Marathon Pundit: Festivus pole erected inside Ill. state capitol

Driven by the theft of a sign espousing atheism placed under the rotunda of the Illinois state capitol building, and disgusted (Who isn't?) by the conduct of Governor Rod Blagojevich, an 18 year-old Springfield resident received permission from the Secretary of State's office to erect a Festivus pole along side a menorah, a Nativity scene, a new atheist sign, and I imagine, that 1944 St. Louis Browns American league pennant. (There are many fans of St. Louis sports in Springfield.)

From the State Journal-Register:

Festivus was created by character George Costanza's father, Frank, as a sort of protest against the commercialism of Christmas. The holiday’s slogan is "A Festivus for the Rest of Us." It's symbol is an aluminum pole with no decoration because Frank Costanza found tinsel distracting.

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"Although Festivus is traditionally celebrated December 23, the people of Illinois have had to begin a grievance hearing early this year," says a sign by the pole. "Hopefully we can conclude Festivus by February."

I admire the frugality of the project. The pole is an adapted pool skimmer.

Click on the YouTube video to learn more about Festivus.