Satire has long been a tool of political criticism. Although the term satire may describe an entire work, a passage, or a tone, its characteristics are shared.  Among these:
-it employs comedy or humor
-it has a target and an ideal to compare it to
-it describes folly or vice in detail

From THE COLUMBIA ENCYCLOPEDIA:
"From ancient times satirists have shared a common aim: to expose foolishness in all its guises - vanity, hypocrisy, pedantry, idolatry, bigotry, sentimentality - and to effect reform through such exposure."

1. What is Dan Henninger satirizing in his commentary "U.S. Says it Will Bail Out Christmas"?

2. Do you think Mr. Henninger's commentary is effective? Explain your answer.