Developing: Pakistani Plane Escorted by UK Fighter Jets — 2 Men Arrested

Doc Thompson’s 24-hour radio marathon, ‘#24forok,’ continues until 9 am ET — Listen Live!

Faith

‘They’ve Killed Christmas’: City Ordinance May End KS Man’s Stunning Holiday Display

Sep. 24, 2012 11:05am Billy Hallowell

Christmas is slated to be a little less magical this year for Mike Babick, a resident of Prairie Village, Kansas. Every year, Babick erects a unique holiday lights display — one that attracts a massive audience of onlookers. But this year, a new city ordinance restricts his ability to put on the massive display with limited government oversight.

New Ordinance Could End Mike Babicks Christmas Lights Display in Kansas

Photo Credit: YouTube

Last Monday, new regulations were passed that would require permits in order for any individual to put on a “special event” that lasts five days or more. In addition to the time frame, the ordinance impacts any initiative that “is likely to or does in fact generate crowds … sufficient in size to obstruct, delay or interfere with the safe and orderly movement of … traffic.”

“It stinks,” Babick said of the changes after the regulations were put into place. “They’ve killed Christmas for me. Just killed it.”

The 47-year tradition will potentially end after the new costs are slated to hit this year. Now, the man who some refer to as “Mr. Christmas” is anything but contented by the decision.

While Babick is obviously outraged and feels singled out, local police spokesman Capt. Wes Lovett claims that there are legitimate concerns that have led to the regulations, which would only impact three city events (including Babick’s holiday display).

See the breath-taking video, below:

Because large crowds gather in his yard to see the lights, neighbors have complained about litter, blocked driveways, public urination and other such issues. Plus, the crowds are so massive that police and firetrucks aren’t able to get through, if needed.

As a result of the chaos, Babick would have to hire off-duty police officers at $44.69 per hour to control the crowds. There’s a three-hour minimum, which would truly add up in terms of cost for the homeowner. Plus, he would need to hire the officers on most Friday and Saturday nights, from Thanksgiving until New Year’s, when the display is most popular.

“It’s become a real safety hazard,” Lovett maintains.

Here’s video footage from the 2010 lights display:

But Babick is denying these claims, countering that he has been active in cleaning up the litter and encouraging open roads.

The homeowner is looking at his legal options and it seems that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is already on his side, with Doug Bonney, legal director of the organization’s local branch, claiming that “it’s the goofiest permit ordinance” he’s ever seen.

There’s no telling whether Babick will be able to put the lights out, as he typically does. The decision will depend on his legal options and whether he can raise the funds needed to pay the officers. Some media are reporting that he will be moving the display to another location, something that seems likely — at least for this year — considering the current scenario.

(H/T: Kansas City)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (100)

JosephMichael
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:41pm
All laws do is restrict human rights. Make this law, pass this, ect… its horrible. We are killing our own freedoms and we don’t even care.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- turkey13
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 1:07pm
  It’s not the crowds – it’s the power surge on the KS power grid. We are supposed to be conserving energy not wasting it on a fantasy called Christmas. I’m sure that if Obama is re-elected he can do it on Ramadon with no problems.We’ve got God out of schools, most government buildings and now they are working on the public. All this and this Godless country wonders why we have all these kids coming to school and killing their classmates. Most don’t know the difference between right or wrong and have never been in a Church, heard a prayer or a sermon. The parents then shake their heads and say I gave them everything they wanted. These kids are crying out for love from their parents , a thing that you can’t buy for them.
  
  Report this comment
- sillyfreshness
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:43pm
  These Marxists have launched an all out war against Christianity all the while they are teaming up with Muslims to further their agenda. Why? Because Marxists and Muslims have a common enemy-the West and Western Civilization. What’s worse is most Amerikans willingly went along with this Marxist takeover of our society. Political correctness is a cancer on a society and it has just about killed Amerika and Europe. These PC Marxists are the enemy within.
  
  Report this comment
- LogCabinRepublican
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 3:51pm
  Wasn’t it Michelle Obama who once said something to effect that we must change our current traditions – Every Christmas I don’t say happy holidays I say Merry Christmas and I always will.
  
  Report this comment
- DYNA
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 10:57pm
  Maybe the liberals are adhering to one of their commandments, “Thou shall not have a carbon footprint”.
  
  Report this comment
cessna152
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:32pm
The county adds:“It’s become a real safety hazard,”
___________________________________________________________________

As soon as I hear that, it’s most certainly liberal BS! Translated: Christians, sit down, shut up there is nothing you can do about it. I’d love to see how the county would deal with an SEIU or Muslim Brotherhood yearly “clogging” up of streets…simple answer, nothing!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Sharon Rose
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 1:49pm
  Agree 100%.
  
  Report this comment
- Wishmich
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:53pm
  The “government” doesn’t give a rip about safety. It’s a red herring and an umbrella that hovers over anything they feel like regulating. If they really were worried about safety, they’d ban cigarettes, but they don’t.
  
  Report this comment
- Balpit
  Posted on September 25, 2012 at 4:49pm
  Littering and “public urination”. What’s OWS doing there?
  
  All the problems attributed to the Christmas display could be applied ten times over to an OWS protest: crowds that obstruct traffic, public urination, litter, etc…yet OWS protests aren’t banned. Defenders point out the Constitutional right to assemble peacefully. Apparently, it doesn’t apply to all Americans, such as Mike Babick.
  
  First they screamed: “Put up religious decorations at your own home, NOT on government property!”
  Now: “You’re not allowed to put up religious decorations at your own home!”
  
  It’s surprising this is happening in Kansas. Even more surprising is the ACLU is actually fighting for a Christian’s right to express himself.
  
  Report this comment
Mikev5
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:14pm
The safety patrol in action again soon all you can have is an all brown house white is too blinding to drivers and any other color could distract you and cause an accident.

We all must be safe even if it tramples our rights.

Insanity to the max this is a form of free speech you know how can they dictate these things all the time and get away with it.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
QuincySmith
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:11pm
From the article: “Plus, the crowds are so massive that police and firetrucks aren’t able to get through, if needed.” ~~~ The interesting caveat IF NEEDED, suggesting that so far the display has not disrupted firetrucks previously. Even the ACLU can’t believe it.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- American Soldier (Separated)
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 9:30pm
  And the day someone dies because they couldn’t get through that road?
  
  I’m all for freedoms. I’m more on the side that his display kind of creeps me out. Especially Santa’s Workshop? This can be the scene of the next Christmas horror story!
  
  Either way though, this is local government. This is what they do. This man should run for City Councilman and change the way his community is run. That’s the point, isn’t it?
  
  Report this comment
RamonPreston
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:06pm
All this hoopla over a pagan holiday.Keep the holy days as God commands you, both the weekly and the annual ones.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- bitemebiden
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:16pm
  Agreed, but I still enjoy the music, the displays and the festivities.
  
  Report this comment
- red_white_blue2
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:34pm
  Can’t wait for your end of days to come..so you can check out the big light or in your case dark show that will take place from the great “Pagan” in the sky…Enjoy the Show~!!
  
  Report this comment
- Melbee
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:43pm
  What’s your point? This is about the RIGHT to display something, WHATEVER one believes, without the government getting in the way using “safety” as a facade for control. This isn’t a debate about Christmas being a pagan holiday. How are those two linked?
  
  Report this comment
- chucksue351
  Posted on September 25, 2012 at 6:05am
  agreed on this post, when will the christian community starts to see that the turning from sin in the oft quoted Chronicles verse is about us then maybe Father YHVH will hear from Heaven and heal our land
  
  Report this comment
- chucksue351
  Posted on September 25, 2012 at 6:07am
  it is linked because the christians make this a religious fight against state power to control
  
  Report this comment
moreteaplease
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:05pm
I am so sick and tired of the government being so concerned about my safety to the point that they feel they need to “baby proof” the world around me. Safety my eye! It’s nothing more than the government on a power trip.

If it isn’t being supplied by the government then it’s illegal…right?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Cagey1
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:52pm
  Very Well Said!!! :)
  
  Report this comment
- Melbee
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:46pm
  That’s right! I am sick of it, too. Things are only going to get worse though. People assume legal means constitutional. Sheople follow the laws. Only when the wake up will they become ex-sheople and follow the Constitution instead.
  
  Report this comment
- Al J Zira
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:11pm
  Is it governments fault or the people who demand government do everything for them regardless of the cost? I’m not talking about the monetary cost but the toll it takes on their individual freedoms.
  
  Report this comment
- PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
  Posted on September 25, 2012 at 7:11am
  Right. and here is why. Everything we once trusted has be subverted from the inside out and the outside in. http://www.usasurvival.org/ck11.22.09.html if you are a catholic, as i was, i suggest you get out of that communist institution and find a good church where Christ is the head and the holy Bible is taught.
  
  Report this comment
drphil69
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:01pm
LEGALIZED EXTORTION.
Coming soon to a city near you:
In order to prevent ALL POTENTIAL FUTURE INJURIES, you will be confined to your home. Motor vehicles, being the leading cause of death and injury, are hereby outlawed. Since some people are allergic to peanuts and wheat gluten, they will also be outlawed. Other potentially dangerous items that are outlawed are as follows: guns, ammo, knives, scissors, pencils and all other sharp objects such as screwdrivers, nails and screws, baseball bats, tire irons, and any object that can do damage if wielded, like bricks. The complete list is composed of 11,879 pages and 14,375,924 specific items that are now banned and is available online at http://www.DICTATOROBAMA.us. You have 2 hours to comply.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- mandmsgirl
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 6:59pm
  Good One!
  
  Report this comment
PATTY HENRY
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:59am
I like the idea of Citizen’s group of volunteers manning the traffic and KP clean up. Charge one or two dollars per car (or more if they want) and designate it for a local Charity. Let the kids in the car earn their part so they can go see.
DO NOT BE DEFEATED people…FIND A WAY TO DO THIS. AS far as the full-tilt on the COP…NO. As long as they have volunteers moving traffic along, no cop…or I like (but they’d never do it ) cop volunteers…but they won’t do that because they’d take $ from off duty. SO tell the city that instead of having a cop in another part of the city, since most of the cars will be at this man’s display, then bring that cop over there. Let’s see how they fight that. I hope BLAZE will do follow up. IF I lived in KC I’d be right on top of that. These displays may be awkward to some, but when it’s all said and done —it’s CHRISTMAS!!! and the local retailers should be grateful to him as well!!! Look forward to seeing what the BLAZE gathers up. Maybe a place for KC people to volunteer for this?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Mikev5
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:17pm
  Problem is they would probabaly charge a large fee for the permit and still require some kind of crowd control at that.
  
  Report this comment
- PATTY HENRY
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 7:54pm
  SO what Mike. WE, the PEOPLE have to take a stand on this. THEY will do everything they can to kill Christmas, to kill individual spirit, to kill information about GOD and who will smugly try to excuse themselves.
  I hope in KC there is a person who has been wanting to run for CITY COUNCIL or however they have it set up and who will USE THIS outrageous incident to build a campaign on. NEVER, ever, ever, should situations like this be shoved around like THEY are trying to do this. WHAT if the PRES of the USA or some other “Official” showed up, required Traffic Control…they bill those guys? What if there is a special sale at the MALL? FOOTBALL GAME? WHAT?????? THIS IS tap-dancing by city officials who just want to throw their weight around. This is BS by some off-duty cops who are looking for extra $$; What if they were “FILMING” this place… they’d have to provide COPS then? I mean…. STAND UP and say “THIS IS SOMETHING WE WANT” “THIS IS OUR COMMUNITY” “THIS IS A TRADITION”….. you can not show any incidents of traffic problems in the past… or things that were not solvable…. Don’t take NO for an answer. KC Politician wanna-be ? This is your ISSUE.
  
  Report this comment
IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:52am
What a shame that this Country has turned away the experience that we have had and would still like to have when we see the festive displays and lights. We had no problems before this Obama administration in my city but I will not judge what people do or say I will leave that to God. God Bless America. the servicemen and women, and all who love and not hate.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Sosorryforyou
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 3:03pm
  So, this is all President Obama’s fault? Really? Personally, I think the litter, crowds, noise, and First Responder obstruction are more feasible reasons, but then what do I know, since I’m not one to blame the woes of the world on just one man.
  
  Report this comment
- BCanook
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:18pm
  @SOSORRYFORYOU – and I am.
  
  What party is in favor of secularizing us? What party is in favor of infanticide? What party is in favor of huge government, high taxes, regulations, etc? That would be the democrat party – Mr Obama is the current leader of the democrat party. Therefore, the blame can be placed on him. PYHOOYA
  
  Report this comment
G.E.R
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:52am
It’s about time!!! Some of these holiday displays and the crowds they attract are obnoxious and annoying.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- normalmom
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:42pm
  If someone wants to jack up their OWN power bill to celebrate Christmas it is their personal choice. You don’t like it don’t go by there.
  
  Report this comment
- G.E.R
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:52pm
  When you live next to one these come and talk to me.
  
  Report this comment
- addie
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:56pm
  G.E.R. Then move if you dont like it. You cant pick your neighbors! I have a neighbor that does it every christmas season and i respect his right to do it.
  
  Report this comment
- BCanook
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:12pm
  ADDIE, you hit the nail on the head. G.E.R. has no respect for the rights of others. If he doesn’t like something then no one should be allowed to enjoy it.
  
  Report this comment
- Melbee
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:51pm
  Get over it! If someone’s actions do not impede your constitutional rights, just as you are not to impede on theirs. “Annoying” and “obnoxious” don’t count.
  
  Report this comment
phillyatheist
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:49am
ah, turning to the ACLU to defend Christmas. strange bedfellows indeed. goes to show that the ACLU is for EVERYONE’S liberties, be them black, white, latino, male, female, gay, straight, atheist, christian, muslim, handicapped, etc.

they aren’t the enemy. they’re on YOUR side. unless you want to restrict liberty, that is.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- sWampy
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:59am
  Right, they will weakly defend this guy, because if they don’t it will just be used as an example of what hypocrites they are, you can bet your first born, they won’t put 1000th the effort they would if it had been a Muslim being told they can’t blow them selves up in a public place. .
  
  Report this comment
- hi
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:17pm
  The ACLU defends the man-boy love organizaton called “Nambla.” Defending this guy won’t lessen how horrendous the ACLU is.
  
  Report this comment
- phillyatheist
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:44pm
  HI – the ACLU often defends controversial or even deplorable groups IF their rights are being violated. i’m not familiar with the NAMBLA case, but there’s a big difference between supporting a group’s ideas and supporting their rights to things like free speech.
  
  Report this comment
Walkabout
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:48am
British National Health Service rationing ‘forcing patients to go private’

Local health authorities have been making it more difficult to get surgery for cataracts and other common procedures, prompting more to go private

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9562990/NHS-rationing-forcing-patients-to-go-private.html

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:43am
Can see both sides. Christmas is giving but also his neighbors aren’t taken into account when they cannot enter and exit their homes. Surely some business person would love to exhibit this wonderful display with and for he and the city. This must be awesome for the children.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DavidInStLouis
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:54am
  I can see both sides too. I believe that having to get a permit for a display this big and this long isn’t a total overbearing request on the part of the local governing body elected by the local people.
  
  Many, many, many celebrators (95%+ ?) get by each year without resulting in blocked traffic, gathering crowds and threat of (and actual) public urination resulting. :)
  
  Report this comment
- Melbee
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 4:56pm
  @davidinstlouis – What good would getting the permit do, other than “giving” more money to city officials? Tell me, what benefits would Mr. Babick’s receive by getting a permit?
  
  Report this comment
floridareader
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:36am
This prison-like-cities are becoming a “real safety hazard” for individual freedom and personal responsibility. In South Florida some cities have experienced that kind of local government overreach but citizens protests and NOISE in news media have shut down those atheists and Christmas-haters efforts.
We must defend not only our freedom as individuals, but as Christians. Even if we have to get ready for “war” every year.
The day before Thanksgiving city commissioners all over the country can lock themselves in the Grinch trunk. Christmas doesn’t need them.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
rpercifield
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:32am
I used to live near this man’s house many years ago, and enjoyed the display. It is one of the many things I missed since leaving KC. Now the People’s Republic of Prairie Village wants control of this display and to get their cut. The residents of the city get the government they deserve, not what they need. This man deserves better.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- CatB
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:23pm
  You have that right .. the people who enjoy the display need to rise up and take their community back … too many of these little control freaks are in all levels of government .. it is VERY important that we start taking back at the local level.
  
  Report this comment
Sirfoldallot
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:22am
If he would charge & give most of the money 90%, then he would not have this problem.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Sirfoldallot
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:49am
  oh sry , the City !!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
msconstrue
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:21am
its really a dazzling display!!!……although i dont agree with the ordinance, something this special does need a different place to show it off.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DavidInStLouis
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:56am
  Ergo, the ordinance. :)
  
  Report this comment
BODYBAG
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:21am
Ironic that this happens near Osawatomie, KS, famous for Teddy Roosevelt’s progressive spew-fest.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- On_The_Spot
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:54am
  It is not “near” Osawatomie – over 60 miles away, and is an inner suburb of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
  
  I have visited the display many times over the years – last year the City of Prairie Village forced traffic one way down the streets (which are narrow, barely wide enough for two cars) and also restricted parking in the block.
  
  Report this comment
NewLife56
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:21am
Uncle Sam has lost his collective mind, totally now. Sad thing is all it’s going to do is grow worse every day now, and has been for awhile.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
afishfarted
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:21am
the days of enjoying your personal property the way you want are gone. Welcome to the USSA.
Liberty? fa-get it

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Jenny Lind
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:19am
All the people who love this display should pitch in and help with traffic control and clean up. Off duty police could donate their time, too. This could be done by the community, if they truely want it to continue they could help. Someone out ther needs to form a group. They could over-ride the city by helping him and working together. So, do they have the will and community spirit to do it?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:18am
45 bucks an hour for cops? I sure hope that is a fully loaded cost (with benefits…not booze or 9MM). That’s ridiculous.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
ApostolicIlx
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:18am
Ah, Fascism. Nice to see the Village has kept touch with it’s roots.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
eyedoc5
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:18am
obama doesn’t believe in Christmas. michelle eats anybody who says the word Christmas and poops out a terrorist’s turban

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on September 24, 2012 at 11:17am
If he just puts on a Festivus display, it would be OK.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- DeavonReye
  Posted on September 24, 2012 at 12:50pm
  Probably would. Few people want to see a pole.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.