How the Xi Jinping Grinch Stole Christmas for the Chinese (Kings of the East and the Red Dragon)

   

     Christmas in China is going to be one of suppression, OPression [sic], and "Re-education". Christmas is officially banned this year by the Chinese Communist Party. Celebrating Christmas in China this year (and the foreseeable future) could quite possibly get you arrested, tortured and sent to a "re-education" center for ideological cleansing. China's tyrannical government has in recent months stepped up their campaign against religious freedom in the nation. The Communist Party is cracking down on thought forms and philosophies that do not center worship on 'the Party'. In a strangely ironic twist, China (until Xi Jianping made himself permanent President of the "People's Republic, the nation was considered free) has taken a great leap forward in the direction of North Korea's ways of doing things. The red dragon of the East is coming upon the world stage and something looking like a beast is forming in the old Roman empire's legacy, making China a much larger rival against modern Rome (the Western American Empire). Further irony is that China produces 60 percent of the artificial Christmas trees produced and exported.

     On December 8th an oil field in Libya was taken over protesters from the Fezzan Anger Movement. The name says it all. At least they are upfront and honest with you about how they feel. The U.S. government stands in solidarity with Libya's government against the Angry Fezzans, which is unsurprising considering America has interest in Libyan oil, over the oppression of a Libya's citizens by their own government. America, guardian of freedom.

Brief

* North Korea is Biggest Persecutor of People of Faith

* CDC has released an alert over mysterious virus (cousin to Polio) spreading in the central U.S. and leaving children paralyzed.

* Current Ebola epidemic being called the second worst in Ebola's history. The largest being the Ebola pandemic  2013-2016 (though it is still burning out on a very local, but small, regional level).

* U.S. troops to be withdrawn from Syria as President Trump Declares victory over ISIS.

* Situation between Russia and Ukraine remains tense as war-bells ring.

* China perfecting submarine sentried nuclear warheads capable of reaching America's interior.

In Defense of Satanism

    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

     -The 1st Amendment

     The Satanic Temple desires to put up a Satanic memorial in Oklahoma City in response to a display of the Ten Commandments. Even as a former Satanist, I found that to be a shock. I never really imagined that this kind of thing would be allowed. I was almost offended...almost. As a Baha'i, I embrace diversity in all its forms so long as no one is oppressed or harm in the process. Satanism is a legitimate religion, that when practiced in its modern form condones rationalism, hedonism, individuality and free thought. True Satanism does not mean harming others (besides in self defense), sacrificing any living being (except when used for food) or any other violation of the law. It is an existential philosophy that views Satan as a mascot for the higher self, rather than a literal being to be worshipped. Satanists are mostly atheist in philosophy and worship only themselves. I support religious freedom to its fullest and as a Baha'i, I believe it is my responsibility to stand up for minority groups and defend their freedom to practice, as I would hope my freedoms would likewise be defended. There are many paths to God...even if the God you perceive is a bit unorthodox when compared to your more mainstream religions.

     I believe that the Satanic Temple should be allowed to put up a Satanic Memorial as long as it is done in good taste and the same rights are extended to all religions who may also wish to display icons of their faith. I would also like to state that I am in no way offended when I hear "Merry Christmas", or see Christian, Jewish or Islamic Holiday scenes on display around the Holiday season. It gets me in the Holiday mood and these things are expressions of our culture. If you want to take down these images because you are insecure about other people's, than as far as I concerned, your guilty of "reverse-proselytising". Relax, unwind and have a Merry Yule. Your sphincter will thank you.