STAMPEDE!!!

There is nothing I need so badly that I have to stampede a Wal-Mart, tear the fucking doors off and trample an employee to death. On second thought...no...still no needs that great. And, let's be honest, what does any Wal-Mart have worth trampling someone TO DEATH?? And the poor guy, killed yesterday in a Wal-Mart on Long Island isn't alone. Here in California in Toys 'R Us, two dueling couples started a shoot out.

Every year we watch the holiday shopping roll our earlier; the music is on sooner; the dread of the lines and the arguing is catching us before we're aware of it. But it doesn't need to lead to murder, people!! The excesses of yesterday's tragedies highlight some frightening prospects. If people are this crazed when it comes to getting their hands on mountains of cheaply made Chinese crap from the dollar bin, how are they going to handle standing on line for bread or toilet paper?

There were times, not so long ago, when days like "Thanksgiving" were about giving thanks. Even with no heat, with limited piles of food to pig out on, we were a truly thankful people. There were times, not so long ago, when this time of year was magical; people extended hands in gracious generosity-the measure of the greatest gift was the joy of the person receiving it. The smallest gifts garner the greatest joy; the simplest moments or offerings-symbols of the intimacy between us-these are the treasures that stood up as "holiday spirit".

We have a wealth of literature and music and film that still elucidates theses qualities. "The Gift of the Magi" and "It's a Wonderful Life". Not over the top artistic creations-but reminders of the simplicity and honesty that are the bedrock of the holiday magic. So much beauty comes out of us-and NONE comes from trampling people to death to buy shit to prove to someone that you love them.