"Kudzu is a weedy vine (Pueraria lobata) with often rampant invasive growth (a foot or more in a single day), which, if not controlled, soon covers anything in its path -- shrubs, trees, automobiles, or even small buildings."

It's true.
I'm not being an alarmist.
In the South, it's everywhere.
And at first glance it's actually pretty!


But look again.
Look closely:

"Kudzu kills or degrades other plants by smothering them...
...and by breaking branches or uprooting entire trees and shrubs through the sheer force of its weight.

Once established, Kudzu plants grow rapidly,,,, 
...at a rate of about one foot per day. 
As many as thirty vines may grow from a single root crown."

So why would anyone plant this?
Well, originally it seemed like a good idea.
Erosion control, feed crop, ornamental....
Who knew that it grew better in it's new land than in it's original Japan.
Who knew it was so, ummm, invasive??!!

And what does all this have to do with Christmas??!!

"The 17 congressmen who supported a resolution recognizing Islam and Ramadan but voted “no” or “present” (that is, there but wouldn’t vote) on a similar resolution introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) recognizing Christianity and Christmas.

Lawmakers who voted “no” for Christianity and “yes” for Islam are:
Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Fortney Stark (D-CA) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

Those who voted “present” on Christianity and “yes” on Islam include:
Reps. John Conyers (D-MI), Barney Frank (D-MA), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Peter Welch (D-VT) and John Yarmuth (D-KY)."

Voted "No" or "N/A" for Christmas but "Yes" for Ramadan?
Voted "No" or "N/A" for Christmas but "Yes" for Ramadan?
Voted "No" or "N/A" for Christmas but "Yes" for Ramadan?