| By Molly Snyder Edler OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Molly Snyder Edler |
| Published Dec. 2, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. |
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Since 1985, the festive tree that stands in the State Capitol building in Madison has been called a "holiday tree." However, if a proposed resolution passes this week, the tree will officially return to being dubbed a "Christmas tree."
Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Freedom From Religion Foundation said lawmakers shouldn't waste their time on such a trivial issue and that the name should stay as it is. However, Democratic Rep. Marlin Schneider asked to rename the tree the Wisconsin State Christmas Tree since it was called a Christmas tree until state officials changed its name 22 years ago.
What do you think about this? Should it be called a "Christmas tree" or "holiday tree?"
Holiday tree. This is a classic example of the lack of separation of church and state. Christmas symbolism already takes precedent in most parts of this country, but it should not in government buildings. Plus, plenty of Jews and other non-Christian religions have trees now, too, so a decorated tree should not automatically be associated with Christmas.
"Christmas tree." Call it what you want, a massive tree festooned with lights and ornaments is a symbol of Christmas. It is a tradition practiced by people who celebrate Christmas, so why do we have to ignore this? For the sake of political correctness? There are already religious displays in the Capitol, so what's the big deal if there's a "Christmas tree," too? From Dec. 4-13 there will be a menorah on display; from Dec. 4-13 there will be a tribute to the Baptist Church and an "interfaith display" runs from Dec. 10-14.
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