I have no problem with what I perceive the spirit of Christmas to be nor that of the holiday season.  I perceive that spirit to be one of loving, giving, and generosity. I commonly hear the words, "Peace on Earth; Good Will toward Men(People)." That should take little enough effort. We'd just have to stop fighting and show a little respect and compassion.1

I do, however, have a problem with what I see during the holidays.2

'"The God of this world is Money," said Jesus and St. Paul.  I say, "Why don't we choose another God?"'3

I must confess I'm neither a Christian nor Muslim, though I do support religious freedom. You can be those if you haven't gone beyond them. 4

"Truly, Truly, I say to you, he(those) of you who believes(believe) in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he(they), do because I go to the Father(God). Whatsoever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son(Jesus); if you ask any thing in my name(Jesus), I will do it." - John 14:12-14(RSV). I'm relatively certain that most religions including Islam have similar teaching, though I don't know Muhammad's version or that of the others. Behold, people, we've already done many great things. 5

Jesus is also credited with "Love God and love others as yourself and in so doing you observe all the law."(Paraphrased). I believe this is key to the doctrine of most religions, though demonstrated by few of them. Even Satanists love Satan and each other, I believe.6

It says on our money, "'In God We Trust';. but we don't." I'm not certain trusting God is wise, anyway, or even biblical. In fact, in Proverbs 1:7 it states, "The Fear of the Lord(God) is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."(RSV)7

Do you remember a the phrase, "We the people"? That's us, that's our government. I ask you, does it make sense to short and cheat ourselves of money? Taxes are used by us for us. If you don't like how they are spent, tell your representatives. This is a capitalistic, socialistic, representative democracy. The representatives are there to serve us, not us them, regardless of party. Show some balls people! It's your money and your vote!8

"If a person values a million dollars more than the life of another person, their life should be forfeit, rich or poor."9

"If you have a more than a million dollars, you should give a million to the support of your government, or more, without deducting it from your taxes. Prove you can make money and make more. It should be as easy as shaking a dick, men or women."10

Think first of your government, not charities. Most charities are not as efficient as government and many squander their donations on useless buildings and such. There's no organized relief for those in need.11

Most won't remember this statement, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy.12

Our government is suffering, which means we are suffering. All the politicians are telling you that. They say cut this and cut that. Well, that's sort of like amputating the limbs from a person with the flu.13

More government funding would mean more jobs, more goods, and more services directly and indirectly more jobs, more goods, and more services in the private sector as well, wouldn't it?14

Anyway, this Christmas I think Americans should show some real Christmas spirit regardless of the source of that spirit. I say we should stop fighting, respect each other, and show some generosity beyond our own needs.15

Al Montgomery and I sort of captured the idea in these lyrics. I'll email you the mp3 of the song performed by Teresa Reprogle attached to a reply if you'd like to have it. You can find my email address on my profiles.16

17

18

One More Time, America
Copyright 2000
by Al Montgomery & Andy Stephenson
P. O. Box 6202
Norman, OK 73070 USA
(405) 307-9199 19

20


Verse 121

There were years when people still cared
For their friends and families as well
When neighbors still helped each other
And their souls they'd never sell22


Verse 223

How long ago did we forget
The importance of friends and neighbors
When we shared each other's dreams and goals
Can't we do that anymore24


Chorus25

Don't you think it's time to care
One more time, America
Can't we love each other now
One more time, America
We could be that place again
That the world once held up high
Join me now and we can try
One more time, America26


Verse 327

So don't let money be our god
It pretends but cannot satisfy
You will always find a whole lot more
With the people you pass by28


Chorus29

Don't you think it's time to care
One more time, America
Can't we love each other now
One more time, America
We could be that place again
That the world once held up high
Join me now and we can try
One more time, America
One more time, America30

31

32

33

Anyway, this is my Christmas rant, my gift to you!34

Andy35