The Best and Worst Christmas Films (Libertarian Edition)

Reason TV's Kennedy throws lumps of coal at the most un-libertarian Christmas movies and specials of all time, a list that includes A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Memory, Love Actually, White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street[*].

On the flip side, she explains why Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, It's a Wonderfu Life, and The Sound of Music are her favorite fare when snuggling up to the electronic hearth with her kids and a Super Big Gulp filled with 100-proof eggnog.

[*]: Watch the video to learn more about the hotly contested debate over whether Miracle on 34th Street is actually pro- or anti-individual freedom.

About 3:30 minutes.

Written by Kennedy and Nick Gillespie, with inspiration from Kurt Loder. Camera by Amanda Winkler and Zach Weismusseler. Produced by Meredith Bragg.

Visit http://www.reason.com/reasontv for links and downloadable versions.

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[t00117598]

You completley misunderstand capitalism, being angry about the over commercialisation of Christmas is not anti capitalist, trying to implement laws against the over commercialisation of Christmas is. Capitalism at its heart is freedom to choose what you want to consume, if Charlie wants a humble tree let him have his humble tree.

[Felhaven]

I'm sorry. I can't focus on the video with that mannequin's junk hanging out like that.

[rob roberts]

Hey a charlie brown christmas and miracle of 34th street are some of my favs :-( Rudolph and its a wonderful life Yay!

[Madfoot713]

It's a joooke bud

[Josh W]

In no way does love actually say watching porn a t Christmas time is a bad thing. And in no way is being against commercialisation, selling our for money, a bad thing.

[Matt Giesler]

How about Home Alone? Kevin defended his house without the help of the police.

[UnboundEndeavors]

There is a film that has been dubbed "the worst film ever made" that nevertheless has libertarian appeal: "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians." While it has poor production values and some super-hokey acting, it hints at how the spread of new and fun ideas can crack open repressive societies (in this case, Mars.) Martian children were discontent upon seeing Earth TV shows about the joys of the Holiday Season and Santa with two Earth children brought that joy when abducted to the Red Planet.

[fishblades]

Well he was a horrible human being and not because he was a greedy Capitalist. He hated people and lost his faith in Humanity, he was a Progressive. haha.

[quidnick]

A Christmas Carol, anyone? Ebeneezer Scrooge is an introvert who runs a fair business and is saved from his greedy ways by 3 ghosts, 'healed' in the end. What bollocks.

[UnboundEndeavors]

I wonder if there are any films about Saturnalia? This was the Roman Winter Solstice precursor of Christmas, during which time debtors were forgiven and released, masters served slaves, husbands served wives, adults served children, gifts were exchanged, and general Hell was raised from December 17th to December 24th. Now, for such a repressive time, THAT was a REAL libertarian shindig/wingding/get-your-frea­k-on/cluster-fizzle!