Elf-Tossing on Capitol Hill?

steve israelProps and nachas to New York representative Steve Israel and other Jewish members of the House, who countered Virginia representative Jo Ann Davis’ resolution to “save Christmas” with demands that she include Chanukah, Kwanzaa and Ramadan in H. Res. 579, which “strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas and expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions.”

Davis’ symbolic attempt to “save Christmas” passed with a majority vote, but not before some Jewish congressfolks had their say:

When Davis posited that “any sign or even mention of Christmas in public can lead to complaints, litigation, protest and threats” and “America’s favorite holiday is being twisted beyond recognition,” Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) responded with “Did something happen when I was not looking? Did somebody mug Santa Claus? Is somebody engaging in elf tossing?”

It wasn’t just the Jews on Capitol Hill complaining, either: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton of D.C. politely pointed out that Davis’ concern that Christmas was losing its identity was a load of crapola: “Our country has come simply to be tolerant of the fact that we are from many faiths, and we do not want to insult anybody … I say to you that, far from references to Christmas needing to be supported, they are glorified, and we all know it.” Full story.

Rep. Davis did not amend her resolution to include similar respect for the rest of our holidays — let’s let her know we disapprove by bombing her inbox writing her a short email, shall we?

5 thoughts on “Elf-Tossing on Capitol Hill?

  1. The fact that I do not celebrate Christmas has always led me to wish someone a happy holiday rather than specify which one. I, personally, feel that this is more inclusive.

    When stores, such as Target, purposely refrain from using the word Christmas during in their ads or store decorations I appreciate it. Even without seeing the word Christmas appear on their premises it still cannot be denied that everything around the store that is symbolic of gift giving is still Christmas-like. No other faiths than those of Christianity have trees, trimmings & other decorations for their winter, gift-giving holiday. All other faiths make an effort to not exploit their holidays to this extent.

  2. these jerks are just trying to roll back years of progress toward universal tollerance for other faiths and cultures. Without turning this into a political debate, i say this whole “war on christmas” is a diversion from more important issues we are facing in society.

  3. I think this way out of proportion on both sides of this issue. I can understand that the feeling of some that Christmas is being diluted. We are in a majotity Christian society. If you don’t want to be confronted by people and businesses saying Merry Christmas, make aliyah.

    Since we don’t live in a country where folks wear a J or a C or an M on their forehead, you can’t expect folks to wish you the appropriate happy appropriate holiday all the time. Personally I have no problem with anyone wishing me a Merry Christmas, as long as they don’t mind a hearty Chag Chanukah Sameach in return.

  4. The satanist and demonic people who have no problem celebrating Satan’s birhtday on October 31 are likely to be the backbone of this evil serpent attacking Christmas and Chunukah. Even though they are a minority, the “anti God “and “Jesus “whinners and being offended; are only a front. These types of anti-God people have removed prayers from the schools , the name of God is “forbidden” to speak in the schools, and slowly they are increasing with other anti-God people and they are working on removing our beloved God and His son,Jesus.

    This country is so busy letting these “pagan” people and “thier” idol gods enter- it stands to reason they are offended. God said NO to connecting with these people. The idol gods represent demons, the ones that come to destroy anyone who is not sincere to the Only Living God.

    They can all go home to the country they came from and take thier idols with them.

  5. Although a Christian, I am more comfortable wishing Happy Holidays, meant to include good wishes to those of all faiths. I am not a Christian who believes Christianity is the only game in town. It has been my observation that Christmas has lost much of its meaning a very long time ago; it’s all about Santa, and what he brings. When my son was in elementary school, he decided being Jewish sounded a lot better, after all, there were 8 days of Chanukah.

    Matt, I’m glad you don’t have a problem with someone wishing you a Merry Christmas, but why do some people have such a problem in expressing their good wishes generically, to be all inclusive? It doesn’t take anything away from them except to feel that, just maybe, their religion isn’t the only game in town.

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