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Merry Christmas!! — 14 Comments

  1. But I’m stuck here in Prague
    With this neocon frog
    In a progressive Gulag
    Waiting for Gog and Magog

  2. Old Baaaad Santa & the Beautiful Mrs. Santa are going to friends for a Feast. Very, VERY Best Wishes, Neo, to you and All Whom You Love.

  3. Merry Christmas, Neo!

    I’ve had some unexpected, welcome contacts from old friends, and for the moment feel like things aren’t as bad as the general outside trend may make them seem.

    Things could be worse!

  4. Merry Christmas to you,
    Too,
    But I’m down with the flu
    so I bid you adieu (for now):
    Toodaloo.

  5. All aglow with Christmas cheer
    And the people I love near.
    Tis a time to give thanks,
    For all the commenters in neo’s ranks,
    And raise an eggnog toast
    To neo, our gracious host.

    Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone.

  6. Merry Christmas!

    Today is the 100th anniversary of one of the most remarkable events of World War I, or indeed of any war: the Christmas Truce.

    The war began at the end of July and was less than five months old. In the beginning, most people on both sides expected a short, sharp, decisive war, but by December it had degenerated into a bloody stalemate. The number of casualties was already shocking by that point.

    Soldiers on both sides met in No Man’s Land between the trenchlines to bury their dead, exchange presents, and take photos. From what I’ve read, it started on Christmas Eve when German soldiers began singing “Stille Nacht”, and the British troops in the opposing trenches instantly recognized the melody and joined in.

    When the leadership on both sides got wind of the truce and that their frontline soldiers were openly fraternizing with the enemy, they threatened disciplinary action and ordered the men to start shooting again. Apparently, the units involved were transferred to other sectors of the front.

    This may have been the only time in history when a war was nearly called off by popular consent, by troops who were already sick of the carnage.

    I guess this truce was only possible because people in all the countries of Europe shared a Christian culture that was still strong in 1914. It would be much less likely in a war against atheist Communists or Muslim jihadis.

    I’m not a writer, but somebody should write an alternative history story where the truce stuck, and the governments of both sides realized that further fighting would be senseless. How would today’s world be different? No 20 million dead in WWI, no Russian Revolution, no punitive peace settlement at Versailles, and maybe no World War II. Of course, that would require that everybody accept the fait accompli that the Germans had conquered parts of France and most of Belgium.

    These appear to be the best books about the event: Christmas Truce and Truce.

    There was also a movie made in 2005: Joyeux Noé«l. It has a lot of positive reviews, but reading the negative reviews, it seems to be a fictionalized account of the events. And I wonder how many of the positive reviews are from people who consider themselves “anti-war” and like the movie because it confirms their preconceived notions. Still, I’m considering buying the books and the movie.

  7. Haikus for Christmas
    In our family we compete
    For treats and ha-ha’s.

    “Moonlight in Vermont”
    Playing in the background air
    Justifies our cause.

    Wishing you the best,
    You and all your families,
    Health and happiness.

  8. Merry Christmas to Neo for publishing this blog, her analysis and her “change” to the right of the political spectrum.

    Merry Christmas to the commenters as well.

    We should all look forward to and hope for a wonderful new year.

  9. Blessed Christmas to all, a merry one to for those who prefer that greeting.
    Like carl in atlanta I am stricken with some kind of aliment, & my Doc is not in until Monday.
    So hot water bottle for me & green tea !

  10. Molly! If your doctor will not call in a script for an antiviral, get thee to an Emergency Room forthwith. The flu is dangerous at the age of anyone old enough to read and comment or even just appreciate Neoneocon. Get well, darlin’

    Michael in Texas

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