The US-sponsored fundamentalist Islamic terrorist recruitment program must stop!! This is not just “silly,” it’s dangerous.

“Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization;

Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its Judeo-Christian roots;

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God’s redemption, mercy, and Grace; and

Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;

(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

(6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.”

The vote was 372-9, with 10 voting “present”, and 40 not voting. 195 Democrats (including Arcuri and Hinchey) voted for it and 177 Republicans voted for it. Republicans Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, and Ron Paul didn’t abstain, they weren’t there during the vote, thus they and 37 others who also weren’t there (a total of 19 Dems and 21 Reps)were recorded as “not voting”. 9 Democrats voted against it and 9 voted “present” (i.e., not taking a position). No Republicans voted against it, and 1 lonely Rep, Mike Pence from Indiana, voted present.

It clearly was a silly resolution on its face and Congress should be embarrassed to have spent any time on it at all.

Dumb thing to do. I plan to tell him so, too. Although I understand that it can be hard to “vote against Christmas,” he could have, indeed, abstained.