Thursday, 24 December 2009

And to leave you until the New Year, a modern day parable of God and Santa Claus...

“I have only one firm belief about the American political system, and that is this: God is a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat. God is an elderly or, at any rate, middle-aged male, a stern fellow, patriarchal rather than paternal and a great believer in rules and regulations. He holds men strictly accountable for their actions. He has little apparent concern for the material well-being of the disadvantaged. He is politically connected, socially powerful and holds the mortgage on virtually everything in the world. God is difficult. God is unsentimental. It is very hard to get into God’s heavenly country club. Santa Claus is another matter. He’s cute. His nonthreatening. He’s always cheerful. And he loves animals. He may know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, but he never does anything about it. He gives everyone everything they want without thought of a quid pro quo. He works hard for charities, and he’s famously generous to the poor. Santa Claus is preferable to God in every way but one: There is no such thing as Santa Claus.” P.J.O'Rourke "Parliament of Whores".

Ayrdale wishes friends and foes alike a happy trucetime until the ref. blows his New Year whistle.

11 comments:

Ron Russell said...

I love that little piece and it is so true when one stops to think on it. Merry Christmas to you and family and hope you enjoy this holiday season.

Ayrdale said...

True the whole world over Ron, over here we're National and Labour, but the battle between left and right is a universal struggle. You'd think by now it would have evolved into a blandness that turned voters off, but for me anyway, there's always more than a hint of radical left in the opposition to keep me interested.

KG said...

Hope you had a damn fine Christmas Ayrdale and all the best for 2010.

nursemyra said...

A truce indeed! Merry Xmas Ayrdale

Ayrdale said...

Readers, note that last comment from the apolitical and incredibly interesting Nurse Myra, and visit her wonderful blog. If you've a hint of testosterone in your alcohol system you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Nurse. Salutations to you and your dearest.

syncopated eyeball said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm afraid I think Mr O'Rourke a turkey, clever, but a turkey. I'm glad I don't share his view of the Universal Spirit.

TheFatBigot said...

A very happy New Year to you Mr Micky.

Ayrdale said...

And to you too, Mr FB. Your observations on the last 6/12 would be most interesting to your readership. Any hope of that ?

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Ayrdale. Keep going, keep blogging, keep questioning. When the police finally batter down your door and you are taken to a rat-infested prison cell, you will hear rhythmic abd subversive tapping on the pipes from the next cell. It will be me. Tap back. God bless you and yours.
Regards
Butch

Ayrdale said...

Visitors/readers please note; Butch posts from London. His daily offerings are always a good read. Much more literary than mine, and full of wit and humanity. Please pay him a visit.

Kia ora Butch.

Egg Recipes said...

Interesting thoughts I really enjoyed your blog