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December 02, 2004

Govt Workers Not Allowed to Wish A Merry Christmas « Social Issues »

I didn't have an actual example at the time I mentioned it. I've heard of it happening, but admit that it may have been an urban legend.

Well, mere days later, here's the example.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper recently announced that next year the phrase "Merry Christmas" will be removed from the city building and replaced with "Happy Holidays."

I realize that's not exactly the same as barring govt employees from individually expressing wishes for a Merry Christmas. It's darn close, though, and makes that next step a short one. If we don't have news of it this year, we will before Dec 25th of 2005, I'm 99% sure.

Posted by Nathan at 10:11 AM | Comments (2)
Comments

Hmmm, I don't see them as being anything alike. Mayor Hickenlooper wanted the very large, very illuminated message to be inclusive of the diverse population we have here in the metro area. It's certainly cheaper than putting up a sign for every religion.

Of course, with the budget crunch in the Mile High City, it'd probably be best if he didn't waste money on any signs or lights or what not.

Posted by: andy at December 2, 2004 10:33 AM

It's certainly cheaper than putting up a sign for every religion.
That's a good point.
The only thing is, it represents a change, and a change away from tradition for no really good reason. Maybe it was the wrong choice when they purchased the lights 20 years ago (or whenever), but it didn't seem to be a social issue. Now it is so pressing to eradicate a traditional Christian message that we have to spend tax dollars doing it?
I just don't see that as an establishment of a church. I don't see "Merry Christmas" as a violation of the wording "Congress shall pass no law". I don't see this sort of change being necessary.

Posted by: Nathan at December 2, 2004 10:55 AM
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