Senator Rand Paul is a fan of Seinfeld. Every year around Christmas time, Paul celebrates the parody holiday “Festivus” by sharing his annual “airing of grievances,” an idiosyncratic practice made popular by the ‘90s comedy series. In the show, George Costanza’s dad Frank begins the celebration by ranting openly about his problems with everything.
Just like the show, Paul took to Twitter to air all the grievances he had with the world in 2016. He was simultaneously candid, humorous and serious.
“Good morning, Seinfeld fans and Happy Festivus everywhere! Today I’ll have my annual #AiringofGrievances. Join me here throughout the day,” he tweeted. His first order of business was the issue of fake news.
On the media & #fakenews: Festivus is real, media, so don't try 2 fact check it. And @TheOnion is more accurate than a Brian Williams report
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
He followed it up with commentary on Donald Trump’s cabinet, criticizing the number of rich people picked to assist Trump. Paul also took aim at Peter Thiel, who plays a key role advising Trump’s administration.
.@peterthiel is advising the President Elect. That's great. But his plan 2 make the Statue of Liberty into a digital stop sign is a bit much
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
He had words for US Representative to the UN John Bolton, and remarked upon how weird it was to have Rick Perry running the Department of Energy, which Perry once expressed wanting to eliminate.
My favorite Cabinet pick is what's his name, umm it's that guy who wanted to eliminate the Dept. of @ENERGY. Hang on I'll think of it…
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
As for Trump himself, Paul wondered aloud as to who would tell the President-elect he can’t always get what he wants.
New administration has some great people. But I wanna know who has to tell @realdonaldtrump he can't build a golf course on the South Lawn?
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
In addition to joking about the Trump administration, the Kentucky senator brought up the more serious issue of government spending. He pointed out that the government was spending money on a plethora of pointless and unscientific studies.
The national Park Service announced a grant 2 study “Knowledge, Experience and Beliefs of the Supernatural Environment.” #AiringofGrievances pic.twitter.com/8XVRwhdKe3
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
Among other things, he noted how the government was spending over a million dollars to produce a superhero cartoon for Pakistani audiences.
The Department of State, is advertising a $1.25 million grant opportunity to produce a superhero cartoon in Pakistan. #AiringofGrievances pic.twitter.com/Pyheyqa1mo
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
Paul noted the numerous problems with government spending and shared The Waste Report, his effort to expose government waste and reform the federal budget. It’s an extensive list.
Beyond that, the senator called out the media for writing serious stories about his Festivus jokes.
For those of you "media" writing serious stories about my Festivus jokes, I don't even know what to say, just stop…#AiringofGrievances pic.twitter.com/Fvw6nKbGp8
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
Paul brought his rant to a close with wishing everyone a merry Christmas, and wishing those who don’t celebrate Christmas a happy Festivus by winning the “feats of strength.” He posted a picture of himself alongside Senator Harry Reid.
I decided I'd take on someone who thought he was a tough guy. Bring it, @SenatorReid #featsofstrength pic.twitter.com/RzwWeLnXPx
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 23, 2016
Merry Christmas, and have a good Festivus.
