You know by now (if you're a regular reader of this blog) that I speak plainly, say what I mean, and mean what I say. My credo as a lender is this: "I show up on time. I do what I say I'm going to do. I finish what I start. And if I mess up, I 'fess up and fix it."
Governor Brewer of Arizona is cut from the same cloth. This is from her blog on December 16th:
Yesterday, I issued an Executive Order encouraging the celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah and prohibiting any censorship of these religious holidays.
As you may know, in the past, state and local officials in Arizona (and elsewhere) have attempted to strip both Christmas and Hannukah of their meaning, including establishment of policies forbidding state employees from placing religious items of celebration at their desks, re-naming of Christmas trees as "holiday" trees, and renaming of Menorahs as "candlesticks."
Under my administration, I will call things what they are...a Christmas Tree and a Menorah... and will gladly allow both Christmas and Hanukkah to be celebrated at the State Capitol. I encourage my colleagues and fellow elected officials to do the same.
Finally, as I have mentioned before, this is also a season for fire safety. Please remember to be careful with your Christmas lights and any other holiday decorations. Remember to keep your tree watered and to keep a watchful eye on lit candles. Please be safe.
May God bless you, your home, and all of Arizona.
Sincerely,
Jan Brewer
Governor
The Executive Order is an interesting document in this climate of political correctness. Click the link and read it in full; then be sure to come back and leave a comment.
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I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
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Mike,
I saw that on the news Friday. Good for her! and for US!!
Very nice Mike, but the Governor missed Hanukkah by a few days. It started on the 11th and was over on the 18th.
Gabe,
Yes she did. But better late...
Paul,
Thanks for being the first to comment!
Mike in Tucson
Mike I think thats fair. The problem has always been that only christmas was displayed in offices and elsewhere, an affront to those other religions that are also celebrating this time of year. Its disappointing though that she only addresses two religions, because the Moslem's are also celebrating the Eid this month. She should have addressed all religions, rather than just the two mentioned.
Thanks for sharing. Many more buyers should be headed your way after they dig themselves out of the heavy snow in the east. Enjoy the holidays.
Roy,
The Arizona sun draws snowbirds from all over the continent! We love 'em.
Terry,
I grew up in Suriname, South America, where I was certainly part of a minority religion as a Christian. Somehow, I never was offended by my East Indian neighbor celebrating his religious holiday and failing to acknowledge my Christianity. I learned to appreciate his culture, and he taught me how to cook Roti.
Mike in Tucson
Mike - I like when people pass the message to celebrate Christmas whether it is by executive order or just a passing "Merry Christmas" from a stranger. I am with you in tolerance for anyone celebrating their religious holidays. I wish you a Merry Christmas
Hi Mike:
Appropriately so...in keeping with the holiday spirit!!!
Have a Merry Christmas...
Mike, I got a Christmas card from Jan, Did you? Do you think she is waiting for me to send her one?
Mike, Interesting executive order. I always called a Hanukkah Menorah a menorah until I visited Israel years ago and learned menorah is incorrect. It's called a Hanukiah. The name menorah is used only to describe the seven-branched candelabrum that was housed in the Jewish Temple. The Hanukiah holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shamash (servant) at a different height.
Merry Christmas!
Mike - The point is that we are celebrating a religious holiday, and I'm not sure why we ever stopped. Sometimes we let the tail wag the dog in this country. i guess that's how we get the least experienced person in the senate as President.
Happy Festivus, Mike ;)
Same to you my friend, I follow the same credo and it's just made life a lot simpler and happier for me.
BTW...cracking up at your fellow Arizonian! (if that is how it's spelled...)
Very Nice Mike, What a great Governor
Good for your governor! I hope many follow suit :)
Hi Mike!
I think I like your governor!
We sometimes give up the celebration of the holiday because a few people are so insecure that a religious symbol placed in front of some one will change their faith. . I say get over it and let everyone celebrate as they see fit. Good decision on the Governors part too bad we have to have an executive order to celebrate.
Good for your Governor! That takes political courage, but then she has that famous Sheriff who will probably back her up if she needs it. :-)
Arizona seems to have a strong bunch of politicians there - could you find me a good realtor if I decide to move that way? :-)
One question - are you sure it's Arizonans - - and not Arizonians or Arizonites? LOL
Merry Christmas,
Mike Hendren
PS - If you haven't bought Lightroom already, and want to, let me know - I can save you $45. (before Christmas)
Mike, I saw that! And though I'm not crazy about her personally, I LOVE this decision. ;-)
Wow! I sure got behind the curve on responding to everyone. Thanks, all, for taking the time to comment. I appreciate our fantastic community here in the Rain! See you on your blogs.
Mike in Tucson
She wasn't late in celebrating, she had it on both of her facebook pages at the right time. The Executive Order was a follow up.
She is an awesome governor. and I 'heart' sheriff Joe, too!
Oh, And have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a safe New Year! Don't do anything I wouldn't do! LOL!
Doreen hearts Sheriff Joe? I was wondering how that sack of human buffoonery keeps managing to win reelection.
Paul,
Hey! Hey! We love Sherrif Joe! Seriously, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas & a Successful New Year.
Doreen,
Merry Christmas! Thanks for getting Paul all jacked up.
Mike in Tucson
I bet Paul secretly 'hearts' sheriff Joe, too. He gets the job done and that's what counts!
Doreen,
"Paterno" sounds like college football! You've got to google the word. :)
Mike in Tucson
I know one when I sees one. My Grandfather (as apposed to godfather) came from Italy. Does Joe talk with a husky voice? ;-) According to what I saw, he is 83!