I hesitated in blogging about this story, because I figured Mayor Daley would step in and end the idiocy. But so far he hasn't. Third Wave Dave has blogged a bit on it, now it's my turn.
Mayor Richard M. Daley is far perfect, but he is a practicing Catholic, and it's my belief--unlike other politicians who regularly attend religious services (I'm not mentioning names)--that his faith is genuine.
Earlier this week, a German American group opened up Christkindlmarket in Daley (named for the mayor's father) Plaza. One of the sponsors enlisted for the effort was New Line Cinema, and they had hoped to shop a preview of their upcoming film "The Nativity Story."
But officials with the City of Chicago Office of Special Events nixed the idea, in essence saying it was too religious and might offend others of different faiths. However, there is a Menorah and an Islamic star and crescent set up at Daley Plaza.
Then the Office of Special Events changed their story, claiming that because "The Nativity Story" is a theatrical release, that makes their sponsorship of the event, and the preview loop--too commercial.
Last week, however, the city had a parade roll down State Street called "The McDonalds Thanksgiving Parade."
Today, in a Chicago (free registration required) Tribune editorial, the Trib notes that a northern Virginia public high school will show "The Nativity Story" on school grounds, and the ACLU is fine with it.
Last night Chicago got it's first major snowstorm of the year, making the city "Look a Lot Like Christmas," as the old song goes.
Hello, Office of Special Events: Get in the Christmas spirit. If you can't, perhaps you can get the financial services firm of Scrooge & Marley to replace New Line Cinema as a Christkindlmarket sponsor.
Technorati tags: Christmas Chicago Illinois Daley ACLU Movies entertainment
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