When you’re the Democratic governor of Wisconsin and you have a GOP-dominated legislature, you’re limited in what you’re able to do. But designating the giant evergreen inside the State Capitol a “Holiday Tree” — rather than “Christmas Tree” as your predecessor did — is definitely one way to needle conservatives.

Gov. Tony Evers made the announcement yesterday, adding that the theme of the tree this year was “Celebrate Science.” School kids are invited to send in appropriate decorations to make the tree look more like something you’d find inside Bill Nye‘s house.

“I first began my career as a science teacher in Baraboo, so I know how important science is to the future of our state,” Evers said in a statement. “From computer science to dairy science, to clean water and natural resources, to sustainability and renewable energies, this year we want students to make holiday ornaments that celebrate what science means to them, their families, and their communities.”

All of that is sensible and inclusive… so of course Republicans are furious that Evers isn’t advertising their religion.

This is “PC” garbage. It’s a Christmas Tree �https://t.co/UnqMlW3Mcb — Scott Fitzgerald (@SenFitzgerald) November 8, 2019

That’s the GOP leader in the Senate. Here’s his counterpart in the Assembly:

Tweeted Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos: “We all know it’s a Christmas tree no matter what @GovEvers calls it …”

That tweet doesn’t seem to appear in Vos’ timeline. But when the GOP can be this outraged over the designation of a tree, it’s clear no one should take any of their concerns seriously.

It’s not even something that we should have to celebrate. But at a time when Republicans are hell-bent on enforcing Christian Nationalism in any way they can, we have to enjoy the small victories whenever possible. A governor who honors science? It ought to be standard, but it feels like a rare treat.

(Screenshot via YouTube)

