Like a lot of people, I’ve kind of backed off the political front since the election. Every once and I while I’ll ping one of the more popular lefty blogs like DailyKos and Tom Tomorrow’s blog. So needless to say, some stuff does take a little longer to get to me nowadays. Still doesn’t fail to shock when it does get to me, however. For instance, this whole silly crusade against the one-size-fits-all-in-order-to-not-offend seasonal salutation “Happy Holidays” being waged by Bill O’Reilly and company.

Tom quotes his friend Greg from the Talent Show almost verbatim out of my own thoughts about it: I’ve made a conscious decision years ago to always default to “Happy Holidays” in December-season greeting cards and conversations. If I knew the other person was of Christian faith and/or completely desensitized to being offended by being acknowledged with a “Merry Christmas”, then I would certainly go that route - just as I offer sincere and good Hannukah wishes to my Jewish friends. My personal opinions about organized religion (and Christian faiths in particular) aside, I certainly respect the beliefs and opinions of others and just want to inoffensively encourage the general bonhomie of the month of December.

So while I still scratch my head (and suffer from an acute case of blood-boiling) over this whole silliness, let me go on the record right now by saying that when I wish you “Happy Holidays” (or have done so in the past), I most certainly do not intend a “Up yours, baby Jesus” sentiment.

Postscript: While I would really like to keep negativity out of the picture, I would offer that the meaning of “Happy Holidays” to incorporate an understood “Up yours, Bill O’Reilly” sentiment. At least until he and his kind stop this ridiculous charade. Just sayin’.