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Buttars says bah to 'holiday' greetings

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Heh-Heh | 6:55 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL .....and to all "YOUR UPTIGHT"
But Jake... | 6:56 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
But Jake, it is Buttars that isn't leaving us alone. He is trying to tell us what we should say, and it happens to be exalting his and your savior.

And, Buttars may be religious, but he isn't very moral.
Debbie | 7:05 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
This is not wasting anyone's time. Our country is in danger of losing freedoms such as this basic freedom of speech. We start restricting what greetings we can use and eventually it will be all, "Hail, Hitler."

I appreciate legislators with the guts to uphold our Constitutional rights and the Constitution states "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."

We are promised the right to say, "Merry Christmas"
if we want to and retailers have no right to restrict their employees' speech in this way. They also have no right to restrict their people from saying "Happy Hanukkah" or "Happy Kwanzaa," etc.

Unfortunately common sense is not common and legislation or resolutions must be presented to help the ignorant to recognize what is right and what is wrong. Thanks, Chris, for having the guts to bring difficult, seemingly small issues to the forefront before out freedoms are all taken from us. And, good for West Jordan for providing a little balance.
Comments continue below
CJ | 7:48 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Trying to get the government, whether federal, state, or local, to pass a resolution requiring businesses to allow folks to say 'Merry Christmas' is a foolhardy and wasteful endeavor.
It will have to be the consumers and patrons of these businesses sounding their voices (both literally and monitarily) to enact a change in 'Merry Christmas' allowed to be said.
Sen. Buttars, have you been secretly drinking the bong water again?
MMM | 7:49 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
WHAT A JOKE!!! Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, THE IDEA IS TO COME TOGETHER, BE ONE WITH THE WORLD REMEMBERING CHRIST BIRTH AND BE WITH YOUR FAMILY!!! (AND RESPECT WHAT OTHERS BELIEVE)

cork | 8:01 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Dear Stupidity,

The same "idiots" that re-elected him also elected Obama, Clinton two times and all the other idiots of their ilk who populate Washington, D.C. And this nation WAS founded as a Christian nation but finds itself falling on its face precisely because it not rejects that very principle.
Waste of time | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Our Legislators must be out of things to do, once again. Hey Chris, how about that economy? Not ugly enough to deal with yet?
LIVE FREE OR DIE!!! | 8:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I know there is no way would Jesus shop at store that says "HAPPY HOLIDAYS"!!!
He would only do his x-mas shopping at a proper "Christian Big Box Retailer".
I think he would also only go into major debt by using an approved "CHRIST-LIKE" credit card.
So let it be written, so let it be done.
Anonymous | 8:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Christmas = Christmas. I say happy halloween on halloween, I say Happy Thanksgiving on Thansgiving, I thank Veterans on Veterans day. Merry Chistmas senator!!
to debbie | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Yes, common sense is not common and you have none. Retailers are PRIVATE businesses. They have every right to tell their EMPLOYEES what to say. Freedom of speech does NOT give employees the right to say anything they want, at least if they want to stay employed. Otherwise, when the next customer calls, I could just tell them to get bent. Would my boss like this? No. The ignorance is all yours.
Waldo | 8:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Senator Buttars is awesome!
Who else can provide this much entertainment? Who else has such an uncanny resemblance to the scrooge?
I can hardly wait to find out what you have in store for us in January when the legislative session starts!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
to cork | 8:59 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Are you simple? I would bet that less than 1% of the people who voted for butters also voted for Obama. The only way I can think of where that would be the case is if butters kids voted for him. But then Ill bet that his kids are embarrassed and dont vote for him.
Disgusted Republican | 9:10 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Buttars is why the Republican Party is leaving me. Let religion worry about this issue, not a State Senator. This is not an issue the State can resolve regardless of where you stand. Let the market dictate this, or is that too "Republican?"
Sam | 9:14 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I am a Christian so I have no problem in saying merry Christmas but to legislate it is wrong you would not want to force someone who does not celebrate Christmas to have to say it, so I say no to Gayle Ruzicka's ..I mean her puppet Chris buttars (yesterdays worst person in the world according to Keith Olbermann on countdown)!
Congratulations to Sen. Buttars | 9:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
MSNBC's Countdown selected our local homophobic, racist, buffoon of a state senator as last night's "World's Worst Person".

Congratulations Senator Buttars. Once again you've embarrassed our state with your shameful antics.
E. Cartman | 9:21 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Good News! More positive press for Utah. Buttars was the Worst person on Countdown last night.

Happy Festivus!

Fiddler | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
If people wish you a happy anything, it's rude to correct them. Happy birthday, happy Thanksgiving, happy holidays, happy Christmas to everybody.
To Debbie | 9:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Are we in danger or not?

Do you support governmental restrictions on free speech, or not?

WHY do you support Buttars bill that would suppress free speech....after your speech about rights?

All *I* want from a merchant, when I spend my money, is my stuff...and a "thank you". I do NOT want a pre-prescribed speech.
Cyril H. Noble | 9:31 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
You would think Buttars would lay low with his remarks and thank his lucky stars that he was reelected.
Free Speech vs Business Speech | 9:33 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
There is a difference between free speech and business speech. Business/store signaqe and messaging are business speech and that doesn't come with the same protections. Business speech doesn't come with a fairness clause.

Businesses can communicate to customers however they see fit. These messages are vetted through focus groups of customers, etc. and the businesses adjust to target their core customers. It's called MARKETING!
Anonymous | 9:36 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
As a proud self-identifying atheist, I take no umbrage at hearing or saying Merry Christmas during the holiday season. Say whatever you want; this is not an issue worth getting worked up over. But I do take umbrage at calling the USA a "Christian Nation." I doubt there's ever been a more dangerous, slippery slope in history than the intertwining of religion and politics...

Man, another long four years with Buttars in the Senate...and now he's got more power than ever under the new leadership!!! Will Utah ever change...
robin | 9:36 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
UTAH GAVE HIM A MANDATE TO CONTINUE WITH HIS PEA BRAIN PHILOSPHY OF MICROBISM. I DID'T THINK HE HAD ANY POLITICAL CAPITAL TO SPEND.
reality calling | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
re: re: cork | 8:01 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

>>And this nation WAS founded as a Christian nation but finds itself falling on its face precisely because it not rejects that very principle.<<

This nation was founded on Judeo-christian principles as well as Secular Greco-Roman ideals.

This county is in great shape now because of the good christian current in the oval office.
Robert Oh | 9:43 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Yet another example of religious folk worrying about what other people are doing. When someone wishes you well by saying happy holidays or seasons greeting, just say thank you and be happy for the well wishes.

If they would spend as much time just living their religion instead of making sure others don't do something they find offensive they might actually start enjoying life.

There are more people on this planet than just you. Learn to live with us all!
curiosity question | 9:45 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
If Christmas is so important because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, then why do you all allow it to be celebrated at the wrong time of year? Personally, I would be very unhappy if people celebrated my birthday at the wrong time of year and then got upset because those who had a legitimate reason to celebrate at that time of year were being recognized along with my birthday.
Dutchman | 9:50 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Sorry folks, but Buttars is right on this one so get off his back. Christmas day is a federal holiday signed into law by Pres. Ulysses S. Grant. By law it is called Christmas, not Holiday or Festivus, or whatever. Greetings should reflect the name of the holiday. Martin Luther King day is Martin Luther King day not civil rights day. If you don't like the name then I suggest you petition Congress to change the name. Good luck with that!
will | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I'm all for Buttars' Merry Christmas as long as the retailors agree not to start advertising Christmas before Halloween.
Anonymous | 10:02 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
What a complete waste of time. There are far more important issues that our legislature should be focused on.
Dear Chris Buttars | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Even Scrooge and Tiny Tim know you keep Christmas in your heart. How can anything anyone else says or doesn't say affect the joy and reverence you choose to feel about celebrating your "holy day?" There are so many joy-filled occasions being celebrated this time of year, celebrating the return of light to the world - why would you get nit picky about a hearty, neighborly greeting?

Retailers are catering to celebrants of quite a number of celebrations. Would you burden them with having to display and advertise to each group individually? Silly.

Thanks for attempting to wrest the last little bit of "peace on earth, goodwill to all" out of this traditionally festive season. Bah, humbug! brother.
John | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
I support Senator Buttars on this one. I hope his resolution gets adopted.
Peace and Joy | 10:04 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
This nation was founded on religious freedom.

The issue here is the attacks on Christianity are really attacks on the very religious freedom opponents purport to uphold.

Unconventional though it may be, I think the senator is on to something here.

Frankly, I wish my life were easy and/or so uncomplicated that I had time to be offended over whether or not someone said "Merry Christmas" to me, vs. "Happy Holidays."

I mean, really. These stores are worried about offending non-Christiean shoppers? If they're offended, let them be!

Come on, people. The message in "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Haunukka" or "Happy Kwanza" or whatever else one may believe in is that of HAPPINESS and PEACE and JOY. It's not about shoving beliefs down one another's throats. It's about spreading the message of love.

If you're offended by *that*, then you have far bigger issues to deal with.
kshio | 10:05 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
wow-
what an incredible waste of governmental time and resources....unbelievable that A: you would take the time to make a resolution, and B: someone would take the time to report on it...
Buttars | 10:19 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
...this is coming from the person who made the reference to a bad bill being a "black baby". Buttars, shut up.
Brookelyn | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
LOL LOL LOL
(Still LOLing) This isn't a "Christian" Nation, but a nation founded on the need and desire to ESCAPE religious persecution and thus respect other's beliefs. Some of you need to study history a bit more apparently. If saying Happy Holidays �offends� you than that�s just silly. Silly Rabbit Senator Buttars has clearly proved he hasn�t had a proper education on US history or apparently even Christ�s teachings for that matter. In a world so weary and full of REAL wars and such, it�s a travesty anyone�s even thinking about such petty intolerant things. Anyone who seeks to limit non- violent personal freedoms doesn�t belong in government, especially one who also seeks to add bigotry as a family value, aka his infamous racist statements. Yes, shame on him and anyone else who agrees with that ridiculousness. Just as much as ppl have a right to freedom of religion, they have a RIGHT to freedom FROM religion. And again, if you�ve STUDIED history you will know, this nation was NOT founded on Christianity but people who sought freedom from religious PERSECUTION. Forcing your beliefs on others is NOT WHAT JESUS WOULD DO.

LEONARD | 10:32 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
FUNNY COMING FROM A MEMBER OF A PARTY THAT GOT US HERE INTO THIS WONDERFUL ECONOMY!!! WAY TO GO "W"
ROFL | 10:34 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
LOL LOL LOL
(Still LOLing)
This isn't a "Christian" Nation, but a nation founded on the need and desire to ESCAPE religious persecution and thus respect other's beliefs. Some of you need to study history a bit more apparently. Silly Rabbit Senator Buttars has clearly proved he hasn�t had a proper education on US history or apparently even Christ�s teachings for that matter. In a world so weary and full of REAL wars and such, it�s a travesty anyone�s even thinking about such petty intolerant things. Anyone who seeks to limit non- violent personal freedoms doesn�t belong in government, especially one who also seeks to add bigotry as a family value, aka his infamous racist statements. Yes, shame on him and his ridiculousness. Just as much as ppl have a right to freedom of religion, they have a RIGHT to freedom FROM religion. And again, if you�ve STUDIED history you will know, this nation was NOT founded on Christianity but people who sought freedom from religious PERSECUTION. Forcing your beliefs on others is NOT WHAT JESUS WOULD DO.

FYI | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
This is another clear example of why Universities around the Nation teach that Utah has not progressed past about the 1960's. Senator Buttars makes me feel like I'm living in a 1950's horror movie. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
War on Thanksgiving | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
What about the War on Thanksgiving? Christmas has been holding Thanksgiving hostage for years and is now threatening Halloween! If we don't act quickly Christmas could soon swallow up the 4th and 24th of July celebrations reaching dangerously close to Easter and Valentine's days within a few short years and eventually leaving President's day the only celebratory buffer between holiday seasons. Once it has reached that point scientists fear that there is a very real possibly that Christmas could consume itself, tearing a hole in the space/time continuum and destroying the world as we know it. Please Mr. Buttars, save us from this seemingly inevitable doom, I beg you!
Sigh.... | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
This is your tax money hard at work. Shouldn't he be spending time on something that matters, like finding a way to finish trax and frontrunner?
Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
This is a bogus issue. Senator Butters cannot defend his positions on any substanitve issue so he uses an emotional one to hide his stance on meaningful legislation. It's a con game. Don't fall for it. Mom, apple pie, Christmas,tradition, values, easy to sell to Utah.

The people of West Jordan must be morons.
sickofstupidity | 11:05 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Thanks to all those in west and south jordan who continue to give us the most pathetic, simple minded, reactionary, and worst senator in the country. I guess he does represent those of you who are stupid enough to vote for him. "Im an idiot and this guy is just like me".
Bender Rodriguez | 11:15 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Maybe, Buttars will have (dare I say) a come to Jesus moment like Bill O'reilly who is now a secular guy.

BillO had a Mendenhall like quest in his alleged War against Christmas a few yrs ago when Secular progressives were the bane of existence.
Badger | 11:22 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
If there's a war against Christmas going on, whoever is waging it needs to do a better job.

No one is threatening to throw anyone in jail for saying "Merry Christmas." No one is suggesting that Christians should be prevented from worshiping Jesus and commemorating his birth at Christmas.

Some are trying to say that retailers forbidding their employees from saying "Merry Christmas" is a violation of free speech, but as private institutions, they have the right to do that. Target has the right to forbid its employees from telling customers they should shop at Wal-Mart instead. Stores have the right to stop employees from using profanity or graphic language in front of customers.

The real violation of free speech would be if an elected governing body � such as the Utah Legislature � were to dictate that people or organizations should use a religious greeting, even when they've made a conscious decision to avoid it.
provojoe | 11:40 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Buttars is the Super Dell of the south valley. Oh wait...
Bender Rodriguez | 11:46 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
re; will | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

>>I'm all for Buttars' Merry Christmas as long as the retailors agree not to start advertising Christmas before Halloween.<<

What about Halloween stuff starting to be displayed Around Labor Day?

Re: Peace and Joy | 10:04 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Agreed!

re: Brookelyn | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008

Amen.

The holidays I feel bad for are Arbor day and ther than crass commercialism Presidents Day plays 2nd fiddle to Valentines day.

Ah Valentines Day... Celebrating a Massacre committed by mobsters.......Brillant!
grundle | 11:48 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
You all need to get a life...

First of all, the only thing that happened is that Buttars opened a file. He opened many files. What that means for you media sheep is that he gives himself the opportunity to pursue this if he choses. It is a housekeeping action that is required for all resolutions or legislations that might be pursued.

Second...We are talking about a non-binding resolution...not legislation. Please re-read...non-binding resolution, not legislation.

Third...There is nothing in this file. It is empty. The intent, content, and purpose at this point is not clear. Only the title exists and way too much is being inferred from a title. Bills, resolutions, and such rarely are accuratley represented by their original titles.

This is just more of you venting your spleens.

If anything...this should point out to all of you media sheep how our beloved media has a big bulls-eye on Buttars. If anything...I would say shame on the trib and dnews for reporting this as a story. It is a non-event.

Get a grip.
MF | 12:04 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Can we please act like a free country? We are not a "Christian Nation". We are a free nation where everyone is free to worship as they choose. And I would invite all who post here to know and really understand the history of the holidays they cherish before throwing stones.
For example, if you are so determined to have this celebration be about the birth of Christ then perhaps you would celebrate in September (look it up) and let December 25th remain as the feast of the Son of Isis where some of these traditions come from. Open your bible to Jeremiah 10 and read about the prohibition on cutting down and decorating trees before insisting that this is a "Holy" tradition.
I don't seriously suggest the holidays need to be changed but we all need to remember that they HAVE changed. I urge everyone to really KNOW the roots of the holiday before saying things like "It has always been... and it will always be...".
Anonymous | 12:05 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
As a healer, Jesus would be too busy solving healthcare AND OTHER ISSUES THAT MATTER rather than how we greet each other on his birthday.

Blame the small 'christian' minds that inhabit Buttars' district.
Badger | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
To Grundle:

An elected official proposes a bill that, if passed, would result in the government taking a stance to promote one religion over another and you say shame on the papers for reporting it?

As an elected legislator, everything Buttars says relating to bills or the legislature is rightfully open to scrutiny by the media. It doesn't matter that he hasn't officially filed the bill or that it's non-binding. He's one of the people who controls how our taxes are spent and what laws we have to follow. The papers would truly be "media sheep" if they failed to report on what he does and says.

If the media are more focused on Buttars than most it's because he's proven himself more likely to bring up bills and topics that are controversial.

Whether you agree with him or not, it's the media's job to tell the public what he's doing.
Reason | 12:38 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
None of us yet know the wording of the resolution but, judging from the article, it sounds like a good idea. My impression is that the resolution won�t push anyone to say, �Merry Christmas,� but will instead merely encourage employers to ALLOW their employees to say it if they wish.

In other words, it�s just saying to employers, �Wait � it isn�t right to prohibit your employees from using traditional Christmas greetings.� But, for a few of you, this is merely another convenient �jump-on-Buttars� opportunity because you disagree with some of his other political views.

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