House GOP Introduces Christmas Resolution, Despite Boehner’s Tirade Against Frivolous Democratic Bills

Via ThinkProgress:

House GOP Introduces Christmas Resolution, Despite Boehner’s Tirade Against Frivolous Democratic Bills: "

In late October, Congress passed a resolution honoring the
birthday of Chinese philosopher Confucius. House Minority Leader John Boehner
(R-OH) blasted the Democratic leadership for wasting
Congress’ time:

While Democrats get ready to celebrate the birth of an ancient
Chinese philosopher, House Republicans will talk about our better solutions to
create jobs and make health care more affordable and accessible for
America’ s seniors. It is unacceptable for Congress to take it easy at a
time when the nation’s unemployment rate is nearing 10 percent and
millions of out-of-work families struggling to make ends meet are asking, “where
are the jobs?”

But Steve Benen points out that 19
Republican members have now introduced an important resolution to…honor
Christmas:

Whereas Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on December 25;
and

Whereas the Framers intended that the First Amendment of the Constitution, in
prohibiting the establishment of religion, would not prohibit any mention of
religion or reference to God in civic dialog: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of
Christmas;

(2) strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas;
and

(3) expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those
who celebrate Christmas.

Congressional Republicans have passed
other Christmas resolutions in the past. In 2007, Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
introduced a similar measure, after voting against resolutions honoring Diwali and
Ramadan. As far as frivolous resolutions go, 76 House Republicans also
recently introduced a resolution officially commemorating the
Glenn Beck-inspired 9/12 taxpayer march on Washington.

"

While I am glad they want to celebrate Christmas, would they have passed a similar bill honoring Ramadan? Kwanzaa? Hanuka? As far as I'm concerned, the intent behind the religious Christmas holiday has long been secularized and commericalized so now we've got 2 holidays. I think the religious holiday should be celebrated as Christmas, and the secular holiday that has kind of become an amalgam of all sorts of traditions should be called ChristmaHanniKwanziSolstivus or somesuch. Either way, the American Government can't just single out Christmas at the expense of other religions, because of the First Amendment. Do-over, guys?
Share