There is only one movie most people watch around Christmas, and that has to be the ultimate Christmas movie, Frank Capra’s sublime It’s a Wonderful Life.
Very beautiful and touching description of how the movie settles with me. Thank you, Sasha for your writing, courage, and perspective. I always open your postings right away as I receive them. Best of the holiday season to you, my friend.
Right. This article reminds me that America is fast becoming the 'nightmare version' of Bedford Falls that WE are living thru in real time. I hate this. Its too little of Jesus Christ, not too much capitalism.
I will say, the prosperity that capitalism brings is what people allow to get between them and God. Don't let your riches replace God in your life. May we be ever EVER thankful to Him for the prosperity and security that He has provided for us.
Sasha, you aren't toxic, you're courageous, and if you're hated it's by people you wouldn't want to be liked by. Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2026.
Funny but I can’t understand how It’s a Wonderful Life could be seen through the lens on politics. My takeaway on the movie’s theme is that we don’t know how much of an impact we make on other people’s lives through our everyday interactions. But we do make a difference.
And the religious aspect just seems natural. The prayer scene is something most people have probably experienced themselves, life being very difficult for everyone at times. And despite the hopelessness eventually redemption happens. It really does.
"As I said those words," Stewart said in 1977, as reported by The Independent. "I felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn, and my eyes filled with tears. I broke down sobbing. That was not planned at all."
Oh, I can lol, remember we now live in a time where absolutely everything is political. From fried chicken sandwiches to the car that you drive to what powers the car that you drive. It’s all political all the time unfortunately. So if I were to put on my offense hat…
Number one, lack of ethnic diversity for many people. that’s a reason right there not to watch it.
Number two the scourge of capitalism I’ll just leave that right there we all know the anti-capitalism arguments.
Number three the dreaded Patriarchy (dramatic music people screaming with hands flailing), I’ll just leave that one right there as well by now we all know the rhetoric by heart.
I know people like this and have known people like this. The reality is they choose to see everything this way I think it’s why they’re so miserable.
Sad but true, I think there’s one important point that the left really misses, and it has nothing to do with money or almost anything that is actually rammed down our throat regarding wealth because we do live in a country that celebrates wealth.
Please understand I’m not talking about probably over 50% of the population in America,
But what really angers them is that even people that are not rich, but are conservative and have firm beliefs in a higher power are happy.
This infuriates the left and the more they try to make it a negative the more it proves that money will not buy happiness and only reinforces what many of us know.
You have a great day and a better tomorrow, my friend.
This is true, but it’s hard to feel sorry for them really, especially when they have pretty much eliminated all of the things that could possibly lead to being happy.
Much like a cult that must separate from the unclean many have rejected their own family as well as family formation. They’ve rejected marriage they’ve rejected religion. Each of those are opportunities to meet people discover new things perhaps (not be as lonely) and maybe who knows make new friendships.
When you eliminate all those things you end up with this, what we currently have in society a group of disgruntled people that are perpetually miserable.
Over the years I’ve become convinced that even if they got everything that they wanted, and I mean everything, they still wouldn’t be happy. They would only demand more. More normalization, all they seem to want is everything.
100% agree with you, and that might have been the plan by a sinister fallen angel from the beginning.
I try not to bring religion into these political matters as much as possible, just for the simple reason so many people no longer believe in a higher power.
But at the end of the day, we are all human beings, who have common sense as well as a deep belief, that all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity.
As of recent I have a lot of hope as I have a very deep belief that the African-American community is waking up to the fact that they have been misled for decades.
You have a great day on a better tomorrow, Kenneth.
African Americans (mostly) are but there is a vast generational divide. Many simply seem stuck with the culture of infinite victimization others want to move on.
That Movie makes me cry as well. You said that you have felt hated for so long......well, my thought was rather biblical. Jesus said that if you are to follow him, you will be hated too. But you have courage and a personal guardian angel and the love of the Lord. That is what I believe. Merry Christmas Sasha Stone
Wonderful, and agree on the enduring strength of this movie. I never saw socialism in the savings and loan aspect of this story - I saw it as American good of helping others vs evil. As Churchill said, socialism is all about equally sharing misery. Old Man Potter was more socialist than George and tried to lure him from lifting up others - it’s always the top-tier of socialism that *somehow* gets rich.
NYC voters didn’t understand this, but they soon will. “The people have spoken … and they must be punished.” -Edward Koch
I watched this film for the first time this year. ( I'm in my 60's)
I didn't pick up on the political themes AT ALL . I ONLY thought about how one person can touch so very many lives without even realizing it. Just by being kind and caring. That one never knows the impact they can make in a total strangers life with one kind word( or unkind for that matter)
I think of the thief on the cross. How many people have come to salvation because of his words? Maybe thousands? Maybe millions?
God bless you and yours. Jesus says the narrow path is not easy and that we would be hated just for loving Him. But "behold, they hated Me first"❤️🙏🏻🎄
Like George. you’ve embraced the value of things that money cannot buy. Your readers Sasha, like me, consider you a friend. May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy & healthy new year.
Sasha, you are a wonderful writer, astute historian, insightful political analyst and popular culture expert. And you share what’s happening in your life, which, at times, adds a Perils of Pauline cliff-hanger serial aspect too. I look forward to your messages like no other.
Merry Christmas, Sasha! I hope to meet you one day. I was born in 1968, in a very traditional, Christian family. Life has taken a lot of twists and turns. The most significant early-on was my dad dying when I was 14. The core tenets have always been my faith first and then my family.
What I especially love about your writing is the honesty and authenticity, and your courage in sharing those thoughts.
“Communist propaganda”? Nobody more sensitive to that spin than yours truly & I don’t see that at all; it is a story as you say, about love , God, & believing in larger things than yourself.
Have love for you always Ms Stone. Merry Christmas!!!
Very beautiful and touching description of how the movie settles with me. Thank you, Sasha for your writing, courage, and perspective. I always open your postings right away as I receive them. Best of the holiday season to you, my friend.
Right. This article reminds me that America is fast becoming the 'nightmare version' of Bedford Falls that WE are living thru in real time. I hate this. Its too little of Jesus Christ, not too much capitalism.
I will say, the prosperity that capitalism brings is what people allow to get between them and God. Don't let your riches replace God in your life. May we be ever EVER thankful to Him for the prosperity and security that He has provided for us.
Sasha, you aren't toxic, you're courageous, and if you're hated it's by people you wouldn't want to be liked by. Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2026.
To be hated by evil is a blessing. We should all want the servants of Satan to hate us for destroying their best-laid plans
Perfect! Totally agree!
Funny but I can’t understand how It’s a Wonderful Life could be seen through the lens on politics. My takeaway on the movie’s theme is that we don’t know how much of an impact we make on other people’s lives through our everyday interactions. But we do make a difference.
And the religious aspect just seems natural. The prayer scene is something most people have probably experienced themselves, life being very difficult for everyone at times. And despite the hopelessness eventually redemption happens. It really does.
"As I said those words," Stewart said in 1977, as reported by The Independent. "I felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn, and my eyes filled with tears. I broke down sobbing. That was not planned at all."
Oh, I can lol, remember we now live in a time where absolutely everything is political. From fried chicken sandwiches to the car that you drive to what powers the car that you drive. It’s all political all the time unfortunately. So if I were to put on my offense hat…
Number one, lack of ethnic diversity for many people. that’s a reason right there not to watch it.
Number two the scourge of capitalism I’ll just leave that right there we all know the anti-capitalism arguments.
Number three the dreaded Patriarchy (dramatic music people screaming with hands flailing), I’ll just leave that one right there as well by now we all know the rhetoric by heart.
I know people like this and have known people like this. The reality is they choose to see everything this way I think it’s why they’re so miserable.
Sad but true, I think there’s one important point that the left really misses, and it has nothing to do with money or almost anything that is actually rammed down our throat regarding wealth because we do live in a country that celebrates wealth.
Please understand I’m not talking about probably over 50% of the population in America,
But what really angers them is that even people that are not rich, but are conservative and have firm beliefs in a higher power are happy.
This infuriates the left and the more they try to make it a negative the more it proves that money will not buy happiness and only reinforces what many of us know.
You have a great day and a better tomorrow, my friend.
😇😇
This is true, but it’s hard to feel sorry for them really, especially when they have pretty much eliminated all of the things that could possibly lead to being happy.
Much like a cult that must separate from the unclean many have rejected their own family as well as family formation. They’ve rejected marriage they’ve rejected religion. Each of those are opportunities to meet people discover new things perhaps (not be as lonely) and maybe who knows make new friendships.
When you eliminate all those things you end up with this, what we currently have in society a group of disgruntled people that are perpetually miserable.
Over the years I’ve become convinced that even if they got everything that they wanted, and I mean everything, they still wouldn’t be happy. They would only demand more. More normalization, all they seem to want is everything.
100% agree with you, and that might have been the plan by a sinister fallen angel from the beginning.
I try not to bring religion into these political matters as much as possible, just for the simple reason so many people no longer believe in a higher power.
But at the end of the day, we are all human beings, who have common sense as well as a deep belief, that all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity.
As of recent I have a lot of hope as I have a very deep belief that the African-American community is waking up to the fact that they have been misled for decades.
You have a great day on a better tomorrow, Kenneth.
Goodwill prevail.😇😇
African Americans (mostly) are but there is a vast generational divide. Many simply seem stuck with the culture of infinite victimization others want to move on.
Hope springs eternal. 😇 Be safe and stay true.
God Speed
That Movie makes me cry as well. You said that you have felt hated for so long......well, my thought was rather biblical. Jesus said that if you are to follow him, you will be hated too. But you have courage and a personal guardian angel and the love of the Lord. That is what I believe. Merry Christmas Sasha Stone
Wonderful, and agree on the enduring strength of this movie. I never saw socialism in the savings and loan aspect of this story - I saw it as American good of helping others vs evil. As Churchill said, socialism is all about equally sharing misery. Old Man Potter was more socialist than George and tried to lure him from lifting up others - it’s always the top-tier of socialism that *somehow* gets rich.
NYC voters didn’t understand this, but they soon will. “The people have spoken … and they must be punished.” -Edward Koch
You really are loved Sasha, by 30,000 friends. That’s amazing and I’m so happy for your success. It is well deserved. ❤️❤️
I would guess you are loved by many more than 30,000. Loved for the courage, honesty, and wisdom of your writing.
I've heard this was Jim Henson's favorite movie, and Ernie and Bert were taken from the movie! (Bert was the cop and Ernie the cab driver).
Merry Christmas, and way to go, Clarence! Way to go!
Merry Christmas Sasha.
I watched this film for the first time this year. ( I'm in my 60's)
I didn't pick up on the political themes AT ALL . I ONLY thought about how one person can touch so very many lives without even realizing it. Just by being kind and caring. That one never knows the impact they can make in a total strangers life with one kind word( or unkind for that matter)
I think of the thief on the cross. How many people have come to salvation because of his words? Maybe thousands? Maybe millions?
God bless you and yours. Jesus says the narrow path is not easy and that we would be hated just for loving Him. But "behold, they hated Me first"❤️🙏🏻🎄
Like George. you’ve embraced the value of things that money cannot buy. Your readers Sasha, like me, consider you a friend. May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy & healthy new year.
Sasha, you are a wonderful writer, astute historian, insightful political analyst and popular culture expert. And you share what’s happening in your life, which, at times, adds a Perils of Pauline cliff-hanger serial aspect too. I look forward to your messages like no other.
Thank you. You are the best. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas! I always look forward to your writing!
Merry Christmas Sasha and thanks.
Merry Christmas, Sasha! I hope to meet you one day. I was born in 1968, in a very traditional, Christian family. Life has taken a lot of twists and turns. The most significant early-on was my dad dying when I was 14. The core tenets have always been my faith first and then my family.
What I especially love about your writing is the honesty and authenticity, and your courage in sharing those thoughts.
With much kindest,
One of your new 30K friends.
Merry Christmas to you dear sister soul … and to thine own self keep true! (A little twist!) Hugs from Canada
The light of love overcomes the darkness of hate. “And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free” John 8:32. Merry Christmas ❣️
“Communist propaganda”? Nobody more sensitive to that spin than yours truly & I don’t see that at all; it is a story as you say, about love , God, & believing in larger things than yourself.
Have love for you always Ms Stone. Merry Christmas!!!