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Not At My Table - Political Discussions => Local & State Politics => Topic started by: patric on September 22, 2012, 10:52:40 PM

Title: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on September 22, 2012, 10:52:40 PM


TULSA, Okla. — Some of the people who banded together to put on a Christmas parade in 2011 have had a falling out...
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/battle-brewing-over-tulsa-christmas-parade/nSHx8/

Last week, members of the board of Tulsa Christmas Parade, LLC issued a statement warning people to beware of an "imposter."
"It is sad that someone who worked with us last year has decided to go on his own, claiming to represent the Christmas Parade, which he has no legal authority to do so," said (parade organizer Josh) McFarland.


Backgrounder:  http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/index.php?topic=16726.0

Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Teatownclown on September 22, 2012, 11:07:50 PM
Does anyone have a good appliance store they might recommend?
Can't depend on Santa this year.
And I have been on good behavior too. :(
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 23, 2012, 08:59:34 AM
KJRH has a good segment...

Tulsa Christmas Parade: Who's actually in charge?

TULSA - Last year, instead of just one parade during the holiday season, Tulsa hosted two.Both held at the same day at the same time, but at different locations -- the long-standing Holiday Parade of Lights and the Tulsa Christmas Parade. Residents upset by the lack of the word "Christmas" in the title formed their own parade. It caused some controversy.

This year, organizers of the Christmas parade have split, each saying the other doesn't have authority over the parade.To break it down, the Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC was the organizing agency of the parade last year. The agency contact was David Arnett. This year there are some changes. "We didn't really know how it was going to turn out last year, and it turned out to be a pretty special thing, kind of a Norman Rockwell painting if you will, of what Christmas should look like," said Josh McFarland, Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC board member. McFarland and two others make up the board for the Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC.

He says there are some concerns about illegal fundraising for the parade. "One of the more disturbing calls we had, we've had a couple now, of folks that are calling past sponsors," said McFarland. He says those people are asking past sponsors for money for the Tulsa Christmas Parade, but they are not board members. "If you get a phone call, please validate that it is on the Christmas parade board," said McFarland. McFarland says he knows who is behind this, but won't say for legal reasons.

David Arnett, last year's organizer and the contact listed on last year's permit, says they are talking about him. "I am the organizer, I am putting this year's parade together and I have filed a permit for this year's parade and that is currently in development in the City of Tulsa special permits office," said Arnett. He admits to calling sponsors, but not on behalf of the LLC, on behalf of the parade. "Have I received one dollar? No.  Have I received pledges of support? Yes.  I have not collected those because we are not at that stage yet," said Arnett.

Which means both the Tulsa Christmas Parade LLC and Arnett are moving forward on the same parade. "The mouse or mice that were riding on the back of the wagon have decided that they want to be in front leading the team of horses, that's not my concern, my concern here is to do a Christmas parade," said Arnett.

"This isn't about any individuals at all, this about the cause, the Tulsa Christmas Parade and the higher calling that calling that comes with that parade, which is our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ being a part of this city," said McFarland. Both sides say they may file law suits against the other.

Read more: http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/theres-a-dispute-about-who-is-in-charge-of-the-tulsa-christmas-parade#ixzz27IjKbdub
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Ed W on September 23, 2012, 10:53:07 AM
It certainly presents a heart-warming, Rockwell-esque view of Tulsa's Christmas traditions. During the season of peace and love for all men, we'll have finger-pointing and accusations of wrong-doing. What's next? Rival parades clashing over the same route, reduced to fisticuffs at intersections while competing Santas club their rival's elves with fists and sleigh bell flails while the reindeer slash each other with antlers, knives, and the occasional beer bottle?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Hoss on September 23, 2012, 10:57:02 AM
Why do I feel the sudden urge to laugh?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on September 23, 2012, 11:45:50 AM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on September 23, 2012, 08:59:34 AM
"this about the cause, the Tulsa Christmas Parade and the higher calling that calling that comes with that parade, which is our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ being a part of this city"

a...little...creepy.

I choose to take a more lighthearted view, maybe in this direction:
(http://chucksconnection.com/animal/animal5.gif)
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: nathanm on September 23, 2012, 12:31:49 PM
Quote from: Ed W on September 23, 2012, 10:53:07 AM
It certainly presents a heart-warming, Rockwell-esque view of Tulsa's Christmas traditions. During the season of peace and love for all men, we'll have finger-pointing and accusations of wrong-doing. What's next? Rival parades clashing over the same route, reduced to fisticuffs at intersections while competing Santas club their rival's elves with fists and sleigh bell flails while the reindeer slash each other with antlers, knives, and the occasional beer bottle?

Sounds like that scene from Gangs of New York depicting rival firefighting companies.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: custosnox on September 23, 2012, 02:53:54 PM
Quote from: nathanm on September 23, 2012, 12:31:49 PM
Sounds like that scene from Christmas Gangs of New York Tulsa depicting rival firefighting parade companies.
FIFY
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: rdj on September 24, 2012, 03:24:45 PM
I didn't realize Norman Rockwell did paintings of suburban shopping centers like Tulsa Hills.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on September 24, 2012, 03:38:49 PM
And it would figure Arnutt would be at the epicenter.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on September 24, 2012, 03:51:00 PM
Shouldn't everyone involved just pray about it?

Surely something so important as the TULsa DUal BREAKaway CHristian's Only Winter Solstice or TulDubreakchows parades would bring a small conference call from Jesus at least...surely...

Good to know it's gone so well and shows a true holiday spirit.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Hoss on September 24, 2012, 03:51:56 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on September 24, 2012, 03:38:49 PM
And it would figure Arnutt would be at the epicenter.

I was going to point that out yesterday as one of my good friends worked for him at one of the weekly publications he ran.  He wasn't real fond of Arnett, if my memory serves correctly.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on September 24, 2012, 03:58:42 PM
Its all so damn silly.

Thanks for putting Tulsa's rep through the ringer jack@$$s
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: guido911 on September 24, 2012, 07:56:50 PM
Quote from: Townsend on September 24, 2012, 03:51:00 PM
Shouldn't everyone involved just pray about it?

Surely something so important as the TULsa DUal BREAKaway CHristian's Only Winter Solstice or TulDubreakchows parades would bring a small conference call from Jesus at least...surely...

Good to know it's gone so well and shows a true holiday spirit.

I'm curious? Are you Christian T? If not, do you have a faith? You are something since you apparently understand "holiday spirit".
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 24, 2012, 08:22:55 PM
Really guido? Show me the Christian angle in two guys fighting over who gets call their parade "Christmas". I missed that in my Bible.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 24, 2012, 08:26:15 PM
Ask and ye shall receive...

Isaiah 3:9
The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Red Arrow on September 24, 2012, 08:26:20 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on September 24, 2012, 08:22:55 PM
Really guido? Show me the Christian angle in two guys fighting over who gets call their parade "Christmas". I missed that in my Bible.

27.2 degrees
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: guido911 on September 24, 2012, 10:39:29 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on September 24, 2012, 08:22:55 PM
Really guido? Show me the Christian angle in two guys fighting over who gets call their parade "Christmas". I missed that in my Bible.
I'm not taking the issue on. Just curious about one of the posters in here. A question I have always had are when non-Christians are so quick to point out the flaws and human failings of Christians, as if being a Christian makes someone infallible. I get the hypocrisy stuff when the overly pious, in your face guy gets caught toe tapping. It's the every day Christian who stumbles, or gets into this parade nonsense, who suddenly becomes a joke's punchline I am interested in getting at. Probably the wrong thread.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on September 24, 2012, 10:56:06 PM
Quote from: guido911 on September 24, 2012, 10:39:29 PM
I'm not taking the issue on. Just curious about one of the posters in here. A question I have always had are when non-Christians are so quick to point out the flaws and human failings of Christians, as if being a Christian makes someone infallible. I get the hypocrisy stuff when the overly pious, in your face guy gets caught toe tapping. It's the every day Christian who stumbles, or gets into this parade nonsense, who suddenly becomes a joke's punchline I am interested in getting at. Probably the wrong thread.

It is.  This is a perfect thread to make fun of someone, not have a point conversation about philosophy.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on September 29, 2012, 08:00:37 PM
Arnett pulls out

http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/battle-over-control-tulsa-christmas-parade-ends/nSPr2/
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on September 30, 2012, 12:50:06 AM
Quote from: patric on September 29, 2012, 08:00:37 PM
Arnett pulls out

http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/battle-over-control-tulsa-christmas-parade-ends/nSPr2/

That's too bad.  I was hoping for a good old fashioned parade float joust.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 30, 2012, 12:45:25 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on September 24, 2012, 08:22:55 PM
Really guido? Show me the Christian angle in two guys fighting over who gets call their parade "Christmas". I missed that in my Bible.


It's pretty obtuse, so that would mean greater than 90, but less than 180 degrees...
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: rdj on October 01, 2012, 11:13:34 AM
Quote from: patric on September 29, 2012, 08:00:37 PM
Arnett pulls out

http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/battle-over-control-tulsa-christmas-parade-ends/nSPr2/

Better to pull out now rather than abort at the last minute.  Not typical for this crowd regardless of their moral induced politics.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on October 01, 2012, 11:22:04 AM
"The reason for the season"

Someone needs to open their history books.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on October 01, 2012, 11:25:42 AM
Quote from: rdj on October 01, 2012, 11:13:34 AM
Better to pull out now rather than abort at the last minute.  Not typical for this crowd regardless of their moral induced politics.

I like what you did there.  Clever.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Teatownclown on October 01, 2012, 11:27:18 AM
Quote from: Conan71 on October 01, 2012, 11:25:42 AM
I like what you did there.  Clever.
litmus tester:
still more proof....
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on November 27, 2012, 12:04:28 AM
The Tulsa Christmas Parade was initially going to be held at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center on December 15th, but Tulsa Hills management thought that would create too much traffic on a very important shopping day. Organizers decided to bump the parade up a week; once again pitting it against the Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights.
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Dueling-December-parades-in-Tulsa-again-for-2012/3irZNrtlWk2d9VgBLC3gUg.cspx
Eddie Huff, organizer of the Tulsa Christmas Parade, isn't apologizing.
"I think Tulsa's big enough for two parades. We don't see a controversy. There's is a holiday parade, and ours is a Christmas parade.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on November 27, 2012, 09:39:30 AM
Quote from: patric on November 27, 2012, 12:04:28 AM
The Tulsa Christmas Parade was initially going to be held at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center on December 15th, but Tulsa Hills management thought that would create too much traffic on a very important shopping day. Organizers decided to bump the parade up a week; once again pitting it against the Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights.
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Dueling-December-parades-in-Tulsa-again-for-2012/3irZNrtlWk2d9VgBLC3gUg.cspx
Eddie Huff, organizer of the Tulsa Christmas Parade, isn't apologizing.
"I think Tulsa's big enough for two parades. We don't see a controversy. There's is a holiday parade, and ours is a Christmas parade.


We're a very angry exclusionary competitive people here in South Tulsa.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on November 27, 2012, 10:55:05 AM
I like how the Fox News writer used the wrong form of their's.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: sgrizzle on November 28, 2012, 11:27:17 AM
I'm sure they wanted it to be on the 15th for about 15 seconds.

This is a protest parade, led by Bill Christiansen as the MC this year.

If there was a new Grumpy White Men movie coming out, they could sponsor it.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on October 01, 2013, 08:01:41 AM
Per the Tulsa world there was an attempt to merge the parades.

It didn't work.

Merry whateverthehellitis.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: DolfanBob on October 01, 2013, 08:45:08 AM
"Tulsa Downtown Parade of Lights" with a subtitle: a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays.

At least Christmas was the first name on the subtitle list. Probably in small print no doubt.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on October 01, 2013, 02:59:34 PM
Damn, the war on Christmas is starting early this year.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: sauerkraut on October 05, 2013, 03:38:59 PM
Looks like the orgional Tulsa so-called Christmas (holiday) parade is fizzling out and the new real Christmas parade is taking over and becoming the real parade of the city. After all Christmas is the reason for the season, leaving out Christ and trying to wing it by using snowmen & Santa pretending it's a Christmas parade does not work. The Christmas parade needs to focus on Christ and the real meaning of Christmas. Or so it seems to me. ::)
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Hoss on October 05, 2013, 04:35:16 PM
Remember, Christmas originally was a Pagan holiday...sorry if that makes your head asplode...

http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on October 05, 2013, 05:49:45 PM
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 05, 2013, 03:38:59 PM
Looks like the orgional Tulsa so-called Christmas (holiday) parade is fizzling out and the new real Christmas parade is taking over and becoming the real parade of the city. After all Christmas is the reason for the season,...

That is why they have it at the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center. Nothing says Christmas like Sam's Wholesale club.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on October 06, 2013, 12:52:44 AM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on October 05, 2013, 05:49:45 PM
That is why they have it at the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center. Nothing says Christmas like Sam's Wholesale club.

And the tire places.  Merry Yokohama and a happy firestone.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: AquaMan on October 06, 2013, 11:19:30 AM
The "reason for the season" is retail sales. The downtown Parade of Lights, Holiday Parade or whatever they want to call it, is a well established Tulsa tradition that shows no sign of "fizzling" out. I suspect it will get even stronger as downtown continues to re-purpose itself.

Tulsa Hills Christmas Parade on the other hand is pure retail promotion using Christians as bait.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Red Arrow on October 06, 2013, 11:32:03 AM
Quote from: AquaMan on October 06, 2013, 11:19:30 AM
Tulsa Hills Christmas Parade on the other hand is pure retail promotion using Christians as bait.

I'll give it Ivory Soap pure.  Pure but not quite 100%.  There are bound to be a few people not in it for the money.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: AquaMan on October 06, 2013, 12:38:19 PM
Quote from: Red Arrow on October 06, 2013, 11:32:03 AM
I'll give it Ivory Soap pure.  Pure but not quite 100%.  There are bound to be a few people not in it for the money.

Of course you're right. Ivory Soap pure. I am envious of those who are able to look past the commercialism of the parades and simply enjoy them as theatre like I did as a child in downtown Tulsa in the 50's. My mom would leave us on the curb to rake in candy and watch the marching bands while she shopped at nearby Woolworths, Frougs, Clarke's etc. That memory can never be re-enacted.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on October 06, 2013, 07:47:02 PM
Quote from: AquaMan on October 06, 2013, 12:38:19 PM
Of course you're right. Ivory Soap pure. I am envious of those who are able to look past the commercialism of the parades and simply enjoy them as theatre like I did as a child in downtown Tulsa in the 50's. My mom would leave us on the curb to rake in candy and watch the marching bands while she shopped at nearby Woolworths, Frougs, Clarke's etc. That memory can never be re-enacted.



+1.....a dozen times over.  Still have the old 8mm home movies from several of those.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on October 07, 2013, 10:00:53 AM
Quote from: AquaMan on October 06, 2013, 11:19:30 AM
The "reason for the season" is retail sales. The downtown Parade of Lights, Holiday Parade or whatever they want to call it, is a well established Tulsa tradition that shows no sign of "fizzling" out. I suspect it will get even stronger as downtown continues to re-purpose itself.

Tulsa Hills Christmas Parade on the other hand is pure retail promotion using Christians as bait.

I sure didn't look like it was fizzling last year, did it?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on October 07, 2013, 10:12:51 AM
Quote from: Conan71 on October 07, 2013, 10:00:53 AM
I sure didn't look like it was fizzling last year, did it?

Not from my vantage point, but consider the source.

My favorite part of the parade is the labradors...not sure they are aware of the reason for the season though.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on October 07, 2013, 10:15:08 AM
Quote from: carltonplace on October 07, 2013, 10:12:51 AM
Not from my vantage point, but consider the source.

My favorite part of the parade is the labradors...not sure they are aware of the reason for the season though.

You have to be very careful riding in the bicycle brigade behind the labradors.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on October 07, 2013, 10:18:21 AM
At least you are not behind the mounted police.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on October 07, 2013, 10:21:59 AM
Quote from: carltonplace on October 07, 2013, 10:18:21 AM
At least you are not behind the mounted police.

Or the senator.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Hoss on October 07, 2013, 10:23:05 AM
Quote from: Townsend on October 07, 2013, 10:21:59 AM
Or the senator.

I think you have to be worried about being on the Senator's 12...
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on October 07, 2013, 11:28:03 AM
Quote from: Townsend on October 07, 2013, 10:21:59 AM
Or the senator.

The Seniletor doesn't ride his donkey in the downtown parade any longer.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on October 07, 2013, 11:54:56 AM
Quote from: Conan71 on October 07, 2013, 11:28:03 AM
The Seniletor doesn't ride his donkey in the downtown parade any longer.

I think he keeps getting sent back to Washington to keep him away from Oklahoma.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: sauerkraut on October 08, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
Holiday Parade of Lights has nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the whole reason for the season. Kwansa indeed, Kwansa was a holiday invented back in 1966 with nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is NOT about snowmen, colored holiday lights and santa... Funny  how they like to replace the word "Christmas" with the word "holiday" all the time. I want to see a real Christmas parade at Christmas not a PC parade that celebrates everything but Christmas.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: rebound on October 08, 2013, 02:34:02 PM
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 08, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
I want to see a real Christmas parade at Christmas not a PC parade that celebrates everything but Christmas.

Really?  I think you would be in the minority on that one, even around here.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on October 08, 2013, 03:51:47 PM
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 08, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
I want to see a real Christmas parade at Christmas not a PC parade that celebrates everything but Christmas.

I think a parade of virgin women each giving birth to the Son of God would be difficult to stage. The manger alone would be hard to put on a trailer and trying to time the births for a Saturday night might be a challenge.

Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on October 08, 2013, 03:54:24 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on October 08, 2013, 03:51:47 PM
I think a parade of virgin women each giving birth to the Son of God would be difficult to stage. The manger alone would be hard to put on a trailer and trying to time the births for a Saturday night might be a challenge.



Finding three wise men might be a challenge.  Who's got some myrrh?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: RecycleMichael on October 08, 2013, 04:04:03 PM
Myrhh is a salve that can be applied to abrasions and minor skin ailments. It is similar to petroleum jelly.

You got to be pretty good friends with someone to give them petroleum jelly as a gift.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: AquaMan on October 08, 2013, 05:28:09 PM
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 08, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
Holiday Parade of Lights has nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the whole reason for the season. Kwansa indeed, Kwansa was a holiday invented back in 1966 with nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is NOT about snowmen, colored holiday lights and santa... Funny  how they like to replace the word "Christmas" with the word "holiday" all the time. I want to see a real Christmas parade at Christmas not a PC parade that celebrates everything but Christmas.

You didn't read any of the other poster's remarks did you? I never saw anyone mention Kwanza and as long as I remember there have been multiple manger scenes in the Christmas parades and Holiday Parades I visited. A parade with nothing but manger scenes and wise men would be pretty boring. Good luck with that.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Red Arrow on October 08, 2013, 06:27:55 PM
Quote from: RecycleMichael on October 08, 2013, 04:04:03 PM
You got to be pretty good friends with someone to give them petroleum jelly as a gift.

Or just not care about them.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Red Arrow on October 08, 2013, 06:32:43 PM
Quote from: Townsend on October 08, 2013, 03:54:24 PM
Finding three wise men might be a challenge. 

Let's negotiate.  Find four wise men or no deal.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: AquaMan on October 08, 2013, 06:47:32 PM
We'll have to go out of state to find them. Maybe even outsource them from Persia. I'm against that.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on October 08, 2013, 08:53:22 PM
Quote from: Red Arrow on October 08, 2013, 06:32:43 PM
Let's negotiate.  Find four wise men or no deal.

Four wise men, and repeal Obamacare and we have a deal.

Otherwise, I'll shut down your little parade.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on October 09, 2013, 05:37:35 PM
Quote from: sauerkraut on October 08, 2013, 02:18:51 PM
Holiday Parade of Lights has nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the whole reason for the season. Kwansa indeed, Kwansa was a holiday invented back in 1966 with nothing to do with Christmas. Christmas is NOT about snowmen, colored holiday lights and santa... Funny  how they like to replace the word "Christmas" with the word "holiday" all the time. I want to see a real Christmas parade at Christmas not a PC parade that celebrates everything but Christmas.


Exactly what would that be...??  A traveling re-inactment of the passion play, ala Eureka Springs??  Kind of a bummer at the end for the kiddies to watch just before going home to open presents.

This parade (as most parades) is a 'place-marker' token to represent the celebration of something that makes us feel good.  It doesn't really bother me at all if there is a fat little elf and some obviously hyped-up-on-magic-dust reindeer going down the street.  Or bands or old cars or fire trucks, or any of the stuff that shows up for the parade.  It is a "Disney-esque"-ish celebration to make the kids feel good.  Let them enjoy the moment without getting all anal about it.... especially YOU, Jim Inhofe!!





Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on October 10, 2013, 02:45:07 PM
Per TW FB post:

QuoteTulsa teen actress Samantha Isler has been named Grand Marshal of the Tulsa Holiday Parade of Lights.

Any bets on if she receives threats?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Hoss on October 10, 2013, 04:25:57 PM
Quote from: Townsend on October 10, 2013, 02:45:07 PM
Per TW FB post:

Any bets on if she receives threats?

This is Oklahoma, remember?  No one will take that bet.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on December 10, 2013, 10:16:26 AM
I didnt expect to see the LaFortunes in the crazy column on the "War on Christmas"

A measure filed on Monday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives is claimed to defend the traditional holiday seasons of Christmas and Hanukkah.  http://www.fox23.com/mostpopular/story/Merry-Christmas-legislation-introduced-in-Okla/JBLgpTwRKESITDGZkx3omQ.cspx

State Reps. Bob Cleveland, R-Slaughterville, and Ken Walker, R-Tulsa, filed the bill for the upcoming 2014 Legislative session.

Called the "Merry Christmas" bill, the measure would allow for schools to celebrate Christmas and use religious-based imagery such as nativity scenes alongside other displays such as Christmas trees. It would also allow school faculty and staff to use traditional greetings such as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" without fear of reprisal.

"The purpose of this Oklahoma Merry Christmas bill is to put a beacon of light, a safe harbor if you will, in the pages of the statutes so that our children, our parents and our teachers can run to a lighthouse whose light shines boldly from the pages of our state's law books," Rep. Walker said. "It will declare that we have a right to express our core beliefs and celebrate winter traditions without fear of lawsuit, retribution or reprisal."

Rep. Walker said he was convinced to file this legislation after speaking with Kathy LaFortune, the wife of former Tulsa mayor Bill LaFortune, who said she wants to prevent public schools from being bullied away from celebrating the religious holidays.

"I want our public schools to be able to display Christmas decorations and other significant icons side by side without fear of lawsuits," LaFortune said. "Teachers should have the freedom to discuss the cultural and historic meanings behind these symbols with our children."

Rep. Cleveland said he wants to make sure the meaning of Christmas is kept intact.
"Christmas is the time that our founding fathers came here to get away from persecution"



This is an easy fix; just include every other faith and religious holiday in your plan, and you will no longer live in fear.   ;D
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on December 10, 2013, 11:07:35 AM
Quote from: patric on December 10, 2013, 10:16:26 AM
I didnt expect to see the LaFortunes in the crazy column on the "War on Christmas"

A measure filed on Monday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives is claimed to defend the traditional holiday seasons of Christmas and Hanukkah.  http://www.fox23.com/mostpopular/story/Merry-Christmas-legislation-introduced-in-Okla/JBLgpTwRKESITDGZkx3omQ.cspx

State Reps. Bob Cleveland, R-Slaughterville, and Ken Walker, R-Tulsa, filed the bill for the upcoming 2014 Legislative session.

Called the "Merry Christmas" bill, the measure would allow for schools to celebrate Christmas and use religious-based imagery such as nativity scenes alongside other displays such as Christmas trees. It would also allow school faculty and staff to use traditional greetings such as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" without fear of reprisal.

"The purpose of this Oklahoma Merry Christmas bill is to put a beacon of light, a safe harbor if you will, in the pages of the statutes so that our children, our parents and our teachers can run to a lighthouse whose light shines boldly from the pages of our state's law books," Rep. Walker said. "It will declare that we have a right to express our core beliefs and celebrate winter traditions without fear of lawsuit, retribution or reprisal."

Rep. Walker said he was convinced to file this legislation after speaking with Kathy LaFortune, the wife of former Tulsa mayor Bill LaFortune, who said she wants to prevent public schools from being bullied away from celebrating the religious holidays.

"I want our public schools to be able to display Christmas decorations and other significant icons side by side without fear of lawsuits," LaFortune said. "Teachers should have the freedom to discuss the cultural and historic meanings behind these symbols with our children."

Rep. Cleveland said he wants to make sure the meaning of Christmas is kept intact.
"Christmas is the time that our founding fathers came here to get away from persecution"



This is an easy fix; just include every other faith and religious holiday in your plan, and you will no longer live in fear.   ;D

This is odd considering the fracas with the zoo's elephant exhibit while Bill was mayor.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: rebound on December 10, 2013, 11:40:54 AM
Quote from: patric on December 10, 2013, 10:16:26 AM
Rep. Cleveland said he wants to make sure the meaning of Christmas is kept intact.
"Christmas is the time that our founding fathers came here to get away from persecution"

Ya know, I really don't want to start the greater argument here again, but quotes like that drive me insane.  Just a little historical perspective is all I'm asking for...
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on December 10, 2013, 11:50:14 AM
Quote from: rebound on December 10, 2013, 11:40:54 AM
Ya know, I really don't want to start the greater argument here again, but quotes like that drive me insane.  Just a little historical perspective is all I'm asking for...

Agreed.  Christmas was frowned upon as something celebrated by the English.   It was a no-go here in the colonies.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Ed W on December 10, 2013, 12:01:30 PM
Quote from: rebound on December 10, 2013, 11:40:54 AM
Ya know, I really don't want to start the greater argument here again, but quotes like that drive me insane.  Just a little historical perspective is all I'm asking for...

Historical perspective? We didn't have any historical perspective when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor!
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: rebound on December 10, 2013, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: Townsend on December 10, 2013, 11:50:14 AM
Agreed.  Christmas was frowned upon as something celebrated by the English.   It was a no-go here in the colonies.

Exactly,  and the fact that the whole religious persecution thing was about 150 years prior to the revolution anyway.  The "founding fathers" position on religion is fairly easy to understand if anyone wants to read the documents.  Religion is fine, but it should not be part of government.   

But to clarify,  I personally don't have an issue of calling it a Christmas parade, as the term Christmas (and the way it is celebrated by the vast majority) is distinctly non-religious today.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on December 10, 2013, 12:17:26 PM
Interesting factoid: From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston.  Violators were subject to a five shilling fine.

Easy, entertaining read on the history of the holiday observance:

http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

In my lifetime, Christmas has morphed from something family-centric to little more than a commercial cash gorge.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Red Arrow on December 10, 2013, 12:28:38 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on December 10, 2013, 12:17:26 PM
In my lifetime, Christmas has morphed from something family-centric to little more than a commercial cash gorge.

Money is full of germs.  Give your money to me to play it safe.

;D

Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Gaspar on December 10, 2013, 01:17:53 PM
When you have little kids, Christmas becomes magical again.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Rookie Okie on December 10, 2013, 03:26:41 PM

Wow, so this is what lawmakers are doing instead of fighting to improve education and working their a$$e$ off to bring more good jobs to the state.  Kathy LaFortune said "teachers should have the freedom to discuss the cultural and historic meanings behind these symbols with our children."  Well Ms. LaFortune how about mandating that teachers provide instruction in math, science, language, and the arts, something that will acutally make our students more competitive with their counterparts around the globe.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: AquaMan on December 10, 2013, 05:18:30 PM
Seriously, I doubt that teachers have felt hamstrung in discussing the cultural and historic meanings behind symbols with children old enough to understand what symbolism is.

They do support indoctrinary education for those too young for nuance, just not that fact based stuff.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: patric on December 11, 2013, 11:56:32 AM
Quote from: AquaMan on December 10, 2013, 05:18:30 PM
Seriously, I doubt that teachers have felt hamstrung in discussing the cultural and historic meanings behind symbols with children old enough to understand what symbolism is.
They do support indoctrinary education for those too young for nuance, just not that fact based stuff.

Just our "smaller government" lawmakers having a Godgasm on the taxpayers dime.  How many roads and bridges will we not have the money to fix because we paid to send this theater through the courts again?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Townsend on December 11, 2013, 12:28:27 PM
Quote from: patric on December 11, 2013, 11:56:32 AM
Just our "smaller government" lawmakers having a Godgasm on the taxpayers dime.  How many roads and bridges will we not have the money to fix because we paid to send this theater through the courts again?

Apparently Mrs. Lafortune's meds need to be adjusted and the politicians going along with it know they can use it as a platform.  "I fought to get God back in the classroom."
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Conan71 on December 11, 2013, 02:41:43 PM
Quote from: Townsend on December 11, 2013, 12:28:27 PM
Apparently Mrs. Lafortune's meds need to be adjusted and the politicians going along with it know they can use it as a platform.  "I fought to get God back in the classroom."

God must have graduated, what, millions or billions of years ago.  Why would he want to go back now?
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: Rookie Okie on December 11, 2013, 02:59:04 PM
I know once they said I was finito they didn't have to worry about me going back.
Title: Re: Christmas Parade Goes Rogue
Post by: carltonplace on June 23, 2014, 04:07:50 PM
Its no longer rogue, now its "unified"