Todays Letters: Censoring the tree? Outrageous

The consensus of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, not to promote the tree-lighting event as a "faith-based event," slipped in the censorship of the word "Christmas" from their first annual "Holiday Tree Lighting" event Dec. 1 in a Pasco County park.

I discovered the event when I read my membership chamber e-mail Newsletter, which insulted me with this quote, "Remember this event is all about giving back to the community, and we look forward to having many of you participate and join us for such a historic moment!"

Truly, this is historic. Ignoring all history, even the birth of Christ in the name of the tree!

I called the chamber about the decision. One member stated it was the rule of the park to abstain from any reference to religion.

The other member stated it was the decision of the chamber board to be politically correct. I asked this member what he thought the outcome would be if a chamber poll asked whether it would offend the majority of the population if the tree was called a holiday tree or a Christmas tree?

He stated, "This is a conservative Republican community, so I already know what they think."

Interesting. How can it be giving back anything to a community that has its tree censored by a minority? If anything, it has been ripped off by this event.

I was shocked to think that this event, which desired to serve the community, would rather be used as an event to agitate the majority in a community at one of the more sacred events of our Christmas heritage.

It would seem that this symbol, so ordinary and secular as a Christmas tree, would find itself censored from the expression in a community named after the Rev. John Wesley.

I would not be offended by the menorah for Hanukkah, but, I would not call it a lamp so as to not offend some religious group just to be politically correct.

Paul Burdick, Wesley Chapel

This tree nonsense makes you wonder

The Port Richey mayor is putting up a "holiday tree."

What's next, a holiday flag on June 14, or will the kids be scrambling for holiday eggs at Easter?

How come we elect such spineless people then condone their actions?

Richard Dorn, Port Richey

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule). Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668, or by fax to 727-869-6233 or go to www.tampabay.com/letters/.

Fill out the form to supply us with your personal information, the subject line, and type your letter in the space provided. You can also cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer. When you are done, hit the button that says "Submit My Letter."

[Last modified November 25, 2007, 21:37:00]