Good King Wenceslas: advocate for the poor.

The Good King

Tom Manoff filed an interesting story in NPR about The Duke of Bohemia, King Wenceslas. The carol has been one of my favorites for a long time. (even more fun that the wassailing tune). Wencesals was an early advocate of social justice and an early Christian. The last line of the carol sums up the King's Christian mission. "Ye who now will bless the poor / shall yourselves find blessing." 
Perhaps, a good reminder for the 1% or, at least the politicians who claim to be their champions.
Take a moment to listen to Manoff's report on NPR.

The Evil Bother

According to an article in Wikipedia he was the duke of Bohemia from 921 until his assassination in 935. His younger brother, Boleslaus the Cruel, was complicit in the murder. A group of nobles allied with Boleslaus plotted to kill him. The King was invited to a feast. At the feast three of the nobles attacked him. His brother is said to have Wenceslas through with a lance.
There's more about Wenceslas and traditional caroling in the second hour of today's "On Point."