Arnold, where are you when we need you? Doyle Renames Christmas

Gov. Doyle has announced that the Capitol Christmas tree will be a Balsam Fir from Mercer. Ooops, I mean, the Capitol "Holiday Tree." I heard about this from a person who works at a Milwaukee TV station. When they did a straight news story on Doyle's Holiday Tree recently, their phones lit up with complaints from viewers. Funny, but when Bush lights the National Christmas Tree, he calls a Christmas tree a Christmas tree.

Gov. Doyle press release:

Announces Capitol Holiday Tree Chosen

11/11/2005 Governor Doyle today announced that this year's Capitol holiday tree will be a 35-foot Balsam Fir from the Mercer area. "The Holiday Tree represents the great diversity and community spirit of our state," Governor Doyle said. "So many people work together each year to choose just the right tree, transport it to Madison, decorate it, and prepare it for the holidays. Thousands of Wisconsin citizens will stop by to see the tree and their beautiful Capitol building. The Holiday Tree, much like the season, really brings Wisconsin together."

Contrast this gobbledygook with Bush's comments at a National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony:

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Welcome to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. This evening, we continue a tradition in Washington as we gather to light the National Christmas Tree. Tonight, and throughout the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to a star in the east, seen 20 centuries ago, and to a light that can guide us still. Laura and I are so pleased to join you in this ceremony, and we thank you all for being here.

This insanity has raged for some time. In 2004, Madison blogger Ann Althouse posted a picture of the Capitol tree (see top center). Hmmm. Sure looks like a Christmas tree to me. In 2001, even the Lefty Capitol Times called it the "State Capitol Christmas tree." In fairness to Doyle, though, Tommy Thompson and Scott McCallum called it a Holiday Tree too. Well, sort of:

Gov. Scott McCallum will carry on a Wisconsin holiday tradition Monday when he is presented with a special holiday tree for display in the governor's conference room inthe state Capitol. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Each year, the winner of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree contest gets to display a tree in the conference room.

According to Lakeshore Laments blog from back in 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger renamed the California Holiday Tree a Christmas Tree. It's true, I found a bunch of articles:

Known for breaking the mold, the Republican governor is calling the 56-foot white fir outside the Capitol a “Christmas tree.” Former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis had renamed the display a “Holiday tree” in 1999. Schwarzenegger continued the tradition during his first holiday in office, but rescinded the policy after hearing requests from Sen. William Knight, R-Palmdale. When the senator died last spring, Schwarzenegger said the Capitol would have a “Christmas tree” as long as he’s in office.

Why is calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree "breaking the mold"? If Californians don't want Arnold in charge, we'll take him. Can't we just call a Christmas Tree a Christmas Tree? In order to be sensitive to people of different faiths, let's put up other things to represent their beliefs too. But why can't Christians be represented too? Let's leave the Christmas trees be.