Residents of Rhode Island are up in arms over the decision made by Governor Lincoln Chafee to change the name of the large, decorative tree that adorns the rotunda of the State House from a “Christmas” tree to a “Holiday” tree.
Is this political correctness at its worst? Or did the governor make the right call?
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Just to give you a little back drop about Rhode Island…
The state of Rhode Island was founded on the principles of religious freedom and tolerance. Rhode Island was first settled in 1636 by Roger Williams, who was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for having these views.
All that is well and good.
But for Chafee to change the name of “Christmas” tree to “Holiday” tree, isn’t it an attempt to re-write history? NOT the history of Rhode Island, but the history of the holiday itself?
Now remember, this is the same state that had an open election last year to change its official name of “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” (because “plantations” has negative connotations to slavery) to just simply “Rhode Island” and the residents OVERWHELMINGLY voted to keep its original name.
So needless to say, this latest decision by Governor Chafee has caused some backlash as well. On the Providence Journal website, 86% of poll respondents are in favor of calling it a Christmas Tree.
Check out the news report on Fox Providence!