http://www.au.org/site/News2?JServSessionIdr001=sjcgvxxrt1.app1b&abbr=pr&page=NewsArticle&id=7675&security=1002&news_iv_ctrl=1241The Rev. Jerry Falwell and his Religious Right cohorts have been complaining for weeks now about government agencies and store clerks saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” but it looks like Falwell forgot to tell President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and the Republican National Committee about the preferred religiously correct greeting.
The White House’s 2005 holiday card is just out, and it doesn’t mention the word “Christmas” once.
The card, mailed under the auspices of the Republican National Committee and signed by the president and his wife, reads, “With best wishes for a holiday season of hope and happiness 2005.” It also includes a passage from the Old Testament Book of Psalms.
The front cover is an artist’s rendition of the White House and grounds covered with snow while the presidential pets, two dogs and a cat, frolic on the lawn. It contains no religious symbolism.
“Have President Bush and the first lady joined the so-called war on Christmas?” asked the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “Where are the howls of protest from Jerry Falwell? When will he stand up and save Christmas from this mean-spirited, anti-God attack?”
Lynn noted that Laura Bush piled on Monday during a White House ceremony unveiling a Christmas tree remarking, “Well, ‘all things bright and beautiful’ is the theme this year. I think it will be really bright and beautiful with this fabulous tree. But thank you all very much. Happy holidays.”