Xmas Wishlist ~ Ingersoll’s Essential Wants!

Thanks to Cynical-C for spotting Robert Ingersoll’s What I Want for Christmas. Some favorite highlights...

"If I had the power to produce exactly what I want for next Christmas, I would have all the kings and emperors resign and allow the people to govern themselves [...] I would have all the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests and clergymen admit that they know nothing about theology, nothing about hell or heaven, nothing about the destiny of the human race, nothing about devils or ghosts, gods or angels. I would have them tell all their “flocks” to think for themselves [...] I would like to see all the politicians changed to statesmen -- to men who long to make their country great and free -- to men who care more for public good than private gain -- men who long to be of use. I would like to see all the editors of papers and magazines agree to print the truth and nothing but the truth, to avoid all slander and misrepresentation, and to let the private affairs of the people alone. [...] I would like to see the millionaires unite and form a trust for the public good. I would like to see a fair division of profits between capital and labor, so that the toiler could save enough to mingle a little June with the December of his life [...] I would like to see the whole world free -- free from injustice -- free from superstition. This will do for next Christmas. The following Christmas, I may want more."