>> For sure. I also object to any government dollars being spent on exercise of religion. If business want to group together and buy Christmas decorations for the business district, fine. If the local government contributes, I object.
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>>Do you consider a Christmas tree with lights/ornaments an exercise of religion?
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>Absolutely. It's a promotion of a particular religion.
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>FWIW, I also think the government shouldn't spend any money on Hanukkah menorahs, or plaques of the 10 commandments, or statues of the Buddha.
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>I object strongly to any of those being placed in public schools. While I don't think they belong in any government buildings, schools to me are the strongest case because children are involved.
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>I also think there's a difference between a kid bringing something in for "show and tell" and to tell the class about what they celebrate, and having a display in the school.
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>Tamar

OK, that's one of those "agree to disagree" things. I personally don't see a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments a promotion of a religion. (Now, a nativity scene is a different story).

From kindergarten up through High School we always had a big tree with lights in the school entrance, and I always thought it looked cool. When I look at a lighted Christmas tree I don't think of any promotion - it just looks pleasing to the eye.

Christmas to me is about the "good will towards men" (guess that means I have to start being nice to Obama supporters and JR <s> ), presents, parties, cool lights, and stuff like that....also some great movies that, if I were a school teacher, I'd try to arrange to show in school (like "It's a Wonderful Life"). Plus, I really get a kick out of my daughter's excitement about Santa Claus and what goes with that. So to me (and I suspect millions of Americans), it's purely secular.