now i'm not annoyed or offended when i say this but i just don't get why we need to acknowledge our country twice during a baseball game...it's superfluous and and frankly takes away from 'take me out to the ballgame' imo
thats fine. maybe its just me, but I dont care either way. I see no problem with it being played, and wouldn't notice if it wasn't.
So are those that would be offended if they stopped playing it as pathetic as those of us that wish they would?
soulsinging if it bothers you that much just get up and go get a beer or go take a piss. or something for God's sake
It doesn't bother me that much, as I have said repeatedly. I don't care enough to do a damn thing about it, I just think it's lame and wish they'd do something else that's more fun, which apparently makes me a sad human being. And if I go get a beer or take a piss, I miss Take Me Out to the Ballgame, which IS a lot of fun.
soulsinging if it bothers you that much just get up and go get a beer or go take a piss. or something for God's sake
It doesn't bother me that much, as I have said repeatedly. I don't care enough to do a damn thing about it, I just think it's lame and wish they'd do something else that's more fun, which apparently makes me a sad human being. And if I go get a beer or take a piss, I miss Take Me Out to the Ballgame, which IS a lot of fun.
Rumor has it that they are retiring "God Bless America" during the 7th inning in favor of a song called "The Fixer..." I wonder what that's about?
That annoys me too. The 7th inning stretch is supposed to be a fun little break in the action, not some solemn misty eyed flag-wavin bullshit. God, I hate that song.
how sad. if something like this really bothers you this much then you have some personal issues that should be looked at.
really, how often do you, or any of you so bent up about this song, show some pride to the country that has given you so much? my guess is never. yet you feel its practically a crime to sing some flag wavin bullshit-like song during baseball game.
good thing is, you all have choices. no one is forcing you to go to a baseball game and no one is forcing you to stand and sing along
despite the bullshit claim that you will be beaten with undercooked hotdogs if you choose not to
I'm not bent up about the song. And we get our quota of national pride (not that I'm "proud" of living here... I'm "proud" of things I've achieved, not some fortuitous accident of birth) at the beginning when we sing the NATIONAL ANTHEM. But to me, the 7th inning God Bless America thing is like PJ tossing in a crappy, cheesy cover song into their setlist... it kills the mood and momentum. There I am, hassling players, getting excited about the game, beer, peanuts, calling people bums, ready to stand up and sing an inane song about rooting for the home team and crackerjacks (is that song not AMERICAN enough for you?), and instead there's another 'rise remove your hats and solemnly sing a shitty song that has all the fat women's lips quivering in pride that is about as deep as the angst teens get from watching gossip girl.
That's all the tradition is... a cheap emotional ploy with no more depth or meaning than an episode of reality tv. And I don't like that it breaks up the momentum of a fun, light-hearted escape from my day at a baseball game. It's not that big a deal... no more than PJ playing Last Kiss in an encore is a huge problem in my life. But they're both lame decisions that kill the vibe that was going on, make me yawn, and make me wish we'd done something else that was less lame.
Just wait 'til the commies invade America, and we will all be sitting in ballparks, being forced to watch "reprogramming" videos on the message board!
Hasn't anyone learned from the movie "Red Dawn" ??????
Go Wolverines!!!!!!!!!
Red Dawn is like Roadhouse....anytime it's on you have to watch it
In some ridiculous way that's true.
Peace
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
...
So, you are not going to try it... fine. I don't blame you... why risk an unpleasant confrontation for something that is not that big of a deal, right?
what is your problem? sure I'll try it just for you ok? along with all the other people who sit down, ignore, or walk out, during the song. guess what is going to happen? thats right....not a goddamn thing.
...
Thanx. And if you ever venture out to this part of the country... I'll treat you to a Dodgers game... we can sit up in the Blue Level... just above 'Mannywood'... with all the Laker rioter guys. You will be pretty confident that they are a tolerant lot. Me... not so much.
And... yeah.... i'm a wuss. I'll stand because I think I've got a pretty good street sense about this kinfd of stuff... growing up near the barrio and all... and I'm not going to take my chances with them... and their bellies full of beer.
...
Also, you are so irrate about this... like, you're on the rag or something. Are you all right?
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
...
So, you are not going to try it... fine. I don't blame you... why risk an unpleasant confrontation for something that is not that big of a deal, right?
what is your problem? sure I'll try it just for you ok? along with all the other people who sit down, ignore, or walk out, during the song. guess what is going to happen? thats right....not a goddamn thing.
...
Thanx. And if you ever venture out to this part of the country... I'll treat you to a Dodgers game... we can sit up in the Blue Level... just above 'Mannywood'... with all the Laker rioter guys. You will be pretty confident that they are a tolerant lot. Me... not so much.
And... yeah.... i'm a wuss. I'll stand because I think I've got a pretty good street sense about this kinfd of stuff... growing up near the barrio and all... and I'm not going to take my chances with them... and their bellies full of beer.
...
Also, you are so irrate about this... like, you're on the rag or something. Are you all right?
yea I'm fine. truth be told, I dont care much for the song either. but I really could care less that its played and find it funny and even sad that some take offense to a patriotic song being sung at a baseball game.
but what really erked me about your comment was the gross exaggeration with it. do assholes exist everywhere? yes. but I think its safer to assume that the majority of people will not give a flying fuck if someone decides to sit during the song. you implied that some sort of attack was likely. just not true at all.
what is your problem? sure I'll try it just for you ok? along with all the other people who sit down, ignore, or walk out, during the song. guess what is going to happen? thats right....not a goddamn thing.
...
Thanx. And if you ever venture out to this part of the country... I'll treat you to a Dodgers game... we can sit up in the Blue Level... just above 'Mannywood'... with all the Laker rioter guys. You will be pretty confident that they are a tolerant lot. Me... not so much.
And... yeah.... i'm a wuss. I'll stand because I think I've got a pretty good street sense about this kinfd of stuff... growing up near the barrio and all... and I'm not going to take my chances with them... and their bellies full of beer.
...
Also, you are so irrate about this... like, you're on the rag or something. Are you all right?
yea I'm fine. truth be told, I dont care much for the song either. but I really could care less that its played
that means you do care then?
oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
no not really. but you dont mind if I discuss it on a message board do you?
i couldn't care less...
its just that you said you could care less... so making me think you do actually care. saying you 'could care less' means you care.
oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
no not really. but you dont mind if I discuss it on a message board do you?
i couldn't care less...
its just that you said you could care less... so making me think you do actually care. saying you 'could care less' means you care.
O I'm sorry. how about we are both right. I care enough to talk about it on a message board but not when I'm at an actual game. cool?
yep.. i'm cool.
oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
...
Thanx. And if you ever venture out to this part of the country... I'll treat you to a Dodgers game... we can sit up in the Blue Level... just above 'Mannywood'... with all the Laker rioter guys. You will be pretty confident that they are a tolerant lot. Me... not so much.
And... yeah.... i'm a wuss. I'll stand because I think I've got a pretty good street sense about this kinfd of stuff... growing up near the barrio and all... and I'm not going to take my chances with them... and their bellies full of beer.
...
Also, you are so irrate about this... like, you're on the rag or something. Are you all right?
yea I'm fine. truth be told, I dont care much for the song either. but I really could care less that its played and find it funny and even sad that some take offense to a patriotic song being sung at a baseball game.
why don't we get rid of christmas while were at it :roll:
I'm for getting rid of Christmas for myself as a shopping excess excuse. In fact, in our family we've done so.
I'm also for getting rid of this consumption-oriented national holiday. It's become more about consumerism and less about religion, togetherness, kindness and love, put together, by far. I call it the "obligation to spend money" holiday.
why don't we get rid of christmas while were at it :roll:
I'm for getting rid of Christmas for myself as a shopping excess excuse. In fact, in our family we've done so.
I'm also for getting rid of this consumption-oriented national holiday. It's become more about consumerism and less about religion, togetherness, kindness and love, put together, by far. I call it the "obligation to spend money" holiday.
It all starts with you. My whole family agreed on no presents (except for the little kids), and it was beautiful. It may seem like a ballsy idea, but you have no idea how many of them are going to love it. Save your money, save your time, love your family without pressure from the TV telling you to BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW!
This year instead of buying gifts my family and I are discussing going on a vacation after christmas like a trip to the mountains something.
I come from a lower middle class family and we have never done anything besides exchange gifts. So why not just draw names and buy one present for that person and rent a house in the mountains for a 4 day weekend or something. Also I live in the south so we don't get snow.
I'm for getting rid of Christmas for myself as a shopping excess excuse. In fact, in our family we've done so.
I'm also for getting rid of this consumption-oriented national holiday. It's become more about consumerism and less about religion, togetherness, kindness and love, put together, by far. I call it the "obligation to spend money" holiday.
It all starts with you. My whole family agreed on no presents (except for the little kids), and it was beautiful. It may seem like a ballsy idea, but you have no idea how many of them are going to love it. Save your money, save your time, love your family without pressure from the TV telling you to BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW!
Actually, I've been trying for years to get my family on board. One year, I gave my siblings gift certificates for the charity of their choice. They all looked at me cross-eyed and threw them away (good thing my money went to a general fund). Last year, my daughter and I made gifts and insisted that my siblings not expect my parents to give them gifts as we're all adults. While they did the latter, they were miffed at my small yet thoughtful homemade gifts to them. You can only get so far with materialistic family members unfortunately. :roll:
It all starts with you. My whole family agreed on no presents (except for the little kids), and it was beautiful. It may seem like a ballsy idea, but you have no idea how many of them are going to love it. Save your money, save your time, love your family without pressure from the TV telling you to BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW!
Actually, I've been trying for years to get my family on board. One year, I gave my siblings gift certificates for the charity of their choice. They all looked at me cross-eyed and threw them away (good thing my money went to a general fund). Last year, my daughter and I made gifts and insisted that my siblings not expect my parents to give them gifts as we're all adults. While they did the latter, they were miffed at my small yet thoughtful homemade gifts to them. You can only get so far with materialistic family members unfortunately. :roll:
I think you're better off with no gift than gifts like that. The charity thing makes people feel guilty and they resent you for it and probably think you're being condescending (like in that episode of Arrested Development). The latter... the sentiment's nice, but it's almost always something you have no idea what to do with after you receive it At least if you do nothing, you're just an Ebenezer Scrooge.
I would just as soon skip Christmas myself. It's such a time drain trying to buy gifts and cards and whatnot.
yea I'm fine. truth be told, I dont care much for the song either. but I really could care less that its played and find it funny and even sad that some take offense to a patriotic song being sung at a baseball game.
but what really erked me about your comment was the gross exaggeration with it. do assholes exist everywhere? yes. but I think its safer to assume that the majority of people will not give a flying fuck if someone decides to sit during the song. you implied that some sort of attack was likely. just not true at all.
...
And I don't really care either way about the song. I was just saying that there is a strong possibility that if you do not do as others think you should... they will let you know. I never meant a mob would attack anyone who sits... but, there is a good possibility that a drunk asshole would feel you were disrespecting the nation, our troops, his god and would let you know about it by hurling his half eaten hot dog at the back of your head.
And yes.. the majority of people don't care... just like the majority of people don't smash windshields or set dumpsters on fire after the Lakers Championship... but, there ARE assholes out there who would. I would much rather avoid any interactions with these stupid fucking assholes who think militarism, songs and magnets equatre to Patriotism... so, I stand up with the rest of the crowd to avoid being the exception.
Sheep? Sure... but, I really don't want to risk a shitty confrontation over nothing and would rather just enjoy a nice evening at the ballpark with my friends.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
It all starts with you. My whole family agreed on no presents (except for the little kids), and it was beautiful. It may seem like a ballsy idea, but you have no idea how many of them are going to love it. Save your money, save your time, love your family without pressure from the TV telling you to BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW!
Actually, I've been trying for years to get my family on board. One year, I gave my siblings gift certificates for the charity of their choice. They all looked at me cross-eyed and threw them away (good thing my money went to a general fund). Last year, my daughter and I made gifts and insisted that my siblings not expect my parents to give them gifts as we're all adults. While they did the latter, they were miffed at my small yet thoughtful homemade gifts to them. You can only get so far with materialistic family members unfortunately. :roll:
I think you're better off with no gift than gifts like that. The charity thing makes people feel guilty and they resent you for it and probably think you're being condescending (like in that episode of Arrested Development). The latter... the sentiment's nice, but it's almost always something you have no idea what to do with after you receive it At least if you do nothing, you're just an Ebenezer Scrooge.
I would just as soon skip Christmas myself. It's such a time drain trying to buy gifts and cards and whatnot.
Giving a gift of charity makes people feel guilty? What? A gift to whatever cause they feel strong about it would make you feel guilty? I have a daughter who has a disability. Giving to meaningful causes is close to my heart (obviously not my sisters' though...says a lot about them...), and if it just makes you feel awkward, I'd suggest you go spend some time with some less fortunate people. It would change your mind.
Giving a gift of charity makes people feel guilty? What? A gift to whatever cause they feel strong about it would make you feel guilty? I have a daughter who has a disability. Giving to meaningful causes is close to my heart (obviously not my sisters' though...says a lot about them...), and if it just makes you feel awkward, I'd suggest you go spend some time with some less fortunate people. It would change your mind.
Not me necessarily. But I know many people that would think it's kind of "showing off." Like "I'm so above your consumerism and I'M donating to charity, so YOU all should too." It's like the people that make a big deal about their community involvement or religious affiliation, it seems kind heavy-handed. I'm not saying you're wrong for doing it, I'm saying I can see how it would make people feel uncomfortable or like you're disapproving of them... and shit, it's true because here you are passing judgment on them for being selfish and consumerist and whatever else for just wanting to enjoy their celebration with family and forget about the world's problems for a bit.
Actually, I've been trying for years to get my family on board. One year, I gave my siblings gift certificates for the charity of their choice. They all looked at me cross-eyed and threw them away (good thing my money went to a general fund). Last year, my daughter and I made gifts and insisted that my siblings not expect my parents to give them gifts as we're all adults. While they did the latter, they were miffed at my small yet thoughtful homemade gifts to them. You can only get so far with materialistic family members unfortunately. :roll:
...
A few years ago... I suggested that our family quit buying Christmas presents just because the calendar and Mall store windows told us to. Instead, i suggested that we just 'buy for the kids'... because that's what Christmas is about, right? Kids. And instead of sitting around while our mom was in the kitchen all day... we just bought one of those restaurant dinners so she could sit around and visit... because that's also what Christmas is all about.... family, right?
It is NOT a culture war, as those cable t.v. blowhards tell us it is... it's more about reducing the stress of malls and bills and buying crap that people don't need. The last thing I want for Christmas is my little sister fighting crowds at the mall, stressing out because she is looking for a present for me. She should be at home, with her daughter... making Christmas cookies or something.
We can STILL have Christmas... but it's more about the season and the good things. And the last thing I can imagine Jesus wanting for us ismaterial crap given in His name.
Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
Hail, Hail!!!
I think you're better off with no gift than gifts like that. The charity thing makes people feel guilty and they resent you for it and probably think you're being condescending (like in that episode of Arrested Development). The latter... the sentiment's nice, but it's almost always something you have no idea what to do with after you receive it At least if you do nothing, you're just an Ebenezer Scrooge.
I would just as soon skip Christmas myself. It's such a time drain trying to buy gifts and cards and whatnot.
Giving a gift of charity makes people feel guilty? What? A gift to whatever cause they feel strong about it would make you feel guilty? I have a daughter who has a disability. Giving to meaningful causes is close to my heart (obviously not my sisters' though...says a lot about them...), and if it just makes you feel awkward, I'd suggest you go spend some time with some less fortunate people. It would change your mind.
says a lot about them? sorry, no offence intended, but your above post seems quite pious. Surely just one day of the year you can buy a loved one a nice inexpensive heartfelt gift instead of giving them a charity token or whatever it is you gave them. You're forcing your belief upon them. Because giving to meaningful causes is close to your heart then you that's what you should do... but clearly your sister would rather have a gift and i 100% understand that. Its not materialistic at all... its the one time of the year that i think we should give a guilt-free gift to a loved one... after the 25th of Dec if you want to send an African tribe 6 chickens then thats up to you... and good on you for doing that... I give a set amount to Save The Children every single month... we should all try and do a little bit... but not in the name of someone who doesnt want you to...
oh scary... 40000 morbidly obese christians wearing fanny packs invading europe is probably the least scariest thing since I watched an edited version of The Care Bears movie in an extremely brightly lit cinema.
Giving a gift of charity makes people feel guilty? What? A gift to whatever cause they feel strong about it would make you feel guilty? I have a daughter who has a disability. Giving to meaningful causes is close to my heart (obviously not my sisters' though...says a lot about them...), and if it just makes you feel awkward, I'd suggest you go spend some time with some less fortunate people. It would change your mind.
Not me necessarily. But I know many people that would think it's kind of "showing off." Like "I'm so above your consumerism and I'M donating to charity, so YOU all should too." It's like the people that make a big deal about their community involvement or religious affiliation, it seems kind heavy-handed. I'm not saying you're wrong for doing it, I'm saying I can see how it would make people feel uncomfortable or like you're disapproving of them... and shit, it's true because here you are passing judgment on them for being selfish and consumerist and whatever else for just wanting to enjoy their celebration with family and forget about the world's problems for a bit.
Oh, please. you sound so arrogant. The point is that Christmas has become a fruitless "give me more STUFF" holiday. Obviously you can't see past the fact that giving others the gift of giving to others something other than an object would put you out. Get over yourself, SS. You'd rather think about "how it makes you look" rather than the good deed you're doing for others. Purely selfish thinking on your part.
Comments
So are those that would be offended if they stopped playing it as pathetic as those of us that wish they would?
It doesn't bother me that much, as I have said repeatedly. I don't care enough to do a damn thing about it, I just think it's lame and wish they'd do something else that's more fun, which apparently makes me a sad human being. And if I go get a beer or take a piss, I miss Take Me Out to the Ballgame, which IS a lot of fun.
Rumor has it that they are retiring "God Bless America" during the 7th inning in favor of a song called "The Fixer..." I wonder what that's about?
something's going on :P
I bet you hate the "Kiss Kam" as well!
Hasn't anyone learned from the movie "Red Dawn" ??????
Go Wolverines!!!!!!!!!
Red Dawn is like Roadhouse....anytime it's on you have to watch it
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
In some ridiculous way that's true.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Thanx. And if you ever venture out to this part of the country... I'll treat you to a Dodgers game... we can sit up in the Blue Level... just above 'Mannywood'... with all the Laker rioter guys. You will be pretty confident that they are a tolerant lot. Me... not so much.
And... yeah.... i'm a wuss. I'll stand because I think I've got a pretty good street sense about this kinfd of stuff... growing up near the barrio and all... and I'm not going to take my chances with them... and their bellies full of beer.
...
Also, you are so irrate about this... like, you're on the rag or something. Are you all right?
Hail, Hail!!!
yea I'm fine. truth be told, I dont care much for the song either. but I really could care less that its played and find it funny and even sad that some take offense to a patriotic song being sung at a baseball game.
but what really erked me about your comment was the gross exaggeration with it. do assholes exist everywhere? yes. but I think its safer to assume that the majority of people will not give a flying fuck if someone decides to sit during the song. you implied that some sort of attack was likely. just not true at all.
that means you do care then?
no not really. but you dont mind if I discuss it on a message board do you?
i couldn't care less...
its just that you said you could care less... so making me think you do actually care. saying you 'could care less' means you care.
O I'm sorry. how about we are both right. I care enough to talk about it on a message board but not when I'm at an actual game. cool?
yep.. i'm cool.
I don't recall ever saying it offended me.
this may come as a shock to you, but you are not the only one discussing things on this board
Well no, but I AM the only one that matters
It all starts with you. My whole family agreed on no presents (except for the little kids), and it was beautiful. It may seem like a ballsy idea, but you have no idea how many of them are going to love it. Save your money, save your time, love your family without pressure from the TV telling you to BUY BUY BUY NOW NOW NOW!
I come from a lower middle class family and we have never done anything besides exchange gifts. So why not just draw names and buy one present for that person and rent a house in the mountains for a 4 day weekend or something. Also I live in the south so we don't get snow.
I think you're better off with no gift than gifts like that. The charity thing makes people feel guilty and they resent you for it and probably think you're being condescending (like in that episode of Arrested Development). The latter... the sentiment's nice, but it's almost always something you have no idea what to do with after you receive it
I would just as soon skip Christmas myself. It's such a time drain trying to buy gifts and cards and whatnot.
And I don't really care either way about the song. I was just saying that there is a strong possibility that if you do not do as others think you should... they will let you know. I never meant a mob would attack anyone who sits... but, there is a good possibility that a drunk asshole would feel you were disrespecting the nation, our troops, his god and would let you know about it by hurling his half eaten hot dog at the back of your head.
And yes.. the majority of people don't care... just like the majority of people don't smash windshields or set dumpsters on fire after the Lakers Championship... but, there ARE assholes out there who would. I would much rather avoid any interactions with these stupid fucking assholes who think militarism, songs and magnets equatre to Patriotism... so, I stand up with the rest of the crowd to avoid being the exception.
Sheep? Sure... but, I really don't want to risk a shitty confrontation over nothing and would rather just enjoy a nice evening at the ballpark with my friends.
Hail, Hail!!!
Not me necessarily. But I know many people that would think it's kind of "showing off." Like "I'm so above your consumerism and I'M donating to charity, so YOU all should too." It's like the people that make a big deal about their community involvement or religious affiliation, it seems kind heavy-handed. I'm not saying you're wrong for doing it, I'm saying I can see how it would make people feel uncomfortable or like you're disapproving of them... and shit, it's true because here you are passing judgment on them for being selfish and consumerist and whatever else for just wanting to enjoy their celebration with family and forget about the world's problems for a bit.
A few years ago... I suggested that our family quit buying Christmas presents just because the calendar and Mall store windows told us to. Instead, i suggested that we just 'buy for the kids'... because that's what Christmas is about, right? Kids. And instead of sitting around while our mom was in the kitchen all day... we just bought one of those restaurant dinners so she could sit around and visit... because that's also what Christmas is all about.... family, right?
It is NOT a culture war, as those cable t.v. blowhards tell us it is... it's more about reducing the stress of malls and bills and buying crap that people don't need. The last thing I want for Christmas is my little sister fighting crowds at the mall, stressing out because she is looking for a present for me. She should be at home, with her daughter... making Christmas cookies or something.
We can STILL have Christmas... but it's more about the season and the good things. And the last thing I can imagine Jesus wanting for us ismaterial crap given in His name.
Hail, Hail!!!
Noam Chomsky
Howard Zinn
The Wobblies
DIY zine and your prolific underground scene
Ian Mckaye
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Yosemite National Park
says a lot about them? sorry, no offence intended, but your above post seems quite pious. Surely just one day of the year you can buy a loved one a nice inexpensive heartfelt gift instead of giving them a charity token or whatever it is you gave them. You're forcing your belief upon them. Because giving to meaningful causes is close to your heart then you that's what you should do... but clearly your sister would rather have a gift and i 100% understand that. Its not materialistic at all... its the one time of the year that i think we should give a guilt-free gift to a loved one... after the 25th of Dec if you want to send an African tribe 6 chickens then thats up to you... and good on you for doing that... I give a set amount to Save The Children every single month... we should all try and do a little bit... but not in the name of someone who doesnt want you to...