21 Dec USA’s 2023 Christmas Letter
Merry Christmas, Americans!
Principle Based Politics once again has taken it upon itself to sum up the year on behalf of our country. Because we prefer faith-filled holiday letters, sprinkled concisely with news, general updates, just a little humor, and a lot of honesty, that will be our approach here. To do all of this, we add a few current-day thoughts to the real Christmas Story that is set forth in the Bible through Luke and Matthew:
So Joseph … went up from the town of Nazareth … to Bethlehem the town of David.*
*After a vicious attack by Hamas on Israel, our own Joseph, the president, has been busy lately dealing with a nasty war right in the same part of the world.
He (the biblical Joseph) went there … with Mary, who … was expecting a child. … She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.*
*Like many holiday letters, we will avoid the controversial political issues of euphemistically-phrased “reproductive rights,” abortion, and gender.
An angel of the Lord appeared to [shepherds nearby], and … said to them, “Do not be afraid.”*
*Throughout America today, people need angels to come along and remind us not to be afraid. Our country is suffering from a mental health crisis that causes – and may be caused by – fear, violence, and even political anger.
The angel said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you …”*
*Instead of universal good news or great joy, our country is bracing itself for deeper division and polarization as we elect a president in 2024. The candidates are many and varied, several are talented, but none will be the savior of this country. That is in God’s hands.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “… and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”*
*In our world today, instead of peace, we continue to suffer from the wars in Israel and Ukraine, not to mention culture wars here at home. Our former president does seem to receive favor in the polls, but he spends much of his time as a defendant in court facing civil suits and 91 felony charges. He is not exactly at peace, either.
After Jesus was born … during the time of King Herod …,*
*Under the U.S. Constitution, we do not have a king. What we have are three co-equal branches of government, and each has struggled this year, to be frank. The administrative branch has presided over a growing national debt, rather than growing the country. All of our borrowing hurts the U.S.A., especially with today’s high interest rates. Our “leaders” also are unwilling even to try to fix the looming Social Security shortfall. Congress, the second branch of government, provides little help, as it seems more interested in investigating than legislating. It goes about disputing, while people go about mass shooting, to name just one issue. The judicial branch spends too much time being judged, rather than judging.
Magi from the east … asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”*
*In America, there is a big star people are following. But she is a musical performer with a football-playing boyfriend. Like the rising star those Magi saw, the American is causing travel and viewing patterns to “alter quickly.” (Get it? “Tailor Swift.”) That’s what Principle Based Politics thinks our political types should do. It is not good to worship stars of any type, let alone lame current or past presidents.
Now, you may want to go back and reread the italicized, biblical portions of this letter, as they tell the real story that we all need to hear at Christmas.
Many of you like to say “God bless America.” Back at you.
God bless,
America
Ghost written by Quentin R. Wittrock, founder of Principle Based Politics.
Look for his posts each week, as this blog will explore and promote the idea of principle in politics, both as to individual elected leaders and our federal government as an institution.
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