Ethics means nothing to some of these radical political pundits; they are not really concerned with being right they are concerned with being heard. Some, like Rush, have identified that the more unethical, ridiculous, and downright bogus their rantings are…the more attention they receive. Rush’s listeners, even though they KNOW he is way off base, still support him because they are the ones concerned with being right.

Many of my co-workers and friends listen to Rush and quote him on a regular basis. (This is probably why I’m in defense mode all the time) When I offer an alternative way of thinking I usually get blank stares. It can be exhausting at times. Why should I even care what they think? Well, unfortunately Rush shapes political opinion and thus influences how people vote and in turn directly affects national and even global legislation.

Rush’s involvement in pushing people to say “Merry Christmas” or we will lose the meaning to secular boogymen is just an extension of his “tried and true” sensationalism.

So RJ, I’m trying to look at the “man in the mirror” but all I see is Michael Jackson singing… “No message could have been any clearer…oh shamon… :o

*****And this is why Brent’s view is so important to me because he knows how to remove politics from the equation altogether!!! I can exhaust myself playing the political game or I can rise above it all and lead a much more fulfilling life.

And to add some deep and thought-provoking input:
“I’m looking at the man in the mirror” this season instead of pointing the finger at…Rush. ;)

Debbie the “you” in the “…if that is what you really want to do. (fight)…” was strictly rhetorical or abstract…or just sloppy writing.

I was referring to O’Reilly, or Limbaugh, or Michael Moore, or RJ’s holiday program parent, or anyone who is so worried about being right that they miss the point.

And the point of Christmas is this: God…came…to humanity. To reclaim it, and restore it, and renew it…from the inside out. Completely bypassing the politics and power structures of the day.

It was and still is absolutely revolutionary and counter-cultural, and it completely transcends the shouting matches and petty squabbles that make up much of our society.

So when religious people “jump in the fray” and “fight fire with fire” rather than acting out a better (loving, patient, tolerant) way, they actually invalidate, or at least distract from, the message of Christmas with their tactics.

In other word, anytime someone gets bitter about the meaning of Christmas, they have already lost sight of that meaning.

Consider instead the cause and effect adjustment hidden within the ideas of Advent Conspiracy, namely that every person who digs down, finds, and lives a genuinely peaceful Christmas experience will convey a louder message to their friends and neighbors than a thousand protests and panic-mongering pundits.

True peace is highly contagious.

Unfortunately, rhetoric is easier to find. And many people on both sides invest so much of their energy in the arguments while so little energy is used expressing their love to their loved ones, often absently plopping down some cash for a quick gift rather than putting together something personal and meaningful.

The real challenge is to each of us is to put away our weapons, whether they be words or more, and invest ourselves in those around us. Not only is that what the season is about, it is the only demonstration that actually changes hearts.

At least that’s what I think.