Christmas gifts for political guru in your family
Benj Buck
December 19, 2005
As your Thanksgiving meals settle, the talk turns to Christmas. After all, for the next four weeks Christmas shopping will be on everybody's mind.
Around our home Christmas gifts have taken on a new excitement. With a 21 month old daughter and a son on the way, the anticipation and thrill of Christmas gifts have been restored. However, that does not mean the fun comes free of head aches. I mean there's always uncle Joe and aunt Barb who don't need or want anything because they buy what they want, when they want it. Then there's brother Tim. If the style isn't just right, you earn the title "GEEK."
The question is, "Can we just buy candles for everyone?"
If you drew my name for the family gift exchange, save the candle and consider this list of gift ideas for the politco of the family.
For the Conservative:
Consider a subscription to the American Spectator or to Pat Buchanon and Scott McConnell's magazine, The American Conservative. If your political junky's bathroom is already tiled with magazines, consider a "fashionable" conservative shirt or hat. And what conservative wouldn't appreciate a lovable, hugable Reagan doll?
For the Progressive: Impact Press will entertain the progessive reader with "aggressive journalism, biting commentary and a healthy dose of satire." Or how about a periodical simply called The Progressive? Perhaps the progressive in your family isn't much for reading; then consider a fun tee-shirt or a mouse pad. How about an audio book? I'm refered to as R.J. in Al Franken's Lying Liars.
Non-ideology specific: Every political junky will enjoy reading The Roll Call, which is "widely regarded as the leading publication for Congressional news and information." Though every politico would enjoy The Roll Call, not every gift buyer would consider such a pricey gift. So how about The Washington Weekly, which could tend to be more progressive than conservative. Or you could let your family's politico teach every one a new card game, SCANDAL, or a campaign scenario game, Landslide.
No political junky has everything. Hopefully, one of these gifts is just what you need to be giving, or has at least started you thinking in the right direction. By the way, in no way do I guarantee my suggestions to be a hit or even free of head aches. Good luck with all your Christmas shopping.
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