bonginoreport--2020-12-25--The Christmas Truce of 1914

The Christmas Truce of 1914

In the lead-up to Christmas 1914 soldiers on either side of the Western Front no man ’ s land set aside fear and their weapons to exchange surreal holiday greetings .
By late December 1914 World War I had been raging for nearly five months .
Had anyone really believed it would be “ all over by Christmas , ” then it was clear they had been cruelly mistaken .
With the strength of imperial Germany now evident to all , there appeared to be no chance of victory in the foreseeable future .
By this time men were beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a kind of grudging respect for their opposite numbers lurking across no man ’ s land .
They were enduring the same terrible weather , the same dreadful living conditions , and , after all , they had managed to fight each other to an absolute standstill .
The earlier rumors of atrocities , knavish tricks and the callous use of “ dum-dum ” bullets had abated as more experience was gained of the destructive power of high-velocity bullets , shrapnel bullets and shell fragments .
The war had become the new reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrapped up into the stultifying routines and deadly horrors of trench warfare .
There seemed no respite in sight , but it was critical to maintain a high level of watchfulness , or else the consequences were often fatal .
Amid the continuing fighting , there was also growing evidence in some localized sectors of the line the two sides were edging to a modus vivendi that helped ameliorate some of the worst aspects of trench life .
Many Germans could speak English , and a fair number of German soldiers had lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes it seemed almost natural for an attitude of “ live and let live ” to creep in .
Breakfast time seemed quieter , latrine breaks were respected , and men engaged in mundane tasks were left in peace .
Soldiers would banter across no man ’ s land , and there were even rumors of informal shooting contests at impromptu targets displayed in each other ’ s trenches .
Such behavior attracted the attention of General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien — commander of the British Expeditionary Force ’ s II Corps — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such relaxed practices : Experience of this and every other war proves undoubtedly that troops in trenches in close proximity to the enemy slide very easily , if permitted to do so , into a “ live and let live ” theory of life .
Understandings — amounting almost to unofficial armistices — grow up between our troops and the enemy , with a view to making life easier .
… The attitude of our troops can be readily understood and to a certain extent commands sympathy .
… Such an attitude is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it discourages initiative in commanders and destroys the offensive spirit in all ranks .
… Friendly intercourse with the enemy , unofficial armistices … and the exchange of tobacco and other comforts , however tempting and occasionally amusing they may be , are absolutely prohibited .
It is interesting to note the understanding tone taken in this order : This was not the knee-jerk reaction of high command of popular imagination .
On December 24 there was a severe frost , and it began to snow in some places .
As the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the troops seemed to have little or nothing to look forward to .
Peacetime Christmas celebrations seemed a world away .
Nevertheless , that day Leutnant Walther Stennes , of the German 16th Infantry Regiment , noticed a distinct change in the tempo of the war : On Christmas Eve at noon fire ceased completely .
We had received mail from Germany .
… When it became dusk , we opened the parcels and tried to be a little like at home — write letters .
Of course it was unusual that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they always maintained sparse rifle fire .
Then my officer controlling the sentries came in and asked , “ Do you expect a surprise attack ?
Because it ’ s very unusual the situation.
” I said , “ No I don ’ t think so .
But anyhow everybody ’ s awake , no one is sleeping , and the sentries are still on duty .
So I think it ’ s alright.
” The night passed , [ and ] not a single shot was fired .
The British , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parcels containing presents from home .
There was even a special gift , commissioned for every soldier , originating from Princess Mary — a tin containing tobacco , cigarettes or sweets , among other ephemera , that would be issued on Christmas Day to troops in the field .
All told there was a strange atmosphere — an awareness something was in the air .
The question was , what ?
Perhaps a gesture of friendship , but equally possible was a sudden deadly attack to capitalize on the kind of lethargy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , strange sights and sounds emanated from the German trenches , as Private William Quinton , of the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment , noted : Something in the direction of the German lines caused us to rub our eyes and look again .
Here and there , showing just above their parapet , we could see very faintly what looked like very small colored lights .
… We were very suspicious and were discussing this strange move of the enemy , when something even stranger happened .
The Germans were actually singing !
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistaking it .
… Suddenly , across the snow-clad no man ’ s land , a strong clear voice rang out , singing the opening lines of “ Annie Laurie.
” It was sung in perfect English , and we were spellbound .
… To us it seemed that the war had suddenly stopped !
… Not a sound from friend or foe , and as the last notes died away , a spontaneous outburst of clapping arose from our trenches .
Encore !
Good old Fritz !
There were several reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines to brighten up the dark , miserable night .
It was ironic that several much-loved “ British ” Yuletide customs , including Christmas trees and colored lights , had been imported from Germany during the Victorian era through the influence of Prince Consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha .
In some sectors there was no doubting the underlying friendly intent , and soon there were fraternal demonstrations from both sides .
The men who took the initiative in initiating the truce were brave — or foolish — men .
To show themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ habits from painful experiences of the accuracy of snipers .
Still , the distinct signs of a thaw in relations meant some men were tempted to test the waters despite the obvious risks .
What were their foes really like ?
Were they really the monstrous creations of propaganda or just ordinary soldiers like themselves ?
Yet the risks were still very real , as illustrated when Sergeant Frederick Brown , of the 1/2nd Monmouthshire Regiment , watched Sergeant Frank Collins take his first steps out into no man ’ s land : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouting on our right front , where the trenches came together to about 35 yards apart , German heads appeared , and soon our fellows showed themselves , and seasonal greetings were bawled back and forth , evidently Xmas feeling asserting itself on both sides .
Presently , a Sergeant Collins stood waist high above the trench , waving a box of Woodbines above his head .
German soldiers beckoned him over , and Collins got out and walked halfway toward them , in turn beckoning someone to come and take the gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Prisoner !
” and immediately Collins edged back the way he had come .
Suddenly a shot rang out , and the poor sergeant staggered back into the trench , shot through the chest .
I can still hear his cries , “ Oh , my God , they have shot me !
” and he died immediately .
Needless to remark , every head disappeared in a trice with very bitter feelings on our part .
This was not a unique occasion .
Yet despite the obvious risks men were still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Individuals would get out of the trench , then dive back in , gradually becoming bolder .
As Private George Ashurst , of the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers , recalled : We ’ d been standing up on the firing parapet , and nobody was shooting .
So one or two fellows jumped out on top …others followed , and there were scores of us on top at the finish .
… We tied an empty sandbag up with its string and kicked it about on top—just to keep warm of course .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a newspaper ; they were waving it .
A corporal in our company went for it , went right to the wire , and the Germans shook hands with him , wished him “ Merry Christmas ” and gave him the paper .
… It was so pleasant to get out of that trench from between them two walls of clay and walk and run about — it was heaven .
Although such friendly overtures and resulting fraternization in no man ’ s land were not universal , there is no doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the front line , particularly in III and IV Corps areas , were involved to some degree .
Some officers tried to direct what occurred , but the press of events soon swept them along .
One such was Lieutenant Sir Edward Hulse , of the 2nd Scots Guards : By 8 a.m. there was no shooting at all , except for a few shots on our left .
At 8:30 I was looking out and saw four Germans leave their trenches and come toward us .
… I went out alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensigns , also coming out from another part of the line .
By the time we got to them , they were three-quarters of the way over and much too near our barbed wire , so I moved them back .
They were three private soldiers and a stretcher-bearer , and their spokesman started off by saying that he thought it only right to come over and wish us a happy Christmas and trusted us implicitly to keep the truce .
The spreading truce proved an organic process , taking on its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals .
It was not planned or controlled , it just happened .
That it was the same for both sides was vouchsafed by Leutnant Stennes : The whole thing was an absolutely spontaneous action .
Not even the officers knew anything about it .
When I rushed out of the dugout , I found many of my company standing in the open , waving and saying , “ Merry Christmas !
” On the other side some Indians were standing up and waving !
The men hesitantly advanced to the middle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freely forward , and in the middle of no man ’ s land they met , shook hands and then began talking .
Then more men came out .
Suddenly no man ’ s land was covered with Indian and German soldiers .
I met some English officers , we shook hands , offered cigars and talked as much as we could .
Anyhow , we understood each other .
Of course everybody was unarmed — not even a knife — that was given out as a rule .
But the sentries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the ready , on both sides .
There is no doubt precautions were taken in the opposing trenches against the very real possibility of betrayal .
Chastened by the death of their comrade , many of the Monmouthshires would remain on their guard against any more of the “ mistakes ” of the kind that had cost Frank Collins his life .
The idea soccer matches were played between the British and Germans in no man ’ s land during the truce has taken a strong hold , but the evidence seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several semi- feasible accounts , including one interview recorded in the 1960s with Leutnant Johannes Niemann , of the Saxon 133rd Regiment , who told of a game with Scottish Highlanders in no man ’ s land : A Scottish soldier appeared with a football , which seemed to come from nowhere , and a few minutes later a real football match got underway .
… It was far from easy to play on the frozen ground , but we continued , keeping rigorously to the rules , despite the fact that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had no referee .
A great many of the passes went wide , but all the amateur footballers , although they must have been very tired , played with huge enthusiasm .
… But after an hour ’ s play , when our commanding officer heard about it , he sent an order that we must put a stop to it .
A little later we drifted back to our trenches , and the fraternization ended .
The game finished with a score of three goals to two in favor of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course not everyone was involved in the truce , and some battalions remained collectively aloof .
Private Clifford Lane and his comrades in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment were simply not in the mood for a truce : When relieved by another section after dark , [ we ] returned to the forward trench , soaked to the waist and plastered with mud .
… We were now ready to enjoy what the English news papers described as our Christmas dinner !
This consisted of the usual bully beef and hard biscuits with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pudding about the size of a tennis ball .
There wasn ’ t even a rum issue !
The night was completely silent apart from the occasional rifle shot fired by a nervous sentry , but towards midnight there seemed to be some commotion in the enemy trenches , and shortly afterwards a Chinese lantern was raised above the enemy parapet and shouts of , “ Zum wohl !
” [ cheers ] were heard .
We were immediately ordered to open fire , and thus what was undoubtedly a friendly gesture was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case where British battalions were facing Prussian units , who were generally considered far more dangerous opponents than the Saxons or Westphalians .
In fact , General Douglas Haig ’ s I Corps was unaffected by the truce , as was most of Smith-Dorrien ’ s II Corps .
The truce lasted for a varying amount of time .
In some areas it was just Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself .
But elsewhere the truce endured for several days .
Indeed , once the truce was established , the new status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those taking part .
However , other motivations lurked below the surface , as both sides seized the opportunity to bring up supplies of building materials and set to work on improving their sorry trenches .
Hulse was typical of this pragmatic approach : We improved our dugouts , roofed in new ones and got a lot of very useful work done towards increasing our comfort .
Directly it was dark , I got the whole of my company on to improving and remaking our barbed wire entanglements all along my front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the working parties , to prevent any surprise ; but not a shot was fired , and we finished off a real good obstacle unmolested .
It is crucial to realize that for the vast majority of the participants the 1914 Christmas truce was a matter of convenience and maudlin sentiment .
It did not mark some deep flowering of the human spirit rising up against the war or signify political antiwar emotions taking root among the ranks .
The truce simply enabled the soldiers to celebrate Christmas in a freer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after all the exhausting torments they had been enduring .
It also allowed them to satisfy their natural curiosity about the one another .
Finally , it let them to carry out vital construction works , which would have been nigh impossible under the constant threat of snipers .
In these circumstances the truce could not last .
It was a break from reality , not the dawn of some brave new peaceful world .
The gradual end of the truce mirrored the start—it too was a dangerous business , where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened up while men were still milling about between the trenches .
For Captain Charles Stockwell , of the 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers , the truce ended early on Boxing Day , and the transition was handled with a consummate courtesy .
Not a shot all night : our men had sing-songs — ditto the enemy .
He played the game and never tried to touch his wire or anything .
At 8:30am I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with “ Merry Christmas ” on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He put up a sheet with , “ Thank you ” on it , and the German captain appeared on the parapet .
We both bowed and saluted and got down into our respective trenches — he fired two shots in the air , and the war was on again !
Soon war had regained its grip on the whole of the British sector .
When it came to it , the troops went back to war willingly enough .
Many would indeed have rejoiced at the end of the war , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — their comrades — in the line , still willing to accept the orders of their NCOs and officers , still willing to kill Germans .
It is this last point that must give most pause for those who believe the truce to have been some kind of moral epiphany .
If that were true , then it was short-lived and shallow indeed ; even after meeting and “ putting a face ” on their enemies , the average British soldier was more than willing to shoot them the moment the truce was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of northern France were still occupied ; German aggression had not visibly diminished .
The Germans and French were still embroiled in what they perceived to be a war of national survival .
As such the truce had changed nothing and meant nothing .
Peter Hart is oral historian of the Imperial War Museum London .
He is author of The Great War ( 2013 ) ; Gallipoli ( 2011 ) ; The Somme : The Darkest Hour on the Western Front ( 2009 ) ; and 1918 : A Very British Victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally published in the January 2015 issue of Military History , a Military Times sister publication .
For more information on Military History and all of the HistoryNet publications , visit historynet.com .
• In the uniform of the enemy : The Dutch Waffen- SS • Cease fire : Here ’ s to the guardians of our heritage

In the lead-up to Christmas 1914 soldiers on either side of the Western Front no man’s land set aside fear and their weapons to exchange surreal holiday greetings.
By late December 1914 World War I had been raging for nearly five months. Had anyone really believed it would be “all over by Christmas,” then it was clear they had been cruelly mistaken. With the strength of imperial Germany now evident to all, there appeared to be no chance of victory in the foreseeable future. By this time men were beginning, almost despite themselves, to gain a kind of grudging respect for their opposite numbers lurking across no man’s land. They were enduring the same terrible weather, the same dreadful living conditions, and, after all, they had managed to fight each other to an absolute standstill. The earlier rumors of atrocities, knavish tricks and the callous use of “dum-dum” bullets had abated as more experience was gained of the destructive power of high-velocity bullets, shrapnel bullets and shell fragments. The war had become the new reality for countless men, as they were wrapped up into the stultifying routines and deadly horrors of trench warfare. There seemed no respite in sight, but it was critical to maintain a high level of watchfulness, or else the consequences were often fatal.
Amid the continuing fighting, there was also growing evidence in some localized sectors of the line the two sides were edging to a modus vivendi that helped ameliorate some of the worst aspects of trench life. Many Germans could speak English, and a fair number of German soldiers had lived and worked in Britain before the war. Sometimes it seemed almost natural for an attitude of “live and let live” to creep in. Breakfast time seemed quieter, latrine breaks were respected, and men engaged in mundane tasks were left in peace. Soldiers would banter across no man’s land, and there were even rumors of informal shooting contests at impromptu targets displayed in each other’s trenches. Such behavior attracted the attention of General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien — commander of the British Expeditionary Force’s II Corps — who issued orders to try and eradicate such relaxed practices:
Experience of this and every other war proves undoubtedly that troops in trenches in close proximity to the enemy slide very easily, if permitted to do so, into a “live and let live” theory of life. Understandings — amounting almost to unofficial armistices — grow up between our troops and the enemy, with a view to making life easier. … The attitude of our troops can be readily understood and to a certain extent commands sympathy. … Such an attitude is, however, most dangerous, for it discourages initiative in commanders and destroys the offensive spirit in all ranks. … Friendly intercourse with the enemy, unofficial armistices … and the exchange of tobacco and other comforts, however tempting and occasionally amusing they may be, are absolutely prohibited.
It is interesting to note the understanding tone taken in this order: This was not the knee-jerk reaction of high command of popular imagination.
On December 24 there was a severe frost, and it began to snow in some places. As the water froze in the trenches around their feet, the troops seemed to have little or nothing to look forward to. Peacetime Christmas celebrations seemed a world away. Nevertheless, that day Leutnant Walther Stennes, of the German 16th Infantry Regiment, noticed a distinct change in the tempo of the war:
On Christmas Eve at noon fire ceased completely. We had received mail from Germany. … When it became dusk, we opened the parcels and tried to be a little like at home — write letters. Of course it was unusual that the opposite side also ceased fire, because they always maintained sparse rifle fire. Then my officer controlling the sentries came in and asked, “Do you expect a surprise attack? Because it’s very unusual the situation.” I said, “No I don’t think so. But anyhow everybody’s awake, no one is sleeping, and the sentries are still on duty. So I think it’s alright.” The night passed, [and] not a single shot was fired.
The British, too, were being inundated with letters and parcels containing presents from home. There was even a special gift, commissioned for every soldier, originating from Princess Mary — a tin containing tobacco, cigarettes or sweets, among other ephemera, that would be issued on Christmas Day to troops in the field. All told there was a strange atmosphere — an awareness something was in the air. The question was, what? Perhaps a gesture of friendship, but equally possible was a sudden deadly attack to capitalize on the kind of lethargy identified by Smith-Dorrien. As they pondered, strange sights and sounds emanated from the German trenches, as Private William Quinton, of the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment, noted:
Something in the direction of the German lines caused us to rub our eyes and look again. Here and there, showing just above their parapet, we could see very faintly what looked like very small colored lights. … We were very suspicious and were discussing this strange move of the enemy, when something even stranger happened. The Germans were actually singing! Not very loud, but there was no mistaking it. … Suddenly, across the snow-clad no man’s land, a strong clear voice rang out, singing the opening lines of “Annie Laurie.” It was sung in perfect English, and we were spellbound. … To us it seemed that the war had suddenly stopped! … Not a sound from friend or foe, and as the last notes died away, a spontaneous outburst of clapping arose from our trenches. Encore! Good old Fritz!
There were several reports of trees being erected in the German front lines to brighten up the dark, miserable night. It was ironic that several much-loved “British” Yuletide customs, including Christmas trees and colored lights, had been imported from Germany during the Victorian era through the influence of Prince Consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In some sectors there was no doubting the underlying friendly intent, and soon there were fraternal demonstrations from both sides.
The men who took the initiative in initiating the truce were brave — or foolish — men. To show themselves above the parapet meant breaking the ingrained habits from painful experiences of the accuracy of snipers. Still, the distinct signs of a thaw in relations meant some men were tempted to test the waters despite the obvious risks. What were their foes really like? Were they really the monstrous creations of propaganda or just ordinary soldiers like themselves? Yet the risks were still very real, as illustrated when Sergeant Frederick Brown, of the 1/2nd Monmouthshire Regiment, watched Sergeant Frank Collins take his first steps out into no man’s land:
About 8 a.m. voices could be heard shouting on our right front, where the trenches came together to about 35 yards apart, German heads appeared, and soon our fellows showed themselves, and seasonal greetings were bawled back and forth, evidently Xmas feeling asserting itself on both sides. Presently, a Sergeant Collins stood waist high above the trench, waving a box of Woodbines above his head. German soldiers beckoned him over, and Collins got out and walked halfway toward them, in turn beckoning someone to come and take the gift. However, they called out, “Prisoner!” and immediately Collins edged back the way he had come. Suddenly a shot rang out, and the poor sergeant staggered back into the trench, shot through the chest. I can still hear his cries, “Oh, my God, they have shot me!” and he died immediately. Needless to remark, every head disappeared in a trice with very bitter feelings on our part.
This was not a unique occasion. Yet despite the obvious risks men were still tempted into making approaches to their enemies. Individuals would get out of the trench, then dive back in, gradually becoming bolder. As Private George Ashurst, of the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, recalled:
We’d been standing up on the firing parapet, and nobody was shooting. So one or two fellows jumped out on top …others followed, and there were scores of us on top at the finish. … We tied an empty sandbag up with its string and kicked it about on top—just to keep warm of course. … Some Germans came to their wire with a newspaper; they were waving it. A corporal in our company went for it, went right to the wire, and the Germans shook hands with him, wished him “Merry Christmas” and gave him the paper. … It was so pleasant to get out of that trench from between them two walls of clay and walk and run about — it was heaven.
Although such friendly overtures and resulting fraternization in no man’s land were not universal, there is no doubt a fair proportion of the British battalions in the front line, particularly in III and IV Corps areas, were involved to some degree. Some officers tried to direct what occurred, but the press of events soon swept them along. One such was Lieutenant Sir Edward Hulse, of the 2nd Scots Guards:
By 8 a.m. there was no shooting at all, except for a few shots on our left. At 8:30 I was looking out and saw four Germans leave their trenches and come toward us. … I went out alone and met Barry, one of our ensigns, also coming out from another part of the line. By the time we got to them, they were three-quarters of the way over and much too near our barbed wire, so I moved them back. They were three private soldiers and a stretcher-bearer, and their spokesman started off by saying that he thought it only right to come over and wish us a happy Christmas and trusted us implicitly to keep the truce.
The spreading truce proved an organic process, taking on its own impetus and expanding beyond the control of individuals. It was not planned or controlled, it just happened. That it was the same for both sides was vouchsafed by Leutnant Stennes:
The whole thing was an absolutely spontaneous action. Not even the officers knew anything about it. When I rushed out of the dugout, I found many of my company standing in the open, waving and saying, “Merry Christmas!” On the other side some Indians were standing up and waving! The men hesitantly advanced to the middle, first hesitating, then later on stepping freely forward, and in the middle of no man’s land they met, shook hands and then began talking. Then more men came out. Suddenly no man’s land was covered with Indian and German soldiers. I met some English officers, we shook hands, offered cigars and talked as much as we could. Anyhow, we understood each other. Of course everybody was unarmed — not even a knife — that was given out as a rule. But the sentries, they were standing on duty, rifle at the ready, on both sides.
There is no doubt precautions were taken in the opposing trenches against the very real possibility of betrayal. Chastened by the death of their comrade, many of the Monmouthshires would remain on their guard against any more of the “mistakes” of the kind that had cost Frank Collins his life.
The idea soccer matches were played between the British and Germans in no man’s land during the truce has taken a strong hold, but the evidence seems a little intangible. Yet there are several semi- feasible accounts, including one interview recorded in the 1960s with Leutnant Johannes Niemann, of the Saxon 133rd Regiment, who told of a game with Scottish Highlanders in no man’s land:
A Scottish soldier appeared with a football, which seemed to come from nowhere, and a few minutes later a real football match got underway. … It was far from easy to play on the frozen ground, but we continued, keeping rigorously to the rules, despite the fact that it only lasted an hour, and that we had no referee. A great many of the passes went wide, but all the amateur footballers, although they must have been very tired, played with huge enthusiasm. … But after an hour’s play, when our commanding officer heard about it, he sent an order that we must put a stop to it. A little later we drifted back to our trenches, and the fraternization ended. The game finished with a score of three goals to two in favor of “Fritz” against “Tommy.”
Of course not everyone was involved in the truce, and some battalions remained collectively aloof. Private Clifford Lane and his comrades in the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment were simply not in the mood for a truce:
When relieved by another section after dark, [we] returned to the forward trench, soaked to the waist and plastered with mud. … We were now ready to enjoy what the English news papers described as our Christmas dinner! This consisted of the usual bully beef and hard biscuits with the addition of a lump of cold Christmas pudding about the size of a tennis ball. There wasn’t even a rum issue! The night was completely silent apart from the occasional rifle shot fired by a nervous sentry, but towards midnight there seemed to be some commotion in the enemy trenches, and shortly afterwards a Chinese lantern was raised above the enemy parapet and shouts of, “Zum wohl!” [cheers] were heard. We were immediately ordered to open fire, and thus what was undoubtedly a friendly gesture was brutally repulsed.
This unfriendly attitude was the case where British battalions were facing Prussian units, who were generally considered far more dangerous opponents than the Saxons or Westphalians. In fact, General Douglas Haig’s I Corps was unaffected by the truce, as was most of Smith-Dorrien’s II Corps.
The truce lasted for a varying amount of time. In some areas it was just Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself. But elsewhere the truce endured for several days. Indeed, once the truce was established, the new status soon achieved a strange “normality” for those taking part. However, other motivations lurked below the surface, as both sides seized the opportunity to bring up supplies of building materials and set to work on improving their sorry trenches. Hulse was typical of this pragmatic approach:
We improved our dugouts, roofed in new ones and got a lot of very useful work done towards increasing our comfort. Directly it was dark, I got the whole of my company on to improving and remaking our barbed wire entanglements all along my front and had my scouts out in front of the working parties, to prevent any surprise; but not a shot was fired, and we finished off a real good obstacle unmolested.
It is crucial to realize that for the vast majority of the participants the 1914 Christmas truce was a matter of convenience and maudlin sentiment. It did not mark some deep flowering of the human spirit rising up against the war or signify political antiwar emotions taking root among the ranks. The truce simply enabled the soldiers to celebrate Christmas in a freer, more jovial and above all safer environment, after all the exhausting torments they had been enduring. It also allowed them to satisfy their natural curiosity about the one another. Finally, it let them to carry out vital construction works, which would have been nigh impossible under the constant threat of snipers.
In these circumstances the truce could not last. It was a break from reality, not the dawn of some brave new peaceful world. The gradual end of the truce mirrored the start—it too was a dangerous business, where a mistake could cost lives if the firing opened up while men were still milling about between the trenches. For Captain Charles Stockwell, of the 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the truce ended early on Boxing Day, and the transition was handled with a consummate courtesy.
Not a shot all night: our men had sing-songs — ditto the enemy. He played the game and never tried to touch his wire or anything. At 8:30am I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with “Merry Christmas” on it, and I climbed on the parapet. He put up a sheet with, “Thank you” on it, and the German captain appeared on the parapet. We both bowed and saluted and got down into our respective trenches — he fired two shots in the air, and the war was on again!
Soon war had regained its grip on the whole of the British sector. When it came to it, the troops went back to war willingly enough. Many would indeed have rejoiced at the end of the war, but they still stood fast alongside their friends — their comrades — in the line, still willing to accept the orders of their NCOs and officers, still willing to kill Germans. It is this last point that must give most pause for those who believe the truce to have been some kind of moral epiphany. If that were true, then it was short-lived and shallow indeed; even after meeting and “putting a face” on their enemies, the average British soldier was more than willing to shoot them the moment the truce was over. Belgium and a good part of northern France were still occupied; German aggression had not visibly diminished. The Germans and French were still embroiled in what they perceived to be a war of national survival. As such the truce had changed nothing and meant nothing.
Peter Hart is oral historian of the Imperial War Museum London. He is author of The Great War (2013); Gallipoli (2011); The Somme: The Darkest Hour on the Western Front (2009); and 1918: A Very British Victory (2008).
This article was originally published in the January 2015 issue of Military History, a Military Times sister publication. For more information on Military History and all of the HistoryNet publications, visit historynet.com.
Read more from HistoryNet:


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--“An Intentional Act” – Explosion Rocks Downtown Nashville

Authorities have found possible human remains in the area where a Friday morning explosion rocked downtown Nashville and injured three people , an event police called `` an intentional act '' connected to an RV that blew up at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time .
It was unclear whether the remains were related to the explosion or if they were of the person responsible or a victim , officials said .
The tissue will be examined , officials said .
The FBI is investigating along with local officials and the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Operations Center .
`` This appears to have been an intentional act , '' Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted .
`` Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues . ''
An audio warning was being broadcast from an RV just before it blew up , Metro Nashville Police Department John Drake told reporters during a news conference .
`` If you can hear this message , evacuate now , '' the warning said .
Officers first responded to the area after receiving a report of shots fired , Drake said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after seeing the suspicious vehicle , the RV , broadcasting the message , he said .
Drake said that officers found the RV with a recording saying that it would explode in 15 minutes .
`` Basically ( it ) was saying that it was going to detonate within a certain time frame , '' Drake told reporters .
`` The officers immediately began knocking on doors and evacuating residents here not knowing if the bomb was going to detonate immediately or if it was going to go off in the time that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday evening , police did not know if anyone had been inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion , and they were not yet able to confirm that shots were actually fired .
Three people suffered injuries related to the blast and were in stable condition , Mayor John Cooper said .
In addition , 41-area businesses and several homes sustained damage .
Several residents were displaced , fire Chief William Swann said .
The American Red Cross of Tennessee said was assisting displaced victims .
Drake praised the officers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them , `` we 'd be talking not about the debris that we have here but also maybe potential people . ''
He said investigators have n't determined a motive for the explosion .
He said he initially thought the incident was a propane explosion instead of an `` intentional act . ''
The investigation is now being led by the FBI 's Memphis field office , and a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen `` directed that all DOJ resources be made available to assist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RECORDING SAYING BOMB WOULD DETONATE , UNKNOWN IF SOMEONE INSIDE RV : POLICE '' We ’ re putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what ’ s happened here today , '' FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster told reporters during a Friday afternoon news conference .
Drake told reporters at that time that he and his department `` don ’ t feel there ’ s any concern to the downtown area '' anymore .
`` Right now , it ’ s a public safety concern , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure the spread of the fire doesn ’ t go any further , '' Michael Knight , a spokesman for the ATF in Nashville , told The Associated Press .
Law enforcement officials sealed off the downtown area and police dogs searched the area for any secondary devices .
Police said they were also searching buildings in the area .
NASHVILLE BAR OWNER : EXPLOSION 'KNOCKED US RIGHT OUT OF BED' Buck McCoy , who lives near the area , posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background .
A fire is visible in the street outside .
McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out .
`` I 'm trying to come to the realization that everything that that place I 've been living in for the last five years is completely demolished , '' he told `` America 's News HQ . ''
He said he was asleep and heard gunfire outside around 5:30 a.m. '' Within 10 minutes , I was laying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest explosion I 've ever , ever heard , '' he said .
`` This is not one of the Christmas ' I thought I would ever experience .
`` All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing there it would have been horrible , '' he said .
`` There were about four cars on fire .
I don ’ t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire , and the trees were all blown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city had not received any threats prior to Fridays ' explosion , Drake said , who also speculated as to why it happened so early in the morning when no pedestrians were on the streets .
`` You would think this person did n't want to harm people , '' he said .
The blast caused noticeable tremors in the surrounding area and black smoke to rise .
`` The entire @ WKRN studio just shook , '' the outlet 's alert desk anchor Josh Breslow tweeted .
`` Anyone else in Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Cooper told WSMV-TV said dozens of buildings sustained damage from broken windows .
He speculated about why Nashville was the site of Friday 's explosion .
`` We 're a famous place .
People know where we are , '' he told reporters .
`` And if people want attention and publicity sometimes they think they can come here to get it .
It 's not just New York and Los Angeles . ''
According to social media posts , the explosion resulted in significant damage to a building that was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope was one of those who felt the effects of the incident .
`` Our house shook here in Nashville , '' Pope tweeted .
`` Just praying nobody was hurt . ''
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP Rep. Jim Cooper , D-Tenn. , expressed well-wishes , saying he is `` praying for all residents of down Nashville on this Christmas Day . ''
Friday 's explosion damaged some AT & T facilities , resulting in some issues with service in the area .
`` Service for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning , '' company spokesman Jim Greer told Fox News .
`` We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service . ''
Swann said crews swept area buildings to make sure no personnel were inside .
One structure collapsed due to the explosion and other buildings sustained water damage .
The water was shut off but `` still the integrity of those buildings are in question , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nashville International Airport when an air traffic control tower terminal radar approach control facility lost phone and internet capabilities .
A ground stop -- the holding or limiting of traffic entering or departing from airspace in and around an airport -- was ordered before it was lifted a short while later .
Cooper signed an executive order issuing a state of civil emergency in the area around the explosion along with a curfew that took effect at 4:30 p.m. Fox News ' David Spunt , Kathleen Reuschle , and The Associated Press @ @ @ @ @

Authorities have found possible human remains in the area where a Friday morning explosion rocked downtown Nashville and injured three people, an event police called "an intentional act" connected to an RV that blew up at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time.
It was unclear whether the remains were related to the explosion or if they were of the person responsible or a victim, officials said. The tissue will be examined, officials said. The FBI is investigating along with local officials and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the city of Nashville activated its Emergency Operations Center.
"This appears to have been an intentional act," Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted. "Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues."
An audio warning was being broadcast from an RV just before it blew up, Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake told reporters during a news conference.
"If you can hear this message, evacuate now," the warning said.
Officers first responded to the area after receiving a report of shots fired, Drake said. They called in the bomb squad after seeing the suspicious vehicle, the RV, broadcasting the message, he said. Drake said that officers found the RV with a recording saying that it would explode in 15 minutes.
"Basically (it) was saying that it was going to detonate within a certain time frame," Drake told reporters. "The officers immediately began knocking on doors and evacuating residents here not knowing if the bomb was going to detonate immediately or if it was going to go off in the time that it stated."
As of late Friday evening, police did not know if anyone had been inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion.
Three people suffered injuries related to the blast and were in stable condition, Mayor John Cooper said. In addition, 41-area businesses and several homes sustained damage. Several residents were displaced, fire Chief William Swann said.
The American Red Cross of Tennessee said was assisting displaced victims.
Drake praised the actions of the six officers, saying if it were not for them, "we'd be talking not about the debris that we have here but also maybe potential people."
He said investigators haven't determined a motive for the explosion. He initially thought the incident was a propane explosion instead of an "intentional act," he said.
The investigation is now being led by the FBI's Memphis field office, and a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen "directed that all DOJ resources be made available to assist in the investigation."
VEHICLE PLAYED RECORDING SAYING BOMB WOULD DETONATE, UNKNOWN IF SOMEONE INSIDE RV: POLICE
"We’re putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what’s happened here today," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster told reporters during a Friday afternoon news conference. Drake told reporters at that time that he and his department "don’t feel there’s any concern to the downtown area" anymore.
See photos:
next Image 1 of 17
prev next Image 2 of 17
prev next Image 3 of 17
prev next Image 4 of 17
prev next Image 5 of 17
prev next Image 6 of 17
prev next Image 7 of 17
prev next Image 8 of 17
prev next Image 9 of 17
prev next Image 10 of 17
prev next Image 11 of 17
prev next Image 12 of 17
prev next Image 13 of 17
prev next Image 14 of 17
prev next Image 15 of 17
prev next Image 16 of 17
prev Image 17 of 17
"Right now, it’s a public safety concern, to make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire doesn’t go any further," Michael Knight, a spokesman for the ATF in Nashville, told The Associated Press.
Law enforcement officials sealed off the downtown area and police dogs searched the area for any secondary devices. Police said they were also searching buildings in the area.
NASHVILLE BAR OWNER: EXPLOSION 'KNOCKED US RIGHT OUT OF BED'
Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home. Alarms blared in the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background. A fire is visible in the street outside. McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out.
"I'm trying to come to the realization that everything that that place I've been living in for the last five years is completely demolished," he told "America's News HQ."
He said he was asleep and heard gunfire outside around 5:30 a.m.
"Within 10 minutes, I was laying in bed and there was just the biggest explosion I've ever, ever heard," he said. "This is not one of the Christmases I thought I would ever experience."
"All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible," he said.
"There were about four cars on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart," he said.
HOUSTON POLICE MAKE ARREST AFTER BAR EMPLOYEE ATTACKED OVER MASK REQUEST: REPORT
The city had not received any threats prior to Fridays' explosion, Drake said, who also speculated as to why it happened so early in the morning when no pedestrians were on the street.
"You would think this person didn't want to harm people," he said.
The blast caused noticeable tremors in the surrounding area and black smoke to rise.
"The entire @WKRN studio just shook," the outlet's alert desk anchor Josh Breslow tweeted. "Anyone else in Nashville just feel any weird shaking ??"
Cooper told WSMV-TV said dozens of buildings sustained damage from broken windows. He speculated about why Nashville was the site of Friday's blast.
"We're a famous place. People know where we are," he told reporters. "And if people want attention and publicity sometimes they think they can come here to get it. It's not just New York and Los Angeles."
According to social media posts, the explosion resulted in significant damage to a building that was on fire, with dozens of people evacuated.
Singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope was one of those who felt the effects of the incident.
"Our house shook here in Nashville," Pope tweeted. "Just praying nobody was hurt."
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., expressed well-wishes, saying he is "praying for all residents of down Nashville on this Christmas Day."
Friday's explosion damaged some AT&T facilities, resulting in some issues with service in the area.
"Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning," company spokesman Jim Greer told Fox News. "We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service."
Swann said crews swept area buildings to make sure no personnel were inside. One structure collapsed due to the explosion and other buildings sustained water damage.
The water was shut off but "still the integrity of those buildings are in question," he said.
Friday's events also impacted operations at the Nashville International Airport when an air traffic control tower terminal and radar approach control facility lost phone and internet capabilities. A ground stop -- the holding or limiting of traffic entering or departing from airspace in and around an airport -- was ordered before it was lifted a short while later.
Cooper signed an executive order issuing a state of civil emergency along with a 48-hour curfew in the impacted area that took effect at 4:30 p.m.
Fox News' David Spunt, Kathleen Reuschle, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--New Congresswoman Lauren Boebert to Oppose Electors for Biden

Lauren Boebert , the first-time congresswoman-elect from Colorado , became the latest Republican on Thursday to declare she will object @ @ @ @ @ supporting Joe Biden when Congress officially reviews results on Jan. 6 .
“ Guided by @ @ @ @ @ responsibility to my constituents , I will object to the Electoral College results on January @ @ @ @ @ .
Boebert , a gun-toting conservative , joins other Republicans like Rep. Matt Gaetz , @ @ @ @ @ Alabama Sen Tommy Tuberville , who have signaled their intent to object to the Electoral @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s claims of election irregularities .
Boebert brushed off social-media criticisms after her @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not here to make a career for myself .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ from socialists , ” she pushed back .

Lauren Boebert, the first-time congresswoman-elect from Colorado, became the latest Republican on Thursday to declare she will object to the Electoral College slate supporting Joe Biden when Congress officially reviews results on Jan. 6.
“Guided by the U.S. Constitution and my responsibility to my constituents, I will object to the Electoral College results on January 6th,” Boebert tweeted.
Boebert, a gun-toting conservative, joins other Republicans like Rep. Matt Gaetz, Congressman-elect Madison Cawthorne and incoming Alabama Sen Tommy Tuberville, who have signaled their intent to object to the Electoral College in support of President Trump’s claims of election irregularities.
Boebert brushed off social-media criticisms after her announcement.
“Newsflash: I’m not here to make a career for myself. I’m here to save our country from socialists,” she pushed back.


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--Photos of Christmas From Around the World

( AP ) Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land , but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus .
Similar subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether .
On Christmas Eve in Italy , church bells rang earlier than usual .
The Italian government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move up services , with “ Midnight ” Mass starting Thursday evening in some churches as early as a couple hours after dark .
Pope Francis , who has said people “ must obey ” civil authorities ’ measures to fight the spread of Covid-19 , fell in line .
This year , the Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter ’ s Basilica was moved up from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m .
Normally , seats at the vigil Mass are quickly snapped up , by Romans and by tourists , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a trickle .
In keeping with social distancing measures , barely 200 faithful — instead of several thousand — spaced out in the basilica ’ s pews and wearing masks , attended Francis ’ celebration of the Mass .
A row of fiery red poinsettia plants warmly contrasted with the sumptuous cold marble of the basilica .
Francis in his homily offered reflections on Christmas ’ significance .
“ We often hear it said that the greatest joy in life is the birth of a child .
It is something extraordinary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A child “ makes us feel loved but can also teach us how to love.
” “ God was born a child in order to encourage us to care for others , ” said Francis , who has made attention to the poor and unjustly treated a key theme of his papacy .
Celebrations elsewhere in Europe were canceled or greatly scaled back as Covid-19 infections surge across the continent and a new variant that may be more contagious has been detected .
In Athens , Christmas Eve was eerily silent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing carols while tinkling metal triangles can be heard all day .
The decades-old custom , in which children go house to house and receive small gifts , was banned this year .
Groups of children managed to honor the tradition by singing to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis by video link .
Throughout the pandemic , one of the hardest-hit churches in New York City has been Saint Peter ’ s Lutheran Church in Manhattan .
Church leaders say more than 60 members of the congregation — which numbered about 800 before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost all of them part of the community of some 400 who attended services in Spanish .
Despite their own heartbreaks , congregation members — many of them immigrants — donated coats , scarves and other winter clothes for more than 100 migrant minors at a detention center in Manhattan .
While many other New York City churches have resumed in-person services , Saint Peter ’ s continues to offer its Masses only online .
The schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas day included Masses in English and Spanish , and a bilingual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials tried to make the most out of a bad situation .
“ Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls , ” said Mayor Anton Salman .
“ Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to corona and due to the lack of tourism , the city of Bethlehem is still looking forward to the future with optimism.
” Raw , rainy weather added to the gloomy atmosphere , as several dozen people gathered in the central Manger Square to greet Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa .
Youth marching bands playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pounding drummers , led a joyous procession ahead of the patriarch ’ s arrival early in the afternoon .
“ Despite the restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible , with family , community and joy , ” said Pizzaballa , who was to lead a small Midnight Mass gathering later in the evening .
“ We want to offer hope.
” Thousands of foreign pilgrims usually flock to Bethlehem for the celebrations .
But the closure of Israel ’ s international airport to foreign tourists , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank , kept visitors away .
The restrictions limited attendance to residents and a small entourage of religious officials .
Evening celebrations , when pilgrims normally congregate around the Christmas tree , were canceled , and Midnight Mass was limited to clergy .
The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to Bethlehem ’ s tourism sector , the lifeblood of the local economy .
Restaurants , hotels and gift shops have been shuttered .
It was not the usual raucous Christmas eve in Mexico City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s first coronavirus vaccine shots were administered .
On Christmas Eve , parents usually take their kids to a downtown plaza where actors dress up as the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus and pose in front of elaborate backdrops resembling the sets of popular children ’ s movies .
But this year , the Wise Men and Santas were banned .
Mexico ’ s other grand tradition , Midnight Mass , was canceled in many parishes .
Still , Zoé Robledo , director of Mexico ’ s social security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s COVID-19 vaccine program made it “ an unforgettable Christmas.
” Rio de Janeiro ’ s iconic beaches remained open , but a City Hall decree aimed at limiting gatherings prevented drivers from parking along the shore .
Rain also kept beachgoers at home .
Thomas Azevedo and his 9-year-old son braved the bad weather to set up a small stand , selling beer and caipirinhas made from fresh fruit .
By early afternoon , he hadn ’ t sold a thing .
“ It ’ s not so much the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of tourists at Christmas .
This year there ’ s no one , ” said Azevedo , 28 .
Australians had until recently been looking forward to a relatively Covid-19-free Christmas after travel restrictions across state borders relaxed in recent weeks in the absence of any evidence of community transmission .
But after new cases were detected over the past week , states again closed their borders .
While many places around the globe were keeping or increasing restrictions for Christmas , Lebanon was an exception .
With its economy in tatters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive Aug. 4 port explosion , Lebanon has lifted most virus measures ahead of the holidays , hoping to encourage spending .
Tens of thousands of Lebanese expatriates have arrived home for the holidays , leading to fears of an inevitable surge in cases during the festive season .
Lebanon has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East — about a third of its 5 million people — and traditionally celebrates Christmas with much fanfare .
“ People around us were tired , depressed and depleted , so we said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of joy and love , ” said Sevine Ariss , one of the organizers of a Christmas fair along the seaside road where the explosion caused the most damage .

(AP) Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Similar subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled altogether.
On Christmas Eve in Italy, church bells rang earlier than usual. The Italian government’s 10 pm curfew prompted pastors to move up services, with “Midnight” Mass starting Thursday evening in some churches as early as a couple hours after dark. Pope Francis, who has said people “must obey” civil authorities’ measures to fight the spread of Covid-19, fell in line. This year, the Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica was moved up from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Normally, seats at the vigil Mass are quickly snapped up, by Romans and by tourists, but the pandemic has reduced tourists in Italy to a trickle. In keeping with social distancing measures, barely 200 faithful — instead of several thousand — spaced out in the basilica’s pews and wearing masks, attended Francis’ celebration of the Mass. A row of fiery red poinsettia plants warmly contrasted with the sumptuous cold marble of the basilica.
Francis in his homily offered reflections on Christmas’ significance. “We often hear it said that the greatest joy in life is the birth of a child. It is something extraordinary and it changes everything,” he said. A child “makes us feel loved but can also teach us how to love.”
“God was born a child in order to encourage us to care for others,” said Francis, who has made attention to the poor and unjustly treated a key theme of his papacy.
Celebrations elsewhere in Europe were canceled or greatly scaled back as Covid-19 infections surge across the continent and a new variant that may be more contagious has been detected.
In Athens, Christmas Eve was eerily silent. In normal times, voices of children singing carols while tinkling metal triangles can be heard all day. The decades-old custom, in which children go house to house and receive small gifts, was banned this year. Groups of children managed to honor the tradition by singing to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis by video link.
Throughout the pandemic, one of the hardest-hit churches in New York City has been Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Manhattan. Church leaders say more than 60 members of the congregation — which numbered about 800 before the pandemic — have died of COVID-19, almost all of them part of the community of some 400 who attended services in Spanish.
Despite their own heartbreaks, congregation members — many of them immigrants — donated coats, scarves and other winter clothes for more than 100 migrant minors at a detention center in Manhattan.
While many other New York City churches have resumed in-person services, Saint Peter’s continues to offer its Masses only online. The schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas day included Masses in English and Spanish, and a bilingual jazz vespers service.
In Bethlehem, officials tried to make the most out of a bad situation.
“Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in the souls,” said Mayor Anton Salman. “Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to corona and due to the lack of tourism, the city of Bethlehem is still looking forward to the future with optimism.”
Raw, rainy weather added to the gloomy atmosphere, as several dozen people gathered in the central Manger Square to greet Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Youth marching bands playing Christmas carols on bagpipes, accompanied by pounding drummers, led a joyous procession ahead of the patriarch’s arrival early in the afternoon.
“Despite the restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible, with family, community and joy,” said Pizzaballa, who was to lead a small Midnight Mass gathering later in the evening. “We want to offer hope.”
Thousands of foreign pilgrims usually flock to Bethlehem for the celebrations. But the closure of Israel’s international airport to foreign tourists, along with Palestinian restrictions banning intercity travel in the areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, kept visitors away.
The restrictions limited attendance to residents and a small entourage of religious officials. Evening celebrations, when pilgrims normally congregate around the Christmas tree, were canceled, and Midnight Mass was limited to clergy.
The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to Bethlehem’s tourism sector, the lifeblood of the local economy. Restaurants, hotels and gift shops have been shuttered.
It was not the usual raucous Christmas eve in Mexico City. The big celebration was a ceremony where the country’s first coronavirus vaccine shots were administered.
On Christmas Eve, parents usually take their kids to a downtown plaza where actors dress up as the Three Wise Men or Santa Claus and pose in front of elaborate backdrops resembling the sets of popular children’s movies.
But this year, the Wise Men and Santas were banned. Mexico’s other grand tradition, Midnight Mass, was canceled in many parishes.
Still, Zoé Robledo, director of Mexico’s social security system, said the start of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine program made it “an unforgettable Christmas.”
Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beaches remained open, but a City Hall decree aimed at limiting gatherings prevented drivers from parking along the shore. Rain also kept beachgoers at home.
Thomas Azevedo and his 9-year-old son braved the bad weather to set up a small stand, selling beer and caipirinhas made from fresh fruit. By early afternoon, he hadn’t sold a thing.
“It’s not so much the rain; in previous years it was full of tourists at Christmas. This year there’s no one,” said Azevedo, 28.
Australians had until recently been looking forward to a relatively Covid-19-free Christmas after travel restrictions across state borders relaxed in recent weeks in the absence of any evidence of community transmission. But after new cases were detected over the past week, states again closed their borders.
While many places around the globe were keeping or increasing restrictions for Christmas, Lebanon was an exception. With its economy in tatters and parts of its capital destroyed by a massive Aug. 4 port explosion, Lebanon has lifted most virus measures ahead of the holidays, hoping to encourage spending. Tens of thousands of Lebanese expatriates have arrived home for the holidays, leading to fears of an inevitable surge in cases during the festive season.
Lebanon has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East — about a third of its 5 million people — and traditionally celebrates Christmas with much fanfare.
“People around us were tired, depressed and depleted, so we said let’s just plant a drop of joy and love,” said Sevine Ariss, one of the organizers of a Christmas fair along the seaside road where the explosion caused the most damage.


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--Trump Campaign Releases New Ad Alleging Voter Fraud in Swing States

The Trump campaign is not giving up .
The president 's team on Wednesday put out another ad alleging that voter fraud took place on Election Day pivotal Georgia and that dead people voted in battleground Wisconsin .
`` America deserved an honest election .
This is what they got , '' a voice-over says as security footage shows suitcases of alleged ballots being wheeled into counting area .
`` Suitcases of ballots in Georgia .
Out-of-state voters and illegal aliens voting .
Dead people voting in Wisconsin .
Poll watchers denied access in Pennsylvania .
Trump votes discarded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan . ''
`` The evidence is overwhelming , '' the ad states .
`` Contact your legislators and governor today .
Demand they hear the evidence .
Text 'demand ' to 88022 .
America deserved an honest election . ''
If you text that number , you get a message – immediately – that reads : `` This is President Trump .
I need you to DEFEND OUR ELECTION .
Reply with your ZIP CODE to get started ! ''
And if you do that , the campaign asks you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DEMOCRATS WANT TO STEAL THIS ELECTION ! ''
said the contribution page .
Twitter posted a warning on the Trump campaign 's tweet that states : `` This claim about election fraud is disputed . ''
Georgia has conducted three recounts and ended up certifying Democrat Joe Biden the winner .
Lawyers with Team Trump have also lost more than 50 lawsuits in battleground states , and the Supreme Court rejected a case that made it all the way to the high court .
Trump ’ s reelection campaign this week filed another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to challenge Biden ’ s victory in Pennsylvania – in a petition that asks the justices to effectively reverse the outcome of the race .
The filing asks the justices to reverse three decisions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court easing some of the state ’ s election rules related to signature verification , Election Day observation and mail-in ballot declarations , CNBC reported .
The suit also argues Pennsylvania ’ s top court encroached on the authority given to state legislators by the U.S. Constitution to `` carry out elections . ''
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting approximately 2.6 million mail ballots in violation of the law as enacted by the Pennsylvania Legislature , ” Trump ’ s attorney John Eastman wrote in the filing .
The latest lawsuit follows another brought by Texas , but the high court rejected Trump 's arguments , with all nine justices signaling they disagreed with the suits main arguments .
But the justices have taken no action in a separate Supreme Court challenge brought by the Pennsylvania Republican Party , which declares that the state should not have extended absentee ballot deadline @

The Trump campaign is not giving up.
The president's team on Wednesday put out another ad alleging that voter fraud took place on Election Day pivotal Georgia and that dead people voted in battleground Wisconsin.
"America deserved an honest election. This is what they got," a voice-over says as security footage shows suitcases of alleged ballots being wheeled into counting area.
"Suitcases of ballots in Georgia. Out-of-state voters and illegal aliens voting. Dead people voting in Wisconsin. Poll watchers denied access in Pennsylvania. Trump votes discarded in Arizona. And clerks facing felony charges in Michigan."
"The evidence is overwhelming," the ad states. "Contact your legislators and governor today. Demand they hear the evidence. Text 'demand' to 88022. America deserved an honest election."
If you text that number, you get a message – immediately – that reads: "This is President Trump. I need you to DEFEND OUR ELECTION. Reply with your ZIP CODE to get started!"
And if you do that, the campaign asks you for money.
"President Trump: THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO STEAL THIS ELECTION!" said the contribution page.
Twitter posted a warning on the Trump campaign's tweet that states: "This claim about election fraud is disputed."
Georgia has conducted three recounts and ended up certifying Democrat Joe Biden the winner. Lawyers with Team Trump have also lost more than 50 lawsuits in battleground states, and the Supreme Court rejected a case that made it all the way to the high court.
Trump’s reelection campaign this week filed another long shot bid at the Supreme Court to challenge Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania – in a petition that asks the justices to effectively reverse the outcome of the race.
The filing asks the justices to reverse three decisions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court easing some of the state’s election rules related to signature verification, Election Day observation and mail-in ballot declarations, CNBC reported.
The suit also argues Pennsylvania’s top court encroached on the authority given to state legislators by the U.S. Constitution to "carry out elections."
“Collectively, these three decisions resulted in counting approximately 2.6 million mail ballots in violation of the law as enacted by the Pennsylvania Legislature,” Trump’s attorney John Eastman wrote in the filing.
The latest lawsuit follows another brought by Texas, but the high court rejected Trump's arguments, with all nine justices signaling they disagreed with the suits main arguments.
But the justices have taken no action in a separate Supreme Court challenge brought by the Pennsylvania Republican Party, which declares that the state should not have extended absentee ballot deadline.


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--U.S. To Require Negative Coronavirus Test for All Airline Passengers Returning From UK

Seeking to combat a new and highly contagious coronavirus strain , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late @ @ @ @ @ will require all airline passengers arriving from Britain to prove they tested negative for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ .
The new rule , which takes effect Monday , will apply to Americans and @ @ @ @ @ have to show proof of a negative result from an antigen test , known as @ @ @ @ @ a compromise solution to combat the new virus strain , which has been prevalent in @ @ @ @ @ a travel ban .
“ This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the @ @ @ @ @ health and safety and ensure responsible international travel , ” CDC said .

Seeking to combat a new and highly contagious coronavirus strain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late Thursday that the U.S. government will require all airline passengers arriving from Britain to prove they tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure.
The new rule, which takes effect Monday, will apply to Americans and foreigners alike. All passengers have to show proof of a negative result from an antigen test, known as a P.C.R.
It was a compromise solution to combat the new virus strain, which has been prevalent in Britain and raised concerns of a travel ban.
“This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the American public to improve their health and safety and ensure responsible international travel,” CDC said.


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--Hunter Biden Reportedly “in the Process” of Divesting 10% Stake in Chinese Firm

More than a year after President-elect Joe Biden pledged that `` no one '' in his family would have any connections with foreign deals or governments while he was in office , Hunter Biden still owns a share of a Chinese company — but that might soon change .
Through a Delaware company he directs , Skaneateles , the younger Biden still owns a 10 % stake in Bohai Harvest RST , a Shanghai equity investment fund management company , according to the Wall Street Journal .
The younger Biden , however , is reportedly `` in the process '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Mail .
Hunter Biden was previously on the board of the Chinese firm but submitted his resignation to China 's National Credit Information Publicity System earlier this year .
The business records for Skaneateles found on the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website list Hunter as the “ executive officer ” of the company , and the address for the LLC is a multimillion-dollar home in Hollywood Hills , Los Angeles , rented by Hunter Biden and his wife , Melissa Cohen .
In October 2019 , Joe Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign deals .
`` No one in my family will have an office in the White House , will sit in on meetings as if they are a Cabinet member , will , in fact , have any business relationship with anyone that relates to a foreign corporation or a foreign country .
Period .
Period .
End of story , '' Biden said during an Iowa campaign event .
That same month , Hunter Biden stopped short of pledging to end foreign business involvement but said in a statement through his lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not serve on the board of any foreign companies .
`` Under a Biden Administration , Hunter will readily comply with any and all guidelines or standards a President Biden may issue to address purported conflicts of interest , or the appearance of such conflicts , including any restrictions related to overseas business interests , '' the statement read .
`` In any event , Hunter will agree not to serve on boards of , or work on behalf of , foreign owned companies . ''
The sale of Hunter Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Journal reported , but is `` complicated by the difficulty of valuing the firm 's holdings of unlisted assets . ''

More than a year after President-elect Joe Biden pledged that "no one" in his family would have any connections with foreign deals or governments while he was in office, Hunter Biden still owns a share of a Chinese company — but that might soon change.
Through a Delaware company he directs, Skaneateles, the younger Biden still owns a 10% stake in Bohai Harvest RST, a Shanghai equity investment fund management company, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The younger Biden, however, is reportedly "in the process" of divesting his share, according to the Daily Mail.
Hunter Biden was previously on the board of the Chinese firm but submitted his resignation to China's National Credit Information Publicity System earlier this year.
The business records for Skaneateles found on the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website list Hunter as the “executive officer” of the company, and the address for the LLC is a multimillion-dollar home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, rented by Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen.
In October 2019, Joe Biden said that his families wouldn't participate in foreign deals.
"No one in my family will have an office in the White House, will sit in on meetings as if they are a Cabinet member, will, in fact, have any business relationship with anyone that relates to a foreign corporation or a foreign country. Period. Period. End of story," Biden said during an Iowa campaign event.
That same month, Hunter Biden stopped short of pledging to end foreign business involvement but said in a statement through his lawyer that he would follow administration guidelines and would not serve on the board of any foreign companies.
"Under a Biden Administration, Hunter will readily comply with any and all guidelines or standards a President Biden may issue to address purported conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such conflicts, including any restrictions related to overseas business interests," the statement read. "In any event, Hunter will agree not to serve on boards of, or work on behalf of, foreign owned companies."
The sale of Hunter Biden's remaining share is possible, the Wall Street Journal reported, but is "complicated by the difficulty of valuing the firm's holdings of unlisted assets."


bonginoreport--2020-12-25--Sen. Blunt Says $2,000 Checks Won’t Pass

President Trump on Tuesday night called for Congress to take ...

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump’s call for Congress to amend the $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill to increase direct payments to eligible Americans from $600 to $2,000 cannot pass the Senate, according to a top Republican in the body — who said he remains hopeful the commander in chief will sign the measure.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) cautioned that it would be “a mistake” to not sign the coronavirus relief bill.
“There’s been some apparent misunderstanding about what’s in the regular appropriating bill and what’s in the COVID relief bill, and generally the regular appropriating bill includes things the administration asked for,” the No. 4 Senate Republican began by saying.
“It took us a long time to get to where we are. I think reopening that bill would be a mistake,” he continued.
Asked what was the best way out of this political stalemate, the GOP lawmaker replied, “The best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill, and I still hope that’s what he decides.”
Blunt’s comments make him the highest ranking member of Senate GOP leadership to respond since President Trump called the bipartisan relief bill a “disgrace” on Tuesday evening and called on Congress to amend it.
Blunt warned that the GOP would not cave if the Democratic-led House altered the bill to increase the payment amounts.
“If [Democrats did that], I would be surprised if we dealt with it,” the Missouri senator said.
Pressed on whether a bill with $2,000 payments would be able to get the necessary 60 votes to pass in the upper chamber of Congress, Blunt said, “It would not.”
The coronavirus relief bill, the subject of months of negotiations between party leaders and the White House, was packaged together with a $1.4 trillion measure to keep the government open until September.
The deadline to avert a government shutdown is Dec. 29.
But the sprawling, 5,585-page relief bill is still being prepared by Congress, where lawmakers have decried the lack of time they have to assess the legislation.
With Post wires


bonginoreport--2020-12-26--Coronavirus Continues Surging in California Despite Strict Restrictions

It ’ s almost as if lockdowns do nothing to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
California has some of the nation ’ s strictest restrictions when it comes to COVID-19 , yet it is one of America ’ s epicenters for the virus , Politico reported .
The state has at times instituted “ a complete ban on restaurant dining to travel quarantines and indoor gym closures.
” Politico reported this “ hasn ’ t been enough , ” even though these measures have decimated California ’ s economy while clearly doing little to stem the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become one of the nation ’ s worst epicenters for the disease , setting new records for cases , hospitalizations and deaths almost every day .
Things are so bad in Southern California that some patients are being treated in hospital tents , while doctors have begun discussing whether they need to ration care , ” the outlet reported .
To date , California has had 2.06 million known confirmed cases of coronavirus and 23,964 deaths in a population of 39.51 million .
To put that in perspective , New York has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 24,889 deaths in New York City alone ) in a population of 19.45 million .
Florida , which has been under attack from the media for its handling of the pandemic because the state has a Republican governor who hasn ’ t taken unconstitutional and extreme measures to lock down the state , has seen 1.25 million confirmed cases and 20,994 deaths in a population of 21.48 million .
Politico reported that California ’ s case rate – “ 100 new daily cases per 100,000 residents ” – is second only to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t done all the economy-killing restrictions of California .
Tennessee , for example , doesn ’ t mandate mask wearing ( though most businesses require it anyway ) and allows up to 10 people to gather indoors .
California officials blame the residents for not following the crushing restrictions to the letter , Politico reported .
“ In Los Angeles , officials have said all along that people were gathering too often .
They blamed celebrations and postseason viewing parties when the Dodgers and Lakers won championships this fall , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed the strict rules themselves , saying that cooped-up Californians couldn ’ t take it any longer and decided they need to live their lives .
Others have said congregant settings remain a severe concern in a housing-constrained state , especially in low-income communities where residents live in tight quarters and must continue to work in-person to survive.
” Later , Politico finally noted the arbitrary nature of California ’ s restrictions , which has shuttered certain small businesses but allowed Hollywood to resume filming .
For example , as The Daily Wire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a viral video that showed her outdoor dining area closed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti while 50 feet away a movie studio was allowed to set up an outdoor eating area .
Garcetti responded to Marsden by ignoring the double standard she pointed out , instead saying the restrictions were necessary to stop the virus .
Jot Condie , president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association , told Politico that California ’ s severe restrictions have decimated businesses while doing nothing to stop the virus .
“ Nationally , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imaginable type of lockdown order with California being the most restrictive and inflicting the most devastation on small businesses and the most economically vulnerable service workers .
And still , we are none the better as far as COVID is concerned , ” Condie told the outlet in a statement .
“ In fact in L.A. where indoor and outdoor dining are completely shut down , with indoor dining [ closed ] since July , the virus rages on.
” California Democrats have insisted they ’ re following the science , yet there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working .
The Daily Wire is one of America ’ s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news , opinion , and entertainment .
Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member .

It’s almost as if lockdowns do nothing to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
California has some of the nation’s strictest restrictions when it comes to COVID-19, yet it is one of America’s epicenters for the virus, Politico reported. The state has at times instituted “a complete ban on restaurant dining to travel quarantines and indoor gym closures.”
Politico reported this “hasn’t been enough,” even though these measures have decimated California’s economy while clearly doing little to stem the virus.
“America’s most populous state has become one of the nation’s worst epicenters for the disease, setting new records for cases, hospitalizations and deaths almost every day. Things are so bad in Southern California that some patients are being treated in hospital tents, while doctors have begun discussing whether they need to ration care,” the outlet reported.
To date, California has had 2.06 million known confirmed cases of coronavirus and 23,964 deaths in a population of 39.51 million. To put that in perspective, New York has had 909,000 confirmed cases and 36,739 deaths (24,889 deaths in New York City alone) in a population of 19.45 million. Florida, which has been under attack from the media for its handling of the pandemic because the state has a Republican governor who hasn’t taken unconstitutional and extreme measures to lock down the state, has seen 1.25 million confirmed cases and 20,994 deaths in a population of 21.48 million.
Politico reported that California’s case rate – “100 new daily cases per 100,000 residents” – is second only to Tennessee’s, a state that hasn’t done all the economy-killing restrictions of California. Tennessee, for example, doesn’t mandate mask wearing (though most businesses require it anyway) and allows up to 10 people to gather indoors.
California officials blame the residents for not following the crushing restrictions to the letter, Politico reported.
“In Los Angeles, officials have said all along that people were gathering too often. They blamed celebrations and postseason viewing parties when the Dodgers and Lakers won championships this fall,” the outlet reported. “Some have blamed the strict rules themselves, saying that cooped-up Californians couldn’t take it any longer and decided they need to live their lives. Others have said congregant settings remain a severe concern in a housing-constrained state, especially in low-income communities where residents live in tight quarters and must continue to work in-person to survive.”
Later, Politico finally noted the arbitrary nature of California’s restrictions, which has shuttered certain small businesses but allowed Hollywood to resume filming. For example, as The Daily Wire previously reported, restaurant owner Angela Marsden made a viral video that showed her outdoor dining area closed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti while 50 feet away a movie studio was allowed to set up an outdoor eating area. Garcetti responded to Marsden by ignoring the double standard she pointed out, instead saying the restrictions were necessary to stop the virus.
Jot Condie, president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, told Politico that California’s severe restrictions have decimated businesses while doing nothing to stop the virus.
“Nationally, there has been a kaleidoscopic application of every imaginable type of lockdown order with California being the most restrictive and inflicting the most devastation on small businesses and the most economically vulnerable service workers. And still, we are none the better as far as COVID is concerned,” Condie told the outlet in a statement. “In fact in L.A. where indoor and outdoor dining are completely shut down, with indoor dining [closed] since July, the virus rages on.”
California Democrats have insisted they’re following the science, yet there is no evidence to suggest their lockdowns are working.


bonginoreport--2020-12-26--Biden Calls on Trump to Sign Pork-Filled Relief Bill That Only Gives $600 Direct Payments

President-elect Joe Biden urged President Trump Saturday to sign the coronavirus relief bill — as the commander in chief repeated his demand that the “ stingy ” measure must include more generous stimulus checks for eligible Americans .
In a statement posted to Twitter , Biden warned that Trump ’ s “ abdication of responsibility ” would have “ devastating consequences.
” “ Today , about 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits .
In just a few days , government funding will expire , putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk , ” Biden wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need , and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19 , ” he added .
Earlier , Trump — who refused to sign a $ 2.3 trillion bill that combined COVID-19 relief and government funding before leaving Washington on Wednesday — again insisted the measure does more for special interests than everyday Americans .
“ I simply want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill , ” Trump tweeted Saturday .
“ Also , stop the billions of dollars in ‘ pork ’ .
” Later , he tweeted that “ lockdowns in Democrat run states ” are what is “ absolutely ruining the lives of so many people.
” “ Cases in California have risen despite the lockdown , yet Florida & others are open & doing well , ” Trump tweeted from Mar-a-Lago , his home in the Sunshine State .
“ Common sense please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday to the $ 900 billion aid package that took House and Senate negotiators months to hammer out , arguing that it was stuffed with pork – including foreign aid spending — and that the $ 600 direct relief checks were simply too stingy .
The measure , paired with a massive $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill that would fund the federal government through September , passed with huge bipartisan margins on Monday – but the president ’ s resistance has driven a wedge between members of his own party , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for changes .
“ It took us a long time to get to where we are , ” Sen. Roy Blunt ( R-Mo . )
said Thursday .
“ I think reopening that bill would be a mistake.
” But South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham called Trump ’ s call for bigger individual payouts “ a reasonable demand ” Friday , after spending part of Christmas Day with the president at Trump ’ s West Palm Beach , Fla. , golf club .
“ I hope Congress is listening , ” Graham tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2000 per person.
” Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler — who is locked in a tight Jan. 5 runoff race — said Wednesday that she too would consider Trump ’ s demand for a bigger stimulus “ if it repurposes wasteful spending.
” Meanwhile , Trump ’ s call for additional stimulus has been enthusiastically taken up by some Democrats .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s attempt to ram it through the House failed Thursday , but another vote on a stand-alone measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If Trump continues to withhold his approval , much of the federal government will grind to a halt on Tuesday , when the continuing resolution that funds its operations runs out .
That would trigger another legislative scramble as House and Senate negotiators patch together a short-term funding bill .
Trump has not said outright that he will veto the 5,593-page doorstopper legislation – but under the terms of the Constitution and realities of the calendar , he could scuttle it without actually rejecting it .
If Trump vetoes the measure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds majority vote in both houses .
Since the bill passed with large majorities – 359-53 in the House and 92-6 in the Senate – a veto override is likely .
But with time running out on the 116th Congress , which expires Jan. 3 , Trump has another weapon he could wield : the pocket veto .
With this maneuver , Trump merely has to ignore the bill – or tuck it away in his pocket – for 10 legislative days .
By that time , the current Congress will be out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including in-limbo legislation , will die – leaving the matter of coronavirus relief , and the federal budget as a whole , up to the new 117th Congress to negotiate all over again .

President-elect Joe Biden urged President Trump Saturday to sign the coronavirus relief bill — as the commander in chief repeated his demand that the “stingy” measure must include more generous stimulus checks for eligible Americans.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Biden warned that Trump’s “abdication of responsibility” would have “devastating consequences.”
“Today, about 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits. In just a few days, government funding will expire, putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk,” Biden wrote.
“Delay means more small businesses won’t survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19,” he added.
Earlier, Trump — who refused to sign a $2.3 trillion bill that combined COVID-19 relief and government funding before leaving Washington on Wednesday — again insisted the measure does more for special interests than everyday Americans.
“I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill,” Trump tweeted Saturday. “Also, stop the billions of dollars in ‘pork’.”
Later, he tweeted that “lockdowns in Democrat run states” are what is “absolutely ruining the lives of so many people.”
“Cases in California have risen despite the lockdown, yet Florida & others are open & doing well,” Trump tweeted from Mar-a-Lago, his home in the Sunshine State. “Common sense please!”
Trump voiced 11th hour opposition Tuesday to the $900 billion aid package that took House and Senate negotiators months to hammer out, arguing that it was stuffed with pork – including foreign aid spending — and that the $600 direct relief checks were simply too stingy.
The measure, paired with a massive $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill that would fund the federal government through September, passed with huge bipartisan margins on Monday – but the president’s resistance has driven a wedge between members of his own party, most of whom have balked at his demands for changes.
“It took us a long time to get to where we are,” Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said Thursday. “I think reopening that bill would be a mistake.”
But South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham called Trump’s call for bigger individual payouts “a reasonable demand” Friday, after spending part of Christmas Day with the president at Trump’s West Palm Beach, Fla., golf club.
“I hope Congress is listening,” Graham tweeted. “I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2000 per person.”
Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler — who is locked in a tight Jan. 5 runoff race — said Wednesday that she too would consider Trump’s demand for a bigger stimulus “if it repurposes wasteful spending.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s call for additional stimulus has been enthusiastically taken up by some Democrats. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s attempt to ram it through the House failed Thursday, but another vote on a stand-alone measure to boost personal payouts is expected Monday.
If Trump continues to withhold his approval, much of the federal government will grind to a halt on Tuesday, when the continuing resolution that funds its operations runs out. That would trigger another legislative scramble as House and Senate negotiators patch together a short-term funding bill.
Trump has not said outright that he will veto the 5,593-page doorstopper legislation – but under the terms of the Constitution and realities of the calendar, he could scuttle it without actually rejecting it.
If Trump vetoes the measure, Congress could override his action with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses. Since the bill passed with large majorities – 359-53 in the House and 92-6 in the Senate – a veto override is likely.
But with time running out on the 116th Congress, which expires Jan. 3, Trump has another weapon he could wield: the pocket veto.
With this maneuver, Trump merely has to ignore the bill – or tuck it away in his pocket – for 10 legislative days.
By that time, the current Congress will be out of office, and all unfinished business, including in-limbo legislation, will die – leaving the matter of coronavirus relief, and the federal budget as a whole, up to the new 117th Congress to negotiate all over again.