State Senator Wants "Merry Christmas" to Be Florida's Official Holiday Greeting

[Freddie Stubbs]

For the second year in a row, Democratic Orlando state Sen. Gary Siplin has filed a bill that would make "Merry Christmas" the official greeting on December 25.

The proposal is a proclamation, not a law, so if it passed, there would be no penalty for not saying it. But to John Keiffer of the Atheists of Florida, the gesture is a pretty clear violation of the U.S. Constitution.

"It establishes a religion," he said.

Keiffer called the proclamation a "slap in the face" to everyone who doesn't think Jesus was
born on December 25 or that there ever was a Jesus.

more: http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2011/09/florida_merry_christmas_law_atheists.php

[LeftishBrit]

1. Why does a state need an 'official holiday greeting' of any sort?

I thouught Republicans believed in 'small government'. I'm a nanny-stater-socialist type, but even I find it outrageous that people should need the government to tell them what to say on special occasions.

And mostly 'Merry Christmas' is more about shopping than about Jesus these days, anyway.

Personally, I enjoy being wished a Merry Christmas, Shana Tova, greetings for Eid, Happy Chinese New Year, or whatever friends or relations are celebrating. But if it's going to be all about the state giving me orders, and using it as a political football, then MY official holiday greeting will be 'Bah! Humbug!'

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. No Republicans were mentioned in the article

[LeftishBrit]

6. Sorry - it all just sounded so Republican. Usually they're the ones obsessed with Saving Christmas

Anyway my main point still stands - who needs an official holiday greeting?

[EC]

15. Saying Merry Christmas doesn't cover the whole holiday

season...that's why Happy Holidays is used.


This is just bull. I won't go so far as complaining about the separation of state and religion with this, since Xmas is a legal holiday mandated by the government, the government has already waded into that pool with Xmas. But this guy is an idiot.

[hobbit709]

3. Usually in the last few days of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Our greeting was "Merry Fucking Ho-Hos"

[Chipper Chat]

4. So "Marry Christmas" would be the official greeting on Dec. 25th?

Are there that many people named 'Christmas' in Florida?

[joeybee12]

5. And this will create HOW many jobs?

God, no wonder we're in such dire straits when this is how these nitwits spend their time.

[Raine]

7. How about a "Happy Halloween" greeting for Oct. 31? Oh that's

right ... there's a war on Halloween. x( :argh:

edit: added word

[spartan61]

8. OMG, This is what the tax payers in FL

are paying their state senators to do? File bills about what to say? I guess FL has no other problems that need the attention of the state's legislature.

[DrDan]

10. and there are no similar follies elsewhere in the U.S.?

or you just like to bash Florida.

[spartan61]

11. I am a Florida resident which gives me the right

to bash something this stupid when I am paying the salary for the state senator who proposes a stupid bill.

[DrDan]

14. I am also - have been for 28 years - and getting tired of the Florida bashing when similar events

occur across the U.S.

[Nancy Waterman]

9. I think it is a great idea

Then all of Florida's retired Jewish voters will vote Democratic and
drop their misconceived infatuation with Republicans. This will clarify things for them.

[Zephie]

16. The proposing senator is a democrat...

[jwirr]

12. Who the hell does he think he is telling me what I can and cannot

say? Happy Holidays.

[L0oniX]

13. WTF ...nothing more important to do?

[titaniumsalute]

17. Fuck Her

I'll wish people a Merry Mickey Mouse Holiday Extravaganza if I want to. This will go over great in Palm Beach County where I live with about a 40% Jewish population.