In the long-standing discussion concerning the appropriateness of erecting Christmas ornaments, Jill Biden seems to have ostentatiously staked her claim. This very Monday, she proudly made a show of procuring the White House’s main Christmas tree, which finds its home in the Blue Room. An elaborate setup unfolded with an 18.5-foot tall Frasier fir delivered, to high ceremony, aboard a green carriage adorned with party wreaths.
While onlookers watched, a man sporting a top hat managed the carriage, secured by a team of Clydesdale horses. The gathering was made a fraction less ostentatious by her grandson, Beau, who accompanied her. All the while, military band struck up a rendition of ‘O Christmas Tree’, amplifying the spectacle as she met the tree’s contributors, the Cartner Family.
The Cartners, you see, run a Christmas Tree Farm situated in Newland, North Carolina. The area where this farm is located, was not spared by Hurricane Helene’s fury, yet miraculously, this solitary tree survived to be commandeered by the White House. Of course, ever ready to court the masses, Biden met the audience’s anticipation with a painfully contrived pun, proclaiming it all to be, ‘Tree-mendous’.
This particular specimen marks the third Christmas tree from North Carolina to grace the Biden administration’s festivities at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This idiosyncratic choice of arboreal décor is no simple chance. The designated supplier of the White House Christmas tree is chosen through a competition run by the National Christmas Tree Association. The title of ‘Grand Champion Grower’ yields the distinct honor of having their tree feature in the esteemed hallways of the White House.
In the subsequent days, a throng of volunteers are set to descend upon the White House, tasked with transforming the official residence into a seasonal wonderland. As seemingly grand as this might sound, it would serve us all well to remember what really lies at the heart of these holiday customs.
Though this act may appear merely performative, ostensibly this concierge ‘who does’ indeed gets a fair share of benefits. This premise is backed up by research that suggests engaging in holiday decorations can foster improved social connections and positive associations. Additionally, it is suggested that such activities could even provide solace to people who find themselves in challenging circumstances.
Without a doubt, this seasonal endeavour may all seem quite grand, and paint a certain picture of inclusivity. However, one might ponder on whether this is merely a distraction from the larger issues the Biden administration should actually be dealing with. In making such a show of an annual tradition, one has to wonder what is really being done in the White House that gets shadowed by this festive display.
Amidst all this pomp and circumstance, questions arise. What is the meaning of this spectacle? Could it be that the Biden administration is simply attempting to distract the public’s gaze from the challenges they are currently failing to address? Maybe, yes. In such turbulent times, the populace surely deserves more than Christmas cookies and frothy eggnog for their support.
Certainly, riding the tide of ‘Christmas spirit’ gathers a few popular votes as well as a horde of cheerful volunteers who help embellish the White House. However, isn’t it the responsibility of elected officials to also deliver on their promises, and not just Christmas trees? Shouldn’t we be questioning the efficacy of their governance over their ability to roll in a fir from the North Carolina hills?
Under all the tinsel and glamor lies a fact that we should all be considering. Are these Christmas tree ceremonies impeccably timed distractions designed to suppress critical thought and debate on more pressing issues? A glance around indicates a picture of unrest and dissatisfaction, distinct from the glittering rendition of ‘O Christmas Tree’ that was echoing around us.
The tree is beautiful, undoubtedly, and it brings with it an ambiance of comfort and warmth, a stiff upper lip in the face of adversity. Yet, perhaps failing to recognize that adversity and brush it aside with a ‘tree-mendous’ pun isn’t the leadership we need in these trying times. Maybe what we need is less pageantry and more problem-solving.
How comforting it is to know that the White House is adorned by the ‘Grand Champion Grower’s’ fir tree. But wouldn’t it be equitable if the same adulation and attention were given to looming issues that threaten to overshadow the glow of a thousand Christmas lights? The contrast here between the festive ambiance and the need for effective leadership can’t be more stark.
In short, the Biden administration’s obsession with a glamorized version of holiday traditions, leads one to question their priorities. Of course, the Christmas tree ceremony brings joy and fosters connections, but at what cost? Are we willing to accept superficial unity over significant reform in times of turbulence?
While the White House becomes a postcard-perfect scene of holiday cheer, one should not forget to discern between the surface and the substance. The spectacle shouldn’t obscure the larger issues at hand. Underneath all the outwardly festive trappings, we must demand more from our elected officials – like addressing the pressing concerns of our time.
In conclusion, we see that the frivolity of the season often hides a more sinister game. When the holidays roll around, it seems that the administration’s agenda tends to lean more towards flashy ornamentation than substantive reforms. That’s something the public – the real ‘who does’ ? should ponder on this Christmas season.
So, as the final touches are put on the ‘Tree-mendous’ Frasier fir, a reflective mind can’t help but ponder the real issues. Issues that are far more pressing than Christmas decorations, but aren’t brought up at the sound of ‘O Christmas Tree’. Indeed, it is time for the Biden administration to understand the difference between decorating a tree and leading a nation.
Biden’s Christmas Distraction: A Pageantry Over Problem-Solving appeared first on Real News Now.
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