In his reflective piece “A Christmas Prayer,” James Howard Kunstler shares profound thoughts on the significance of the season amidst societal turmoil. He starts by citing Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing the dignity one should embrace when facing endings — be they personal, cultural, or political. The winter solstice, marked by the longest night of the year, symbolizes a time of reflection on the death of old ways of thinking and being, coupled with the anticipation of renewal and rebirth. In this context, Christmas emerges as a brief respite from the harsh realities of life, a moment to distract from the escalating challenges that lie ahead as a nation and a society.
Kunstler zooms in on the political landscape, with a pointed critique of President Joe Biden and those surrounding him. He alleges that there has been a longstanding deceit regarding Biden’s competency, a deceit perpetuated by both his inner circle and the mainstream media, particularly The New York Times. He asserts that there has been widespread pretense about Biden’s effectiveness and mental fitness, especially during the lead-up to the 2020 election. The author suggests that the narrative pushed by the media has been entirely at odds with reality, a part of a broader conspiracy among elite journalists and politicians to maintain power and control over the public’s perception, feeding into the Great Pretending that he describes.
Additionally, Kunstler addresses what he perceives as a collective self-delusion among journalists and elites who continue to underestimate the consequences of their actions and the truth behind various national crises, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. He points out the moral dilemma faced by public health officials like Rochelle Walensky and Mandy Cohen, arguing that their positions were politically motivated, crafted to manipulate public trust during a precarious period. The author raises serious allegations regarding the role of the CDC and other health agencies in upholding false narratives about vaccine safety and efficacy, suggesting that these deceitful tactics were essential to maintain a facade of leadership amidst chaos.
Kunstler further contemplates the implications of these deceptions concerning the wider political landscape. He speculates whether the Covid-19 crisis was purely a misguided attempt to influence the 2020 election or part of a broader strategy involving more sinister motives from the intelligence community. This duality hints at a complex interplay between profit-driven motivations and political maneuvering, indicating a turbulent backdrop against which governmental and societal changes are unfolding. He argues that despite the challenges, the truth is poised to erupt — regardless of who is in power — suggesting that the underlying discontent among citizens is reaching a tipping point.
As he contemplates the consequences of political dishonesty and societal unrest, Kunstler articulates a somber Christmas message. He outlines the gravity of the situation, asserting that the harm inflicted on the country is immense and potentially irreversible if the cycle of deceit continues. Financial instability and personal hardships faced by everyday citizens will inevitably lead to visible action, altering the political landscape further. The author invites readers to consider the weight of truth during this season of reflection, highlighting the importance of confronting uncomfortable realities rather than succumbing to comforting lies.
Ultimately, Kunstler’s “A Christmas Prayer” serves as a call to recognize the need for integrity and authenticity in both personal and public realms. Amidst the festive distractions and the chill of winter, he encourages contemplation on the values essential for personal and collective renewal. In this moment of darkness, Kunstler urges the necessity for an awakening — a recognition of past failures, an acknowledgment of truths, and a commitment to a more honest and principled path forward. While the uncertainties of the future loom large, there remains hope for rebirth and change if individuals embrace the truth during this reflective season.
