREE" was taken from pagan religions. Stop with you victim shit!
Rhode Islanders are getting what they deserve…good and hard, and this isn't the end of it.
I 60 yr.'s old. As a kid growing up I remember my parent's getting cards during Christmas that said Happy Holiday's. Nobody thought anything it about then. And I have yet to see a bible that says anything about decorating a tree of any kind. It always been Christmas and New Years. And if anybody. Want to celebrate their holiday with mine. The more the merrier. I love a big party. We're ll God's children. There are good people. And bad people everywhere. Just because we all don't look the same. Or act the same. Doesn't mean we're not all the same on the inside. Even though I don't have much. I have a lot more than some. I wouldn't refuse anyone a decent place to live. Or a decent meal. I'm just so sick of all the negative people. We need to start treating every one. like brothers and sister. like the bible says. Instead of just picking the parts of we want to believe in. And not the parts we don't want to believe in.
The fact that RI is a "haven for tolerance" means that people of other denominations need to TOLERATE a Christmas tree…Politically correctness is too often confused with tolerance…
Amen! Thanks Jim for Sharing. Toleran-tarians need to learn some tolerance. Interesting phenomena isn't it?
I think people are really missing the point of the celebration of Xmas. The Governor has asked that people take the passion that they feel about this issue and help the needy. I think that is a great way of saying, "Does this really matter?" Don't donate a new tree to the Right wing morons, give some money to your church or local charity that will actually do something useful for people. because fighting over SEMANTICS is really just dumb.
Don't steal Christmas from the christians! (like they stole it from the pagans).
Now go celebrate the birth of Christ the traditional way, with customs and traditions stolen form pre-chrisian religions.
Governor Chafee is a pompous self centered buffoon with no interest in what the people who put him in office want. I'm disgusted with him, and with my fellow voters for putting him in office in the first place… This tree issue being only the most recent (and unimportant) reason.
Its a fucking CHRISTMAS TREE! And THAT's THAT! If you don't like it MOVE to your own Country!
I agree with Rep. Doreen Costa 100%… would love to donate $$ to help her get a much bigger Christmas tree with extra lights
It is a Christmas tree, nuf said…..
Not really. It is a pine tree…. NUFF SAID.
You know, as a Christian I am offended! However, as a Christian I will not seek retribution in some terroristic way that is seemingly the occasional response of some in the world who are offended. I will simply pray for the Governor and ask God to strengthen him to see the error of trying to push Christians in the closet. It is too bad the Governor has fallen into the camp that believes it is okay to be politically correct regarding major world religions and yet demean the Christians who share a belief in God and the birth and sacrifice of Christ in much the same way as our founding Fathers believed.
Take care, and Merry Christmas.
Nothing fails like prayer so go right ahead.
He s a Loser.
Rep. Costa, good for you. As a Michigander, who is sick to death of political correctness, I am so sick of anti-Christian bias in this country I could puke. God help us. If I were a Rhode Islander you'd have my vote.
Give me a break with your victim BS! You christians keep over stepping your bounds.
I forgot to add, I second Robert Lowe's comments. Chafee must absolutely be an idiot.
As long as he calls that jewish thing a "Holiday Candelabra" to be fair.
Two English words that should never have been close enough together to see each other are:
POLITICALLY and CORRECT! They have caused more nonsense and garbage plays on words to satisfy a small minority in any case. Remember that the majority also vote and can vote out those who are narrow-minded enough to accept PCness as acceptable and necessary!
We say Merry Christmas – because Dec 25 is the day we Christians have chosen to celebrate the Virgin Birth of our Lord and Savior. We believe in Jesus the only Savior of lost mankind. We use the evergreen tree as a symbol of life, eternal life purchased for all who by faith accept this gift, God's son. We give gifts to others for two reasons. One because we follow the unselfish example of Jesus in giving his life so other could live and because of his command to love others as we love ourselves.
Without Jesus Christmas is not a Holyday it's just another excuse to “eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”.
LOL
It is Christ's Birthday therefor Christmas Tree Why don't these People have the ball to stand up for what is right…… Happy Birthday Baby Jesus!
Are you really sure he was born then?
Eric Youngstrom I will not waste my time responding to your posts
YOUR GOV. SOUNDS LIKE A "VILLAGE–IDIOT".
LARRY D. CRUMBLEY
Takes one to know one… Or would you be better with, those in glass houses should not throw…
Will this Christmas Tree lighting be televised , so all can see the celebration of the little Christmas Tree.
Jesus will be there for sure. with all the love that will go into it. Merry Christmas All!
This is a message to Gov. Chafee:
Dear Governor Chafee:
I would like to know exactly what the hell is going on in this country and with you. I was born in America and as far back as I can remember we called our Christmas tree exactly that! Not a Holiday tree not a Jewish tree, not an Arab tree, it’s called a CHRISTMAS TREE!
If you feel you are offended in anyway by our Christmas tree then you should use one of your many freedoms of America and move back to wherever the hell you came from, and stop trying to change the way we have been living for the past 235 years.
We are a Christian Nation and we believe in God. God is printed on all our currency and within our Government buildings, and if you don’t like it please find some other place to live and leave America alone.
I fought for my country and I will defend it to the end, and you are not going to change it!
Your decision to change the "Christmas" tree to "holiday" tree is a slap in the face of every American citizen.
Everyone knows trees displayed at the Capitol in December are to celebrate Christmas, a special holiday in the life of Rhode Island and in the life of our country.
I urge you to rescind your decision and apologize to the people of America for promoting this politically correct liberal thinking at the expense of the true history and heritage of the Christmas tree.
I hope you find whatever peace you’re looking for within yourself.
Have a Merry Christmas or whatever Holliday you celebrate.
Sincerely yours,
A True American.
Yay!!! Uncle Vince!!! Everyone should sign and pass this along all the way to the White House! Get a clue people!!!!
Don't get rid of the Christmas tree, get rid of the governor. Why are people always trying to get rid of or change traditions for 100's of years?
I just had a thought for the PC crowd out there..how come you call a Christmas tree a holiday tree? Think about this, how are you truly making people of other faiths feel when you say a Christmas tree should represent other religious holidays that fall around the time of the Christian celebration of the Birth of Christ?
I agree. Those who celebrate Christmas appreciate a Christmas tree. DO you think those who celebrate Chanukah and Kwanzaa could care about a holiday tree? No! Because it is not what they would use as there tradition.It is a Christmas tradition. I am proud to say that I have had my Christmas tree up for my kids since before Thanksgiving. Oh wait, Peta could have a problem with that one too. Eventually we will not be allowed to eat turkey for that holiday either!
I agree, no tree should be where man should see. It should be in home only. It is a private religion.
Quit sitting on some fenceline somewhere..your either for Christ or against him. Christ is so wonderful and no matter what everyone believe's, he has already spoken us to be "All his brother's and sister's" just as we are "All God's Children"! And although I don't live in R.I., we are still all American's and our brother who donated the Christmas tree…well blessing's to you and Merry Christmas my Brother's and sister's! <3 to all and Christ be with you!
Well, since he wants to call it a "holiday tree" and not a Christmas tree, I suppose he will be working thru the Christmas holidays. If it is not a Christmas Tree, then he probably does not say Merry Christmas. This Chafee guy will probably be working thru what "we" call Christmas because he is taking Christ out of Christmas. Those who want to take Christmas break but do not want it called Christmas are hypocryts! They want something for nothing. THIS MAN NEEDS A SERIOUS REALITY CHECK!
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee calmly weathered a national Christmas OUTRAGE yesterday, standing by his pronouncement that the 17-foot spruce in the State House rotunda is a “holiday tree” and NOT a "CHRISTMAS TREE". BUT Rep. Doreen Costa is a HERO!
Costa has decided to erect her own Christmas tree – at the State House. And she plans on lighting it on Dec. 6… the same day Chafee plans to host the official “holiday” tree lighting event.
******* THIS IS AWESOME…LOOKAT THIS BELOW*******.
“We’re going to sing Christmas carols and drink hot chocolate,” she said. “And I’m going to make a sign – Christmas tree lighting to the right and holiday tree to the left. We’ll see who gets the crowd.”.
******* Rep. Doreen Costa ROCKS! *******
Costa said her yuletide defiance has generated lots of buzz in the state.
“My phone has been going insane today by people commending me for doing what’s right,” she said. “It has to stop somewhere. This is me taking a stand for the people I represent in Rhode Island.”.
The 17-foot Colorado blue spruce was donated to the state by Big John Leyden’s Christmas Tree Farm. Leyden told the AP he’s disappointed with the governor’s choice of words.
“It’s not a holiday tree or even an ‘X-mas’ tree,” he said. “We’re a Christmas tree farm, that’s what the name is.”.
I'm sharing.
You have a "Tree" farm, they are "Pine Trees" not "Christmas Trees", jesus fucking christ, get the fuck over it!
Once someone gets a tree from you, whether you donate it or not, they have the right to call it what ever the fuck they want!
Happy Fucking Holidays!
I hate what in world come of Christian faith of this Country! I find this disgusting
I thank God for people like you Doreen! You are truly an example of a good politician.
I didn't catch the Fox News when this story was aired, but the AFA alerted its members, with a plea to Gov. Chafee to rescind his decision. My contribution to the form letter is in parentheses.
Dear Governor Chafee:
Your decision to change the "Christmas" tree to "holiday" tree is a slap in the face of every Rhode Island citizen.
Everyone knows trees displayed at the Capitol in December are to celebrate Christmas, a special holiday in the life of Rhode Island and in the life of our country.
(Gov. Chafee, you may be politically correct in calling a Christian symbol of our faith a "holiday" tree, but holiday tree is a misnomer, due to the fact that the Christians are the only faith who adopted the evergreen to represent the ever lasting life that the birth of Christ gave humanity. Yes, we know that He was not born on December 25, a couple thousands years ago – His birth was during, more than likely, one of the warmer months because shepherds did not take their sheep to graze in the winter fields, but Queen Elizabeth wasn’t born on the day her birthday is celebrated and Christ has just as much right to have his birth acknowledged in December. Look up the history of the Christmas tree and you’ll learn more as to why it is a perfect representation of what Christianity stands for – in more ways than one. Don’t forget that Christians vote on the decisions by the politicians concerning their beliefs as well as the political issues. No Christmas tree, no vote, no job, could become the motto of those voting in Rhode Island during the next campaigned for governor.)
Be sensitive to your Christian voters, sir, I urge you to rescind your decision and apologize to the people of Rhode Island for promoting this politically correct liberal thinking at the expense of the true history and heritage of the Christmas tree.
@Phelan MoonSong: Ah, the voice of a Pagan. And just who taught you about your faith being as Paganism has long been replaced, (yep, replaced) with other more likely "choices" of expressing ones faith in the existence of God. You have that right, but don’t negate my right to be Christian by belittling my faith. I’m sure you are not the consummate expert on the original Pagan faith or you’d be opened minded to the existence of other views on faith. It may help you to believe in someone greater than yourself, Phelan MoonSong, a d then your life will fill with wonder beyond your own inflated ego.
Charles Richard Brown, I have spent an hour searching the quotes of Gandhi, and couldn’t find a reference to him ever issuing that quote. I even keyed into the “Official” Gandhi web site, and pose the question, nothing came up. It didn’t sound right that he a man of peace would put down any one’s faith. Where did you find it? People post on these blogs float in and out with supposedly with “quotes” from well respected people, and very few readers research such allocations. Please, if the quote exists, Charles Richard Brown, lead us to it.
This isn't about a tree, it's about the government taking another step in their attempt to remove Christianity from our society. If this was a menorah, Gov. Chafee wouldn't have said one word about it. If this was an Islamic symbol, he would have been as mum as a tree or even applauded it, depending on how treasonous he was feeling at the moment…..
It is a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree. What the he! is a "holiday" tree, anyways? There are no trees used as a central symbol for any other holiday but christmas in our country. There is no 4th of July tree, no Memorial Day tree, no Labor Day tree, no Easter tree, no President's Day tree, no Thanksgiving Day tree, no Halloween tree, no Columbus Day tree. ONLY CHRISTMAS HAS A TREE. LEAVE IT ALONE!
Executive order this and that, pegan this and that. How about thinking of the Christmas tree as a symbol of the Spirit of Christmas? Back centuries ago, people would gather together and sing together about Christmas and Jesus. Unfortunatly, todays society has become so drama driven that people are more about "political correct" than the Spirit of Christmas. There will be cmmunities that will continue the tradition of Christmas and for the right reason. Many states and cities will bend and give up this tradition in order to prevent non Christian people from being insulted or whatever. This is a Christian Nation, regardless of what anyone says or thinks. The people can not have this taken away from them, they must give up this tradition themself. Prayer out of schools? notice the results. Rap and the evil it supports? notice the results. Take Christ out of Christmas? well, open that Book of Sorrows if you feel so inclined and do not complain of those results. Stand firm for that which you believe or fall for anything. Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas
Tolerance, rejoice in difference, love. Let's celebrate it all.
Bout Time! Wonder what all the pagans thought bout 1600 years ago when Yule was transformed into Christmas, or what the Myans wiped off the face of the Earth in the name of Gold oops mean God (how did that l sneak in there?) would great people this time of year. Put it in your house call it whatever tree you want, but in the Land of the free don't shove a false messiah down the throats of people who view Christianity as the downfall and purest evil of mankind! The "Holiday Tree" should be about family and the holiday season not about Christ's birth which by the way is Sept 11. You want to celebrate that in your house or church go ahead, GO GOV Chafee! for the intelligence and bravery to treat this right! Not all hate this, some think it's wonderful! Just the blindly lead faithful seem upset, and will as time and the ability of shared knowledge due to technology continues to shrink their churches and their collection plates but hopefully open minds!
But if anyone sends me Christmas Cards I'll honor your God by putting each one up with 3 nails!
JUST READ THE COMMENTS FROM EVERYONE! GOOD IDEA TO REMOVE THIS CONFLICT FROM THE STATE OF RI! Celebrate faith in churches and homes not public! Happy Holidays!
JUST READ THE COMMENTS FROM EVERYONE! GOOD IDEA TO REMOVE THIS CONFLICT FROM THE STATE OF RI! Celebrate faith in churches and homes not public! Happy Holidays!
What should we call Mr. Chafee instead of Governor? How about Dumbell? What else will he re-identify to please the politically correct?
Yeah…but how many people do you know who will say Holiday Tree…it will and has ALWAYS been a CHRISTmas tree and it will stay just that…he's a jerk …
Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
10:3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
10:4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.