Congress to vote on Christmas' significance
By Steve Benen Monday Dec 10, 2007 8:02pm
Many congressional Republicans have complained lately that lawmakers aren’t doing enough to tackle the policy issues that really matter. To help highlight his caucus’ concerns, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), easily among the top five looniest members of the chamber, will bring H.Res. 847 to the floor today. It will put the House on record stating that Christmas and Christians are important.
Seriously. John Bresnahan noted:
As someone with a Christian background, I can safely say this may be the silliest resolution ever introduced by, or voted upon, by Congress, although I am a little curious to see if anyone will vote against it.
Do we really need Congress to say Christmas and the Christian faith are important? Isn't that pretty self evident by now? Don't Christians already pretty much run everything in this country, except for the mainstream media, which is of course controlled by a Jewish-Illuminati-Bill Gates cabal? Don't we already get Dec. 25 off?
Bresnahan’s tongue-in-cheek Grinch-itude notwithstanding, the measure will state that the House of Representatives “recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world,” “expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide,” and among other things, “acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization.”
And what, pray tell, prompted Steve King to unveil the resolution? Apparently, spite — King is feeling bitter about the House recently honoring some religious minorities.
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What are the reich-wingers going vote on next, that water is wet?
I got to spend part of Thanksgiving with Rep King's constituents at my Grandmother's funeral. Let's just say I don't think he's an inaccurate representative of the district (I actually cried when I saw Boston out the plane window on my return...never going to that hell of NW Iowa again)
As an atheist, I find this deeply offensive.
Just sharing.
Help help! My country is full of assholes...help!
As an atheist, I find this in-your-face Christianity appalling. Stop with the 24/7 proselytizing for your faith, King.
Your Christian mindset is just that: a mindset. It does not deserve to be glorified, promoted, cheered on by Congress, or shoved in American's faces.
Leave us alone.
F*ck superstition, and double f*ck the superstitious.
Seriously.
Anyone not a Christian should find this deeply offensive and anyone with a passing understanding of seperation of church and state should as well. These behaviors from the wingnuts are pushing the envelope and I wish to hell the establishments dems would stop pandering to it as well and stand up for what's right before the only thing they or us will be standing up to his morning roll call at the concentration camp.
Fabulous
Even better, when I went to Rep. King's website and attempted to contact him, it asked me for my zip code (93921) and then refused to allow me to communicate with him
What a bunch of arrogant idiots.
And we pay their salaries.
How DARE he introduce this resolution right in the middle of Hannukkah!
Are we going to need one of these resolutions for EVERY religion. If so why not just pass a res that honors ALL religions and then SHUT UP!
Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity;Umm... what is the "its" in "its roots in Christianity" because that seems to be claiming that the US has its roots in Christianity, and I'd *LOVE* to know what that's supposed to imply.
I believe congress already clarified in the 19th century that the US is in no way a christian country.
If I were a member of congress, I would not even honor such a farcical pile of bollocks with a vote.
Is Christmas significant?
Your damned right it is. With a consumer based economy and 50% of all retail sales revolving around Christmas our economy would colapse without it.
Screw jesus and all his fans.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Bored @ 3:
Great point...you never hear us Atheists complain about the fact that your God is always being forced on us. I think you should be able to talk about religion in school, just because I always thought school to be a good place to learn and grow in your knowledge of any subject. I have never felt that someone thanking God or Jesus in a speech has ever hurt me or my beliefs.
I do question why an athlete who thanks God when he does good on the playing field doesn't blame Satan when he does bad on the same field. you would think the go hand in hand.
But for all I have to put up with from the Christian's in this country, why should they feel threatened because I don't believe or support what they 'claim' to believe and support...I say 'claim' because most people who say they are religious only believe in the parts of the teachings that suit them and they just blow off all the rest. Can anyone say Leviticus?
Oh good. Now maybe I can forget about all this nasty CIA torture tape business.
But You don't understand !!! The christian faith is under attack and are fighting for their very existence. See graph
Wille Lee @ 14:
Oh you and your Liberal Constitution!
Wille Lee @ 14:
good point willie
Volum @ 13:
I had this vision today of Geaorge Bush with a huge slot in the top of his head and a giant screw driver came down from the sky and screwed him right into the ground.
It was a very pleasant moment.
What are the odds that there is some scandal lurking in this guy's background?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3YF8nH7J0o
Well, darn it, now I'm writing to my representative in the House demanding they immediately introduce bills to acknowledge the contribution of quality footwear in the founding of this country, and the importance of Saran wrap to our national higiene. These issues have to be confronted and let's see how many representatives dare vote against them!
Leaving the US 35 years ago is looking more and more like the smartest thing I've ever done.
im still pissed that they wiped out the druids, fuckin' crucifix wearin' martyrs.
NBF @ 1:
Perhaps the Christian heritage of water? Why are the secular-humanist, islamofascist-enabling, godless, far-left loonisphere waging war on water?
Heathwood @ 22:
Now, just how does that fit in here?
Anyone else tired of babysitting the religious-right? Anyone else tired of holding their hands and telling them: "no, it's okay that you are prejudiced dumbshits. Yes, it's true that people persecute you when they refuse to impose you loony prohibitions on the rest of us."?
Okay... IMPRESS me Congress. Now that you have officially sanctioned that Christianity is one of the world's great religions, how about going a step further with one the basics of Christianity...like Thou Shalt Not Kill? Oh...but I forget. SO many Christians are still having a very hard time with that one.
Never mind.
Read THIS Graph, showing how xstians are being attacked.
This Christian/Christmas controversy is about to cause all hell to break loose in the presidential race.
The FSM candidate, and the WSM candidate, almost came to blows in an Iowa diner yesterday, in a fierce debate about whether Columbus day should be celebrated on the second Monday in October, or on October 12, and whether the 'Pagan Rites' of the christians should be replaced by the 'Truly Religious' ceremonies of the FSM and WSM 'Devoted Pasta People', and whether 'Walking Spaghetti' acolytes were as devoted as 'Flying Spaghetti' parishioners.
Over a hearty breakfast of linguini and calamari sauce, the WSM and FSM candidates agreed to ignore, in fact, boycott Christmas and all christians, pointing out that an extraordinary number of that cult have been caught in very un-religious acts and circumstances, and seem more adherents to the principles of Satan than to those of 'god'.
'They have just lost their way', the FSM and WSM candidates agreed, 'And if they should see the light, and find the path, and head for the high ground, we will welcome those sinners into the FSM or WSM ways of the Universe, once they have renounced the evil in their souls'.
On that positive light, the FSM and WSM candidates began to string spaghetti and linguini all over the traditional FSM/WSM collenders, to kick off the holiday celebration for October, 2009. Why so early?
'Actually, we're late', the FSM and WSM candidates revealed. 'We should have started October 13th, or the second Tuesday in October, because SM is a year-round deity, who deserves constant devotion'.
Is this the beginning of a rational, reasonable approach to 'religion', a peaceful substitute for the warlike characteristics of all religions, up to now?
We solemnly, seriously, devoutly hope so. 'Arrivederci, SM'.
What's next? How about a resolution recognizing the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to the United States economy...
"Let it hereby be resolved in this honorable Senate that one of the great religions of the world is worship of the twelve gods of Olympus!" [1]
[1] Herodotus and D. Siculus. Design of a faster-than-light, flying chariot, Proceedings of the 700th International Greek Religious Conference (GRC 837), pp. 380-384, 837 BC.
Oh...and I'm staying the HELL out of Colorado!
I know people throw around the phrase "you can't make this stuff up" way too much, but...
Seriously, did you make this shit up?
As a Christian, I find this deeply offensive.
Rep. King offends me almost every time he opens his mouth.
My mom says I am important and their should be a resolution just for me! *holds breath, turns blue*
I want to bring forth a bill recognizing us people who think your childish/freakish wasting of the peoples tax dollars to reaffirm your power is really pissing us all off.
Yes, Rep. King. The religious-right invented science, freedom, the transistor, the automobile, higher-yield crops, and the cell-phone. Satisfied now?
/sarcasm
be afraid of christmass future , if you dont slobber over the baby jesus you will have your head ripped off and the evangelicos will shit down your neck!!!!
Let us all pray that Congress votes 'NO'.
Your country's politicians are PATHETIC! With all the problems your country has and they feel that this vote is important? I am sitting here just shaking my head and laughing at the US along with alot of other people in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Jr03ADQmk
After this fiasco, if Congress sends a 'Christmas Bill' to Bush for passage, one would almost hope that he would append a 'signing statement' that abolished Congress.
Mike the Canuck @ 42:
Most of the Ex-Pats in my group of friends (in Thailand) are looking into getting multi-year Visa's. The U.S. is looked at so suspiciously here that we all wear Passport Covers.
Mike the Canuck @ 42:
What are you talking about? Hand-holding the religious-right is one of the most important honors in the world. Solving our country's problems is relatively trivial.
Take that jewzz!!!!
We should remove the military's restrictions on enlistees that 'prevents the acceptance of any applicant so stupid as to profess christianity', and make 'christianity is a requirement for induction into the armed forces'.
That ought to get rid of some of the ass*oles, or at least get them out of the way, out of sight, locked away in a 'Green Zone' somewhere.
Disturbing. And sickening.
That idiot Robertson is so pleased right now, he's probably curled up on the rectory floor, pissing all over his little curled-up toes.
I'm working my butt off to get out of here. I just hope that by the time I get enough money, I'm not too late.
Why don't they just go ahead and declare Christianity the official religion of the United States.
Oh, wait:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
we wish you a merry christmas
we wish you a merry christmas
we wish you a merry christmas
now shut the fuck up!
I'm still waiting for Congress to get on the record about motherhood, democracy and good hygiene.
At least this is just useless. Unless it becomes the, you know, "Merry Christmas and Unsupervised Torture Authorization Bill of 2007"
This puts Congress in a lot of danger, Pat Robertson announced that God told him that if Congress didn't pass the Christmas bill, and put on an earmark for another $199B in faith-based allocations to Robertson's church, he was going to strike Pat with total paralysis and 'Wipe Congress off the Face of My Earth'.
That's a heavy burden to bear as you reach for the 'Aye' or 'Nay' button.
Idiots
Out
Wandering
Around
This does resolve the question of 'What is the Official Religion of the United States of America'?
It's 'Stupidity'.
Hallelujah, Amen.
Oh, and by the way, religious oppression occurs when other people prevent you from practicing your religion.
It's not the same thing when other people simply IGNORE your religion. That's what the rest of us in the modern world call "civility."
'nuff said
This resolution needs a companion resolution that provides that
'Congress is Irrelevant, and of No Significance, Whatsoever, and All Measures Heretofore Taken, or Hereafter Enacted, My Be Cheerily Disregarded'.
Loonie @ 11:
If you were a member of congress, you'd be just another self-serving marionette...
Christians Attack Young Girl in Oklahoma
Proving yet again that the religious whackos need constant re-affirmation from the public that their delusions are okay.
Aeon @ 63:
Hillarious ... but true.
Before Congress acts on this resolution, they should pass a quick act that provides that a 'WTF' button should be added to the 'AYE' and 'NAY' buttons before each Congressperson.
I'm not the first to say it, but I think it deserves to be mentioned here.
The separation of church from state does not exist to protect the state -- it exists solely to save the church from government's corrupting grasp.
Does this demonstrate to all the ridiculous futility of nit-picking the supposed differences between candidates, or republicans and democrats?
They're all fu*king nuts, total loony-tunes.
Can I secede from the human race now? For pity's sake, why did we need any Congressional resolutions about religious holidays -- minority or otherwise?!? What does any of this have to do with how the government is run?!? Good grief, what a lot of useless showboating and chest-beating...ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
I hope some really, really rich humanitarian buys a whole bunch of Congressfolks, puts them in a burlap sack, and drowns them.
That would take a lot of 'idiot' out of the gene pool, and might be an incentive for the others to shape-up.
If not, repeat step 1.
Ummm... I thought I lived in a country where there is a separation of church and state? As of late I have been wrong huh. Well congressman, suck my 12 Hindu c0*k@!
This should be the incentive we need to involuntarily secede Iowa from the Union.
EnjoyTheSilence @ 66:
And government from a church's corrupting grasp. After all, it was the Danbury Baptists who started this, when government was sanctioning a version of Christianity which conflicted with their beliefs.
EnjoyTheSilence @ 66:
The wall goes both ways.
This brings up the imponderable question:
If you owned a lot of Congresspeople, what would you do with them?
By the way, this resolution is unconstitutional. Though I should mention that. Basically, it's declaring that Christianity is the "official" religion of the people. And if this motion passes, I'm moving to Estonia. I swear.
Maybe he wants chocomilkboarding during Christmas.
We ought to celebrate this Christmas with a big Congressional barbeque, if we can find a sauce that makes Congressional ass*oles taste good.
The Founding Fathers were not evangelical christians (can you say Deist?), and the US was not formed as a christian nation, saints be praised.
In fact, the whole goddamn point was to get religious assholes off of everyone's back. It was a nice try, but, really, it has failed. You christians just can't do your own thing, ever. You just cant live with your own version of a ridiculous bunch of absolute horseshite, and not feel it incumbent to shove down every body else's throat (or worse, amen).
I know you really cant help yourselves, but please please please keep your rejection of this world, this planet, and this life (because you believe that this is just step one, on the way to something better, a really dopey outlook, in my opinion) out of my life, out of my sight, out of MY business, and, while I am at it, everyone else's too.
This is not a christian country, on purpose. Read some goddamn history once in a while, and I DONT MEAN THE BIBLE.
Sincerely
Torquemada
Oh - it passed the House with flying colors:
Update - The House passed this bill today. The vote, surprisingly, was 372-9, with 10 members also voting "Present," meaning they took no position on the legislation, and 40 not voting. One of the "Present" votes was cast by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.). More Democrats -195 - voted for the bill than Republicans, 177.
The nine members who voted against the bill - God bless them! - are Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.).
how fucking pathetic. the screams of a weakened belief system.
Preacher Boob @ 74:
Use them for bookends.
Someone needs to ask these idiots to prove that X-mas has anything to do with their hypocritical churchianity. They should be forced to point to the exact sentence in their much-revered bible that tells the date of X-mas and the instructions on how to celebrate it. Claiming that there is some religious basis for this utterly meaningless, hypocritcal, plastic holiday is beyond belief. Either prove it or STFU.
Enjoy the Silence - I believe it was Madison - or else Hamilton - who explained the need for the separation of church and state: to prevent the State from being corrupted by religion and to protect religion from being corrupted by the State. It is indeed a dual-sided Wall. And for good reason - just look at what has occured since Bush got into office (and I recommend you read David Kuo's book - "Tempting Faith", as he was the second in command of the White House's "faith based" programs.
Sarah @ 79:
OMG, if the dummies in Iowa were idiots enough to elect a sh*t-grinning-fool like Steve King, what the hell are they going to do with the presidential candidates?
Elect Chelsea and Oprah?
I'm a Child of GOD and I find this highly Discriminatory and offensive! Fire the bums who waste our tax dollars on SHIT! Dirty fricken dogs! I will never celebrate X-mas with the purchase of another of those GODless dirty merchant's CRAP AGAIN.
enough of all this fucking christian and christmas bullshit.
Curious Congerss might "vote" on something that they take a paid Holiday for.
Congerss doesn't care about Christmas; Congress cares about excuses to not work. Call it something else, it's still a Holiday, and part of the winter recess.
Fucking Christians. God wouldn't take you even if he existed. Congratulations on taking the Christian faith and turning it from something I didn't really care about to something that actively disgusted me. Well done, hope there's an extra mint on your pillow when you make your way to Heaven to play with the unicorns. In short, go fuck yourselves.
Just how many flags can you get in to ONE picture? Or is that how many fags? What a suckup little goof.
who the hell pays these people who draft these things, and why? o yeah, i forgot, taxpayers do. is it just me or does shit like this just scream misappropriation of funds paid to these good for nothing congressmen? are they going to tell me they dont have anything more important to do than write up bullshit like this to vote on? and as if thats not good enough, they waste EVERYONE elses time by voting on it. for petes sake, do something useful with your time will ya? jesus, im shakingly mad just thinking about it. its ulcer time.
Jeon Ji-Yung @ 89:
Remember to take prozac morning & evening.
O.K., I think we've had enough fun now. Time for an update to this that states,
"Just Kidding" or "April Fools"!
Please let this be a joke and not something that a Congressman actually took the time to write and introduce. Just another day in Bush's America....
>>the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States
Sneaky sonofabitch.
WHY are they discussing RELIGION in CONGRESS?!!!! ARGGGGG!!!!
if this was anywhere close to funny it would be hilarious.
Mark Richards @ 94:
Hmmm...wonder why the Founding Fathers didn't make that role clear. No mention of Jesus or Christmas or Christianity or the Trinity or anything like that in our Constitution.
Hmmm. Wonder why they forgot such an important thing?
How about a resolution stating that Mormonism is an important religion, the first truly American form of Christianity and that Mormons played an essential role in the founding of the West and that Congress recognizes that Joseph Smith was truly one of the founding fathers?
Hmmm...why NOT?
christmas is just another commercial holiday like mothers' day, valentines' day, or perhaps more apropos, halloween!! give us a break! and as for "christians", well.....
Two thoughts come to mind.
First off, King was the idiot that had the poster on the house floor during the SCHIP Debate that read:
Socialized
Clinton-style
Hillarycare for
Illegals and their
Parents
The second thought is that the citizens of Iowa have a significant impact on who the candidates are in the Presidential General Election. Can anyone tell me why people that are as intellectually challenged as these people that they elect this clown have so much power over who is on the ballot for President?
Dahgrostab'ph-r-i @ 4:
And we allow insane people to rule us because we're sheeple.
I saw mommy waterboarding santa
I watched this resolution be brought to the floor today. It was absurd to hear Congress people talk about Christian values, as 4 million Iraqi people find themselves displaced and there are 1 million Iraqi people dead along with 4000 American soldiers and 30,ooo injured. It was insane to hear them pretend to be concerned about the lives of others.
The whole world is watching.
xoites defends Constitution @ 12:
xoites, you hit the nail right in the hand.