Reply #19: My fellow Americans: [View All]

While I have much to be grateful on a personal level, i do on this Festivus occasion air the grievances I have with many of you. If I am talking to you, you will know.

I am grieved at the widening gap between rich and poor in this country, and that you don't seem to mind -- even though YOUR family's standard of living has declined.

I am grieved that even though your family is financially ruined by illnesses they cannot afford to treat, you voted for * anyway.

I am grieved that you are so eager to sacrifice freedom for a false sense of "security."

I am grieved that you don't recognize what a great idea religious freedom was -- for all of us.

I am grieved that you will allow the march of American Empire to wreak terror on much of the world, and that you will continue to assiduously avoid knowing anything about it.

While I air these Festivus grievances, I know that I must win the internal Feat of Strength required to forgive you for all of them, for the sake of the survival of my own spirit. And so I will do battle, and wrestle with my bitterness and pride, disappointment and pain and fear. I am resolved to emerge victorious and continue to love you in 2005.

But could you do a little better next time, please?