Christmas tree ornament banned at White House
By Jimmy Orr | 12.02.08
Did the artist actually think the White House would hang the ornament?
You know the drill — every year the White House solicits ornaments from every state in the country. One artist is selected from each state and they have the opportunity to create an ornament that — in their mind — best represents the state.
Ho, Ho, Heave-Ho?
So, perhaps Washington State resident Deborah Lawrence thought creating a Christmas ornament that advocated for the impeachment of President Bush was representative of the state’s wishes. Here’s a photo of the ornament.
And depending on your political persuasion perhaps an impeachment would be your idea of a festive holiday gift.
You’re my inspiration…
After all, Representative Jim McDermott is no fan of President Bush. He supports impeachment and the artist said that’s where she got her inspiration.
She told the Washington Post that the ornament was a “perfect way to highlight Jim McDermott because he’s a hero of mine.”
No surprise
She later expressed disappointment to the Post that the ornament would not adorn the Christmas tree — although she didn’t sound shocked at the news.
“Oh, dear,” she said. “This doesn’t really surprise me. But it’s disappointing that I won’t get to see it on the tree.”
Just play nice
The First Lady’s spokesperson, Sally McDonough, echoed the disappointment — but not for the same reason. McDonough says the holiday season is no time for partisanship.
“It really is too bad. I haven’t seen the ornament, but I would hope that no one would take this as an opportunity to be divisive and partisan. There is a time and place for everything, and I don’t think this is either.”
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5. Jim Seybert | 12.02.08
Sad - I’m no fan of President Bush and I think he probably should have faced articles of impeachment over the events leading up to Iraq - but I agree with Sally McDonough on this one. Political statements in this scenario were not appropriate. Question - were there written guidelines for the artists? If not, there probably should have been.
7. Maureen | 12.02.08
I suppose this ornament was a bit over the top; poor taste even. However, I’m 100% for impeachment. Since Bush will be out of office soon I doubt he can be impeached but I hope that he can still be prosecuted (the ONLY argument against impeachment has been Dick Cheney — making him president is even more godawful). I’d also like to see the World Court indict him for war crimes.
8. jimothy j jones | 12.02.08
Using art to resist the artists perception of tyranny is admirable. The artist is brave and creative. I can think of nothing more “american”.
9. democrat | 12.02.08
what an ***! Aren’t we trying to seperate church and state/ politics and religious holidays.
Hmm. On another note, if we ever have a non Christian president what will happen to this tree ornament tradition thingie?
10. Reiner Hofer | 12.02.08
a disrespectful idion tried to get a word in cetainly where it does not belong.
11. Siddartha | 12.02.08
Stain Christmas? sorry, but retailers, marketing execs, and profit hungry corporations stained Christmas black a long time ago. I thank this artist for letting the administration know we haven’t forgotten about the atrocities they’ve committed and are still committing. 
12. texanrme | 12.02.08
If the shoe fits, wear it. George W Bush & Dick Cheney make Richard Nixon & Bill Clinton look like choir boys compared to the things they have done and are getting away with, unless the American people wake up and demand that Congress bring immediate impeachment charges against the pair. Charges were dropped against Nixon when he resigned and Clinton was found not guilty enough to prosecute. Considering the actions of the present administration, I am at a loss to understand why they have not been impeached to date. How much more must they destroy before getting their day in impeachment court? He refused the ornament, because the truth hurts.
13. TRE. | 12.02.08
Hmmm.. it would be interesting to see next year’s ornaments.
The friendly and unfreiendly… for the Obama’s 1st White House Christmas.
15. Huston3 | 12.02.08
Oh, don’t be stupid–making art that speaks truth to power is brave. But to simply take a cheap shot at doing so when the piece is commissioned by the person in power who can’t take any retaliation is a cowardly cheap shot.
17. rthomas | 12.02.08
I agree that this was slightly inappropriate; I also agree with jimothy #8 that the artist is admirable for expressing their opinion. While Bush is many things, some of them reprehensible, he’s no communist. If he were, the artist would already be on a plane to Gitmo for re-education. Instead we’re discussing it in an open forum! Sounds (d)emocratic to me.
18. mmoss | 12.02.08
I’m with jimothy on this one. She followed the guidelines, plain and simple. If the White House didn’t want artists to produce art, and wanted cookie-cutter ornaments, they should’ve just bought some at Walmat…
19. Mike Aimer | 12.02.08
“How sad that the artist choose to stain the Holiday sentiment with politics.”
You mean like the “War on Christmas”?
20. Alice | 12.02.08
Would you call a friend “brave and creative” if she presented you with an ornament that was nothing but a criticism of you and all you are? Of course not! You would refuse to hang it on your own tree, and rightly so.
Shame on this so-called artist. This is not an election rally, it’s a Christmas celebration.
She can hang it on her own tree if she wants, but sending it to the White House was highly inappropriate.
21. David | 12.02.08
So someone had the nerve to tell the Emperor that he’s not wearing any clothes. I think this story says more about the White House than it does about the artist or the State of Washington.
22. benedict | 12.02.08
“The artist is brave and creative.” Ohh puh-leeze. Being anti-Bush is neither.
23. Rob H | 12.02.08
Wow, the Washingtonian grinch lady who stole Christmas. So much for post-election American unity…
24. Mr. Opinionated | 12.02.08
With Bush’s approval rating at 20%, how is advocating his impeachment “partisan” or “divisive”? His criminal behavior is one of the few things almost everyone agrees on.
25. Michael | 12.02.08
Amazing you are so worried about the feelings of a person who should be facing war crimes trials at the Hague.
26. URWrong | 12.02.08
luvwknd - bush is the FARTHEST thing from a Communist. Bush is a Fascist. learn your political spectrum, eh?
27. s diddy | 12.02.08
No time for partisanship? Tell that to the families of all the soldiers who have been injured or died in Iraq, as well as the families of those who will still be over there during the holidays this year.
28. Kerry | 12.02.08
There has to be something wrong with this women. If this would have happened to a democratic pres. they would be screaming bloody murder.
29. karpy | 12.02.08
Would the good folks of the CSM like it if an ornament was submitted demanding the impeachment of their Lord Obama for not being a native born American? Would they find such a thing as cute as they do this one? Being from Washington State I can tell you that we have do have a lot of clinically depressed, and over the hill hippie liberals that would endorse anything anti-Bush, even if it is a Christmas ornament. Their joy would be short lived however, as being chronically miserable people they would quickly find something else to bemoan and blame on the hated bush and America. They will quickly switch to something goofy like the wanton slaughter of the lovely Christmas trees to cry about. The adults in Washington tend to keep a low profile.
30. Echo | 12.02.08
Ha! Ha! Ha! not Ho! Ho! Ho!… That’s the funniest thing I’ve see all year! Laughed so hard I fell off my chair. Here’s to freedom of speech! Cheers! And what a happy New Year it will be! Hoorah!
31. Alan Arentz | 12.02.08
The artist was well within his rights. He was asked to best represent the state. Some of you people my not have realized it by some places were hit harder than others with the disasters he has created. He only had military reasons to move to the middle east. Also do you even hear anything about these weapons of mass destruction? I think not; most of the media is controlled by big companies nowadays. Ahhhhhh Bush’s friends. Look at the videos on youtube learn a thing or two. Also As president He is responsible for all the people, all year not just when he wants to. The Holidays are no change. If him and his wife cant take the truth responsibly maybe they should have never been in the white house. Glad I didn’t vote for him ether time.
32. stee1962 | 12.02.08
This is no time to be “divisive and partisan”? Are you kidding me? I’m sorry, does Christmas all of a sudden trump justice? Let’s all play nice and get along with the poor guy who’s killed thousands of innocent civilians and allowed our economy to tank? Because it’s warm and fuzzy CHRISTMASTIME?
George W. Bush represents the polar opposite of “Peace On Earth”.
Good Lord.
33. Cindy | 12.02.08
Artist should start selling the ornaments on E-bay and make a fortune while spreading democracy and wishes for a better world, maybe even donate some of the proceeds to an education fund: win-win-win to me!
34. KP | 12.02.08
How dare someone express their opinion! This is the time of that people of all religions come together to celebrate a religious Federal holiday.
38. Pete | 12.02.08
Every year Bill O’Reilly turns Christmas into an ad campaign for his TV Show. He paints all attempts at sharing the holidays between the faiths as some sort of un-American activity. Now, I do not believe that any “artist” would make a Christmas ornament in the first place. That’s not an artist. It is a decorator. And I do not like it when someone poiticizes a public holiday. But what O’Reilly does is far more constant and far more offensive. This silly ornament didn’t even deserve a news story.
Hey, all you Put Christ back in Christmas folks, if Christmas is a religious holiday only meant for the followers of one religion, then it should not be a public holiday. If you are going to stop me from liking Christmas with Santa and toys and trees and lights, and tell me I am supposed to have a creche on my lawn instead of the reindeer, then you should consider using one of your vacation days for your personal religious celebration. As far as I am concerned, it’s about giving gifts in the darkness of winter, and that’s ALL it’s about.
And it’s not about impeaching the lame duck POTUS. I agree with that idea, but keep it away from my Christmas.
39. Wm Brown | 12.02.08
The ornament isn’t worth all the attention it is getting, its ummm ugly. Some artists are starving for attention, so they pull media stunts. That is what this appears to be, especially since she (the artist) let the media on to it herself or through her friends.
This is a perfect example of why Obama will not be able to lead this country back together again. As long as the far extremes of either party play for and get the attention they so obviously crave, not for their causes but for themselves, that is what the party, and its Politician’s will be remembered for. The nation’s people will not learn to respect, but differ with each other, instead it turns into a mindless, mass screaming political rhetoric who doesn’t hold either themselves, or their elected officials accountable for their actions.
40. Nicholas | 12.02.08
Yes, Mr. Carson, it’s very sad that George W. Bush stained the soil of Baghdad and Iraq with the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi men, women and children. Merry Christmas.
41. Lynette | 12.02.08
She does not represent WA and I am sorry she was chosen as an artist. Although WA tends to vote Democratic, many of us do not appreciate the sentiment expressed in this ornament.
42. Dr Zhivago | 12.02.08
A year ago I thought impeachment would solve the problem of Bush’s corrupt and decadent administration. Now I know that he needs to serve a term of duty in Iraq,…and then another, and another, and another, and another, and another,…
43. ITMFA | 12.02.08
Impeachment is not political if the guy you are impeaching is a crook. It’s called justice. Bush needs to be reminded for the rest of his life what a criminal he was as president. Too bad the press didn’t have the guts to remind him during his presidency of this fact. It appears to be up to artists to do so.
44. paul | 12.02.08
Banned? It sounds to me like they looked at it and didn’t put it on the tree.
BANNED! oooohhh scaaary
45. Joseph Reilly | 12.02.08
The banning of the ornament is nothing more than could have been expected from bush. He has been at great pains to insulate himself from reality ever since he took office. To refuse to look at a piece of bling which advocates his dismissal is only par for the course.
The philosophical point ” Christmas is not time for partisan behavior” is pure nonsense. bush has used every available chance to advance his agenda, at
any time, in any place, whether or not it was appropriate. To have it come back to him in the form of a Christmas ornament is nothing more than poetic justice. What goes around, comes around.
The only problem here is that, just as with the pardon process, there is no, or
will be no, appeal. This useless,ignorant, criminal clown is going to be able to just skate, after trying his best to destroy the USA for 8 years.
BOO!!!
47. Jeff | 12.02.08
Bad taste aside, I wonder how this can be called art. My four year old has created better looking ornaments that we display proudly on our tree.
48. k mills | 12.02.08
Is there never an end to ignorant idiots like Deborah Lawrence…after a while they stop amusing and just become ungracious bores!
49. Dan | 12.02.08
People have been calling Bush a communist. Many people do not like Bush. However, this is because he is a CAPITALIST, not a communist. Oh my gosh, Bush is SO capitalistic. He’s the complete opposite of a communist. Barack Obama is closer to communism than Bush. Obama is actually rather socialist…
51. Mr Washington | 12.02.08
I live in Washington State and I am no real fan of GW but how the heck could anyone think? “perfect way to highlight Jim McDermott because he’s a hero of mine.” Jim McDermott is the biggest morron in congress. I hate him. I guess perhaps it’s because of people like her that he keeps getting elected.
53. PleaseChange | 12.02.08
Thanks Deborah Lawrence and to the great state of Washinton!!! If the first lady doesn’t want them, I guarrentee there’s lot of folks like myself who would love to buy one. This will keep me laughing for days 
55. DMAN | 12.02.08
what i want to know is do all liberals ( or conservatives for that matter) know where our beloved gasoline comes from. unless you are a bike riding liberal, i would love to see all americans love their country, customs, and the like and realize that we live so good in this country because of our HATED foriegn policy. go to any third world country (as i have) and ask them if they would move here. even the flag-burning religous weirdos in the middle east would about-face for that plane ride. ( I DONT LOVE BUSH!! BUT I DO LOVE CHRISTMAS, AND the ornament was in BAD TASTE!!) MERRY CHRIASTMAS!!
58. JIm | 12.02.08
You folks have no idea what a criminal is… Please take a moment and read about the atrocities Saddam committed…then you will know the meaning of criminal. Or consider the millions of babies murdered by Obama’s voting record - that is even more criminal! He has more blood on his hands than Bush ever will. And those babies are the most defenseless beings on earth and he votes to allow them to be murdered! Oh wait, no, he votes for women to have a choice…too bad those murdered babies don’t have a choice and now, not even a voice.
60. Ed | 12.02.08
Have you noticed how visceral liberals can be.
This artist knew what was expected of her when she excepted the assignment, but indulged herself at the State of Washington expense. In Washington State 40.48% of the Citizens or 1,229,216 people voted for a Republican, But she dishonored them because she knows better. Almost no one in the Country felt President Bush should be impeached, or it would have been done.
On another note, Remember that Photographer who was hired to take pictures of McCain for the New Yorker? She posed Senator McCain in a way to make him look bad. Two professional woman who are not as professional as they thought they were. Can you imagine if these women were Doctors….
61. harrison | 12.02.08
If this is a representation of the quality of free speech those who despise our current President, I would love to see most of you return to school to learn what a democracy is and how our government functions. President Bush is hardly a candidate for any criminal action. He has done nothing that Republicans and Democrats have been forced to do for decades due to the crimes of others who have no respect for any US citizen regardless of political affiliation. Come on folks, let’s think these comments through a little more before you write your opinions. Free speech doesn’t have a function for quality control. It requires each of us to monitor our own opinions at least somewhat. And by the way, to all, Have a Very Merry Christmas!
62. GoodIdea | 12.02.08
Too bad I thought this is a good start of things to come. Actually that is my Christmas wish too but add Cheney also.
63. Heather | 12.02.08
Now of course, if Obama is not a great president and someone sent such an Christmas decoration, that would be called racist!
As far as Bush being a criminal, please keep in mind that Bush alone could not keep troops in Iraq. The Congress, which has been controlled by Democrats for the past two years, still has to fund it.
They could have written a bill that was nothing else but war funding any time they wanted too. A bill that was nothing but war funding would have to be allowed to go for a vote. Then they vote ‘No”. It was that simple.
They could have ended the war any time they wanted too. They didn’t.
So, who are the criminals? Someone who has always said he supported the war, or the people sent to Congress who swore to end it and didn’t?
64. D.M. Witt | 12.02.08
What terrible and unforgivable things to bring up during Christmas! Seeking justice for subverting the Constitution, wholesale corruption, lying, torture and war crimes… And especially in the White House, of all places. Shame!
65. ADS | 12.02.08
It’s an interesting parallel that people can believe in the dogma of Christmas and believe Bush has done a good job. Both are fairy tales. I think it is a sad commentary on the analytical reasoning skills of so many Americans. Of course, those are the ones who voted him into office - twice! The collective brain trust of American voters does not inspire confidence. Do you see how bad things had to get before people woke up and voted for change?
66. Unknown Soldier | 12.02.08
Would all of you please quit bickering and argueing. I am one of those soldier’s that most of you are talking about. Impeach Bush your funny. Every President has done good and bad. I am here to tell you I thank god everyday that I get to see my kids my wife which is also active duty army. She came from the Philippines and became a citizen. She then joined the Army to thank the USA for allowing her the privilage of becoming a US Citizen. I trully admire and love this woman. Only if more AMERICANS would quit complaining when times get tough how about do something about it. How can you complain if you are on the backrow watching everyone else do it for you. Allow other people to protect your freedom of speech, your freedom of religion. Have you ever heard that saying “If you can read thank a teacher, and if you can read in english thank a soldier”. Last thing quit complaining and do something for your country do some type of civil service and help protect what you stand for instead of all this. Have a good day.
67. Heather | 12.02.08
I wonder if Democrats will speak this way about Obama, when he increases the troops in Afghanistan.
Where do you think all the terrorist fighting in Iraq now will go when we pull out of Iraq? Home?
Most of them came from outside Iraq to fight us there, so what makes you think they won’t just move over to Afghanistan.
I wonder if press will even print the body count when it is Obama’s war and not Bush’s.
68. pudentane | 12.02.08
It will seem trivial when W goes to trial, along with some of his co-conspirators, for crimes against humanity.
69. slp | 12.02.08
Incredible the comment “Are all Democrats so mean spirited.” PLEASE. Republicans invented the “mean” in mean-spirited. What a hypocrite. And YES Bush should have been impeached.
70. Kathleen | 12.02.08
Is that all the entire State of Washington has going for it? I’m no fan of Bush but, the ornament certainly is not appropriate either for Bush’s tree or the State of Washington. What an idiot this artist must be; so egotistical to think such a design might be welcomed.
71. Devan Malore | 12.02.08
Great! Somebody used art for something other than trying to make us feel good. Isn’t that a good use of art?
Devan
72. curious | 12.02.08
Partisan? Perhaps… A glass ball filled with oil and painted with corpses would have been less partisan and more to the point. I find it shocking - though I’m numb to the whole mess by now - that Bush even HAS a Christmas tree.
73. choice | 12.02.08
Most people (as evident of the election) cannot think with the help of television. These people want change and they’re going to get it. Rich people better hide your money and by the way, if you have a job, you will be classified as rich.
74. resigned | 12.02.08
s. diddy #27 - have you ever talked to the soldiers? Most of us who have been over there know that what we have done and are doing is good and appropriate. Ask the people who were ecstatic to vote for the first time. How many in this forum fall in with the majority of voter-aged people who don’t get up off their coaches?
75. paper tiger | 12.02.08
“Are all democrats mean spirited?” - posted by navyjim
Democrats mean spirited? you are joking right? It’s more the other way around. I haven’t meant a nice pleasant republican yet. I can only tell if someone is a republican when they see my Obama pin…their attitudes change quickly when they glance at my Obama “HOPE” pin. Dirty looks and all. Or you hear them say “well at least the black people are happy they have their president now”…those comments really frustrate me.
I never heard a democrat say “well at least the white christians are happy they have their president now” when Bush was elected and then re-elected. And I’m really tired of those “nobama” bumper stickers, seriously that is so un-american. yea i remember pro-bush people telling the anti-bush people they were un-american b/c of that. [and what I mean by anti-bush is being against unnecessary invading of a country that didn’t need invading].
76. crockett | 12.02.08
This so called artist….what’s her name….can’t really call that ornament “her art.” Although there are some red swirls, that by the way my pre-schoolers make quit beautifully, I see nothing more that is “her art.” There are cut out pictures and tiny print, of which I dare say would not be worth reading. So she cannot take all the credit of the “art” piece. As far as her hero goes, where was his politics when Bill Clinton was President? When Bill Clinton had Osama Bin Laden within his authority BUT LET HIM GO. It wasn’t like they hadn’t anything on the guy….he was a terroist then too!!! But because he was LET GO…a few years later we got to witness Osama’s handy work…”911.” Remember that anyone ? Where was her hero then? Where was her hero when heads of state WOULD NOT bring their wives around Bill Clinton, then President because of his whorish reputation? What was done to such a disgraceful man who brought about 911? NOTHING!
What was the name of the so called artist who has a confused hero?
Thank you to all the artist who, with the spirit of America and the Chrtismas spirit, made such beautiful ornaments worthy enough to hang on the Christmans tree in the Whitehouse.
77. Eric | 12.02.08
If Bush had any sense of humor, outside of mocking death-row inmates, he would have allowed the ornament to be put on the tree. And, no big surprise here, the man continues to have no respect for political dissention, which is a core American value. Remember how he referred to the thousands of Iraq war protestors as a “focus group?”
For me, the biggest gift of all will come January 20, when we will finally be rid of him and the stench of the past eight years can begin to dissipate.
78. shogun | 12.02.08
There is no right & wrong anymore,,, Americans (as portrayed by MSM) have no pride or embarrassment <<Open mouth - throw up- so what! - Thats THEIR American motto.
The USA will break apart in next 30 -50 years. , latino criminals & tax & spend bleeding heart communists on 1 side. Hetro, conservative WORKING people who PRODUCE products & capital on the other side. Who’s left standing 100 years from now?
79. Robert Gavin | 12.02.08
Obviosly, most of the comments are from “head in the sand” liberal democrats, who are not aware of the dangerous situation that the world is in. Some day they will be grateful to the protection, that they have had during the Bush/Cheney administration. Although, they may be spared, if they can convince their attackers, that they are not Americans, and that they are the same radical, orthodox terrorist as them. It appears that Obama has just seen the light, just in the short period of time that he became the president/elect, after he was briefed by the present administration.
What are you liberal democrats and your children going to do when the terrorist are suicide bombing in your neighborhood? Call Nancy Pelozi or Harry Reid to protect you? How about Bill Ayres, Jerimiah Wright (I find it difficult to address him as a Reverend) or the other previous cronies of your new president/elect. Further, check-out the thesis that Michelle Obama wrote for her college credits, about her opinion of racial paranoia. Amen
80. YaDaddy | 12.02.08
“6. luvwknd | 12.02.08
Bush is a communist plain and simple, no surprise he banned the ornament!”
You forgot NAZI…
Oh wait, Communists and NAZI’s are for government control of the private sector, promote high taxes and wealth redistribution and are also against private firearm ownership. Don’t let facts like that slap you in the face when you call the wrong side “Communists” though, moron.
81. dave petrosen | 12.02.08
I hope Obama gets the same treatment that George Bush gets,no respect for the president anymore.Its a national disgrace.
82. ps0831 | 12.02.08
Shame on the artist. Save the political commentary for newspapers and blogs. Impeachment of a president has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. Hopefully, it was sent back to the artist with a note, ‘Thanks but no thanks’.
83. BILL | 12.02.08
the ornament is harmless. who cares? and since when does impeachment mean partisanship? i believe the administration should have let this artistic expression stand, no matter how contrary or tasteless it is. and a statement should have been made expressing the president’s loyalty to the constitution and support of artistic expression, no matter the message. i’m of the opinion that it’s a pretty lowsy looking ornament. This might merit it being rejected, but it’s content should be irrelevant. if the spirit of the holidays is the expression of love, then there’s no better way to express one’s love of country than to artistically and passionately express an opinion about of our leader.
84. ReaganRed | 12.02.08
Tacky. The White House is America’s house and should be lovely and peaceful
this time of year. She wasn’t being brave,just incredibly rude.
Makes me wish some artist had made a cigar ornament for the Clintons.
We’d still be hearing the caterwauls of outrage from the left.
..And Ladies and Gentlemen…Bill Cliton WAS impeached,thank you very much.
85. Robert Gavin is a dope | 12.02.08
Robert, you have no idea. You could only wish to have the integrity of Rev. Wright. Why don’t you listen to the sermons instead of uses others to think for you. You are lower than Mr. Bush and that is saying something.
87. Phil D | 12.02.08
I don’t like Bush, never did never will. I strongly believe in freedom of speech. The 50 artist from 50 states is a good idea to represent each state and all of it’s people. This is one artists opinion. She knew what she was doing was wrong and not in the spirit of the artists challenge but she did it anyway. Shame on you Deborah Lawrence your not a very nice person.
88. John | 12.02.08
Bill Clinton’s 8 Year Term Resulted in the following:
(1) Impeachment Trial
(19) Mysterious Deaths/Suicides, also known as Arkansas Sudden Death Syndrome
(47) Felony Convictions between his Admin,the DNC & assoc. C’mon, he took Campaign money from Communist China
(61) Misdemeanor Convictions…see above
(129) the number of people who took the 5th or left the country so as to not have to testify at the above trials
(456) The number of people he Pardoned while in office, that more than 1 for every week he sat in office as the President
(Countless) the number of affairs he had while married to our next Sec. of State
How we so easily forget what happened only 8 to 16 years ago…
91. John Mielke | 12.02.08
The artist is an idiot but fits in well with Washington state politics. We’ll see what she comes up with for Obama’s first Christmas.
92. PleaseChange | 12.02.08
Heather: Obama won’t be fighting his own war, he doesn’t have any choice but to continue Bush’s war. The body count is on the Bush administration and all Obama can do is try to move in a direction where less lives are lost.
93. Jake Milstein | 12.02.08
Interview with the artist:
http://www.kirotv.com/video/18191154/index.html
94. Joerex99@gmail.com | 12.02.08
Bad. I do think it is funny that Laura caught it, she is the only reader in the WH since the girls left.
95. slp | 12.02.08
To the person who said that the office of the President is no longer respected. Well you can thank the likes of Bush for that. No one is above the law. This man got away with violating the Constitution over and over again and escaped punishment for it along with his cronies Ashcroft, Cheney, Rumsfield and Rove. I watched one of his exit interviews and he STILL believes he was a good President despite all evidence to the contrary. He is either a incredible liar or still in a massive state of denial.
96. Volvar Sanger | 12.02.08
Never have been a supporter of George W. Bush, yet I seldom if ever to read of those to complain about him having any real positive suggestions. When to ask “what would you have done that would be different,” a considerable number of people simply cannot provide an answer based on intelligent thinking. Also, very few people actually check for facts, and repeat what some other person has said. Far too many people are prone to believe the sky is falling and have no intelligent opinion of their own. Simply asked a person to prove our presently and actually having a Constitutional government, but before you do, make absolutely certain you have the correct answer. Have a nice day.
97. Matt | 12.02.08
Of course the criminal won’t hang a call for justice on his tree. Hard to blame him. Those who commit war crimes don’t typically like to be reminded of them at the holidays.
98. Stonald | 12.02.08
It looks as if a lot of you have forgotten the foundations that America was based on. It is sad that we are a democratic nation and one that fights for freedom. But we also vote that the majority wins. Why is our country now fighting for the minority?
99. Michael Submas | 12.02.08
Well, it figures some left-wing liberal wack-job has to put her confused ideals into the mix and congrats to her for thinking of her state instead of her own warped values. They should hang her from the tree and put a dunce cap on her…now that would be a festive decoration.
100. Scott | 12.02.08
How sad that the president choose to stain our country with horrible leadership.
101. Rick | 12.02.08
I am from Washington state and an embarassed that someone here appointed this idiot to represent our state. Who did that? Probably our idiot Gov. Gregoir…goes with our idiot, and convicted crimial congressman McDermot.
102. ???uguysridiots | 12.02.08
doesnt anyone care that this is about the holidays. none of the other decorations were politicaly motivated. and that tired corporate greed speech is as childish as the democratic party. another point, this will be obama’s war once he takes the oath. if he didnt want the responsibility he never should have ran. merry x-mas to all. even you hateful dems.
103. Scott | 12.02.08
Impeach Bush! Impeach Clinton!
It’s just sad that you political idiots are so blindly loyal to your parties. It must be dificult living out your lives so uptight, knowing your right and the other guy is wrong. baahhhhh….baahhhhh
Bunch of sheep.
104. Mark | 12.02.08
Take every opportunity to shine light on injustice. Good job, Deborah. Maybe this will give Dennis Kucinich’s articles of impeachment a second chance. Anyone who thought Clinton should face impeachment for his personal naughtiness but Bush shouldn’t for the murder and mayhem he’s caused isn’t fit to be called an American.
105. Jim | 12.02.08
Whew, what hostilityQ! What a crock! All these calls for impeachment and calling Bush and Cheney criminals! If there is a law that has been broken by either of these men, don’t you think the democatic zeolots would have advanced the impeachment process. Instead, all the whackos can say is “they broke the law” or “they violated the constitution”. Once again, what law was broken, what actions violated the constitution? There is nothing to take to a court or to congress. Get over it!
106. John | 12.02.08
Bush — Capitalist? Communist? Fascist?
Paul Tillich defined “evil” as the “structure of destruction.”
His carefully chosen words separated German people from the influences that surrounded them and trapped them in a culture culture whose aim was not to live, but its opposite.
Nazis tried to establish a structure of destruction in a nation noted for its rich culture — music, religious thought, science, etc.
The architect of a structure, a structure that is bent on destroying other nations, and other peoples, would be, it seems, the devil, or as Islam sees us, as great Satan.
Bush created a structure of destruction. He destroyed other nations, our reputation in the world, our trust in government, the economy, our faith in our political leaders, our military preparedness, our retirement, our unity as a nation, and even the Republican party. As such a destroyer (decider?), what does that make him?
In a few weeks, because of the genius of our Constitution, we the people will be able to proclaim “Mission Accomplished” — Bush finally gone. Hopefully it will not be too late to undo the destruction.
107. Tactical | 12.02.08
Heather, you are wrong. The Democrats could not stop this war, they did not have the votes in the Senate to squelch the filibuster, nor the votes in either chamber of Congress to override Bush’s veto. Pelosi did start trying to attack the financial support of the troops, but it was too difficult of a political hot potato to get far with. First off all of you right wingnuts exploded with withering criticism against taking a political stand against the safety and support of our brave troops. Secondly many moderates who are against the war joined in against playing politics with support for the troops. Unfortunately the Republican lead Congress had already given Bush too much power with the initial decree. History has shown us again and again that the power of the purse is very hard to weild against the power of the commander-in-chief. As with the Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet, when Congress tried to reign in his gunboat diplomacy by cutting the funds, TR promptly sent the fleet to the other side of the world and told Congress if they wanted the fleet back they had to cough up the money. Of course they had to- politically it was the only realistic choice. The house Dems faced the same dilema in Iraq. Even once Obama is in office disengagment will be a tricky thing to do properly, and it won’t happen over night.
And no, liberals are not mean spirited. Conservatives are- they prefer unborn people to those already alive, and would force women to have children regardless of their circumstances or ability to raise those children, and would howl against any governmental aid to help those women out. Once those children are born and raised in deplorable conditions- poverty and no fathers- and a large portion of them inevitably become criminals they favor killing them for a myriad of crimes. They want to dictate who can and cannot get married based on their own religious beliefs, regardless of the religiuous beliefs of the people getting married- even though it has absolutely no bearing on their lives, they feel a need to stick their noses into the lives of others. They also value the lives of people who live in other lands far less than they value American lives, perhaps even the lives of their pets, as witnessed by their continued support of the Iraqi war. News flash- we’ve killed more innocent Iraqis than Saddam ever did. He was a two-bit mass murderer compared to some guys we supported- like Samosa in Nicaragua.
108. Jamie | 12.02.08
You’re right, Sally (the Stepford first lady’s spokesbot), this is no time for divisive politics, this is the United States- it’s a time for censorship of a little, insignificant ball on a Xmas tree just to insulate Laura and her guests from that unpleasant truth that hangs out there that her husband is corrupt to the point of mass murder and torture.
This ornament thing is a microcosm of that neocon with-us-or-against-us attitude. Watch Obama. He’s going to be successful
109. slp | 12.02.08
Condoning torture, throwing away habeus corpus, attacking a sovereign nation unilaterally without any evidence of it harboring terrorist or weapons of mass destruction. Spying on U.S. Citizens, accusing anyone of disagreeing with him of being unpatriotic. Just what sort of positive suggestions would you think appropriate? Don’t you lecture me or anyone else here about “intellegent thinking”.
110. Jmyst | 12.02.08
Hey Deborah, why dont you paint a picture of the country right now, so that way you can compare the failure of your art career to the ideals of liberal socialism. Great economic empires fell in our lifetime: Russia, Japan and we still dont get it. You wanted it you got it liberals, say goodbye to your jobs.
111. Steve | 12.02.08
37. Frank Grimes | 12.02.08
“So much for free speech.” Gee thanks, Frank for “stealing” my line!:{)
113. techie | 12.03.08
Yes, there were rules. The ornament had to be red, white and blue; be visible from 18 feet away; and NOT contain anything political!
115. jamesmurphey | 12.03.08
yea, if we all dont agree with BUSH, then we’re COMMUNISTS, oh no, that was 50 years ago, WE’RE TERRORISTS….
116. shaye | 12.03.08
Iraq destroyed? Better look again. It is revived! Many have died, but not as many as Sadam and Alquida have intentionally destroyed in one day. It is our duty as World Citizens and children of God to stand up against opression in any nation. That is what Bush did.
Current day, more people die on the streets of Chicago and New York every day than die in the entire country of Iraq due to war each day. Where are you people getting your statistics MSNBC?
117. NR Davis | 12.03.08
Deborah Lawrence is a hero. The paid killer is not. Neither is Bush, the war criminal.
I guess there is no freedom of speech in the citizens’ (NOT the Bushes’) White House, and only certain points of view are allowed to be represented there. Perhaps that will change once 1600 Pennsylvania finally gets some decent occupants.
Some advice for Lawrence: Next time she attempts a covert action, she should keep her mouth shut until afterward.
And where do I buy one of those balls? There is no equality in the US, so there is no reason for me to celebrate, but I may want to hang it on the celebratory tree I’ll set up once Bush and Cheney are on trial at the Hague.
118. Ashley | 12.04.08
107. Tactical-
You have probably the only comment on here that I found worth reading. Thank you for not being ignorant and actually providing people with something, that doesn’t contain some form of whining, to read.
119. Matt the Brave | 12.04.08
To the one who asked if we get a non-Christian leader in the White House if the Christmas ornaments and tree will continue, that answer is yes. The Presidency is wrapped in so much pomp and ceremony that hardly anything pertaining to the White House ever gets changed. There is a protocol for the President to maintain, and that is also the traditions of the White House. Even if we were to have a non-Christian (or even non-Judeic traditioned President), it would continue much in the same way as the egg roll at Easter, and pardoning a turkey at Thanksgiving.
120. Don | 12.04.08
The artist displayed very poor taste. Apparently liberals cant even enjoy christmas without making it a political hatefest.
121. michele | 12.05.08
the ornament is actually really pretty…make one for me and i’ll hang it on my tree!
123. BBQRR | 12.05.08
I actually have the advantage of knowing this artist on a professional level, and have seen her personal images of the ornament… There is much political commentary on the ornament, comprised of words cut out of newspapers. She does not just paste on her own commentary, she pulls quotes from political leaders and journalists to help express her opinions in a collage-esque style. Criticism of our president is present on the ornament in calling out his speeches about WMD’s and the response in the press when they were not found. She did not just say “he’s a bad bad man, impeach him.” There was more thought put into her ornament than she’s getting credit for here.
124. Jim C. | 12.06.08
The impeachment of Bush would be the best gift for Americans and
peoples of the world. A very Merry Christmas to the folks of Washington
State.
125. RachelW | 12.06.08
I am not surprised or shocked at this move - just sick to my stomach. Shame on him and the artist. Mrs. Bush asks each Congressperson to have an artist represent them and he allows this to occur - utter disgust.
126. B Rhodes | 12.20.08
I agree with Jim.
Get rid of Bush, I think this story is awesome. Only way it could be better is if every state submitted the same theme maybe George Bush would get the picture. For those who say not to mix politics and Christmas… If you came to my house and smelled like **** I would tell you regardless of the day of the year.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Bill Carson | 12.02.08
How sad that the artist choose to stain the Holiday sentiment with politics.