Here Comes Santa Claus...

At risk of further distancing myself from the Ithaca intelligista...I have to say that I always took critiques of the Bush junta creating a modern theocracy lightly. I understand the impact religious voters had on the 2004 election, but claims of theocracy seemed a bit too heavy-handed, much in the same vein as when Republicans call Democrats "Marxists." Getting a bit overboard, aren't we boys?

Also, after reading God's Politics by Jim Wallis, I realized that when it comes to religion and politics, both sides need to give up some ground. However, I just learned about this recent House Resolution.

DIOS MIO! A DONDE SE FUE LA CONSTITUCION DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS!?

Such are the levels of crazy in House Resolution 847! It makes me break out into Spanish like some Saturday morning cartoon character. Porque Miguel Arcuri!? POR QUE!?

I understand bits of the language in the resolution.

"(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;
Yes. Quite true.

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

Not a bad thing. Hang on me brother...

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;

Yes, true again. The Crusades gave us algebra, stolen from the Muslims, but algebra none the less! Mendel was a Franciscan monk! Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel looks great!

(4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

True. Religious fervor whipped up many an explorer and colonist to the Americas. Some more than others...

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

I agree, no one should be persecuted for their beliefs. It's kind of a duh idea.

(6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

See 5

All wonderful points, but the resolution still strikes me as kind of creepy. Imagine the precedent set by a resolution that so mingles religion and government. It's basically a big endorsement!

Christianity: USA APPROVED!

I realize the bill, introduced by Representative Steve King (R-Iowa) is a lot of fluff designed to appease those on the religious right that continue to say us Godless savages wage a war against Christmas. Such is the genius of the religious right. Try proving a negative? Even without the "God did it!" trump card, the religious right can continue to perpetuate the assertion that Christmas is dying. Every "Happy Holidays!" is interpreted as an attack against Jesus, instead of the jovial sentiment actually intended. Every mention of Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Eid, or the winter solstice constitutes blasphemy brought on by politically correct ninnies. Never mind someone might actually want to learn about other cultures.

The resolution mentions that there are "225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population," With such high numbers, how can there be a war on Christmas?

I don't think there is going to be very much fallout from the resolution. While skirting the boundaries of our constitutional republic and emboldening the supposed battle over Christmas, it doesn't destroy the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. It's one thing to say "Gee, isn't Christmas great!" and another to say "It's Jesus or Canada, buddy!" That will take many more microphone cuts on the O'Reilly Factor!

Actually, the resolution is quite laughable when you consider Congress passed a bill saying that Christmas was indeed important to Christians. Next up, water is wet and 2 + 2 = 4!

Peace!