U.S. Capitol Tree Commemorates Birth of Jesus Christ, Pelosi Says

[joanne_h]

Thursday, December 04, 2008By Nicholas Ballasy The 70-foot tall Subalpine Fir tree, decorated with "energy saving bulbs," came from Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest. When asked what the tree represents, Pelosi told CNSNews.com, “Well, it’s the spirit of the season. It reminds us of the debt of gratitude we have to our troops who are serving our country, especially at this time when they’re away from home. “It reminds us of our commitment to the future because Christmas is about children. It’s something that brings us all together and, of course, today particularly, we see the pride that Montanans take in their state, in their country and the natural resources that they are blessed with. So, it’s about – it’s about renewal. It’s about friendship. It’s about patriotism. It’s about faith and it’s about our country.”Pelosi was then asked if the tree lighting symbolizes anything about Christmas. “Yes, of course,” she said.She was also asked if she thinks the lighting of the tree represents the birth of Jesus Christ.“Yes, I do, I do,” she said. “I call it a Christmas tree.”Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said the lighting of the tree represents our “real values” of “love” and “peace.”“It’s hope. It’s promise,” he told CNSNews.com. “We are optimistic, positive people, we Americans. It’s helpful, every once in a while, when Christmas comes along, for us to remember that our real values are love, peace and working together and the promise of next year. And I think the lighting of the tree – particularly when the lights come on – it kind of gets in our hearts and our souls and it helps us all come together in a very positive, wonderful way.”Below is the full transcript of the interview with House Speaker Pelosi:CNSNews.com: “I just want to ask you what the lighting of this tree represents. What do you think?”Pelosi: “Well, it’s the spirit of the season. It reminds us of the debt of gratitude we have to our troops who are serving our country especially at this time when they’re away from home. It reminds us of our commitment to the future because Christmas is about children. And it’s something that brings us all together and of course today particularly, we see the pride that Montanans take in their state, in their culture and the natural resources that they are blessed with. So, it’s about – it’s about renewal. It’s about friendship. It’s about patriotism. It’s about faith and it’s about our country.”CNSNews.com: “Do you think the tree symbolizes anything about Christmas, specifically?”Pelosi: “Yes, of course.”CNSNews.com: “And the birth of Christ?”Pelosi: “Yes, I do, I do. I call it a Christmas tree.”