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Buttars says bah to 'holiday' greetings
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Be of Good Cheer | 11:54 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I personally say "Merry Christmas" but never have taken offense at
"Happy Holidays". Isn't this just forcing one group's view
upon the other? Whether you come from the left or the right, it's the same
thing.
Reid | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Happy Holidays, Senator. Happy Holidays.
Joe | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Chris Buttars is a joke. Quit wasting Utah's time and money Chris! The
only War on Christmas comes from people like you who think Christmas is supposed
to be about SHOPPING!!!!
Comments continue below
What a Waste of Time | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Did this guy really get re-elected? This is absolutely crazy.
Really?!?!? | 12:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Buttars is just wasting time on ridiculous resolutions. Way to go West Jordan
on re-electing this yahoo.
JackTorrence | 12:10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a waste of time.
bob carlisle | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
i have never seen any normal, hard working, anybody get offended by merry
christmas, i have never seen any normal, hard working anybody, get offended by
happy holidays or happy Chanukah, every one gets offended by merry x-mas
however. happy holidays is an acceptable middle ground. if you want to say merry
christmas who cares. no need for action.
Stupidity | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
How could people be so blind and stupid to re-elect this clown?
Citizens of West Jordan | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Shame on you for re-electing this person.
Roger S. | 12:29 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I don't believe Senator Buttars' effort is a waste of time, my reason
being that if we fail to do something to keep "Christmas" as part of
the Christmas Holiday, the very meaning of the season may eventually be lost or
at least weakened. It's a small thing to encourage retailers and shoppers
to use "Christmas" rather than "Holiday", but traditions and
ideas are lost one small step at a time.
BRB | 12:38 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Even by the often silly and self-centered "Christian" standards of
many Utahans, this is a truly asinine new low. Happy Saturnalia, Senator.
Anonymous | 12:40 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Wasn't it this newspaper that referred to a Christmas tree as a Yule tree?
The Deseret News will be hearing from a local lawmaker. :-)
Utahn, not a Xian | 12:43 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
This is no more a Christian Country than it is a Muslim, Jew or Agnostic
country. It is a country. Free to be a Buttars and free to be a Buttars hater.
This guy is running out of bogus causes and is starting to look like Dell
Schanze more and more everyday. Gayle get a new houseboy, this one embarrasses
even you!
xscribe | 12:49 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I think there should be a law defining Christmas as one Christian shopper at one
Wal-Mart, period!
Lavinia | 12:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I should be able to wish you "Merry Christmas" without fear of being
sued.
No matter WHO endorses it, this is a worthy endeavor because our country is becoming less Christian by the minute. This trend of not saying "Christmas" in favor of "Holiday" has got to end. We are a country founded on Christian principles. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not "Holiday's."
Merry Christmas, and to all a good day!!
No matter WHO endorses it, this is a worthy endeavor because our country is becoming less Christian by the minute. This trend of not saying "Christmas" in favor of "Holiday" has got to end. We are a country founded on Christian principles. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not "Holiday's."
Merry Christmas, and to all a good day!!
Getting off track... | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Christmas is the domain of religion, and state lawmakers should leave it at
that. I celebrate Christmas, but I think having the state dictate or
"encourage" behaviors related to this or any other religious
observance cheapens the holiday. Let's respect people's rights to
decide what they will celebrate, how, and why.
I don't see how the supposed "attack on Christmas" could be considered a legitimate state concern. We are going through tough times and Utah is facing some major issues. Would Buttars and fellow legislators please focus on those?
I don't see how the supposed "attack on Christmas" could be considered a legitimate state concern. We are going through tough times and Utah is facing some major issues. Would Buttars and fellow legislators please focus on those?
JanSan | 1:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I am REALLY surprised by the comments on this board!! Do you know or remember
what the celebration of Christmas is all about????? It is to celebrate the birth
of Jesus Christ. That is what it funtion was in the beginning - and I for one do
not want it to change to just a "season" to celebrate with LOTS of
wordly gifts. I think he is right. The Muslims and Jews have their holidays and
we do not interfer with them why must we change ours to include them ? PLEASE
remember everyone the reason for the season is Christ!!!! Therefore Christmas.
Please don't forget. If you do not believe in Christ and want to celebrate
in your own way be my guess..... But don't change the name and reason for
the rest of us. It sounds like gays and marraige all over. Why is alright to be
gay and Muslim and any other religion - but Christians must not persecuted?
xscribe | 1:06 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
To Lavinia: Which Christian principle was it that took this land away from the
Natives; lying, cheating, stealing, or murder?
Merry Christmas | 1:08 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
There is nothing wrong with supporting the use of Merry Christmas. Today, many
companies are changing their advertising to Happy Holiday's in fear of
offending those who aren't Christians. This is ridiculous of course, or is
it? I believe we are slowly being lulled away from being "one nation under
God" by those who go out of their way to be politically correct out of
fear/desire. It has always been Merry Christmas and it should always be Merry
Christmas. We celebrate the birth of the Savior whose name this holiday has
been given.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Honestly | 1:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Well, West Jordan, thanks a lot. Just because the majority of the country is
Christian doesn't mean that 'Happy Holidays' is a bad thing. I
would also like to remind Mr Buttars that Mormons are not a majority, but our
rights are still important. The purpose of a republic is to protect all, not a
rule by majority lifestyle. If majority rule was king, I hate to think what kind
of laws we would have in this country.
The problem with Christmas is that it falls near so many other religious days. To be fair, Happy Holidays captures them all. We don't have this problem with Easter, because there aren't other conflicting religious holidays surrounding the date. That being said, I am not offended by any of the holiday greetings.
The bottom line, though, is that the government should not be meddling in how stores choose to advertise. I do not support my tax dollars going towards such a silly resolution.
The problem with Christmas is that it falls near so many other religious days. To be fair, Happy Holidays captures them all. We don't have this problem with Easter, because there aren't other conflicting religious holidays surrounding the date. That being said, I am not offended by any of the holiday greetings.
The bottom line, though, is that the government should not be meddling in how stores choose to advertise. I do not support my tax dollars going towards such a silly resolution.
Merry Hanaquanza | 1:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Is Gail Ruzicka holding the puppet strings? When are we going to get away from
the Eagle Forum lackeys in the Utah Legislature? Buttars is a Utah
embarrassment. Thanks, West Jordan.
Anonymous | 1:20 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The retailers Butters is referring to are mostly large corporations run by his
Repug. cohorts. Better be careful who you upset! Keep Govt. out of religion,
and vice versa!
Nate | 1:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I agree with Lavinia!! The "holidays" issues reminds me of the over
protectant parent who when buying birthday gifts for a child buys another
child(ren) an "unbirthday" present to make sure that they don't get their feelings hurt and feel left out.
CHRISTMAS is a religous holiday. Stop trying to make it otherwise.
Go Buttars for doing something to offset the squeaky wheel Leftist.
child(ren) an "unbirthday" present to make sure that they don't get their feelings hurt and feel left out.
CHRISTMAS is a religous holiday. Stop trying to make it otherwise.
Go Buttars for doing something to offset the squeaky wheel Leftist.
WASTE O TIME! | 1:26 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
SHOULDN'T BUTTARS BE DOING SOMETHING BETTER WITH HIS TIME? GOSH, LET ME
SEE ISN'T THERE A FEW THINGS GOING ON WITH UHHH THE ECONOMY, WAR,
ETC...THAT WOULD BE A TINY BIT MORE IMPORTANT TO FOCUS ON???
Bobby | 1:33 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I agree with Buttars. But he is one of the last guys you want to champion any
cause.
Lynn | 1:34 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Listen, I am an Atheist. I do not care if people say Merry Christmas to me. I
honestly do not think you Christians care if I wish you a Happy Solstice. Same
as wishing me a Happy Hanukah or Kwanza. Go ahead. What I do not understand is
why you people celebrate someone else's birthday - give each other presents
for god's birthday. That's... I don't know. All well meaning
anyway.
Democracy... | 1:47 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I personally think that stores should say "Merry Christmas" if they
are run by a Christian...someone who believes in Christ. It saddens me to see
"Happy Holidays" replacing "Merry Christmas".
But I am also a believer in democracy...and anytime someone tries to infringe on anothers right to put in their store window "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" is an infringement on democracy. The flip side of this is also true. We shouldn't prevent people from displaying religious sayings in their stores. And Gay rights groups shouldn't expect the rest of us to believe the load of manure (aka BLATENT LIES) that they spread. They are trying to legislate what we believe. It's wrong anyway you look at it.
But I am also a believer in democracy...and anytime someone tries to infringe on anothers right to put in their store window "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" is an infringement on democracy. The flip side of this is also true. We shouldn't prevent people from displaying religious sayings in their stores. And Gay rights groups shouldn't expect the rest of us to believe the load of manure (aka BLATENT LIES) that they spread. They are trying to legislate what we believe. It's wrong anyway you look at it.
Occupied | 1:51 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I have no problem with Sen. Buttars wasting his time on this nonsense...at least
it keeps him from meddling around with much more serious and meaningful issues
facing Utahans.
Anonymous | 1:57 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thios has got to be a joke. When there are so many other things of importants
going on in this stated he wants Christmas as the word used by retailers. Keep
him in West Jordan. Some people just have to much time on thier hands and he is
one of them. Work on the state budget not what we should call the 25th of
December Holiday.
Season's Greetings! | 2:05 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
This issue is just another example of the Right Wing talking heads looking for
an issue to whip up the base. "Happy Holidays" has been around
forever and is no attack on Christmas. This whole issue reminds me of what
Jesus condemned the Pharisees for--focusing on the minutae and "rules"
so they missed the whole Gospel message. Stop this nonsense.
Christmas | 2:06 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
If todays "Christians" acted more like their namesake, we
wouldn't even be having this discussion. Sadly, lately it seems as if
"Christian" is nothing more than code for right-wing politics.
Ridiculous, but go ahead, Christ | 2:07 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
"Christmas" in the stores no more focuses on the Christian part of
Christmas than does "Happy Holidays." Since when does all of the
retail part remind of Jesus Christ?
Non-Christians participate in the holiday this time of the year. Why shouldn't they celebrate a holiday in December?
Whatever, Chris Buttars.
Non-Christians participate in the holiday this time of the year. Why shouldn't they celebrate a holiday in December?
Whatever, Chris Buttars.
Oh boy | 2:08 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Congrats, Buttars. You continue to make a donkey of yourself. And
congratulations West Jordan for re-electing this embarrassment.
RESIGN MR. BUTTARS | 2:10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I personally think Buttars is a religious nut and somewhat crazy-- that being
said this is the FIRST time I have ever agreed with anything he has done.
We have lost the meaning of Christmas. Maybe its time to call attention to it.
Now Senator Buttars you've made me agree with you one time so resign and let someone competent replace you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!
We have lost the meaning of Christmas. Maybe its time to call attention to it.
Now Senator Buttars you've made me agree with you one time so resign and let someone competent replace you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!
Anonymous | 2:14 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
We have a major hole in the state budget and a myriad of other important issues
and Buttars comes up with this? Hey, Buttars, you are paid to address issues
that are important to the taxpayers of this state. Quit wasting our time and the
countless sheets of paper and legislative staff time that we paying for on this
sort of nonsense.
JP | 2:18 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I can't believe what a joke that man is willing to make of himself.
Legislative time is precious--don't waste it on junk like this.
bill | 2:21 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Buttars continues to be an embarasssment. Instead of working to build an
environmment where real companies with real jobs want to move to Utah, he teams
up with Larry miller (no Brokeback Mountain) and our Utah Film Commission to
create a hostile business location. Instead of worrying about stupid legislation
like this, work on something meaningful...for a change.
Still unbelievable | 2:25 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
That people in Buttars' district voted him back in office. He is the
scariest legislature in history. Any thing he suggests, do the opposite.
Taxpayer dollars at work | 2:25 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Now this is a good use of taxpayer money and legislative time.
ENOUGH ALREADY!!! | 2:25 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I can't stand it any more!!! This if for all of you yahoos who believe
there is a war on Christmas. THERE NEVER HAS BEEN, AND IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY
THAT THERE EVER WILL BE, A WAR ON CHRISTMAS!!!
The whole "War on Christmas" was just another piece of hyperbole used to get all of you upset. Credit whomever you wish for creating the "War" (personally, I prefer to credit Bill O'reilly). The bottom line is Christmas is not under attack and probably will be celebrated here forever.
The whole "War on Christmas" was just another piece of hyperbole used to get all of you upset. Credit whomever you wish for creating the "War" (personally, I prefer to credit Bill O'reilly). The bottom line is Christmas is not under attack and probably will be celebrated here forever.
Merry Christmas?!? | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Get a grip folks! The term "Happy Holidays" was invented to
incorporate other holidays (e.g., Hanukka), not to eliminate or downgrade
Christmas.
This country was not founded on the same Judeo-Christian beliefs and ideals that many of us believe in today. If it was we likely would not celebrate Christmas at all! Case in point, the Puritans outlawed the practice of celebrating Christmas for over 20 years during the 17th century because it was too Catholic.
This country was not founded on the same Judeo-Christian beliefs and ideals that many of us believe in today. If it was we likely would not celebrate Christmas at all! Case in point, the Puritans outlawed the practice of celebrating Christmas for over 20 years during the 17th century because it was too Catholic.
Anonymous | 2:36 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Lavinia, you may be celebrating Christmas, but who says EVERYONE must? You and
"Senator" Buttars need to read the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution. When you do, you will probably be surprised to see that neither
tne name "Jesus" nor the title "Christ" appears in either.
THIS IS NOT A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY and it is not supposed to be. It is for
everyone.
You are free to say Merry Christmas, put it on your house, send it on cards to everyone you know, etc. But you (and Buttars) have absolutely NO right to try to force others to do the same. Forcing a Jewish or Muslim or atheist or pagan or whatever shopkeeper to put Merry Christmas on his store is forcing your religion on others. I know that is an old mormon tradition, but it is still wrong. Buttars needs to be retired.
The people of West Jordan should be ashamed of themselves for re-electing him.
You are free to say Merry Christmas, put it on your house, send it on cards to everyone you know, etc. But you (and Buttars) have absolutely NO right to try to force others to do the same. Forcing a Jewish or Muslim or atheist or pagan or whatever shopkeeper to put Merry Christmas on his store is forcing your religion on others. I know that is an old mormon tradition, but it is still wrong. Buttars needs to be retired.
The people of West Jordan should be ashamed of themselves for re-electing him.
RE: Lavinia | 2:37 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Are you serious? Our country is becoming less Christian? Last time I checked
this is a FREE COUNTRY that does not asribe to a particular religious
affiliation. You may be celebrating Christmas but December is home to 3,yes
THREE
religious holidays. Yes, you should be able to say 'Merry Christmas' without being sued but forcing Christian beliefs on non-Christians is wrong.
Happy HOLIDAYS
religious holidays. Yes, you should be able to say 'Merry Christmas' without being sued but forcing Christian beliefs on non-Christians is wrong.
Happy HOLIDAYS
sob | 2:44 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
who cares what the bozo thinks, lets all just get a life and ignore him.
Dear Sen Buttars | 2:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Are you NOT aware that the word "holiday" is short for HOLY DAY?
There is NO "war against Christmas". NO ONE is trying to rename the HOLY DAY.
We ARE, however, protesting your need to prescribe which HOLY DAY (among many) should be mentioned during a commercialized retail store checkout and credit card scan.
The only "war on Christmas" is being committed by shoppers who have stomped one man to death and shot two others.
There is NO "war against Christmas". NO ONE is trying to rename the HOLY DAY.
We ARE, however, protesting your need to prescribe which HOLY DAY (among many) should be mentioned during a commercialized retail store checkout and credit card scan.
The only "war on Christmas" is being committed by shoppers who have stomped one man to death and shot two others.
Anonymous | 3:06 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Maybe if Buttars (et al) knew the history (not the bs revisionist history) of
"Christmas" they'd all think twice about pushing for it. Lets get
the Norsk God Yule (born on the 25th of December) his day back, better yet, give
us back the Winter Solstice, the original pagan celebration that actually
invented most of what we associate with "Christmas", such as lights,
decorating trees (prohibited according to the bible I might add), etc.
Whatever happened to FREE enterprise? Can't the owners of a store advertise any way they want to? Must we regulate everything to fit into Buttars narrow view of life? Get real.
Whatever happened to FREE enterprise? Can't the owners of a store advertise any way they want to? Must we regulate everything to fit into Buttars narrow view of life? Get real.
Anonymous | 3:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Mr. Carlyle, until now I have only known one person who was offended by X-mas.
She was very uneducated, and thought that the X was "crossing out
Christ." Apparently you have the same idea. Actually, it is an abbreviation
of Christmas, using the Greek letter X (Chi), the first letter of Christ, to
replace the whole word. The abbreviation has been known and used for centuries.
Johny Fairplay | 3:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Thanks West Jordan voters, jokes on all of us.
Anonymous | 3:10 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Buttars, this is not a "Christian Nation." Medieval Europe had
Christian nations. We don't want one.
To sob | 3:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Well, we would ignore this goofball if he were not wasting taxpayper money on
the time and resources for to attempt to advance this rubbish.
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