"[I] didn't watch the Ted talk, sorry. Too long to make a point for me."

Then you missed the entire argument.

Everything you said is moot in the face of Lawrence Lessig's talk.

This kind of thinking: "Granted, neither choice is usually good, but one is definitely less bad....and far more sane and rational."Is completely missing the point.

If you are continuing to see this this as a partisan problem, you do not grok this issue.

You should not be choosing between "terrible and slightly less terrible." You should be choosing between "good and better."

I reiterate: The roots of this issue in the US go deeper than partisan "Dems vs. Reps" politics. This issue is money in politics.

"I want you to take hold, to grab the issue you care the most about. Climate change is mine, but it might be financial reform or a simpler tax system or inequality. Grab that issue, sit it down in front of you, look straight in its eyes, and tell it there is no Christmas this year. There will never be a Christmas. We will never get your issue solved until we fix this issue first."

Here's a video referencing a Princeton study that backs up Lessig's arguments pretty well.



As an aside, Lawrence Lessig tried to run for president last year...

Here is a podcast that you might enjoy.

BBC documentary on the "The Christmas Truce" of World War One, with many first hand accounts of that day.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, kwazy Kwanzaa, a tip-top Tet, or a solemn & dignified Ramadan.

May there be gifts and tasty foods and beverages of your choice.

Happy Christmas to all, and best wishes for the new year.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a very merry Christmas.

*promote christmas trees and good times

Merry Christmas, yall.

It just goes to show that even we can find some things to agree on.

I hope you have a merry Christmas too.

Thank you for the promote.

Have a great Christmas.

Thank you - from my entire being.

This year, from a year of effort, I'm in a better place financially, mentally, and in every way possible, looking at life with an improved outlook. It was a year of coping with change and improving on things. I would call this past year a success and a step forward. Which, for me, will make this Christmas that much better. I'll spend Christmas with my son and my daughter.

The best part is, I have more money for Christmas this year than any year previous, but I am spending the least and buying less gifts. The food will be less, but better quality. In my son's words, "You don't need to get me anything this year dad, with all you do for me through the year, every day has been like Christmas!" and from my daughter, I don't need a gift, what I want is to stay up all night with some snacks and play Game of Thrones RISK till the sun comes up".
Feeling blessed this year.

I hope your Christmas is the best ever. And your heart is filled with cheer.
Have an amazing "Holiday" Christmas season with what ever you choose and how you will celebrate it!

Cheers!

So Dank. It reminds me of my Christmas terror flashbacks.

Such a lovely Christmas story *promote