Happy Holidays!

Laura Bush recently asked the members of the United States House of Representatives to select artists to showcase all 435 congressional districts by decorating ornaments for the Christmas tree at the White House. Of the approximately 370 submitted, the design by artist Deborah Lawrence from Seattle, WA was the only ornament rejected.

Chosen by Rep. Jim McDermott (R-WA), Lawrence created a nine-inch ornament which is covered with swirling red and white stripes and features a picture of McDermott. What's the big deal with all of that, you say? Well, since McDermott signed a resolution to initiate the impeachment of Mr. Bush, Lawrence glued text praising the resolution onto the ornament, including the phrase "Impeach Bush". Unfortunately McDermott and his office is now backing away from Lawrence by declaring that "We agree with the first lady's decision to remove it". Wonder what Laura Bush had to say about all of this? On Tuesday, Sally McDonough, Mrs. Bush's Press Secretary, stated: "I think it really is a shame and, quite frankly, not very much in the holiday spirit." However, the best quote from this whole situation is from Lawrence herself when she was asked about using a tree ornament as a medium to address political issues. Speaking at a White House event prior to her design being officially rejected, Lawrence had this to say: "I'm happy [Barack] Obama is going to be President but we have to hold Bush and [Mr.] Cheney responsible for heinous crimes. If Bush shows up to this event, I'll tell him that. If Laura Bush comes, I'll say, 'I bet you're glad the last eight years are almost over'." Bravo! Ironically, these ornaments are the only accomplishment in Mrs. Bush's eight long years in the White House.