THE REBEL JESUS
Song by Jackson Browne

[Commentary from John Nichols -- 1991 Chieftains holiday collaboration, The Bells of Dublin, "The Rebel Jesus" has taken on a life of its own. Along the way, it has become the most welcome antidote to the deadening dose of commercialism that Americans imbibe each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So let us begin the season with Browne's wise words.]

All the streets are filled with laughter and light
And the music of the season
And the merchants' windows are all bright
With the faces of the children
And the families hurrying to their homes
As the sky darkens and freezes
They'll be gathering around the hearths and tales
Giving thanks for all god's graces
And the birth of the rebel Jesus

Well they call him by the prince of peace
And they call him by the savior
And they pray to him upon the seas
And in every bold endeavor
As they fill his churches with their pride and gold
And their faith in him increases
But they've turned the nature that I worshipped in
From a temple to a robber's den
In the words of the rebel Jesus

We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

But please forgive me if I seem
To take the tone of judgment
For I've no wish to come between
This day and your enjoyment
In this life of hardship and of earthly toil
We have need for anything that frees us
So I bid you pleasure
And I bid you cheer
From a heathen and a pagan
On the side of the rebel Jesus.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absense of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people. Jawaharlal Nehru

ABIT OF NEWS ON THIS RAINY DAY

CORNBREAD AND ROSES
Bob Moser, The Nation
With his campaign to end poverty, John Edwards has shed his Clinton Lite image. But he still faces an uphill battle to win back the presidency for the Dems.
http://www.alternet.org/story/28830/

CHENEY THREATENS AMERICA
Madison Capital Times Editorial
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1128-26.htm

WHY WOODWARD IS STILL IN THE HOT SEAT
Norman Solomon, AlterNet
Far from dying down over Thanksgiving, the scandal enveloping the Washington Post reporter has deservedly picked up steam.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/28808/

10 REASONS WHY I AM NO LONGER PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
Commentary by Gary Alan Scott
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1128-33.htm

THE VATICAN'S GAY PURGE
Fr. Gerard Thomas, Beliefnet
A gay priest says the Vatican's new policy is nothing short of an attack on church discussions of sexuality.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/28816/

HILLARY, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING
Commentary by Jeff Cohen
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1123-28.htm

STANDING TALL AGAINST McCARTHY
Molly Ivins, Texas Observer
George Clooney's new film 'Good Night and Good Luck' echoes Texan John Faulk's heroic struggle against McCarthyism.
http://www.alternet.org/movies/28826/