Americans are funny people about religion. In spite of 50+ years of secularization in the public square, we are still deeply interested in spirituality. Among Western nations the percentage of people participating in religious communities is quite high. We want to hear “God Bless America” sung in public and we do not mind politicians saying “God bless you” and “God bless America”. Too much detail about the religious beliefs of candidates, however, makes us uncomfortable, especially if those beliefs are anything close to historic Christianity or Judaism.

As we debate political policies and principles and begin a (too) long Election Year, there is one clear fact that must not be ignored by the electorate (that’s us!) or the politicos (candidates and their spinmeisters). What is this fact? Here it is…brace yourself for an illumination: “government money” and “government programs” are using YOUR money.

The recent proposal of our President to normalize the status of millions of “undocumented workers” is neither the end of the world nor a wise policy. On one level it normalizes the present state of affairs, catering to certain business interests and select political lobbies. At the same time, Bush’s proposal undermines our nation’s present need for sanity and security in light of 9-11.

In the midst of the rush to the malls or the websites, it is good to remember the two great traditions of the Holiday Season. A valiant band of freedom fighters resisted tyranny in 164 BC and celebrated the Hanukkah miracle. A small town called Bethlehem can only provide a barn for a baby who would split history in two and continue to inspire billions.

Sex sells. Sexual innuendo is used to sell cars and clothing, dances and dolls, mashed potatoes and movies. Men and women are assaulted on all sides with loudspeakers proclaiming endless ecstasy and forever fulfillment through pills or purchases.