Poll: Christmas Tree or Holiday Tree?
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is hosting a 'holiday tree' lighting next week, despite objections.
Holiday tree or Christmas tree?
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is calling the 17-foot spruce tree that will be lit inside the Statehouse rotunda a "holiday tree," even though the General Assembly passed a resolution calling it a "Christmas tree" earlier this year.
According to The Providence Journal, the governor is defending his use of the term, saying it honors Rhode Island's heritage as a refuge for religious tolerance three centuries ago. Some state lawmakers criticize his position, and an Associated Press story on the issue has been picked up across the country. News outlets such as The Washington Post, MSNBC and the Huffington Post have all run with the story.
The governor is inviting all Rhode Islanders to join him and his wife for the annual lighting next Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m.
Amanda Harnocz
10:18 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
It's hard to be ambiguous when you're lighting a tree that has long been a symbol of Christmas.
Rebecca Eddy
1:27 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I completely agree with Amanda. It's strange to call it a "Holiday Tree" when it's been a "Christmas Tree" for so long.
Kristin Costa Offiler
11:16 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I agree with Amanda. Plus I just don't understand the constant anxiety people have this time of year over offending people who don't celebrate the same religious holidays, or who don't celebrate any holidays. It's a kind gesture to wish someone a happy holiday, whatever that holiday may be, and it should be taken as just that--a kind gesture, not a reason to take offense.
Emile Lavoie Jr
11:30 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
oh sure now it is a poll and i made that nice comment
Lauren Costa
11:52 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Copy and paste your comment, Emile!
Todd M
3:16 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Livonia and Germany in the 16th century... It's been a Christmas tree for 500 years. Let's leave it that way.
News Hound
3:54 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2011
Gov. Chafee has replaced Gov. Jerry Brown (CA) as the new "Govenor Moonbeam."
I agree with Kristin, it is a goodwill gesture to wish someone seasons greetings. People need to stop taking offense at the least little thing.