Congressional Grinches

U.S. House has passed a resolution supporting Christmas and Christianity recognizing the importance of the Christian faith by vote of 372 to 9. While it's a shame our elected officials need to take time to defend something that has been celebrated by Christians around the world for 2000 years, it's very telling.

Nine members voted against the resolution, ten refused to support it by voting "present" (which means I'm here but not voting) and 40 others members did not vote. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) voted "present". That's 49 representatives that refused to stand up and defend the rights of Christians. I find it hard to believe that none of those 49 have Christian constituents whom they are to represent.

While it's comforting to know 372 elected officials understand that Christianity has a vital role in the fabric of America, the disturbing thing is some representatives who said "Bah, Humbug" to Christmas favored a Ramadan Resolution!

Yes, all but two of the representatives voting "present" or against the Christmas Resolution voted in favor of a resolution recognizing Ramadan. The Ramadan Resolution stated the House "recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world...expresses friendship and support for Muslims...acknowledges the onset of Ramadan...and conveys its respect to Muslims...rejects hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against Muslims...commends Muslims... who have privately and publicly rejected interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and encourage hatred, violence, and terror". This passed by a 376-0 vote in October. Not one single vote against it.

Maybe voting in favor of the Ramadan Resolution seemed like the politically correct thing to do. After all American Muslims are also to be represented by elected officials. However, the Christmas Resolution used similar language, stating that the House recognizes "the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world...expresses continued support for Christians...acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith...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...rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians...and expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world".

The real story here is not the passing of a Christmas resolution, rather how those elected to office can praise Islam and attack the Christian faith that is the foundation of this nation. I would encourage all to demand an answer to this question from all who voted "no".

The following voted "no" on H.R. 847 and "yes" on H.R. 635: Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Diana DeGette (D-Co.), Alcee Hastings (D-Fl.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Fortney Stark (D-Calif.) and Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.).

Those who voted "present" on H.R. 847 and "yes" on H.R. 635 include: Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.), Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fl.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Yarmuth (D-Ky.).