Happy Holidays to our Prime Ministers
I know that Guyana’s late tale of local trade unionist Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow likes to remind people that “Politics follows you from cradle to grave.” How alive he lived that.
Another senior headmistress of mine was a little more vague and dramatic when arguing that “politics dictates the price of a car, Coca Cola and toiletries!”
The above is my circular way in which politicians can go on to present my brief assertion on how politics can affect, even the current Birth of their Savior Christian Festival – dubbed “Christmas.” And in deed, in historical truth, the political genesis of Christmas itself was birthed in strong elements of politics.
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Welcome, hail this thing, Christmas.
The date of December 25th is saturated with the power politics of Popes, Emperors, early Christians and other political types. Because the Holy Record of Christians – their Bible – nowhere mentions an actual date for the Birth of Jesus. This paved the way for speculation, numerous analyzes and conclusions and an ultimately questionable date, December 25. [And nowhere does the Bible say the birth should be celebrated]
Supporters of Google – or Wikipedia – will find the basics easy: The first rule of the Roman Emperor Constantine seen December 25 was “Christmas Day” (336 a year); but another religious Statesman Julius who later ruled December 25, would be the official Birth Date of the Christ Child. There are many different traditions and theories (reasons) as to why December 25. These are my “favorite” of two.
Some say that young Mary was informed that she was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God on 25 March. Nine months after that annulment is December 25th. Another theory is that winter solstice – when the sun is furthest south (Dec. 22-25) – and pagans / nations of that time who fiercely rejected God, Bible Christianity, their celebration festival of sun worship time spring themselves (Saturnalia!)
Since the Roman rulers had a similar festival they adopted then absorbed the Pagan event to become the most Christian happening and won converts. Now you know. See early Christmas politics !?
Christmas “political” today
Consider this kaleidoscopic snapshot of the Christmas festival these days: Great care must be taken when traveling to Bethlehem’s birthplace in the Middle East these days – political wars conflicts, little joy; political leaders from Britain and the rest of Europe have little unity, no love, at present; I will not dwell on the plague of Corona which today is drowning Christians (but not the spirit.)
In a beautiful, ruined old Guyana, one set of politicians accuses another set of rabid racism; the usual cash rewards at the end of the year disappeared for employee bonus incentives; and the distribution of the Government’s COVID relief grant grant is attracting sharp criticism. But don’t be afraid! A good “ole chrismuss” still exists!
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Gifts that last …
Christians hold that the Birth of Jesus was / is the greatest gift that mankind could see. So this emphasis is on exchanging gifts as part of the festival.
So the workplace emphasizes end of year gifts and some homes have Christmas Eve wrapping gifts under the family Christmas tree. Always healthy and welcome. But remember – your end of year gift should resonate for years after. Consider exactly how any gifts you share may affect the recipients’ lives long after that.
Sure, immediate, immediate or short-term pleasure also counts, but these times require long-term assistance. So clean an old lady’s yard; pledge monthly help for a well-deserved closing session, give a scholarship to needy youth – or groceries for four months – or a job! Start a “Christmas Co-op” to provide your group with specific needs. Get the idea – friends?
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My Prime Ministers “Happy Holidays”
Shortly before Donald James Trump became President of the USA, there was a “movement” to grab the “Merry Christmas” greeting with “Happy Holidays” so as not to offend non-Christians. Trump loved Christmas and Christians. How Christian are our Prime Ministers?
Our former living and current Prime Ministers are Hamilton Green, Samuel Hinds, Moses Nagamootoo and Mark Phillips. With the recent emphasis on former presidents, I now choose to greet our Prime Minister. Three were really colorful. At one time Green was a popular populist assistant to the Kabaka Burnham. Later Burnham anointed Hoyte! GUARD’s civilian opponent and Linden Chemical Engineer in Bauxite Samuel Archibald Hinds must have some record as one of the longest serving Prime Ministers in the world! (Because Hammie Green was the longest serving Mayor of a little capital!)
Nagamootoo deserves more study by those with a political mind. No time or place here. From the PPP to the AFC to the APNU, he hopped grass over Ramjattan and Trotman to become Granger’s Vice President No. 1. Now in a happy retirement with a reward.
I will leave Brigadier Phillips for next year. Linden Links? I remember him succeeding the Admiral Rear! Special Season greetings to all my Prime Ministers. Ho-ho-ho!
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Ponder briefly today …
1) The opposition must be careful how they cheat over the number of crime cases, including murder, these days. Crime never ended when the Brigadier appointed a former Police Commissioner and a number of former GDF officers to central positions.
After only 4/5 months of PPP and now Christmas 2020 you can’t expect crime to overtake (?)
2) Local Christmas politics ensures that sellers take over pavements and some roads. (“Granger en move us, PPP kyan do duh!)
3) Analyze everything you want! The ERC and the GHRA come off as opportunistic from time to time.
4) When it was finally revealed that popular Santa Claus carried HIV, parents objected and then mocked. The lovable Santa soon became depressed and then died of a broken heart.
5) Coming Next Friday: Prominent Citizens of Cocaine.
Till next week.