December 25, 2006: Iraqi Christmas tree

[CaliforniaMama]

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

Much as I agree that there are MANY lunatics in the Middle East, I applaud this man's spirit.

I am far too jaded when it comes to Arabs to applaud his spirit . . .

I don't want to disuade you all from thinking positive thoughts of these guys, but this is pure lunacy and greed. It's not like he's risking his life to make a lot of people happy or make good in the world. My guess is it is driven by a perverse sense of humor and desire to get the buck that his neighbor doesn't have the balls to earn.

I do not usually consider myself prejudiced, but I am going to make this very prejudicial statement that Arabs don't give a fig for making people happy!!

And, it's not like this place is full of Christians or anything!

You have to understand, though, that I've had way more contact with Arabs than is good for me . . .

Okay, one example. I worked with this Egyptian. He tells us it is ridiculous that we get Christmas off. You don't celebrate, we ask? Oh, I am a Christian, he says. I watch the preachers on Sunday. But Christmas is a stupid celebration and no one should get it off. It should be just another day. But if you are a Christian, isn't it a good day for you to rejoice? Why, he asks, there is nothing to celebrate.

It's like they can think two opposite thoughts at the same time and have no problems with believing opposing things.

It's a cultural thing.