I have long said that I will vigorously support whomever becomes the Democratic nominee for President. When the race came down to Hillary and Obama, I saw nothing but a win-win!

Now I am having second thoughts…

In the days leading up to today’s primary, a number of events (some covered by the media, some not so much) have given me pause. I have been reluctant to point out any negatives, but feel compelled to do so now.

1. Hillary praises McCain over Obama
2. Clinton attacks Obama’s Foreign Policy Committee experience, what about her own?
3. Clinton on 60 Minutes, parsing language on whether Obama is a Muslim, or is she really saying “He’s not Muslim, as far as I know…”
4. The infamous 3AM ad, a positively Rovian tactic if there ever was one
5. Hillary, at first, fails to reject supporters comments on Obama

It is becoming clear to me that she will do anything to get back in the race, and unfortunately is revealing cracks in her character. I am really disappointed she would campaign in this way. For me, it even brings the sincerity of that infamous tear into question.

And Hillary goes on and on about experience. She relies heavily on her time in the White House, despite not having much in the way of a security clearance. If that phone rings in the White House and it’s 3am… I hope the phone is on Bill’s side, not hers. And when comparing her record in the Senate to Obama’s, there are no substantive differences. And based on history, I think it is appropriate for Obama to draw the line between judgement, and experience.

So now I am desperately seeking Hillary, the Hillary before the acts of desperation. Considering her current standings in the polls and delegate count, I wonder if she should have saved that tear for Texas?

Seems Bill’s kilt is all ablaze over a Lowes in Texas which posted a sign selling Holiday trees instead of Christmas trees, and views that and similar efforts as a sinister and highly organized attack on Christmas and all its symbols.

Sorry, but it sounds a little conspiratorial to me. For the record, bringing a tree into the home and decorating it around Christmas is a German tradition that hardly dates back to the time of Christ. It’s also a tremendous symbol of commercialism, and therein lies my argument. Isn’t it more likely that calling it a Holiday tree is an attempt to be more inclusive, considering the diversity of peoples and faiths of this country, and to appeal to a larger audience? Perhaps, to sell more trees?

What about greeting cards? Retailers also recognize the convenience and the need to sell “Happy Holidays” cards. For instance, if one has Jewish and Christian friends, it makes more sense to buy a box of Happy Holiday cards instead of spending twice as much on Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah cards

The irony here is the loudest voices opposed to this generalized holiday message tend to be pro-business, and pro profit. And that’s exactly what the retailers are up to, and not laying siege to a holiday the symbolic importance of which diminishes every year beneath the weight of the almighty dollar.

Don’t get me wrong. I prefer Christmas trees to Holiday trees, and Merry Christmas cards to Happy Holiday cards (unless I am short on cash). That’s how I was brought up. That’s how we celebrated. But I am not offended that some choose to generalize the message. There’s plenty else to be concerned about. I am more offended by obscene greed. And by obscene profit. Both of which go on during the holidays and year round.

Perhaps if we were placing presents at the foot of a crucifix and laying out cookies for the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost there’d be good reason for this row. While admittedly an extreme example, Christmas would likely have a lot more meaning than it does now.