Mobile official apologizes for Christmas tree at Trump rally removed from public park

[kpete]

The chief of staff to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson issued a public apology Sunday for his responsibility in having a cedar tree cut down at Public Safety Memorial Park Friday and transported to Ladd-Peebles Stadium as a prop during President-elect Donald Trump's rally on Saturday.

Colby Cooper, who has been Stimpson's chief of staff since 2013, said he became "overzealous" in making sure "every detail was covered and the expectations" of Trump's team were exceeded ahead of Saturday's televised rally.

"I now know that there are citizens who are upset and offended that a tree from a city park was used as part of the decorations for the event," Cooper said in a statement sent out to the local media. "I accept full responsibility for having this done. For this, I sincerely apologize. Going forward, I will be more sensitive to the spectrum of concerns regarding trees."

Cooper had been charged with working with Trump's advance team last week in preparation for the rally, which was the final one during Trump's post-election "Thank You" tour. The president-elect spoke more than an hour before a large crowd at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and the large tree decorated with Christmas ornaments served as a back drop, blocking the stadium's scoreboard.


http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2016/12/mobile_chief_of_staff_apologiz.html

[Botany]

1. forget the tree look at all the empty seats

n/t

[PearliePoo2]

2. So, the asshole is feeling the heat, eh?

I went to the link when this story was first posted and I was actually surprised at the comments being made. Most people admitted to voting for Trump, but the majority were furious the cedar was cut down. One woman even talked about a law suit.
Heading over to the link now to see what's up!

[mainer]

3. And NOW those GOP voters get angry at their party.

Because of a tree.

Enjoying the letters to the editor on this one.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. Did Trump dye his hair green?

[n2doc]

5. Typical asshole reupublican

"Going forward, I will be more sensitive to the spectrum of concerns regarding trees."

Hopefully, you will be doing so from an unemployment line. Although given your location, probably not.

[yellowcanine]

6. Christmas has apparently taken the offensive in the "War on Christmas."

The cedar tree was the first casualty. Cooper should personally pay to have a mature cedar tree transplanted to the park.

[IADEMO2004]

7. Red red red red Alabama citizens object? They ain't seen nothing yet.