I find myself in the odd position of presenting a message by an Atheist to Oprah’s fans, and presenting it at the time of year which is vehemently defended as Christmas, not "The Holidays," for we must keep Christ in, and cherish the true meaning, so they tell us dogmatically and with forced cheer, whether we are of their stripe or not.
That is why it’s highly ironic that Bill Maher, whether or not he intends it specifically, is the messenger with the bad news that the ‘true meaning’ of the season as agreed upon by most Christians, goes missing when the faithful and independent thinkers alike are standing under an avalanche of gifts – or expensive junk.
The entire spectacle gives the appearance of rapturous idolatry, there is no forced cheer here. Ralphie was never as elated to get his Red Ryder BB Gun. He’d have been put to bed immediately with a fever if he displayed any of the audience – like histrionics.
Oh, and isn’t the Australian trip lovely! While Oprah is great and Oprah good, the Australian Tourist Board by way of taxpayers, was stunned to learn that they were footing the trip to the tune of $2.3 million dollars – did you hear her thank them?