Luke 2
2:1	And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2:2	(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2:3	And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4	And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5	To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6	And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7	And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8	And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9	And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10	And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11	For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12	And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13	And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14	Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15	And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16	And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17	And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18	And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19	But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
2:20	And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Holy Bible, King James Version

Well, it seems that as rebels we South Carolinians are second to none. We were the first state to secede from the United States of America on December 20, 1860.

It is said that our succession was primarily due to fears regarding the future of slavery and the election of Abraham Lincoln.

Now then. I have never owned a slave. I have never desired to be called 'massa' and I am staunchly against any notion of reparations being paid to people just because some of those entered the country in servitude.

It was the Dutch slave traders who brought the african slaves here. I think reparations should be sought from The Netherlands. You could have a whole new "Red Letter Day".

The economic and social systems and social systems requiring slavery should have been dismantled and new avenues pursued.

All we have now is a bunch of entitled blacks who think they need special rules and accommodations for everything because too many individuals in the population are too stupid to compete in the mainstream efforts. The victory of Lincoln in the 1860 election was perceived as a threat to the institution of slavery and Southern autonomy. I say "so be it".

On December 20, 1860, a convention in South Carolina adopted an Ordinance of Secession, which declared that the state was withdrawing from the United States.

This ordinance was followed by the Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union, issued on December 24, 1860.

The declaration outlined the state's grievances, emphasizing "increasing hostility on the part of the non-slaveholding States to the Institution of Slavery" and citing the failure of Northern states to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act.

So we ended up with a lot of mulatto children of slave owners who were grossly mistreated as subhumans and the aforementioned entitlement seeking ancestors of the other slaves.

The likelihood of reparations remains quite remote because too many ancestors of those who weren't even in the United States during slavery are seeking them.
 

I'm rather ashamed to say that I have both eaten Roast Suckling Pig and found it quite tasty.

The trepidations I feel concern the consuming of infant food animals as well as the appearance of the dish before, while, and after it is cooked.

Now then, we are observing National Roast Suckling Pig Day. It pays homage to the tender and flavorful albeit cruel appearing culinary item indigenous to the south sea islands and such.

National Roast Suckling Pig day promotes itself as a day to indulge in the savory delight of roast suckling pig. It makes note of the culinary artistry involved in preparing this dish as well as the exquisite flavors it imparts to those consuming palates.

National Roast Suckling Pig Day happens each December 18th annually. It’s an opportunity for chefs and food enthusiasts to showcase their skills in preparing and roasting this delicacy.

We who were raised near farms and took a personal interest in the animals — or may have considered owning a pet pig as a companion animal may be less enthusiastic regarding the day.