What do you think of the term "Fitzmas"?

[CoffeeCat]

I am enjoying the word "Fitzmas". It's cute. It represents a special day--when BushCo will be held accountable for the crimes that we've been screaming about since 2000.

However, is the term irreverent?

Do we make ourselves look bad, when we appear jubilant, as it is revealed that our leaders are corrupt thugs guilty of horrendous crimes against "We The People"?

I admit--I am giddy. Damn it--I've been exhausted with frustration, sorrow and anger--as I watch BushCo get away with so many horrible actions. They've committed so many unAmerican, sick crimes in my name--and frankly--I feel elated that their day of reckoning is at hand.

I even wrote "Fitzmas" lyrics to "Twas the Night Before Fitzmas" and posted them on DU.

I'm wondering if it's ok to be giddy--but also--it's important to remain solemn, humble and feeling a renewed sense of responsibility. After all--if this administration is done--Dems will have to step up to the plate and project a positive, hopeful, creative agenda--because America will desperately need *something* to turn to.

I believe the entire administration is in very serious trouble, including the pResident. I think Fitzgerald's announcement will be very painful and chaotic for our nation.

On one hand "Fitmas" seems a bit undignified and childish. However, we are entitled to a bit of joy--after the doom we've experienced for the past years. Furthermore, this is the Internet. It's not like we're at the UN discussing foreign policy.

What does everyone else think about the use of the term "Fitzmas"?

[WI_DEM]

1. doesn't matter to me

Like many people, who might look forward to Christmas (especially Children) we in our child-like innocent way look forward to Fitzmas.

[arwalden]

2. I See No Harm... It's Cute For Now...

... it may get old later on. But even if it's overuse starts to grate my nerves later on, I'll get a lot of pleasure from knowing that it bothers the Freepers even MORE.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

3. Love it. It's more than appropriate.

Millions of people dead? Crooks? Liars? Hate-spewers? Yes, goddamn it; I AM giddy.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. I think it is funny. And yes, I think it's ok to be giddy. These past five

years have been horrible and there have been so many let-downs from other times we thought we had these so-and-sos nailed to the wall. So I say let's rejoice that they may be on their way out and we can get down to the business of repairing the damage they caused.

[NYC Liberal]

5. We are happy that they are being *HELD ACCOUNTABLE*

not that the crimes were committed.

[CoffeeCat]

7. Excellent Point. (nt)

[greyl]

47. Good, me too! Now stop saying bloody Fitzmas! :) nt

[Extend a Hand]

6. it's important to keep a sense of humor

*especially* during trying times.

I see nothing wrong with looking forward to 'Fitzmas'

[shraby]

8. Fitzmas is an appropriate word for our elation

over what he is accomplishing. Something no one else has been able to do, so I'm going to enjoy the term to the max and if anyone doesn't care for it, they don't need to use it.

:bounce: :party: :beer: :applause: :popcorn: :woohoo: :applause:

[LSparkle]

9. I don't think it's undignified in the least -- what's undignified is

the conduct of the crooks in the WH. I don't feel guilty about being giddy about evildoers being held accountable.

After the indictments are handed down (served up?), the term "Fitzmas" will melt away so for now, I'm enjoying it!

[Inland]

10. It's about the level of a sports headline. Dumb, nonsensical pun.

It's reaching and I don't think it particularly funny, and it seems to be the wrong attitude. Justice isn't a baseball game.

[MadisonProgressive]

21. Justice is Justice

and if that puts a smile on a ones face, what's wrong with that? I feel more excited than I ever did as a child for Christmas, and the gifts St. Fitz will give to the world are for the good of all humankind.

[Inland]

39. Because you're not a kid, and it isn't christmas. It's just a weak pun.

And for cryeye, Fitzpatrick isn't santa claus.

He's not bring you a present because you asked for it and have been a good boy.

It's a strained analogy, at best.

Why one would make themselves the duped child in the analogy is beyond me. Even kids waiting for christmas are a little irritating.

No, it's merely a dumb, sportspage level pun.

[MadisonProgressive]

49. I respect your right to a differing opinion

but I'm a bit perplexed by your concern...

[Inland]

68. It's a thread that asked what people think. And that's what I think.

I wouldn't say "concern."

[The2ndWheel]

11. It fits

On this day, nothing we've been told will come true, we'll get a couple presents that will be thrown away soon enough, and we'll all wait until next year.

[Leopolds Ghost]

37. You Mean to Say... It Fitz!

Don't forget, Christmas celebrates a guy who got crucified for his trouble... if Fitz fails initially or gets crucified politically for his efforts, it will merely prolong the agony. I am sure it will continue to dog Bush until he is brought down. Everyone loves a martyr.

Plus you have the intercession of The Saints, as they are known in certain quarters of Catholicism down in New Orleans...

There may come a time when the courage of Fitz fails... but it is not this day.

[Bouncy Ball]

12. I think it's being overanalyzed.

It doesn't bother me in the least. I first read it on kos and giggled.

You're thinking about it too much, IMO. Just enjoy it. Fitzmas isn't Christmas, but it's still a happy thing. LOL.

[parasim]

13. I don't like it.

Don't get me wrong, I will be very satisfied if the indictments (if there are any) come down the way we all are hoping. But I do think this is very serious business and calling it Fitzmas (which I do find quite childish) makes it seem less so. To me, anyway.

As I mentioned on another thread:

I tend to agree with a poster over at DailyKos on this issue.

His two main points:

1) Whatever the charges or eventual results of this turn out to be, it's not a happy day in our country if people at the highest level of government are committing crimes. We shouldn't celebrate it.

2) If we, as Democrats/liberals treat this with festival gusto, we make the whole process look like a partisan gotcha instead of a criminal investigation. So far, Fitzgerald has been apparently professional, detail-oriented, and very terse with the press. Completely unlike, say, Ken Starr and his clown show. I like it that way.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/10/24/142551/94

[MadisonProgressive]

23. My response to the poster at DailyKos

1) We are not celebrating crimes, but the exposure of those crimes and just punishment meted out.

2) Nothing we do by celebrating Fitzmas is going to change the course of the investigation and it's outcome - believe me!

[demobabe]

56. That poster has it all wrong

His two main points:

1) Whatever the charges or eventual results of this turn out to be, it's not a happy day in our country if people at the highest level of government are committing crimes. We shouldn't celebrate it.

Hello? It's not like suddenly someone at the top did something wrong and gee golly, he's going to get slapped down.

Anybody who has been following this administration knows for five solid years they've been looting the treasury, using tragedy to promote their political and financial agendas, using our soldiers as venture capital for an illegal war we were lied into, compromised the CIA, manipulated elections, killed thousands in New Orleans, the removal of many civil rights, killing the Constitution, and just a myriad of crimes and unAmerican behavior that goes on and on and on.

If we're celebrating ANYTHING, it's that there is some last gasp of our system to correct itself and bring it back into more than just a one party dictatorship/fascist regime.

If that doesn't deserve a celebration, I don't know what does.

2) If we, as Democrats/liberals treat this with festival gusto, we make the whole process look like a partisan gotcha instead of a criminal investigation. So far, Fitzgerald has been apparently professional, detail-oriented, and very terse with the press. Completely unlike, say, Ken Starr and his clown show. I like it that way.

It isn't a partisan gotcha in any way. We have a one party system, essentially. Democrats don't have the power right now to do anything to anybody. The government is being run by extremists - these are not traditional Republicans. For anyone who has been paying attention, Bush & Co.'s ratings are down across the board, it's not just a partisan Dem thing. If you're at 38% approval rating, that means your own people don't like you.

And you know the Republicans are going to say it's partisan and everything else like that anyway. No matter what we say, that's what they'll do. It's time we're unapologetic about it instead of acting like some self-conscious teenager terrified of being labeled a freak by his classmates.

Go ahead and celebrate Fitzmas. It's been a long time coming and we deserve to be happy if this corrupt regime falls.

[Road Scholar]

14. It's probably pissin' Santa Clause off being connected in any way

to Bushco,and I don't blame him, but I always say "Merry Fitzmas" to my repub friends, and they roll their eyes and say they don't understand, I say "you know, Treasons greetings!!!":toast: :toast:

[DistressedAmerican]

15. It's Funny. I Like It.

[Catherine Vincent]

16. We're jubilant or appear to be because hopefully these corrupt encrusted

cooks will finally get what's coming to them....not because of what they are.

[MadisonProgressive]

17. We are celebrating NOT because they are corrupt thugs

but that they are being exposed - which is the best thing that can happen for the entire planet! Merry Fitzmas!!

[bigwillq]

18. I think it's a "hopeful" term

I think it's cute.
I don't see any foul in using it.
Since the months leading up to the (s)election of 2004, the possible indictments have been the most hopeful I've been.
I'm enjoying it for the moment.

[AndyTiedye]

19. It Will Be Painful and Chaotic If They Are Allowed to Get Away With It

I think Fitzgerald's announcement will be very painful and chaotic for our nation.

Only if there are no significant indictments.

The people responsible need to be frog-marched out of the White House.

[the_spectator]

20. I like it, but I don't think it will be their "day of reckoning"

Let me put it this way. We want * and his administration to go down. We want him to be removed from office or forced to resign. Just the way a little kid might want a pony. And I am convinced that Fitzmas WILL bring us that pony. HOWEVER, that is just the start of the process.

Then it will be up to us to learn about how to take care of that pony. What to feed it to keep it healthy. It will be up to us to bond with that pony. We will have to start taking riding lessons, and be serious about it. We will have to practice our riding. And we know it will be a long time between the first day we get on that pony's back and move forward a few steps as our riding instructor walks before us, holding the pony for us and the day we can finally ride the pony ourselves. And it will be a long time after that before we are experienced enough to trot, and then to gallop with that pony.

Fitzmas, similarly, will only give us the OPPORTUNITY for us to bring * down. Then the work is up to us.

[MadisonProgressive]

26. I don't know about the pony analogy

A child wants a pony purely for selfish reasons. I want these thugs brought down more than anything else for the future of my kids, their kids, and all other life on this planet.

[Leopolds Ghost]

53. dis is a Fitzmas Pony... dis is a Fitzmas Pony

A song By George W. Bush

This is a fitzmas pony
This is a fitzmas pony

This is a strange kind of rest
Because i feel like a guest
when I'm right here at home
I'm not right here at home

I opened up these accounts
All these separate accounts
Because I can't comprehend
the single ride to the end

I needed something to do
and so I split into two
But now the pattern takes hold
I find I'm losing control...!!!!!!

Laugh boy -- ha ha ha ha!
I don't want to be free
This is a fitzmas pony

(Apologies to Ian McKaye)

[Lancer]

22. I don't see any harm in it

It's clever, and harmless in its way. And it certainly has brought out the latent poets and parodists here at DU! I think even Mr. Fitzgerald might crack a smile or two at some of them.

[deadparrot]

24. It can be both a serious day and a cute meme.

I like it.

Of course this thing is serious business. I don't think you'll find a person on DU who would dispute that.

However, after all this time, I think it's appropriate for us to smile and breathe a sigh of relief, because things are in motion now that haven't before been touched. Liberals have been through hell for the past five years. This moment should be savoredand enjoyed, because we don't know how long it's going to last.

[greyl]

32. It's well beyond cute meme and into mindless mania

territory.
The overdone piling on is similar to, but exceeding, "don't go there", "wazzzzuuuup" etc.

It's no longer a handy spice so much as a main ingredient & focus of conversation.

[deadparrot]

40. I tend to disagree.

After five years, we're finally seeing them caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Five years of defeat and frustration weigh heavy for a lot of people here. Blowing off some steam doesn't hurt anyone, and I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of people using the term do so with a full understanding of the issues surrounding it.

[greyl]

25. It's stupid and shouldn't have gotten such a following. :) nt

[fedupwithbush]

27. I love it.

I was singing it at work today. None of the people I work with understood the Fitz part, but it was so fun.

After 5 years of this stuff, it's nice to have something to hold on to.

Please let the nightmare be over.

[Jed Dilligan]

29. "None of the people I work with understood the Fitz part"

There's the value of the term right there. It is short and catchy, and since most Americans don't even know what's going on, at least it has a chance of raising their awareness (which a carefully reasoned argument including 200 hyperlinks does not).

[Leopolds Ghost]

45. But-but we need to get the Democrats on board first

Everyone knows you can't appeal to Democrats with short, simple catchphrases.

We're above that sort of thing.

And everyone knows the vaunted Centrist Independents require EVEN MORE
detailed information to reach an informed decision, being more
thoughtful AND more conservative, than us Democrats. Better in every
way, in fact! (So saith certain Beltway types.)

The solution? Detailed psition papers that clearly articulate why we
are not so far removed from the Republicans folks are used to support.

[Jed Dilligan]

51. You're brilliant!

Is there a smiley that sort-of folds in half and prays to Mecca?

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

28. Yay!

[Mr_Spock]

30. I don't like it at all. This isn't a joke. This isn't a celebration.

These are high crimes that have cut this nation in half and caused great hardship. Fitz isn't Santa Claus, he's simply doing his job to fix a broken America. It's not a gift when you are getting back something that was stolen from you - namely a government OF the PEOPLE. I'm not going to be celebrating.

[slybacon9]

31. Hitler

[emulatorloo]

33. At best it seems like lounge material, I tire of the posts clogging GD

and GPD

I get the humor and all. I dunno, at best it seems like lounge material.

At worst it trivializes a real serious investigation and real serious prosecutor.

When this blows open, it is going to make watergate look like a public indecency charge.

[Leopolds Ghost]

41. What makes you think this'll blow open? Stay cool...

Learn to live in the moment. That way you won't be disappointed when
the misdeeds we all profess to be aware of aren't punished.

And since we all profess to be aware of the seriousness of these crimes, which haven't been alleged yet (remember -- we're not there yet) you can't argue that we're distracting people from the seriousness of the situation by attempting to find some humor in it -- or delight in the mystery of the unknown.

(Schadenfreude? Righteous glee? or simple Fitzmas spirit?)

[TallahasseeGrannie]

34. It's funny

undignified, childish...I like it.

[nookiemonster]

35. I like it! Humor helps alot these days.

n/t

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

36. I don't like it because it seems childish, and emphasizes the one man too

much. As if there were no case if this one guy wasn't investigating it.

[greyl]

46. good point

It's not exactly a term that highlights how objective the process is, is it? I mean as if Fitzgerald is like Jesus freaking Claus! :)

[kma3346]

60. I agree

I've never liked the term since I first heard it. It seems too lighthearted and innocent a term for the corruption, scandal, and shameful acts it is referring to. I can understand why people are happy and want to celebrate the fact that the criminals might finally be getting their just desserts (I'll be extremely glad if and when that happens), but I feel like I want it to be more serious and ominous rather than light and breezy. To each their own, I guess!

In the end, I think we can all agree that it will be good for the country that the crimes of this administration be brought to light and the persons responsible tried and punished for them.

[Ksec]

38. Im sick of it

Fitzmas is stupid and Im sick of it. I dont like cutesy phrases so stop saying them.

[RummyTheDummy]

42. I hate it with the heat of a thousand suns

It's childish for one, and two, it's yet another example of people at DU counting their chickens a little too early...sorta like most of us were doing about a year ago at this time. Beyond all of that, it's way too cutesy.

[Inland]

44. Yep.

It's childish because it makes us the children, getting a present we don't deserve.

My take was, it's about the level of a sportspage pun...strained, not funny.

[MadisonProgressive]

50. We don't deserve justice?

[RummyTheDummy]

61. Who said that?

I sure as hell didn't. All I said is that it was dumb and too many people around here are counting their chickens before they're hatched which is true. The fact of the matter is, nobody but Fitzgerald knows what's going to happen yet everyone is posting that it's a done deal. I'll wait until it becomes reality before I celebrate.

[MadisonProgressive]

65. I was responding to the post below yours

[Inland]

69. No, we DO. That's why it's dumb.

We aren't children, we aren't getting a present, nobody is providing a gift. The analogy demeans us. And it isn't funny.

Putting us in the analogy of giddy, impatient children who won't stop panting for their goodies is really a self insult.

[mondo joe]

59. I thought the "cute" was what made it fun. n/t

[meganmonkey]

43. I LOVE IT!!! It sums up everything perfectly!

Why shouldn't we have a little fun with this?

[mondo joe]

48. Treason is the Reason for the Season. But why not rejoice when the

bad guys are held accountable?

[librechik]

52. cute but cheap

I liked it at first, now I'm thinking it's overused, commercialized, exploited....

:rofl:

[Gregorian]

54. After five years. Who wouldn't be giddy to see the end of this nightmare.

But it's premature, if you ask me.
I see it like getting a mortgage on a difficult property. It ain't over until the cash is in the bank.
And furthermore, this is so fucking serious, I just can't see being giddy about much.

I am all for being immature, as probably everyone on this board has witnessed. But this is about appointed positions that will never go away; Dead soldiers; 100,000 dead civilians (give or take 50 thou); An $8 trillion debt; Two stolen elections; A country that is so divided, I'd actually like to see someone drop bombs on it to wake some idiots out of their stupors. And on and on and on.

I just can't get excited. But even having said all of that, there's no point is being dead. So bring it on.

Merry Fitzmas. I hope it's a good one.

[magnolia]

55. I love it!

It makes me happy. Karma is a reverent thing....you reap what you sow. So Fitzmas IS a religious holiday.

If we get lots of Fitzmas presents I might even set up a Fitzmas tree.

[Sydnie]

57. I love it!

I will use it and remember it fondly for the rest of my life!

[Quixote1818]

58. I love it! And no Gingritch better steal Fristmas!

[Liberal_Dog]

62. It's A Little Premature

I'm still on hold waiting to see what he comes up with.

[OneBlueSky]

63. personally, I think it's stupid, and it diminishes the importance of . . .

what may well be the most significant criminal case in our nation's history . . . it's dead serious stuff, and I think it should be treated that way . . . this Fitzmas business is telling the freepers that we don't really take it all that seriously, and I think that's a huge mistake . . .

[OneBlueSky]

64. personally, I think it's stupid, and it diminishes the importance of . . .

what may well be the most significant criminal case in our nation's history . . . it's dead serious stuff, and I think it should be treated that way . . . this Fitzmas business is telling the freepers that we don't really take it all that seriously, and I think that's a huge mistake . . .

[SpiralHawk]

66. Cultural Inevitability

Well unless someone comes forward with a usage of 'Fitzmas' earlier than Oct. 6, I suppose I will be credited as the person who coined the term. On that basis, I'd like to weigh in on the Fitzmas brouhaha.

The term 'Fitzmas' emerged on a whim, to elaborate on a thought suggested in an Oct. 6 thread by Seemslikeadream. That's all it was -- a quickie whim.

But somehow the thing developed legs. On its own. People picked it up and started using it until it became a meme or possibly even an anti-meme. They just seemed to like it and repeat and repeat and repeat it. It developed a life of its own because a lot of people found some level of resonance in it. In this perhaps there is a factor of Cultural Inevitability. Folks are looking for a way to blow off steam about how BushCo and the Republicans have VIOLATED the trust of the voters -- in oh so many ways. Fitzmas, I feel, somehow came to represent the HOPE that the violations would soon be remedied -- a cause for jubilation.

As for me, I don't care too passionately much about the term 'Fitzmas." I found it amusing on one level, but it is not my nature to dwell in the state of Schadefruede -- taking pleasure from the problems of others. I feel that's basically an unhealthy soul state.

What I am interested in -- like most DUers -- is in something far more substantial than a cute word, or a few days of celebration over indictments. Indictments, in my view, will just be the start of a process of profound upheaval in the USA. Out of all of this process I want justice. I want truth. I want my country and my democracy back. That's what is important. That's what I'd like to celebrate: Truthmas or Justicemas or even Democracymas. Bring it on.

"Fitzmas" as a term, or a meme, is likely to recede into the cyber archives of history in a big hurry, maybe as soon as next week. Toodle Oooo. Goodbye.

We have work to do. Justice. Truth. Democracy.

[SpiralHawk]

67. Fitztivus or Fitzmas?

so many memes to choose from. This sucker just won't die.

[greblc]

70. I'm sending Fitzmas Cards....

Not realy.

But it does seem to be a turning point. The begining of the end. An Evil Empire crumbling.There is reason to celebrate and the day should be marked.

Fitzmas