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Updated: 7:00 PM Oct 29, 2009
Name change for state 'holiday' tree causing controversy
Governor Beshear changed the tree's name from "Christmas" to "holiday." Those against the change say it's a matter of faith and tradition. Posted: 6:49 PM Oct 29, 2009 |
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128 Comments 
So what's in a name?
When it comes to the state's holiday tree, many people are saying, "a lot."
Governor Beshear is coming under fire for changing the name of the tree from "Christmas" to "holiday."
"For Jane and me obviously, it'll be a Christmas tree because we celebrate the birth of Christ during the holiday season," Beshear said. "But for others, it may mean something else."
He says cutting "Christmas" from the tree is an attempt to be inclusive of all faiths.
Ken Ostrander with the Family Foundation says the governor's decision is foolish.
His office was flooded with concerned emails and calls about the tree decision.
"To change Christmas to holiday is a little bit like taking Independence Day, and so we won't offend the Brits, or some other foreigner, calling it the Fourth of July so it has no meaning," Ostrander said.
The Family Foundation argues Christians are offended by taking Christ out of the holiday.
But Ostrander says the anger over the governor's decision to rename the tree isn't simply about a Christian connection to the idea of a Christmas tree.
"It doesn't really have a role in Christianity," Ostrander said. "It's not about religion, but it's a tradition, and the governor was not elected to change tradition."
The governor says some people are looking too much into his decision.
"There are folk who like to inject politics into Christmas, and I'm just not one of them," Beshear said.
If you would like your tree to be considered for the state holiday tree, click on the link below.
The tree has to be shaped like a pyramid, and must be 35 to 50 feet tall.
Latest Comments
For God sakes just leave it alone, it"s been called a Christmas Tree forever. You don't like then call it whatever you want to..... Christmas is about Jessus not what you believe or not.
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Why can't they leave well enough alone.If some people find it "offensive" to be called a christmas tree,don't call it that.Call it a bush for all I care.To me it WILL ALWAYS be a Christmas tree.What has happened to this world?
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GOV Brashear: Holiday Tree??? What a joke to change the name of Christmas Tree to "Holiday Tree" I don't think most of KY is going to go for this much less vote for you again!! Get this: We stood by and let O'Hara take the Bible out of school, then we stood by and let the Ten Commandments of the Courthouse and School walls! That's not all they are trying to take "In God we trust of our money (bills and coins). Now you want to put up a Holiday tree! It's bad enough that Greeting Card Companies are afraid to mention "Christmas" This is our country and I never remember an election for "The People" on any of these matters. What is next? Will we not be allowed to go to Church or read the Bible? I could say more. God bless your people. Faye Vaughn
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