TDS Time Machine | War on Christmas
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
You're listening to comedy central.
What is the War on Christmas and its significance?
We begin tonight with the war not the one in Iraq, but another more insidious war being waged right here on American soil. A war on Christmas. Conservative groups are claiming America is replacing the season's more religious aspects with a secular message of holiday cheer. Even President Bush made the naughty list. After this year's White House Christmas card, which supporters a happy holiday season? Of course, along with an excerpt from Psalm 28, beginning, the Lord is my strength and my shield. But, you know, which Lord? Could be anybody, really. Ganesh. We've got some Ganesh fans in the audience. That doesn't happen a lot. Luckily, there is a white knight riding in from the judicial branch. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito is the subject of glowing new ads from Catholic advocacy groups.
For 35 years, one Jersey City tradition included a Christmas and Hanukkah display in front of City Hall. But the American Civil Liberties Union sued, forcing the city to remove the display. Thanks to Judge Samuel Alito, the inclusive holiday display was restored.
Of course, saving Christmas doesn't guarantee you confirmation to the Supreme Court.
How do conservative groups perceive the changing nature of Christmas?
I think we all remember the ill-fated Ernest nomination. But nobody takes the Christ out of Christmas quite like the private sector. Some conservatives are calling for boycotts against retailers who ask employees to wish customers happy holidays, like this store, seen here blatantly disregarding Christmas. So far, concerned Christians have urged boycotts of both Target stores and the Land's End catalog, though in the latter case, the Satan's Minion flannel doggy bed on page 21 doesn't help. Who is Satan's minion? Did you? Who is Satan's minion? Fox News' Bill O'Reilly's been at the forefront of defending Christmas, even though until recently, Fox News' own online store invited viewers to buy an O'Reilly factor holiday ornament for their holiday tree.
And when we're on Christmas, that's what's known as friendly fire. But he still lays the blame on thin-skinned heathens. I don't believe most people who aren't Christian are offended by the words, Merry Christmas.
I think those people are nuts. I think you're crazy if you're offended by the words, Merry Christmas.
Well, I actually agree with that. I think they're just words, Merry Christmas. I think it's innocuous. I don't think there's really any way that a sane person could be offended by a silly two-word phrase. You know what, Mr. O'Reilly? You're a reasonable man. Season's greetings and happy holidays, Bill, does not offend Christians. Yes, it does. Absolutely does.
And legend has it that every time you say happy holidays, an angel gets AIDS. For more on the controversy, Daily Show senior urologist Jason Jones joins us live from the front line of the war on Christmas. Jason, nice to see you. You're in a mall. You're looking around the stores. Are you noticing any kind of war on Christmas there? Yes, indeed, John. This mall, this high church of consumerism, has been viciously secularized overnight. Where once Victoria's Secret ran a two-for-one triple Xmas sale on peekaboo lace teddies, now only holiday thongs remain. Triple Xmas, John. That was three times the Christ. Jason, uh... When I go to a mall, I see the holly, the lights, the tinsel, the Santa. It seems like Christmas is really doing fine.
Maybe on the surface, John, but if you look on the surface, the trend is alarming. This is the ghost of Christmas past, a Gap storefront circa 1985. Pious, inspirational, the kind of place you'd feel holly picking out a pair of reverse-cut khakis. Now behold the ghost of Christmas present. This is the way they choose to represent our Lord's birth now, with the word holidays? Which holiday? Arbor Day? Flag Day? They take the Christ out. I have no idea what's going on. But I fear most for Christmas future. Disgusting, it's filthy, absolutely obscene. I mean, that sign, what is that sign?
What role does the Supreme Court play in the War on Christmas?
10 square inches at most? And winter, is that even a word? Oh, and for the record, when Jesus saves, it's more than 20%.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–0:18
2
What is the War on Christmas and its significance?
0:18–1:40
3
How do conservative groups perceive the changing nature of Christmas?
1:40–5:07
4
What role does the Supreme Court play in the War on Christmas?
5:07–8:10
5
What are the implications of retailers' holiday greetings?
8:10–9:58
6
How does Fox News contribute to the narrative of the War on Christmas?
9:58–17:57
7
What lessons do ghosts teach Jon Stewart about Christmas?
17:57–28:16
8
What are the ongoing debates about the representation of Santa Claus?
28:16–1:10:04
Speakers
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