This performance has its origins in a public embarrassment last December, after the governor of Rhode Island decreed that the majestic blue spruce standing in the State House rotunda would be referred to as a "holiday tree"—on the grounds that calling it by its obvious name would be an affront to diversity.
Alas, a flash mob of carolers showed up at the lighting ceremony and delivered themselves of a rousing rendition of "O Christmas Tree."
To avoid a repeat, this year Gov. Chafee announced the tree lighting ceremony only 30 minutes before it happened.
In short, Mr. Chafee has proffered the traditional gift of the enlightened class.
A joyous ceremony was transformed into an occasion of acrimony and division. The decision was justified with an addled reference to religious liberty. And the American people were again reminded of the apparent inability of so many of our bluest bloods to distinguish between upholding religious pluralism and enforcing anti-religion.