Michele Bachmann is co-sponsoring a resolution to protect Christmas from … well, it’s not entirely clear from whom. She wants the House of Representatives to recognize the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas (and NOT Hanukkah or al-Adha or Kwanzaa) and to say it “strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas” and to express “support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.” Non-Christians — keep your hands off the trees and lights and gift-giving!
Garrison Keillor’s grinchy column in the Star Tribune yesterday grumped about Christmas carols by Jewish composers and Unitarian re-writes of Silent Night. “Christmas is a Christian holiday – if you’re not in the club, then buzz off,” writes Keillor. Seriously? I find it hard to believe that Garrison and Michele Bachmann are on the same page, but lots of people are getting riled up about the column.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army says more kids are in need of toys and there are not enough toys to go around, according to the Pioneer Press. You can look here for Toys for Tots donation opportunities. I saw a collection bin for toys in Golden Thyme on Saturday (921 Selby Avenue in St. Paul), and you can buy a cup of coffee when you drop off toys, supporting a great independent local business at the same time.
Not everyone in St. Paul has the Christmas spirit – in our neighborhood, thieves cut down three blue spruce trees in Merriam Park, according to the Pioneer Press. They took away two of the trees, and left the third – an eight-year-old, 15-foot tree.
On a brighter note, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is once again sponsoring a drive-through Holiday Lights in the Parkdisplay at Lake Phalen. Last year, they raised $50,000 for local charities and had 40,000 visitors, who pay a per-vehicle donation. (Photo above from IBEW)
Mary Turck
News Day 