Some Say There Is "A War On Christmas"; But Not At White House

Yesterday's New York Newsday carried an article reviewing "The Culture Wars Before Christmas". It reports that this year, we have an

"amped-up effort ... by the religious right and its media allies to monitor, lobby, boycott and litigate over the way the country celebrates the holiday season - from school chorales and municipal crèches to retail advertising and seasonal tree-lighting. Leaders say the effort is needed to beat back a war on Christmas and Christianity by "secularists" and liberal groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union.... Critics, however, say it is all an overblown effort to use a hot-button issue to raise money and tempers in pursuit of larger political goals.

Meanwhile, last week at the White House, no war on Christmas could be detected. On Thursday, the President lit the National Christmas tree, calling the event "one of the great traditions in our Nation's Capital." He continued, "Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy -- and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity. " (Full text of remarks.)