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Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty Images file
This December 1, 2011 file photo shows the 2011 National Christmas Tree after being lit by US President Barack Obama and the First Family during a ceremony on The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC.
The Colorado blue spruce passed away "due to complications resulting from transplant shock" just 14 months after it was planted in the Ellipse field outside the White House, the National Park Service said May 4, 2012. Born on a tree farm in New Jersey, it replaced a similar tree knocked down in a wind storm after 33 years.
A successor tree -- also a Colorado blue spruce, from an undisclosed state adjacent to the US capital -- has been identified, and it will be planted in late October, the federal agency said. The ceremonial lighting of the National Christmas Tree is a Washington tradition that dates back to 1923 when then-president Calvin Coolidge flicked the switch on a fir tree festooned with 2,500 electric bulbs. Last Christmas, in a nod to 21st century energy efficiency, the tree featured 65 sets of programmable color-changing LED lights as well as 160 starburst ornaments in an heirloom topper design.
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National Park officials will remove the tree from outside the White House on Saturday and a new tree will be planted in October. Msnbc.com's Al Stirrett reports.
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Am I insensitive? But, who cares?????
shock or shame?
I know---it's President Obama's fault.
No, it's not President Obama's fault. It's Michelle's fault. She forgot to water it before she left for Spain.
Wonder if they checked for tree poison in Mitch McChinless's Senate Office?
Thats bad juju!. Did Machell go on another Vacation? someone please take away her whitehouse credit card. is she using our jet? who is paying for this?
The best trees come from the mountains of North Carolina.
Yeah Breeze, I am from FL and love the ride up to Roaring Gap to tee it up at Olde Beau, Christmas tree farms line the road on the way up. Awesome sight and smell....
Now here is a news story?? Sad journalism galore!!
Hey, just like the economy under Obama!
Jeff-498218 - Rolls eyes..... stupid comment and off topic.
Tell that to the unemployed. They might disagree. Unless you feel the dead tree and stagnant economy are both due to the previous administration.
As an unemployed horticulturist, I actually am interested in this news. Obviously, a lousy horticulturist botched the transplant. They should hire me!
It truly amazes me when I hear people say "this is a NEWS story?" Although this isn't a happy story, how many stories do you want to see about bad economy, poverty, war, pure politics and crime? I personally like to read and know about this stuff. Even about the painting The Scream" selling for $120 million. Who has that kind of money to put down for a silly painting that should be in a museum. What, that person couldn't think up a useful investment that would both make them more money AND employ some more people?
This could be Treesonous ....
I hope they get to the root of this problem ....
I hope this didn't stem from some government branch ....
Arf, arf, Sandy. Now, poor tree was definitely in shock, pulled from a pristine and clean environment and transplanted to Washington DC. Surprised it lived as long as it did.
Pulled from a pristine and clean environment? Not the New Jersey I grew up in.
Jeff-498218 Tell that to the unemployed. They might disagree. Unless you feel the dead tree and stagnant economy are both due to the previous administration.
The fact that the tree died doesn't have squat to to with the economy or President Obama's administration. But since you brought it up, yes, I blame the previous "administration" on the stagnant economy. The Bush Presidency was a complete train wreck. Now go post your political comments on an appropriate story, not one about the National Christmas tree.
@Disturbed (apt name by the way).... It has been almost 3 1/2 years since Obama took over. At what point does the responsibility for the economy become his? Only when (if) it is booming again? I am sorry but 5 1/2 years of the do-nothing dems controlling the Senate, 4 1/2 of those years with the dems controlling the House and 3 1/2 years of Obama in the White House does not add up to "it's all Bush's fault" no matter how "Disturbed" you are.
Bush is to blame....he is guilty of everything else that has gone wrong since Obama took office.
Come on, green energy jobs with health benefits and true job growth is being created. (high tech skilled jobs)
Christmas Tree jobs were created in getting this live tree to the White House lawn. Then, more jobs (skewing job growth data) when moving this live tree to it's final resting place. Now more jobs to get another live tree to replace the Dead Christmas Tree. The dead tree will have to be chipped or made into fertilizer.
Why bother putting a "Christmas Tree " back up 1st us Liberals don't want to promote anything "religious" on government property, 2nd, the dope in office now is a MUSLIM !
How many of those jobs become permanent? In my opinion, it's no different than department stores hiring "extra help" during the holiday season, and then laying that help off when the deed is done.
It's dirty economics if you ask me, to build "part-time" seasonal or "temporary" jobs and then include those jobs in the count of the "lowered" unemployment rate, just so you can say you "created" jobs.
Kind of like how they added all those "temporary" census jobs to boost the unemployment rate. Yeah, right!!!
They killed the national Christmas tree! It's another sign of the War on Christmas.
Short term memory loss is one of the early signs of dementia.
You guys gave the credit for Bill Clinton's roaring economy to Regan. That was nearly 6 years after Regan left office and you even had Bush Sr in the middle which of course you prefer to ignore.
Fact is whatever your Talk radio ding-a-lings spout, you believe. Before you speak again, do some reading on how the economy works. For example, do you understand that what you see happening in the economy today is a result of policies enacted 2 years ago? It takes that long for the massive world economy to feel the effects.
Just as with global climate change, just because you don't have the education to understand how it works doesn't make it a fallacy.
It's is Obummers fault!!!! for now on...Everything is Obummers fault..Not Georgie boy's!!!
if bo the dog would just stop hiking his leg up on it!!!
It's a fair question. Here's a fair answer: his fault and responsibility is based on where we were when he took office, vs. where we are now. When he took office, we were headed to the worst recession of the generation, the worst unemployment, the stock market had gone to 60% off its highs when he took office.
Today, we are recovering from that. That is his 'fault.' Bush dragged us into this, and he is dragging us out. Just because he is not dragging us out fast enough to suit you doesn't mean that he is not doing a great job.
Yeh, It's Obamas fault that jobs is making a rebound, the economy is moving up, we have a president that had to come up with a plan to get our soldiers home because the past administration didn't have a clue what to do about what they created. What I want you to answer now is, IF Romney gets into office and says how much he wants for a stimulis package and people come unglued, will stand up and say "Yep, I voted him in." I think not
Ah, the political idiots have found something to cry about. A dead tree. You folks need to get a life.
This is all very symbolic. The tree is dying just as our country is dying.
Makes sense to me.
It's very symbolic. The symbol of a long-dying cult is dead itself. But hey! Everyone gather together to hand-mumble to the jesus-myth, and maybe the mythical jesus-creature will come and save the tree. Hand-mumble to the lord, after the fact, like so many mindless do already following a tragedy that your mythical lord did nothing to save people from... And show us all, once again, that hand-mumbling has absolutely Zero Effect. Cheers!
OMG, there is a War on Christmas! Teapublicans, call for an investigation into why all the national trees are dying. We must get to the bottom of this conspiracy! Hahaha.
"Transplant shock" my arse. Transplant shock kills a tree (or flower, or whatever) within weeks, not after a couple years.
It's just a freakin' tree. Ask any Tea-Tagger Right-wing Republican CONservative who wants to build a freakin' shopping mall in the middle of any urban forest.
Truly, a national tragedy.
You are joking, right?
The tree "passed away"?
It was "born" in New Jersey?
It's a living organic object, it does have a defined life cycle.
Most living things transplanted to Washington die of shock (or exposure). Just a matter of time.
That probably explains all the political zombies in congress and the white house.
@rrobeson does that include politicans?
@D Buck-2239568
rrobesan said "living things". Living things think for themselves. That would exclude most politicians.
True but by the time that happens they have screwed things up so much you never know where to start :0) And by the time you figure out what they have done your to late to vote em out.
..and BuyBull believers.
More interesting then reading yet another 'Tiger blows it again' headline. Gotta say I feel sorrier for the tree.
I don't understand how anything can survive in Washington DC, that area was not even wanted by any of the surroundingstates they all just left it as the district of Columbia belonging to no one, I doubt the Indians even wanted it.
are you serious D Buck???
Unfortunately rednawt1, D Busk is serious. The problem is that the people of the District of Columbia want the Feds to either give them a vote ( a real one ) in the Senate and the House or stay the HELL out of their business. The only people that do not understand this area are the people that do NOT live here, have NEVER lived here and would not know what to do with themselves if they did.
Yes, D Buck is, unfortunately, serious. He don't seem to know that the District is not part of a state to keep it separate from the rivalries of/surrounding individual states. It was formed as the District of Columbia to ensure that it would always be the Seat of the FEDERAL Government. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether any state -- or the "Indians" -- wanted the area.
And, TiredVoter, if y'all want "outsiders" to stay the hell out of your business -- then stay the hell out of the business of places where YOU do not live. But as long as y'all are going to tell others how to live their lives, others are going to tell you how to live your life.
If I had to deal with Mr. Obama, I would want to die too. He is so worthless and pathetic and an embarrassment to the office.
Actually, President Obama is the greatest president ever! His likeness should be next on Mount Rushmore and we all should find a way to elect him President for Life!
Hey, dan in denver-487164,
You got ONE vote for your post. You do know that we don't consider voting for your own post as a +, right?
Do you want to know what is truly pathetic, D'Jack?
People that spread blind hate about a President in an article about a tree that was poorly transplanted and died as a result.
It must really suck to always have to find hateful things to say about everything.
Anywho, you have one post as well. Does the same apply to you?
That's what happens when Hussein celebrates ramadan at The White House. It's called a "Curse," not Shock.
It is pathetic that nothing and I mean nothing happens in DC that the right leaning trolls don't go right back to their steadfast talking points to discredit our President. Don't you realize your blatant lies, name calling, obstructionalism, and hateful comments just solidify our support of Pres. Barack Obama? And don't tell me he is the most divisive president in history. Remember "MY NUMBER ONE GOAL IS TO MAKE THIS PRESIDENT A ONE TERM PRESIDENT" Folks, that is where it all started and the GOP entrenched their support behind that statement ever since in spite of problems facing this country. Someday if we are unfortunate (after 2016) enough to elect a Republican President he has to adopt a go it alone attitude like Pres. Obama has, just to get anything done. He wasn't handed a silver spoon like GWB was after Pres. Clinton but a disasterous mess like FDR did after the great depression.
The man who stated "MY NUMBER ONE GOAL IS TO MAKE THIS PRESIDENT A ONE TERM PRESIDENT" is not and has never been the president.
Dan, Dan, Dan,
Yeah, George Bush's silver spoon had 9/11 engraved on it. Don't you even dare say 9/11 was Bush's fault or that will prove you are just a horses arse. Bush's first six years were good then Pelosi (D) took over the House and Reid (D) took over the Senate in 2006. Yes, that is right 2006. Any wonder why Bush's last two years went to hell in a hand basket? You keep tooting that Demo horn because real people do not need speeches and statistics to know this economy now owned by Obama blows. Obama stated himself that if he did not make significant improvement concerning the economy it would be a one term deal. Well, you do not need for me to tell you there is no significant improvement. Lets keep Obama honest and vote him out.
Who are you, Dan? Obama's bff?
Obama! hell he is a socialist that is why so many people oppose him its because they oppose socialism , is that so difficult to understand. sorry about the tree but it never stood a chance in that foul region, and America is not ready for socialism, no one is it doesn't work...
You morons are arguing politics on a story about a Christmas Tree dying. Think about that for a minute.
Seriously, go take your meds, people.
Jen31 - who are you, one of Gingrich's ex wives?
Can't you people put politics aside for one minute? How friggin pathetic.
Ahem. The tree was in DC. Nation's capital and all...
D Buck:
Most of the people who claim Obama is a socialist couldn't distinguish a socialist from a grilled cheese sandwich
Research the AIDS rate for Washington DC...
Research the crime rates for Washington DC...
Research the demographics for a black male living in Washington DC...
The Haiti rates are better...
I was station outside of DC for almost 4+years, the transplant shock was bad and that was over 20=years ago. I'll never live in that area again...
AC Robertson, good, because DC doesn't want any racists of your sort here either. Why don't you go learn how to punctuate, instead of going to Klan meetings.
Well it was to be expected. the poor tree could not get the democrats or the republicans to back it for another run at the next Christmas, and ended up running as an independent on a greenie ticket. the tree shoulda known better and stayed planted in New Jersey. LOL
And all this time I was thinking that bull, excuse me, cow manure was a fertilizer.
OMG.....conservative Republicans and Tea Party "Patriots".....it's a sign....it's a sign....rally....rally........the Fox News "War" on your ideals could turn with this development!
See what they get by calling it a "Holiday Tree"? ........uuuugh
Oh puhleeezzzee, Morrisovich. Can the stupidity, will ya?
If I were a tree and ended up there, I'd die of shock too !!!!
As a really awful gardener, I know transplant shock all too well. I don't plant things so much as bury them.
Cbrown....I feel your pain. I can kill astro turf. I am not gifted in this area.
maybe someone used ortho "weed be gone" or obama weed be gone on it
Plants dont have nervous systems so im dubious it died from shock, is much more likely it died from shame.
The poor tree died from the excess manure in Washiington and not enough balance for the ph. Once introduced to the Washington environment the toxicity overwhelmed the life of the tree!
I can attest to this one,my deadbeat son told me he met a girl and would be moving out,I suffered transplant shock!!!.fortunately,I didnt wither,but blossomed!!!.
...obviously it was Prez-0's plan to redistribute the wreath that killed it....
Nyuk-Nyuk-Nyuk
The tree was bi. and the other trees bullied it.
maybe it was to much pruning? you can only take away so much.
D Buck, that is so true and so funny.
Ohhhh Noooooo! Must be a light news day!
It's Friday, the day they hide important developments in the news.
I wish all of these weeds in my yard would "pass away".... Give me a break.
I guess the only thing that dies these days is hope in a better future for our children.
Have you tried digging them up and transplanting them to DC ?.....................................................
everything he touches here lately,either dies or goes to hell in a handbasket......is the tree trying to tell us something?????????hummmmmmmmm....could be.......
Byron you are a moron.
President Obama released a statement saying the death of the tree was due to the policies of the previous administration.
Bush is to blame for everything before he was Pres, during the time he was Pres, and will be for the next 100 years as a minimum.
Why is this news?
OK, if I were pulled up by my roots and put in the presence of the Community Organizer in Chief, I would croak to, even if I was transplanted from NJ, which I think is a great state.
Funny how you righties never call our president a University of Chicago Constitutional Law professor exactly like he and rightie poster boy Antonin Scalia both were.
There are two reasons to study the constitution one is to defend it, the other is to defeat it. whats your point Devil's son. is he trying to protect it or is he trying to get around it.
President Obama was NOT a Professor. He was a lecturer. It may seem like "no big deal," but Professors are very particular who claims the title.
lecturer = BS Artist
"Study" the constitution in the mindset you're thinking of probably consists of reading it printed on your paper placemat at a truck stop Denny's before your local teabagger meeting. Such people understand the constitution about as well as they understand brain surgery.
Hey Devils Son.....Read the "Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011, which congress passed and the Constitutional Lawyer sitting in the WH signed...The law violates the 1st amendment
I have always cringed a little when reading about the White House Christmas Tree being selected; dug up; transported to Washington, D.C., from various locations around the country; planted (temporarily); and then removed after the holidays to some other location. First of all, it's expensive. But it's also not a good model for how we view ecology. Wouldn't it make sense to plant a significant tree on the White House property that is groomed and cared for specifically as the tree to be decorated annually?
jed in ri, have you ever noticed this tree? It's meant to be a permanent tree, it is not moved "after the holidays". The previous tree had been in the same location for 33 years, it was mentioned in this article. On any tourist map of DC, the "National Christmas Tree" is marked out. The tree you see in July is the same one decorated in December. There is no "temporary" about it, it IS a significant, permanent tree.
It's an atheist plot.
ummm, and this is news WHY?
Well, at least it's actual news, as opposed to the results of a poll of 1000 registered voters on which bonehead they support for top-sphincter. Polls are not news.