freezingwarm vs. the grinch
-----Original Message-----
From: Freezingwarm
Sent: November 25, 2002 10:52 PM
To: mayorwade@city.hamilton.on.ca
Subject: WHAT THE?! NO CHRISTMAS SIGN?!
Mr. Wade, have you ever offended us! By not having the christmas sign lit
up along the side of the mountain, you have proved you are a coward! Are
you trying to tell us citisens of Hamilton that Christmas is offensive???
I have lived in Hamilton all my life and as much as i love this city, i
have noticed it going downhill. This is a major kicker! Since i was a kid
i remember the lights bringing a glow to my heart through the christmas
season. Now you take that away? I never wanted you as mayor especially
because you opposed the "supercity" but then decided to throw your hat
into the mayoral race. I know for a fact you have offended many people and
we're not happy. I really think it's time for a new mayor. We need a mayor
with a backbone, a mayor who actually has the ability to restore this city
to the gem it once was. Tell me, is it so difficult to come up with
imaginative ideas to fix up the downtown core? We don't need a mayor who
promotes a "CITY OF HAMILTON MONOPOLY GAME". We need a mayor who can
revive this town, and by removing a touch of class during the christmas
season, your stock has plummeted.
The "offensive Christmas lights" should go??? No the "offensive" mayor
should go.
Yours truly,
freezingwarm
freezingwarm@aol.com
Mayor Wade has asked me to respond to your message and to thank you for
taking the time to write to him with your concerns regarding the message
on the Jolley Cut.
In no way has the Mayor ever said Christmas was offensive. I am not sure
where that information has come from as it is completely erroneous. The
City has not eliminated Christian depictions of Christmas, nor does the
City not acknowledge Christmas. We will have a nativity display at Gore
Park and the traditional large Christmas tree in the lobby of City Hall,
all of which are Christian in origin. No one is saying you cannot say
"Merry Christmas" or that it is offensive ... it is just not as reflective
of our diverse community. Keeping things in perspective, y our comments
are regarding one of the many displays in Hamilton, the sign on the Jolley
Cut which will say "Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All", instead of "Merry
Christmas".
As a practicing Christian, Mayor Wade believes in the importance of
acceptance of all. He feels it important to recognize the contribution of
all residents to the spirit, cultural richness, and unique personality of
Hamilton. Last year, in recognition of our diverse cultural and ethnic
composition and the fact that there are other religious festivities during
the months of November to January, two other scenes were added to the City
Hall windows in recognition of the Muslim and Jewish festivities of Eid
and Hanukkah. As a demonstration of acceptance, respect, and understanding
of the cultural differences that make up our community, the "Peace on
Earth, Goodwill to All" sign on the escarpment will be erected as a
greeting to all (including those of the Christian faith).
Sincerely,
Marjorie Walker
Office of the Mayor