Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

In brutal supression of the rights of all Christians, the president and the first lady, with the collaboration of the RNC have sent out a "Happy Holidays" card

Americans United for Separation of Church and State has the goods:

The card, mailed under the auspices of the Republican National Committee and signed by the president and his wife, reads, "With best wishes for a holiday season of hope and happiness 2005." It also includes a passage from the Old Testament Book of Psalms.

The front cover is an artist’s rendition of the White House and grounds covered with snow while the presidential pets, two dogs and a cat, frolic on the lawn. It contains no religious symbolism.

"Have President Bush and the first lady joined the so-called war on Christmas?” asked the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “Where are the howls of protest from Jerry Falwell? When will he stand up and save Christmas from this mean-spirited, anti-God attack?"

Lynn noted that Laura Bush piled on Monday during a White House ceremony unveiling a Christmas tree remarking, "Well, 'all things bright and beautiful' is the theme this year. I think it will be really bright and beautiful with this fabulous tree. But thank you all very much. Happy holidays."

Asserted Lynn, "Laura Bush said, 'Happy Holidays.' This is intolerable! Where is Jerry Falwell?"

Two weeks before Halloween, Falwell attorneys called a press conference and threatened to sue public schools and government agencies that fail to acknowledge Christmas to Falwell’s liking. They have also been complaining about department stores and malls using "Happy Holidays" signs and greetings.

Most recently, Falwell went ballistic when the city of Boston issued a press release announcing the arrival of its “holiday tree.” Fox News Channel commentator Bill O’Reilly has jumped on the bandwagon, carping nearly every night about the alleged "war on Christmas."

Lynn noted that Falwell and O’Reilly have yet to say one word about the president and first lady's generic holiday greetings.

"Falwell calls his Christmas crusade 'Friend or Foe,'" Lynn remarked. "He believes you either agree with him or you're an enemy. When is he going to take on his latest foes the president and Mrs. Bush?"

Bruce Prescott, like Jerry Falwell, is a Baptist. Over at Talk to Action, Prescott wonders why Falwell has abandoned the faith.