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  • Subject: Does having a Christmas Tree in public really offend anyone???
Subject: Does having a Christmas Tree in public really offend anyone???
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Posted by: MyNameIsCharlie

We are going to have to agree to disagree Ken.

Though, the thread asks why people are upset, and you just seem to want to attack the legitimacy of their anger.

By using public funds to put up only a Christmas tree, non-Christians feel excluded from society. It establishes a state sponsored religious holiday, which is something we are not supposed to do.

So, we could choose to celebrate all faiths, and not assume that everyone is Christian, or do away with the public sponsoring decorations for any holiday.

People are just mad that it appears that we are all Christian, and the only way to be in the fun is to be Christian.


Conifers have nothing to do with Christ, neither does the gift giving and Santa Clause. While Santa Clause is based of the real Saint Nicholas, the Character he is today is only related in one aspect, the gift giving. It'd violate the Free Exercise clause if there were a cross, or a menorah.

  • 11.29.2012 7:10 PM PDT
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Posted by: DatDudeBV

Posted by: brandorobot
If you get offended by someone saying Merry Christmas it's safe to say you probably live a sad existence.


This.


I'm not even christian, but damn. It's like someone getting pissed at you for saying "Have a nice day!".

  • 11.29.2012 7:11 PM PDT

I don't think it really offends anyone, but whether a Christmas tree is placed or not should depend whether the people putting there are part of the public sector or the private sector.

I don't believe the government or any of it's branches should put up any trees.

As for saying "Merry Christmas" that's a much more personal thing, so taking offense to that is just stupid.

[Edited on 11.29.2012 7:17 PM PST]

  • 11.29.2012 7:11 PM PDT

Lt. Dan I brought you some ice cream. Lt. Dan.. ice creaaam!

I'm an atheist and I don't care if someone says merry christmas.

  • 11.29.2012 7:12 PM PDT
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Posted by: ABotelho
I don't think it really offends anyone, but whether a Christmas is placed or not should depend whether the people putting there are part of the public sector or the private sector.

I don't believe the government or any of it's branches should put up any trees.

As for saying "Merry Christmas" that's a much more personal thing, so taking offense to that is just stupid.


It's a federal holiday.

You'd think it would be okay for them to put it up.

  • 11.29.2012 7:13 PM PDT

Posted by: Baph117
This is an incredible step forward to being able to cure Downss sybndonre mn humans bineg.s

Posted by: markwil1992
I'm an atheist and I don't care if someone says merry christmas.


Nobody does. Only Bill O'Reilly thinks people do.

  • 11.29.2012 7:14 PM PDT

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Posted by: King Dutchy

Posted by: Rayzor1995

Posted by: King Dutchy
It amazes me that people actually protest to have Christmas Trees removed from these places saying it offends them. How does a Tree offend you? They're upset because they're trying to prevent the monopolization of public space by Christianity.
Which is hilarious, because setting up a pine tree and decorating it has absolutely no religious significance in itself.
(and don't say that Christmas trees aren't religious).
How in the world does a pine tree have any significance to the Christian Christmas Story?

The tree part of the holiday/tradition was adopted from pagan tradition (I believe so anyway, pardon me if I'm wrong there), don't try telling me that a dressed up pine tree is a symbol of Christianity.

  • 11.29.2012 7:14 PM PDT

Nobody with sense. I'm not Christian, and it's really not a Christian holiday anymore. I like seeing the trees around, and the lights, wreaths, all that good stuff. It's all lit up and colorful for a month.

  • 11.29.2012 7:14 PM PDT


Posted by: A Deaf Boy

Posted by: Obi Wan Stevobi
The issues is usually about who is paying for it. People are more than welcome to celebrate whatever they want, but it does become an issue when government starts paying tax dollars for a religious celebration that means nothing to any citizen that isn't that religion.

True, but since it's such a HUGE celebration and holiday, I think an exception should rightly be made. We're talking about something the overwhelming majority of the country celebrates and/or reaps the benefits from (time off work, presents, whatever).

The only people who have a legit complaint are those who, for all intents and purposes, live their life as they do any other day on the 24th and 25th.
interesting.

[Edited on 11.29.2012 7:16 PM PST]

  • 11.29.2012 7:15 PM PDT
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Tom
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Since when is a tree wrapped in decor a religious symbol?

  • 11.29.2012 7:15 PM PDT

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Posted by: ErranInfigo

Posted by: ABotelho
I don't think it really offends anyone, but whether a Christmas is placed or not should depend whether the people putting there are part of the public sector or the private sector.

I don't believe the government or any of it's branches should put up any trees.

As for saying "Merry Christmas" that's a much more personal thing, so taking offense to that is just stupid.


It's a federal holiday.

You'd think it would be okay for them to put it up.


Christmas has become a prominent event in American culture, like Thanksgiving.

It is safe to say a large portion of the population celebrates Christmas and the holidays.

I don't see hoe having a tree or a Santa is insensitive.

[Edited on 11.29.2012 7:16 PM PST]

  • 11.29.2012 7:15 PM PDT


Posted by: Rayzor1995

Posted by: King Dutchy

Posted by: Rayzor1995

Posted by: King Dutchy
It amazes me that people actually protest to have Christmas Trees removed from these places saying it offends them. How does a Tree offend you? They're upset because they're trying to prevent the monopolization of public space by Christianity.
Which is hilarious, because setting up a pine tree and decorating it has absolutely no religious significance in itself.
(and don't say that Christmas trees aren't religious).
How in the world does a pine tree have any significance to the Christian Christmas Story?

The tree part of the holiday/tradition was adopted from pagan tradition (I believe so anyway, pardon me if I'm wrong there), don't try telling me that a dressed up pine tree is a symbol of Christianity.
It's not and it's people. like this that are complaining. Uninformed people who assume.

[Edited on 11.29.2012 7:18 PM PST]

  • 11.29.2012 7:16 PM PDT

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The apathetic force us to persevere, with their backwards priorities.

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Thus, whining about others' beliefs was born.

  • 11.29.2012 7:17 PM PDT

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That's like me being offended at someone putting up that Jewish Hanukkah candle thingy in their store or restaurant. I'm not Jewish, and it doesn't offend me in the slightest...

soooo....

get over it you panzies.

  • 11.29.2012 7:17 PM PDT

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Posted by: Seggi31
Posted by: markwil1992
I'm an atheist and I don't care if someone says merry christmas.


Nobody does. Only Bill O'Reilly thinks people do.


Obviously some people do.

OT: To Christmas Tree or not to Christmas Tree? I don't care what holiday you celebrate, or if you even celebrate one at all. Have all the decorations (or lack thereof) that you want.

  • 11.29.2012 7:17 PM PDT

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Posted by: ErranInfigo

Posted by: MyNameIsCharlie

We are going to have to agree to disagree Ken.

Though, the thread asks why people are upset, and you just seem to want to attack the legitimacy of their anger.

By using public funds to put up only a Christmas tree, non-Christians feel excluded from society. It establishes a state sponsored religious holiday, which is something we are not supposed to do.

So, we could choose to celebrate all faiths, and not assume that everyone is Christian, or do away with the public sponsoring decorations for any holiday.

People are just mad that it appears that we are all Christian, and the only way to be in the fun is to be Christian.


Conifers have nothing to do with Christ, neither does the gift giving and Santa Clause. While Santa Clause is based of the real Saint Nicholas, the Character he is today is only related in one aspect, the gift giving. It'd violate the Free Exercise clause if there were a cross, or a menorah.
By pl;acing it at arms lengths fools no one.

Publically celebrating Christmas is the dejure selection of a state religion, possibly de facto.

Whether its the Americana Christmas or the religious celebration, both are centered around Jesus' birth. There is no denying this. Just because the Americana celebration has strayed, it is still a nod to only one religion.

That's why people get pissed when they see public Christmas trees. Even if the Americana is all about consumerism and such, its still an arm's-length religious celebration that they can't join in.

American ideals state we are an inclusive culture. Whether you say we are the Melting Pot or a Tossed Salad, we are all supposed to be here getting along. Public Christmas Trees violate that and say that some are more equal than others.

  • 11.29.2012 7:17 PM PDT
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Posted by: RaZorRyaN
The main reason is the roots of Christmas. Most people these days dont believe in Jesus Christ, and considering that he is reason why we have Christmas people will be offended by anything that reminds them of Christmas. What people fail to realize however, is that this nation was founded on God, thus Christmas is technically our most important holiday as a nation. Im not saying that everybody should be christian, but scoffing at those who know the meaning of the holiday is rude, and dumb. Also, i dont see why people are offended by Christmas trees excluding the roots of Christmas. They are just pine trees with lights, cheap decorations, and in some cases food. It isnt anything to be butthurt about.


You best be trolling.

God had literally nothing to do with the founding of this country beyond which God people want to worship. If this were a "Christian nation" then the Establishment and Free Exercise clause wouldn't exist.

  • 11.29.2012 7:18 PM PDT
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They call me graland.

Does people saying "Happy Holidays" offend you?

  • 11.29.2012 7:19 PM PDT

"There's this theory that if there were an infinite number of monkeys pecking away at typewriters, they would eventually write the great works of Shakespeare, but thanks to the internet we now know that's not true." -Adam Savage

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NOTE: This is my new primary account. My old account was AgentCOPP1, and I changed it because it was linked to a gamertag that I no longer use.

Oh and by the way, it is very possible for Atheists to celebrate Christmas without Christianity involved. OH NO. THE NAME OF TEH HOLIDAY HAS "CHRIST" IN IT. Oh no! I'm so offended!

sooooo....

again. Get over it.

  • 11.29.2012 7:19 PM PDT

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How does a simple tree with some ornaments on it offend people?

Are these people racist against trees or something?

  • 11.29.2012 7:20 PM PDT

I will say Merry Christmas and if a tree offends someone they can deal with it.

being offended does not mean they have a right to tell others to stop.

  • 11.29.2012 7:20 PM PDT


Posted by: ErranInfigo
It's a federal holiday.

You'd think it would be okay for them to put it up.

The idea of federal holidays is another discussion. That's much more deeply rooted than whether or not a tree should be placed.

I don't agree with the government putting up trees. The government isn't supposed to show religious bias after all.

As for something like a Wal-Mart parking lot, it's perfectly acceptable. It's at the discretion of the store owner/CEO.

  • 11.29.2012 7:20 PM PDT

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Posted by: AgentCOP1
Oh and by the way, it is very possible for Atheists to celebrate Christmas without Christianity involved. OH NO. THE NAME OF TEH HOLIDAY HAS "CHRIST" IN IT. Oh no! I'm so offended!

sooooo....

again. Get over it.
Everyone should be forced to say Happy Holidays.

Get over it.

  • 11.29.2012 7:20 PM PDT

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Posted by: Garland
Does people saying "Happy Holidays" offend you?

It doesn't offend me....but I personally say "Merry Christmas." It's just what i've always done.

  • 11.29.2012 7:21 PM PDT

Posted by: Baph117
This is an incredible step forward to being able to cure Downss sybndonre mn humans bineg.s

Posted by: PheonixofLight
Obviously some people do.


No. Nobody does. Nobody.

  • 11.29.2012 7:21 PM PDT