It is a wonder that there aren’t more pressing things for our government to consider, but the Tulsa City Council wrangled among themselves for hours before finally giving the OK to the Christmas Parade.

Oops… I mean Holiday Parade.

To be perfectly correct, a permit was granted for the staging of McNellie’s Holiday Parade of Lights.

The big fuss was over the change from Christmas Parade of Lights. Senator Jim Inhofe began the falderal when his crotchety self began complaining to anyone and everyone how he would – not – ever – ride his horse again in the parade, given the name change.

Political correctness can be worrisome. Trying to make sure nothing offends anyone is a chore. Many things suffer, mostly tradition. Insensitive team mascots. Jargon and terms that demean. Cruel labels. Like it or not, political correctness has allowed minorities to participate without discomfort.

Maybe the parade is a little like that. If a family of Jewish faith – or followers of any one of the many non-Christian faiths – wanted to watch the annual whoop-de-do, they could do so without discomfort.

And it isn’t as though they’ll be curbside with fingers plugging their ears when the marching band passes blaring out Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! There will be plenty of Christmas in the parade, and if the sponsor – McNellie’s – wants to make the event accessible to more people, they’ve paid for the naming rights.

If Senator Inhofe feels so strongly about the name of the event, why didn’t he pony up the money so he could ride comfortably? Next year will be here soon enough to catch his equestrian skills in the Senator Grinch Christmas Parade of Lights and Heavies.