Politics | Scott Walker Scott Walker Rechristens 'Holiday Tree' a 'Christmas Tree' Wisconsin atheists not happy with the switch By Evann Gastaldo Posted Nov 9, 2011 11:56 AM CST Copied A 30-foot balsam fir from Merril, Wis, is delivered to the state Capitol Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer) Scott Walker, never one to shy away from controversy, inflamed atheists on Monday by re-naming Wisconsin’s Capitol Rotunda “holiday tree” a “Christmas tree.” That’s what the tree was called from 1916 to 1985, but for the last quarter-century, lawmakers have called it by the more politically correct name. The Blaze notes that the governor didn’t make a big deal over the switch; he just put out a press release inviting Wisconsin residents to help “decorate the Capitol Christmas Tree.” But, yes, the decision was made purposefully. “It’s a Christmas tree,” a spokesperson says. “In all honesty, I don’t know what more to say about it.” The Freedom From Religion Foundation is none too happy. “The reason that it was turned into a holiday tree was to avoid this connotation that the governor chooses one religion over another,” says the group’s president. “It’s essentially a discourtesy by the governor to announce that. He intends that to be a slight and a snub to non-Christians, otherwise he would not do it.” (Click for today's other controversial Christmas tree story.) Read These Next Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Rubio says the fate of Iran's conversion facility is what matters. Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Report an error