Grapevine: Pundit has a problem with Darth Vader's race

Commentator gets involved in the Star Wars countdown, even though she shouldn't

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine…

Do or Do Not

The countdown is on for the seventh installment of the Star Wars movie franchise -- and pundits are getting involved -- even if they probably should stay away.

One commentator has a problem with Darth Vader -- and it has nothing to do with his effort to destroy an entire planet in the original movie -- it is his race.

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Melissa Harris Perry, MSNBC Host: While he was black he was terrible and bad, awful and used to cut off white men's hand, and didn't actually claim his son. But as soon as he claims his son, goes over to the good, takes off his mask and he is white - yes, I have many feelings about that.

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The Internet offers its own fact checks and quips.

"Darth Vader isn't black. If you suffered through the prequels you know he is white."

"Not only is Vader a white guy in a black suit, but the Storm Troopers are wearing white and are bad guys too."

Mediate points out --

"There was never a point where he didn't "claim his son"; as soon as he discovered Luke was alive, he took steps to reunite the family and rule the galaxy as father and son."

The Grapevine conclusion: don’t mess with Star Wars fans.

Making a List

A Brooklyn public school has banned Christmas; not just the religious connotation of the holiday, but the word too.

And that is just the beginning of the administrator's naughty list.

The New York Post reports -- In PS 169 they do not celebrate Thanksgiving -- or say the Pledge of Allegiance.

And no Santa, either.

The school’s business manager called Santa a religious figure -- despite the fact that a former state assemblyman used to visit the school dressed as the jolly old elf.

The Post called it a politically correct scrub down -- other critics called it absurd -- disgraceful -- and ridiculous

The Post calls it a politically correct scrub down, others call it absurd -- disgraceful -- and ridiculous.

The City Department of education does not mandate the bans. holiday symbols are allowed.

Santa is considered secular so he's okay.

Only Images of religious figures or religious texts are prohibited city-wide.

Spirit of the Season

And finally -- good things come to those who wait.

A 15-year-old Swiss boy has just been given the equivalent of $1,000 -- just in time for Christmas.

Five years ago the young man found the money and turned it in.

The deadline to claim it has passed -- so the good Samaritan was given the same banknote he found back when he was 10 years old.

No word on what he will spend the money on.