Monday, December 7, 2009

White House Social Secretary's "Non- Religious Christmas"

The embattled Razzle Dazzle Czar, White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers says that the Obamas were planning a "non-religious Christmas." According to the Sunday New York Times the confession emerged at a luncheon earlier this year with former White House social secretaries. The ladies must have choked on their Caesar salads when Rogers went on to announce that the Obamas did not intend to display the Christmas Creche--the manger scene that traditionally occupies a central spot in the East Room. (This revelation reportedly drew a gasp from the retired social secretaries). The idea was that the absence of the Creche (i.e.,Christ's Birth) would make Christmas "more inclusive". Though there was serious discussion of keeping the shepherds and the Holy Family in storage, tradition finally won out. So good of the Social Secretary to put Jesus on the Christmas party invite list.

But Desiree Rogers' comments, which presumably reflect the thoughts of the First couple, betray a troubling attitude toward religion and religious people. The upshot being: expressions of faith (even something as innocuous as a manger scene) are somehow "non-inclusive". Just to be consistent why not call the White House Christmas Parties: Winter Wonderland at the White House? Or maybe The White House Red and Green Affair?

Jesus isn't the only Jew that just barely got invited to the White House this holiday season. The Jerusalem Post is reporting that Desiree Rogers and company shrunk the annual White House Hanukkah party from 800 invitees to 400. No word yet on whether a Menorah will be present. But perhaps the invited should consider bringing their own. And just to be inclusive, keep them in your purses or under your coats.

Posted by Raymond Arroyo at 3:00 PM

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