NO JEWS ALLOWED: THE HISTORY OF THE GOP'S CHRISTMAS RESOLUTION

Steve Benen tells us that 19 House Republicans have introduced the following resolution:

Whereas Christmas is a national holiday celebrated on December 25; and

Whereas the Framers intended that the First Amendment of the Constitution, in prohibiting the establishment of religion, would not prohibit any mention of religion or reference to God in civic dialog: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas;
(2) strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas; and
(3) expresses support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.

Wonkette calls this "the resolution to save Christmas from the Jews, Atheists, Aliens, and other Democrats and Nobamas." Hyperbole, right?

Well, maybe not. When the resolution was first introduced, in 2005, its principal sponsor refused to allow any mention of the symbols of other faiths:

Saying Christmas is under attack, Virginia Rep. Jo Ann Davis sought passage Wednesday night of a resolution expressing support for "the symbols and traditions of Christmas."

... "Christmas has been declared politically incorrect," Davis told colleagues on the House floor. "Any sign or even mention of Christmas in public can lead to complaints, litigation, protests and threats. America's favorite holiday is being twisted beyond recognition."

... But many Democrats protested the resolution, saying that Congress has no business praising one religious holiday over others.

"I'm offended by this," said Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., who's Jewish. "You've drawn me out. Why not protect my symbols?"

Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y, asked Davis to amend her resolution to include symbols of other holidays, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Davis refused.

... "I will leave it as the resolution stands."

So, yeah, Atrios's evocation of James Baker's famous line is quite appropriate.