2015: Stories To Keep Us Busy! | National Catholic Reporter

2015: Stories To Keep Us Busy! | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: 2014 was the year of the Pope. I suspect that the Pope will make 2015 the year of  the Sheep, especially in the consultations on the second Synod of the Family. While all the stops mentioned my occur, he may just gather some families - including the gay and divorced, and hear them out.  He should get quite an earful.  Should he go the the border?  Yes, but Mass should be on the other side, with the Anglos receiving Communion through the fence, but from multiple sources (and not including the Pope).  What is important is what is given, not who gives it.  We forget that sometimes.



On assisted suicide, I don't think it will catch on, at least not for people with family support and good meds - and doctors hate to lose patients that way.  Still, the right to have it may advance, even though few will use it, and it should never be used to save money on government health - indeed, families would blanch at such requirements that no one but a complete idiot would impose.  The strawman will burn - along with the strawman of extreme libertarianism - Jeb Bush's likely burying of Rand Paul will make that easy.



The new thing in politics will be the necessary rise in Socialism with the candidacy of Bernie Sanders for President - and likely not as a Democrat either.  This is likely his only chance so he will not just build a campaign - he may build a viable Socialist Party - or he may go Green.  Also on the left, unless she self destructs, Hillary Clinton will win the nomination in a walk, although 2015 will just show inevitability (and 2016 is a long way off n politics).

MSW's Top 7 Stories of 2014 | National Catholic Reporter

MSW's Top 7 Stories of 2014 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I spent a few hours last night looking at my own columns, which go back to 2009.  This is always an interesting exercise and for about a year I mostly focused on comments on my own diocesan newspaper, since local stories brought the most money from the Examiner.  Of late, however, I have focused my attention reacting to MSW's column.  I agree with many of the points he makes, although I wish he would respond to my responses by name. Calling me and others the Christian Left without such a mention is insulting and it allows him to criticize his own strawman without responding to actual arguments.



For example, I am both a liberal and libertarian, with my liberalism favoring social action and my libertarianism featuring neither the license to do what I want or the kind of economic Randianism that I dislike as much as he does.  Economically, my libertarianism has employers (not individuals) able to offset their taxes by paying directly to Catholic Charities and education - and I have been a severe critic of both them and Catholic health for not offering an educational track that leads to practical skills rather than college - which is a track that would serve  everyone, since only one in four ever graduate from university - leaving three in four without advanced level teaching in the Church and ethics.



The other part of my libertarianism is personal morality (also my liberalism).  I am not arguing against personal morality per se, rather in the Curia's desire to monopolize it (which means one of my top seven stories would be the Synod of the Family and the reactionary push to stop chance - although I believe the change is not far enough).  Ultimately, natural law is an individual matter - not a matter for authority.  I do agree that looking at the official ethics of the Church is fruitful in finding God - or at least the God of the Curia.  For many of them, God is ogre.  As you might guess, I don't want that God.  I want the humble God of Nazareth whose teachings are designed for my life on earth, for my present happiness, not for moral hardship (like the teachings on gays) that fall within some stilted Stoicism that has nothing to do with reality.  That goes double for teachings on women and the prohibition on female priests, which has no basis in ancient Church history, as Gary Wills shows brilliantly.  It is entirely misogynistic and it must end.  Let us be clear in concluding, however, that my beef is not with God, it is with the hierarchy - extending out from but not limited to the Curia.  Indeed, whenever someone under their jurisdiction even hints at female priests, they take measures against them. Luckily, I am out of reach.  Too bad the Sisters were not (and that is also on health care and their not backing the idiot play of the USCCB).  The good news is that they did win - although analysis of that win should include the attempt to get back at Sister Carol, as well as any who entertained the idea of ordaining women.



As far as immigration, the whole debate was pathetic.  There was never any hope that the Senate bill would pass the House and the political stunt by the White House to embarrass them for not doing so backfired, because the compromise bill that left the Senate was awful and unduly punitive.  They should have ripped the punitive measures out of the bill and let McConnell filibuster it until he turned blue.  THAT would have turned out the Latino vote and may have changed the outcome of the election - although that was a non-story as well, for the Church and the nation.  It can be written off to bad demographics, weak GOTV and, more importantly, voter suppression (of youth, Blacks and Latinos).  Let us hope that the Justice Department is more energetic than they have been to date.



I also omitted, as does he, the continuing tragedy of sexual abuse and the attempts by the Church and its lawyers to get out of paying for it.

More Misreading Francis | National Catholic Reporter

More Misreading Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This idiocy happened under Benedict as well, and to a certain extent under St. John Paul.  I suspect that these little reports are mainly to sooth the consciences of their donors - the rest of us are not confused. Of course, that means that their donors are missing a chance to avoid Hell in a very real sense, so such interpretations are particularly crass.

Bishops & Media | National Catholic Reporter

Bishops & Media | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This means it was a slow news Sunday after Christmas.  I am also sure that neither of these prelates would have welcomed an immediate counterpoint by Burke, Chaput or any others.  I suspect that a few producers tad that idea and were slapped down.  Of course, it may be that the opponents are getting smart enough not to be used as a foil by being obnoxiously against reform (although I don't expect such wisdom from Malta).

How Bad Is Income Inequality? | National Catholic Reporter

How Bad Is Income Inequality? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It should not be the stuff of business schools, but school of political science and economics departments.  I am pretty sure they are studying these things.  Tax Policy Center discusses them but the real thing that must be highlighted is how the Reagan tax cuts caused them by giving CEOs license to steal.  The Greens and the Socialists are discussing the right things - and it is not up to the Democratic Party itself to discuss them, but its presidential candidates.  I am not sure we can go back by simply raising taxes - it is time to get rid of investor capitalism and replace it with employee-ownership.  Sadly, the Democrats won't go there because unions won't go there - their CEO salaries are on scale with business CEO salaries.  They won't change that.  Getting from here to there involves changing Social Security collections and using some of them to purchase company voting stock.  It has been an article of faith to never discuss that in the Democratic Party.

Weigel Misunderstands the Synod - And Much Else | National Catholic Reporter

Weigel Misunderstands the Synod - And Much Else | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Weigel is a true son of his patron, St. John Paul II - who himself is reputed to be the voice of reaction at Vatican II (and whom the Curia supported for election - although the Vatican II Fathers undoubtedly would not).  Weigel seems to think that the truth is what the Curia says it is.  It is time for the rest of us to have a voice.  Let us hope that each diocese has a method to hear from the sheep on these issues so that our truths, both for ourselves and those we love, are featured in the discussion enough to get to where we need to go.  I would go further than Kaspar.  Some items are not ripe for mercy (although Communion when remarried is) but acceptance (gay marriage) because they are not sins at all. I don't think the Church will get to the latter this year, but it will get there because the people are getting there - and quickly.

Christmas in Connecticut & Everywhere | National Catholic Reporter

Christmas in Connecticut & Everywhere | National Catholic Reporter MSW. MGB: Christmas in Washington.  I am sorry, but I cannot let what MSW wrote about connection in Washington v. Connecticut pass.   Like MSW, I am not from here but this has been my home for 30 of the last 31 years.  While the early time here has left little imprint, the last quarter century has firmly embedded me and my family of origin here.  Indeed, my mother, before she died, realized that to see her grandchildren,  she must travel to us - usually to my sister's abode - which has moved but is now a fixture of her Gaithersburg community - mostly because her son is friends with other sons.  I know of houses by who lives in them, including the one owned by the matriarch of  the Luchs family, where there is an annual Christmas eve event where you can find E.J Dionne and his large tribe, as well as other Washington notables.  I know a place where a bridge game and smoke could be had on Sunday afternoons in Georgetown and the home of John Ray in Brookland.  I am a piker at this.  My recently deceased friend and mentor, Marion Barry, knew everyone and every where like he was, well, the Mayor.



Sadly, divorce and the recession have made me poor.  I must soon rush out of here to work and will miss the party at Barbara's, as well as my usual 12th step marathon meeting.  I hope to go to Mass tomorrow, but without a care, Midnight Mass is out of the question (in my parish it is at 7 pm and I will be selling tickets at the not-local multiplex at 5.  I am among the poor that Jesus came to (in April) and am most in need of his coming, though the meeting and the Mass and the time with family that easily allow me to experience these things will not be with me tonite.  Yet I have faith that he is and will be with me and that is the miracle of Christmas.

Comfort & Consolation | National Catholic Reporter

Comfort & Consolation | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I find that those who oppose dealing compassionately with the divorced and remarried have the childish hope that the couples they united in Matrimony can somehow be brought back together based on, what morality, church discipline and a Warner Earhartesque honoring of their word.  Such fairytales are rare.  People get divorced for reasons, even if those reasons are only known to the (like the reasons for getting married in the first place.  The current generations were raised in a culture of divorce, even among Catholics, and it is time to figure out why those divorces happen, give the victim of such things as abandonment (me), adultery, addiction, abuse and a casual opinon on th permanence of marriage and those who are the perpetrator.  The offended party should have the right to forgive the offending spouse and get back together, forgive the offending spouse and let them marry again or deny forgiveness and make them either stay single or leave the Church to  remarry.



Notice I mentioned no Annullment process or penitential marriage rite.  That is because the marriage was between the couple, not the couple and the Church.  The Church can witness the proceedings, but they DO NOT HAVE A DOG IN THE FIGHT.  That and single clerics have no idea what is real in these things and no experience to draw on.  Sorry, Michael, but neither do unmarried bloggers.  Not even the Pope has done the late night fights or sleepless children thas is the entry to the core.  Doctrine is not better than our experience, so it is fairly useless.  This is why no one in my shoes gives it a tinker's dam.  That should say something about these arguments - that they are meaningless if conducted by celibates. Please take note of that view when you return and have a happy Christmas with your father - who might have a better POV on marriage than all of us.

Sheep Sighting in Vermont | National Catholic Reporter

Sheep Sighting in Vermont | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am glad he is able to come home, although going from an Indiana conservative flock (the lefities are in Indianapolis and South Bend) to the very liberal - actually socialist - Vermont flock will be an interesting transition.  I wonder if the Nuncio and Pope (and current Archbishop of Boston) are placing him so that he can get really good seats for the Red Socks, (if not the Pats - no bishop should play plutocrat that much as to be able to buy or be graced with such seats - apologies his Eminence if he receives this benefit from the Krafts or a season ticket holder).  I suppose that everyone thought Lori would get it.  Not so much now.  As a descendent of the Allens of Vermont - welcome Bishop Coyne!

Obama & Labor: Better Late Than Never | National Catholic Reporter

Obama & Labor: Better Late Than Never | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This was expected, which was why the GOP prevented so many appointments for so long - or left them un-filled by labor-friendly folk (but I recall they were empty precisely because if prompted to do something, it might just be the right thing - and big business can't have that).  Of course, ask any GOP stalwart if Bush was anti-labor and they will deny it. (this is not a call for rebuttals - our current economy is based on GOP economic policy - nothing Obama did).  Now, as for the trade deals, it depends on what Obama agrees to.  If he can impose conditions that make things better for both our workers and workers on the other side, especially in China, then lets see what happens. While he is the one with the massive debt, he is also the one with the nukes and 3 million men and women under arms.

Pope Francis' Address to the Curia | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Francis' Address to the Curia | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: These maladies are not just confined to the Curia - the functionaries of any large and permanent bureaucracy carry the same diseases.  At least in America, we occassionaly turn all such appointed folk out and replace them with members of the alternate party.  The problem in the Curia, particularly with the CDF (aka the Holy Office or Inquisition) is that their delusions of grandeur lead to the silencing of cutting edge theology that may just be correct - or to ignoring advances in biology or archeology that force everyone else to rethink both scripture or doctrine, except them. It is also amazing that outside commentators are treating as wholy writ those things that come from Francis' every address, as wel as every homily.  While there are those left and right who moan on what the Pope says, I think the left is moaning about what is lacking based on what is. We do also find it interesting that the language Cardinal Kaspar uses mirrors Dr. Martin Luther King and Mayor Marion Barry. We like he call Francis a radical. We are radicals too and perhaps can have lunch.  As for Benedict, his hermaneutic of discontinuity or reform comes in defense of St. John Paul II, who tried to fight all change at Vatican II and rolled back some of it.  Francis is finally going back the other way.  The left always hoped it would outlive the right and that appears to be happening, protests by Francis that he will be done in ten years nothwithstading.  Still, will the Curia receive the call any more directly than the brothers of the man on whose footsteps Lararus lived and died?  It is an intersting question - the key one for 2015 (as compelling as to whether someone who cam back from the dead can move them as well (and we know who that is).

Silk on Morals, Bias & Media | National Catholic Reporter

Silk on Morals, Bias & Media | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Interesting way for Silk to plug his book (although you have to read to the need to see what he is doing). Religious freedom is the issue of the the year.  The questions is, how do you separate real religious freedom from the act of moral scorn (which is when you use your faith to attempt to interfere with the moral rights of others).  This is true in gay marriage, was true with Don't Ask, Don't Tell being repealed (and neither had any real societal effect on either marriage or the military).  Indeed, moral scorn seems to be the stock in trade of the Taliban, as there is nothing wrong with educating children, including and especially girls.  Of course, the right wing Catholic press will never hit that angle.

Good News, and Bad, on Health Care | National Catholic Reporter

Good News, and Bad, on Health Care | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: In many states, the government is strong enough over the doctors to make sure immunizations were free - although now they come with a real well baby appointment and that is good news.  Vermont's failure of single-payer is sad, but I expect the opposition was fierce.  This is one of those things the that powers that be in health insurance don't want to ever succeed here.  My idea (aside from scrapping comprehensive insurance and giving people funds for the regular care - the one McCain ran with) is to slowly expand the Uniformed Public Health Service, staring with them seeing Medicaid patients for free instead of other doctors.  Then creep over into pre-existing condition patients and the elderly and soon we will have real socialized medicine, the British kind.  Having been treated by these folks for an adrenal tumor, that is not a bad option.

Cyber Warfare, Sony Pictures & Censorship | National Catholic Reporter

Cyber Warfare, Sony Pictures & Censorship | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Breen, the Legion of Decency and some within the Church loved having power over Hollywood.  Frankly, government standards would not have been so bad (although they can be as venal as the Catholic Church - for example in policing vulgar language (although profanity - Oh G_d, has always seemed OK) and the nipple on the Big Game (calling it by name is considered a copyright violation at times).  The government seeks to avoid problems while the Church wants to look powerful.  It is good that censorship is over, even though movies are a bit raunchier than they sometimes need to be (no one needs to ever see as much of Cedric the Entertainer as we did in Top Five - even if it was burlesque).  As for the Rogan Film, its still on schedule where I work, so I would not put all this hype about Korean Hackers into the serious threat box - it could all be a stunt.  The other option, of course, is that its a bad movie and this is an excuse to shelve it - although once the President said anything, the term staged comes to mind.  This says nothing about Obama save that he has a sense of humor.  Still, an April 1st opening would be a nice indicator that this is all fake, but I am unwilling to go for headlines and use that as my lead.

'Migrants leave behind everything but their faith' | National Catholic Reporter

'Migrants leave behind everything but their faith' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I hope that the Pope watches these films on the flight over here.  There is, of course, the very real truth that those who employ workers in the shadows do so to control labor costs in terms of both safety and wage.  I hope the films highlight this.  Of course, if these folks were unionized (no more right to work laws) and the restrictions lifted all workers who come would have full dignity and only enough would come for the available work.  As to Francis saying Mass at the fence, it would be a bit more political than when the bishops of the USCCB migration committee did it - that and it would lead to such a mass of humanity that the fence would be toppled (not a bad thing), but also that people would be hurt or killed.  If Francis wants to address the Latino part of the problem, he needs to visit Mexico and Guatemala, et al. Except he does not, for he knows.  He also knows that he is not issue, he simply carries the message from He who is.

Anticipating WPFMTS Syndrome | National Catholic Reporter

Anticipating WPFMTS Syndrome | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: To state a few counter-objections and their responses, the Pope is not an expert in scientific questions, indeed the more the Holy See relies on science the bigger the chance for error, whether this be how the cosmos operates, the mysteries of embryology or climate science.  These things must be taken in flux by the scientific community, but he can and must deal with the social consequences.  He can most definitely teach on population control and eugenics - not from fetishizing blastocysts, which are not yet moral objects, but to affirm the rights of people, especially poor people of color, to procreate as they see fit.  Criticizing the free market response to warming is also quite alright with me - although any act by a capitalist individually has little impact on the whole of the issue, much as we all like to pillory the Brothers Koch and China.



The place to criticize capitalism is in how  its benefits are uneven or absent for people who work or cannot work and live in those areas prone to change, whether that be Bangladesh or the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. Most importantly, the Church can call for governmental action, and the funds to pay for it, to make sure these people are moved with opportunity where they seek refuge and the condemned land kept fallow.  As for the national rights of all concerned - that is a political, not a moral question. The Holy See is a sovereign state as well.  It can speak as one among the community of nations.  On the moral authority, recognizing current and past scientific errors would certainly make the world take notice and would enhance the authority of the document.

The Cuba Deal | National Catholic Reporter

The Cuba Deal | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is a good thing, although sadly Obama had to wait until the midterms were over to do it - not because it is inappropriate but because he does not want to be blamed for the backlash by Cuban-American Exile voters (who like the rest of the GOP old white male club, are dying out.  More then Castro, their exit was necessary for full relations and no embargo.  How sad is it for a group to have progress have to wait until they are dead.  Its as bad as being Castro.  This is precisely when Obama had to do this.  Any closer to the election and the former governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, reaps too many benefits - just as his brother did when Bill Clinton did the legal and proper thing and sent Elian Gonzalez back home with his father - essentially costing Al Gore the election (no, it was not Nader).  Like young Elian, this action cannot really be undone and there is no reason to do so.  More trade, not less, will change the economic equation and that will free people to begin to chaff politically (which I am sure IS happening in China under our radar).  Trade with Eastern Europe certainly began the the process of overthrowing the USSR, although frankly we now know that they never were all that - and we had an interest in keeping it that way, just as some do with Cuba.  We have taken a step in ignoring these interests - making their continued reliance on Castro as a scape goat to keep the Exiles in the GOP less and less reasonable with time.

Meme of the Year, from St. Paul to Vienna | National Catholic Reporter

Meme of the Year, from St. Paul to Vienna | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I know the Pope likes this meme of the older brother, but it has limited applicability.  It may apply to failed marriages, but in this case the older brother is not the Curia, but the spouse who may have been wronged in the divorce who sees his wife or her husband married again in the Church.  Of course, if he were alcoholic, abuse, etc. (in my case insolvent and working at a job beneath me) then he also has something to be sorry about.  In some cases, like abuse, the wife has nothing to forgive - sometimes, however, though not necessarily an obligation (although if she wishes forgiveness, it may be), is the better path.  As for gay marriage, no sin is being forgiven so the older brother needs to be scolded for homophobia and it is the gay couple that must bring forgiveness.  I am sure that would go over nicely with Ray Burke - someone forward him my remarks.  Maybe I should forgive him?  Maybe, if he seeks pardon.  Not holding my breath.

Torture & Evangelization | National Catholic Reporter

Torture & Evangelization | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The poll is interesting, because it seems that the non-religious are more humane on torture than Catholics.  This does not reflect ethics v.faith but the group dynamics of a Church with a hierarchist leadership and followers who have in their Catholic DNA a willingness to treat non-group members (Muslims and Protestants) with justifiable malice (at least in their eyes).  This has nothing to do with the New Evangalization (although not hating the Protestants might help) or Humanae Vitae (which is an ethical issue - one that the Mitered Ones get very very wrong on the biology and relationship sides - although they are correct on the Eugenics).



What the empty tomb points to is not just salvation for individuals - but JUSTICE!  That is the place where we must go on birth control (starting with who talks about it) and torture.  Jesus did not come as a law giver, he came to preach justice.  He sides with the gay married for that reason, not with the prudes who think their moral world will collapse if they must hire a gay married -or even perform the ceremony.  Natural law is about human reason, not the empty tomb, and it is time for the Mitered Ones to cede the fact that every person, especially those with Confirmation, have all they need for natural law reason.  Of course, that voids the religious liberty argument as anything but organizational politicking - which should be for an after-Mass meeting, not a homily (if this inane thing is continued at all). This applies as equally to gay marriage and ENDA issues which are linked to the GOP backed National Right to Life Committee - it seems that some of the bishops have a group favorite, which also interferes with their stand on immigration.



As for Torture, there is a great deal of natural law experience - not the Catholic body, but the real stuff.  It is entirely for intimidation of an enemy or peasant - it does nothing to prevent future operations (unless you think you can break the instigator and send him back a broken man to do your bidding - since we want to kill Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the torture had no value at all. As individuals, we must forgive, but as a nation, KSM should have been done in long ago. That may have made him a martyr, but gong free keeps his danger value at unacceptable levels.



Going back to the Church, will personal style and humility make the people more compassionate about torture?  Probably not, nor should we expect it to.  Actually having the natural law conversation on torture - using standard natural law, the Curial variety, might help.  Of course, public opinion does not make torture right or not right, nor legal or illegal.  I don't care how many people love or despise Dick Cheney, we do not prosecute war criminals based on how much they are loved or how much compassion they deserve.  I would give the average heart transplant patient lots of compassion - but that does not mean that Citizen Cheney should be allowed to escape justice.

Personalist Communitarianism | National Catholic Reporter

Personalist Communitarianism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Mr. Christian needs to read the book on Cultural Theory co-authored by his Department Chair, Dennis Coyle.  He will learn about Grid-Group Theory, which puts the terms he uses - and uses for the Church - into better perspective. Indeed, any article on Catholics and their participation in politics that does not mention the Hierarchism of the Church itself (Pope Pius XII called it the natural state of man) or its belief that the third world is best served by an enlightened Despotism is missing a few things.  When I studied under Professor Wildavsky at American (who also taught Coyle), he noted that people can mix cultures based on location (what you are at work may not be what you are at home).



That applies to politics as well and certainly to the Church.  That Francis is not the Hierarchist that many of his bishops are is telling. It would be so convenient if he were regarding change in the social views of the Church (a more apt term than the political views).  Sadly, i is also the case that some hierarchists, like Burke and Chaput, take their views into America politics and interact well with some of the GOP hierarchists.   The problem for the Church is that such hierarchism is foreign to America's founding political culture - as well as personalist communitarianism (a JPII catch phrase if there ever was one).  Such conflict is why Archbishop Chaput is trying to walk back the whole culture warrior thing in order to get a Red Hat (the best hierarchical job besides the Pope).

The Koch Brothers & CCHD | National Catholic Reporter

The Koch Brothers & CCHD | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: David also supports legalizing pot.  He is a libertarian - its a stock answer for us - even if we think life exists at conception or gastrulation (a better answer), putting the police power of the state in the mix does no one any good - including the unborn who die with their mothers in a botched abortion.  The puritanical Catholics who want to be more Catholic than the Pope need to look at why we have these positions, not just whether we agree with them or not.  I wonder if the influence of David's money, rather than his logic, will cause Fr. Z and his ilk to re-examine their views on CCHD.  Likely not.  The whole abortion and gay marriage thing is not the objection - its the association with governmental measures to decrease policy and the implicit socialism that really bothers the EWTN crowd - and David Koch and the Pope won't change that.

'But Lord, throw a banana peel in front of them....' | National Catholic Reporter

'But Lord, throw a banana peel in front of them....' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: To a large extent, the Holy Father's daily homilies are like any others - that of a priest sharing his faith with his flock.  I am sure that by now he knows that the world is watching and it would be a nice bit of underground revolution if this is how he got messages out.  It is not, however, the forum for propounding doctrine for the whole Church.  That he mentioned the Synod is interesting, but whether that is a message remains to be seen.  As far as Burke goes, he is definitely a rigorist although I wish someone would tell him no more interviews with web pages. Watching right wing sycophants give him an interview that they think helps their side, but really helps the other side, is like watching train wreck.  Still, Francis treats people like Raymond Burke as colleagues - he is one of the insiders and this pope takes collegiality seriously, even as they fight over content.  That was and is the problem of sex abuse of minors being covered up, and Francis was no better at it in Argentina.  Expect no doctrinal purges this year or the next.

Chaput: Still a Culture Warrior | National Catholic Reporter

Chaput: Still a Culture Warrior | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The reality is if he thought he could (had Jeremiah Wright not been disowned by the President), he would tell Dr. Wright to ban Obama from Communion.  He may not be a culture warrior, but he plays one nicely on TV and if he thinks he has hid his Republicanism well, only he thinks so.  I can understand why he is taking a sabbatical.  They are giving Red hats out in Rome in two months and he wants his, the one generally reserved for Philly.  Anyone want to take bets on whether he gets it?

Sorry, Fido: Pope Francis did not say our pets are going to heaven | National Catholic Reporter

Sorry, Fido: Pope Francis did not say our pets are going to heaven | National Catholic Reporter Mediums will tell you that dogs (never heard anything about cats) are sentient spirits who do move on - but that is a matter of the occult, not the Catholic religion.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan cuts ties with anti-abortion crusader Frank Pavone | National Catholic Reporter

Cardinal Timothy Dolan cuts ties with anti-abortion crusader Frank Pavone | National Catholic Reporter This confirms what I have long thought - that the pro-life movement is organized for both personal gain and for Republican Party politics.  The difference here is that Pavone seems to have been very sloppy in covering this up.  It also shows that Dolan wants to be more like Cardinal O'Malley of Boston, who no one would accuse of carrying water for the GOP - indeed, in doing funeral rites for our friend Teddy, just the opposite.

Gerson on Liberal Arrogance | National Catholic Reporter

Gerson on Liberal Arrogance | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: That they will read it is not a question - if only to rebut it.  Anyone listening to the debate in 2009 (I was listening to the wrap up on the way home from NIH after surgery - so if I could, anyone could) would know that if your health plan did not cover all the required element - especially if it was substandard in terms of what was covered in a year - then you were going to lose that policy, whether you were in the individual or corporate market.  As for taxes on the non-wealthy, they were considered fees for not following the mandate - although anyone who knew tax precedents knew that that Commerce Clause was a tough sell (although the Chief Justice talked a lot about the expanding Commerce Clause in his confirmation hearing) but tax was not.  Either way, an unpaid fine was going to your tax bill if unpaid - now it just starts there.  As for Republcans being fooled - none I know were fooled, nor any Democrats who were active in the debate.  Those who were not may be surprised - but that's because they were watching something on the Entertainment Channel (aka E!) or some other non-news item.  We can't force every citizen to pay attention - even to their own side.  NOt sure, of course, what this has to do with Catholicism.

WPFMTS Syndrome is Back | National Catholic Reporter

WPFMTS Syndrome is Back | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The extent to which the Pope's newest letter depends on science is the extent to which views can be changed, because scientific knowledge changes - both with better measurement and discovery and with the process of scientific communication.  Still, the message must be that if you are sure that something is afoot with climate change and that something has bad effects for other people - then action is not optional - no matter how many scientists the Koch Brothers and their industry try to buy.  This encyclical should ideally cause those Catholics who take money for climate denial to take a second look at what they are doing - and if they agree, to stop - and maybe even publicly denounce those who funded that denial (paying back the money if possible - which is the ultimate witness in the Koch Brothers world.  Of course, if you think warmth is good then you are probably not a scientist - although all human adaptation to climate is not bad if it is slow enough - but Florida washing away cannot be pretty - if only the Kochs lived there.

Is Pope Francis Right about the Synod? | National Catholic Reporter

Is Pope Francis Right about the Synod? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Francis has a wonderful outlook - one that sees debate, not division, among his bishops on these issues, as well as a unity of purpose.  Whether the bishops or the commentators share that is another story.  While Francis does not see factions, many of the rest of us do - both inside and outside the Synod. We are each entitled, by the way, to our points of view - first about the facts and then the points of view themselves.  This means that all can be right - because they are as they see it.  Francis is taking a larger view and will finally have to put his foot down about the concluding doctrine - that is unless the Second Synod can establish some consensus without his having to do so.



About the Church and modernity - I once watched a piece about the Middle Ages.  Guess what.  They were modern by their POV and their Church was the modern Church.  The Renaissance Church was also modern, as was the Church of the Enlightenment.  The Church cannot, of course, avoid dealing with the ambient culture in every age.  It has, in fact, changed with each generation - as the hierarchy, curia and theologians bring their language and ideas to the Deposit of Faith.  Note that reading a Bible in English will no longer get you burned at the stake. It is likely that marriage after divorce and taking Communion will not longer be considered a sacrilege in the very near future - however that may change that whole system of thought on when Communion can occur.  Including while being gay and not celibate, or a pro-choice politician at the Communion rail. This recognition of continuing modernity, of course, is what the Burke faction hates - but they are arguing with the rain and wind.  Will the gay marriage faction get these unions blessed?  Maybe not just yet - but the voice of the people will speak on that anyway.

Silk on Pope Francis' 'Culture War' | National Catholic Reporter

Silk on Pope Francis' 'Culture War' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Its about being as much a shepherd as a pastor.  Its not a style, either - it is just who Francis is.  Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Springfield sees to care more about maintaining donations as he does being either a shepherd or a pastor.  At some level, the task for Francis must be, as a shepherd, to find and expel wolves such as these. If a wolf is wounding you, task one is getting rid of the wolf or else he will take another bite later.

Hands Up - Let's Pray | National Catholic Reporter

Hands Up - Let's Pray | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: St. Clements congregation raises hands in solidarity.  Nice. A first step, but nice.

The Family & the Economy | National Catholic Reporter

The Family & the Economy | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Such legislation means that all employers are held to the same standard - from sick leave to predictable hours.  When dealing with young workers living at home, the impacts are not so large - but for those of us trying to make work - or even to get home before the train stops - matters are a bit more dire - however the infrastructure of these industries is not enough to give real benefits - a problem in an un-declared Depression.

Gov't Shutdown Politics at Its Worst | National Catholic Reporter

Gov't Shutdown Politics at Its Worst | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The reason the GOP is getting more in this stop-gap is that they could go home on almost all issues and come back with a Democratic Senate.  I would rather not change any part of Dodd-Frank now, although I do favor shifting funding to parties from candidates.  Homeland Security changes won't go through on their own - and won't next year when the optics for Obama making a stand are better - however he won't cancel Christmas.  I hope the Democrats put forth an immigration bill next year. It won't pass, but it will be better than the one that passed the Senate, which made Latino voters believe, and rightly so, that punitive measures were all right with the Dems.  That was also bad optics, worse than the ones in the House.

More Francis Effect | National Catholic Reporter

More Francis Effect | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Popes always try to drive the conversation - it is where they drive it that separates Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis I.  It is the effect of our paying attention that defines the Francis effect.  People are turned on - that is what is new - and it says as much about us and what we wanted and needed as it does about Francis.

Dems Pushback on Wall Street | National Catholic Reporter

Dems Pushback on Wall Street | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am surprised Barry Sanders is not on the list.  Of course, when this happens, it is because there are save Republican votes to get the nomination done anyway.  The Senators are trying to set a message.  The question is, will the economic powers that be care more about their confirmation than in responding to this wing (and do they think that any nominee that is responsive to these three has any chance of confirmation?)?  I suspect statements are being made, but that is all.  I hope that the new nominee both knows where the bodies are buried and is willing to dig them up, regardless of how this looks to his former colleagues and their prospects for prosecution (or his).

The Immorality of Torture | National Catholic Reporter

The Immorality of Torture | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The reason for any violence can only be danger - does it mitigate the danger or not - whether it is a dangerous pregnancy or a a dangerous terrorist.  That is an ethical statement, not a religious one.  It is also the standard to be used in these instances.  Any Christian stance was corrupted by the desire of the Crusaders to rescue the Holy Land (and the continued desire to place the Jews there).  Christians are the danger historically and until forgiveness is sought - seeking a biblical response is dizzying and at best as Neo-conservative as Dick Cheney.  As to Khalid Sheiek Mohammed, he expected to be tortured and the operators were amazed at what he could take.



His perception was that we were evil and we simply confirmed it.  Why torture?  Its not for information - it is to force submission.  Those tortured gave more information both before and after under FBI non-violence torture techniques.



As to responsibility, the nation was in fear at this point and it showed its fear by letting torture happen and even thinking it should.  Fear and love have no place in the same heart.  Our political leaders at the time, first among them being Dick Cheney (who was operating his own foreign policy if you read the book Angler by Barton Gellman), used that fear to justify this program.  While Bush did not renounce these policies, he did pull the plug and Cheney and the policies stopped.  Should he have hung his Vice President in the wind?  Maybe, but he did not.  He did make him the least active Vice President in history after that point - so you can't say Cheney was not punished.  Indeed, having an empty desk and no mandate may have been worse on Cheney than giving him the public forum of a trial.



So what is the Christian thing to do with Dickey Boy?  That is really what we are asking - forgive him though he has not sought it?  Hold him up for public ridicule and try him so that he can spend the rest of his life in a cage?  Should this part of the debate be Christian or should it be under American and International Law and for what end?  Would he be the scapegoat for expunging our fear  and responsibility - which are somewhat rate - but not real in terms of our direct endorsement of these practices?  There was not pro-torture candidate in the 2008 elections - and maybe that was enough.  Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama made the decision not to seek either impeachment or trail.  Maybe that is our answer on the Christian ethics of this situation.  Whether a future President seeks an indictment (the statute of limitations does not end or torture) is an open question, likely to be answered by God as Cheney ages and dies in what most will call ignominy.

Vatican asks for wide input on 2015 synod, not based on doctrine | National Catholic Reporter

Vatican asks for wide input on 2015 synod, not based on doctrine | National Catholic Reporter They probably don't go far enough.  Unless they ask for natural law responses and cede the ability for such reasoning to everyone, not just the bishops, the theologians and the Curia, they are still walking blind and are deaf to the truth that is the will of God.

RC Theologians on Racial Injustice | National Catholic Reporter

RC Theologians on Racial Injustice | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Here is more, although the real game is still the Justice Department.  I also wonder if some of the right wing Catholic Press and people will react negatively to this.  Two to One that Fr. Z will still be an ass.

Kudos to Russell Moore | National Catholic Reporter

Kudos to Russell Moore | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Never thought I would see the Chair of the SBC Ethics Commission say Black lives matter.  Lets see if he is pilloried or agreed with.

Archdiocese of St. Paul Hires Another Lawyer | National Catholic Reporter

Archdiocese of St. Paul Hires Another Lawyer | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The biblical phrase that is relevant is that it would be better for him to tie a millstone around his neck and throw him into the Sea (which in this case would either be the Mississippi River or Lake Superior).  Of course, that is if he messed with children - if he had gay consensual sex with someone of age, I am not sure anyone has the right to sue.  Unless he abused his office to cover it up (looks like he is - regardless of the criminality).  He needs to quit fighting gay marriage and get one - and the Church should bless him in this.

AFJN: Making Government Responsive | National Catholic Reporter

AFJN: Making Government Responsive | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It looks like they invented parish social ministry, which we do have here.  Corruption was common here in the late nineteenth century before the professionalism of government.  Until then, corrupt capitalists can still have government in their pockets for a pittance.  It took a presidential assassination (or three) got get on the right track.  While an easier road would be nice, it does take the population to begin minding as much as the bishops and priests - and even then it might not be appropriate for the Church to lead this.  Politicians will be polite to Church leaders, but what they really need is competition in a civil society (meaning the outside party is not killed for speaking the truth).  Some nations have longer to go than others - usually the ones with a wealthier population develop faster. That is why industry coming to Africa, while a challenge, is also part of the solution.

Pope Francis, Obama & the Crazies | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Francis, Obama & the Crazies | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sadly, I don't think either Francis or Obama were proposing major reforms (although Francis is coming closer than people think on relations with the Orthodox).  Still, I don't think either man is out for revolution - which makes all of those who deny the legitimacy of either look all the more silly.  The Affordable Care Act is hardly socialized medicine (based as it was on Romneycare) and dealing with mercy on divorced and remarried Catholics and helping families with a gay child support him or her so that they don't feel alienated and kill themselves is hardly the stuff of revolution.  Pity that.

Rusty Reno - You are no Leon Wieseltier | National Catholic Reporter

Rusty Reno - You are no Leon Wieseltier | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would say MSW's personal stake means it may be good to step away from the issue (and start reading The Nation if we wants real liberalism).  When the staff resigns en masse, its a bad sign for the new management - and when First Things starts ridiculing you, you know you are in trouble, since they are probably the biggest idiots out there.  I never read any of their work, including through links.  If they say it, I assume the truth is elsewhere, which reminds me of a different vice presidential debate quote - you know the one - by Perot;s running mate - Admiral Richard Stockdale.  "Who am I and what am I doing here?"  That is probably more for the new publisher than Reno.

Fighting the Injustice of Land-Grabs in Africa | National Catholic Reporter

Fighting the Injustice of Land-Grabs in Africa | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sadly, this is what happens to poor people everywhere.  Appalachia has a similar history with big coal. The problem is that without a well educated populace, government leaders are largely unaccountable, which makes them of no use in stopping these land-grabs.  Putting in a Land Value Tax may or may not help, because the people are leasing the land, not selling it, so they would have to pay the tax.  The problem is, there are no better deals to be had - it may just be that losing the land will drive people into the cities, leading to industrialization, consumerism and an eventual middle class.  It may be time to quit thinking of Africa as a theme park, with the Africans being part of the exhibit.  Parts of Africa are having good luck with industrialization - getting a job is part of growing up, for cultures as well as teenagers.

Why not a Jewish state? | National Catholic Reporter

Why not a Jewish state? | National Catholic Reporter Guess that whole apartheid thread on Israel is correct (especially if you count the territories as part of Israel).  Demographics are destiny, which is why Bebe is running scared.  Still, at least he is being honest.  I'm a bit tired of those who keep denying that apartheid is way of life in Israel.  Maybe this will bring the national discussion that no American president seems to want to force on Israel - but if this bill is passed, aid needs to stop. This is one step too far. (btw, my third great grandfather was Jewish and two others were Romany (converted Samaritans). I have a right to be ticked at how this is going.

Francis talks synod, demotion of Cardinal Burke in latest interview | National Catholic Reporter

Francis talks synod, demotion of Cardinal Burke in latest interview | National Catholic Reporter It is interesting that it was probably Benedict who did not follow through on Burke's formal appointment to the Signatura. It seems Francis did not give him what he wanted, but what he needed. That is how he seems to be looking at both how to deal with a gay child (without them resorting to suicide) and how to deal with second marriages after a divorce. It seems like he is looking for solutions, not dealing with factions. This means its a bad time in Rome to be doctrinaire about doctrine. It will be next year when the real resistance happens - although it won't be from Burke. His new job with the Knights of Malta keeps him out of the next Synod. Wonder if Francis is crazy like a fox after all?

Body Count at TNR | National Catholic Reporter

Body Count at TNR | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I suspect a new online magazine will emerge with everyone who is out.  Oddly, a paper journal is not possible unless they find an investor with deep pockets - which is the problem with the old TNR. They also need a new name - can't use TNR - maybe The New Liberal?

Robert Christian on Pope Francis at Strasbourg | National Catholic Reporter

Robert Christian on Pope Francis at Strasbourg | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Europe is interesting, because it is much more communitarian than the United States.  It is now moving toward a more Lockean version of rights - that they are inherent rather than granted by the State - which is the American view - a view that is also influencing the Church - indeed it helped bring the Church into the twentieth century at Vatican II when it finally accepted a right to religious freedom (even if that meant the freedom not to be Catholic).  Still Europe is not yet like us - its members still cling to sovereignty - much like the states did prior to the Civil War.  Hopefully, it will not take another war for Europe to form a more perfect union - including a common tax and Treasury.  As for the attack on consumerism - one must always remember that without such things, workers will radicalize into a more Marxian paradigm. In one way, consumerism lets capitalism continue - but in another way it transforms capitalism to benefit the workers that would otherwise be exploited.

RIP: The New Republic | National Catholic Reporter

RIP: The New Republic | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This sounds like one of those resign or be fired deals.  I am sorry for your loss.  Everything will be all right as long as it does not go the way of the other TNR - The National Review (aka The New Republican).  I was confusing the two - although for liberalism, my preference is The Nation.  The more the right pillories Gloria Vander Heuvel, the more credibility she has with me. Still, I like the story of how MSW got his first gig.  It seems like being discovered really is about being in the right place at the right time.  That makes it a God thing.

Fixing the Vatican: It ain't easy, but it's happenning | National Catholic Reporter

Fixing the Vatican: It ain't easy, but it's happenning | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Going from last to first, I am sure the money is a slush fund - whether it is for the Curia or being laundered for the Mafia (yes, it does exist) is an interesting question - and helping find the answer if it is the latter is not healthy for one's body, but is for the soul.  As for the John Paul bishops and priests, until they are replaced, a purge is difficult - however the will have to age out and/or die - so sloth in this matter is a real option in many cases.  Finding those honest men to replace them is much harder.  This leads us to the problem of sexual abuse.  If the Vatican takes criminal jurisdiction in Dominica, it makes it very much harder to continue claiming that these are matters for the local Church and that bishops are not, in fact, employees of the Pope through the Nuncieri.  That puts the Vatican Bank and its art (which is culturally very un-PC - Mary was not white and neither is Jesus) at considerable risk. I doubt that Francis cares, so we will hopefully see some movement to end the extraterritoriality argument in the civil lawsuits on behalf of victims (and their lawyers - as they want the paycheck).  This would essentially undo the Counter-Reformation and agree with Luther on the funding of the Vatican and its art in the first place.  Now that would be a revolution!

Sen. Warren at AFL-CIO | National Catholic Reporter

Sen. Warren at AFL-CIO | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am pretty sure that Warren is staying out - and that Bernie Sanders will be the far left candidate (he shows stamina, Jim Webb, on the other hand, was a one-term Senator).  As for Clinton, she showed up on campus during the run up to finals week.  If she were the nominee, or even the front runner after Iowa (and she had better do Iowa) and New Hampshire, the place would be backed.  I am amazed that abortion did not come up in the discussion and I am sure she forgot my advice to her when it does (to go after the pro-life movement as a partisan scam - which it is - it is impossible for their stated strategy to win outside GOP conservative voters).  Ask me in a year how Hillary is doing.  Of course, I wonder what her approach to Bernie Sanders will be - will she move with him to the left or do the whole Red scare thing (or have Bill do it).  We will know by this time next year.

Webb is Right | National Catholic Reporter

Webb is Right | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There are special interest groups and then there are special interest groups.  I think the Senator was referring to Wall Street, in veiled slap at Clinton who loves their money.  I don't think he has a problem with labor, given his prior statements on poverty and work.  Of course, Bernie Sanders is running to his left - but this won't be the coronation of Secretary Clinton everyone assumes it was.  This may be fun, although a lurch to the left may make a Jeb Bush victory possible.

Unearthing the gender balance at the heart of our Catholic tradition | National Catholic Reporter

Unearthing the gender balance at the heart of our Catholic tradition | National Catholic Reporter by Sister Christine Schenk.  MGB: The woman mentioned in Solomon's court most likely wrote the Book of J (the base of the Torah).  No wonder the misogynists who later edited it portrayed all religious women as temple prostitutes.  On the Christian side, no one likes to approach the fact that it was Priscilla, not Peter, who was the first benefactor of Rome.  Peter came later.  If he had been first bishop, Paul would have mentioned him in Romans.

More on Koch Brothers & Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter

More on Koch Brothers & Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I wrote about this when it came out and MSW commented.  This is a nice counter punch - although I like mine better.  Kasper's comment about Francis being a radical is interesting - and he is not just like Jesus, or rather Jesus is more to the left than the right imagines.  The Kochs are a different kind of radical.  The term for them is reactionary.  We've had some popes like that too.  I won't name names, but you can guess who I would.

If I Lived in LA... | National Catholic Reporter

If I Lived in LA... | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I remember the weekly question from my father as to whether I wanted to go to Confession.  At the age of 10, the only thing I had to confess were scruples on where I scratched.  Then I looked at one of the sex education books they put out in the old days about not getting naked, even when dressing, and it gave me no respect for the Church in this area.  Until it publicly announces that its not interested in small time sexual sins and that these are not mortal, most people will simply stay away - no matter how good the advertising.  As to those who have been missing Church - they don't need Confession, they need to go to Church and listen for the angels shout for joy as they join the Communion line.  The fact is, morality is for us, not to settle a debt with God.  Of course, forgiveness without forgiving others is as ineffective now as it was when Jesus talked about the parable of the forgiven servant (which describes something akin to Purgatory).

Is US Becoming a Banana Peel Republic? | National Catholic Reporter

Is US Becoming a Banana Peel Republic? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: A banana peel Republic is one pratfall after the other.  We actually have that.  There will not be a series of vetos because Leader-to-Be McConnell does not have enough votes at his disposal to block Harry Reid, or any Democrat, from a filibuster. Still, the Senate often does pass legislation - just not the dreck sent over by the Republican Study Group - which Boehner allows to pass and then die.  The main dysfunction was the House and probably still will be - due to the Hastert Rule, which was put in after Speaker Gingrich (who claims to be a budget balancer) allowed a coalition of Democrats and Moderate Republicans to pass Clinton's tax and appropriations bills with the Republican right wing (now the RSC) fuming.  It has always been in the Speaker's purview to stop this non-sense - and with no obvious RSC leader ready to challenge him for the Speakership (and the prospect that Pelosi may support him in any removal vote - and that would be unprecedented), the Hastert rule may be about to go down in flames.



Now, to the various issues.  The Executive Order on immigration was most likely vetted so it could not be challenged in court, which is likely why the Republican Study Group geeked (as well as the fact that they lose in any government shutdown, even one this far from the next election - and you can't get farther than after the last one.  They are simply ticked that they were outmaneuvered so well - and getting ticked is what their constituents want them to do - because they are still ticked that the son of a Kenyan radical born in Hawaii who is younger than they are could be elected to the presidency and they could not - and still cannot.



The under-funding of Homeland Security is just plain stupid, especially when you are waiting to go through security at an airport and they tell you the flights are all canceled once the temporary funding expires.  Next. (and they are still ticked at the young, African Hawaiian thing).



On the tax extenders, I am not so sure that the permanent versions won't pass this year - removing all the baseline issues that adhere to them and allowing them to be deleted in leisure rather than passed in a two year window or single year window.  I suspect that the President would sign an omnibus with permanent tax extenders in them, although it sounds like we won't find out.  One year wins! (It gives the I don't like the young black guy caucus something to do next year or the following spring).



The extension of the child tax credit, et al, are not sun-setting this year - so there is time to make them permanent later - or even expand them - and expand them by a lot - thus making it possible that many who chose abortion now will choose childbirth later when the prospect of caring for the child seems out of reach - although they still don't like the young (not so young anymore), African Hawaiian (they hate the optics of Christmas back in the islands) suggesting ways to reduce abortion that they disagree with, because the pro-life movement seems to believe in personal responsibility in all things financial but not on women's health and abortion. They certainly hate funding immigrants in this way - I guess they are OK with aborting anchor babies. Luckily, the Supreme Court has made its views clear on such exceptions for a long, long time.



Electric motorcycles are fine with me, provided they go really fast and throw in body army too.  There will be a time when electric cars are fueled from an underground roof-deck and motorcycles are gone - so give them their fun while we can.



Just to highlight one thing, the congruence between the Congressional Right to Life Caucus and the Republican Study Group if fairly high (aka, the Hell No Caucus MSW talks about).  Democrats for Life and their fans need to realize that and maybe take a step back from the festivities of January 22nd next year.  When you lie with these dogs.....

The Pope and the Koch Brothers? | National Catholic Reporter

The Pope and the Koch Brothers? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Well done take down of crony capitalism, which is a term capitalists use to have their cake and eat it too.  Indeed, Capitalism is how the entrepreneurs try to corner both the labor market and the product for their own benefit - and control the government to let them do it.  There is nothing about the free market or competition there.  I am not sure anyone of that stripe can can be associated with this pope, other than joining him in a "selfie" or a more official photograph from a private audience.  They do like certain bishops, however, and willingly fund a pro-life movement that serves as the permanent get out the vote organ for the Republican Party (and which does not care one bit for Democrats for Life).  



There is something to be said for a match between the libertarian view and the Catholic view on lifting people out of poverty - and that is education - although no one seems to be ready to pay anyone who is functionally illiterate a full time wage just to go to school.  It is time for the Church to spend as much on this population as it does the college bound.  Charity can never be the purview of the rich alone - government is needed to make sure the dollars are spent justly - given to those who need them and given adequately - which the conservatives are largely responsible for doing.  I would favor employer taxes over personal ones, with employers funding local education and welfare providers in order to reduce that burden - but not to make the burden optional.  It is not cheap to lift people out of poverty - or to maintain them in dignity while we do so.



Liberty is still important - not the economic kind - but the personal and social kind.  It flows from the freedom of conscience described by St. Thomas Aquinas - where the intellect informs the will, but because in this life that which compels the will, God, is not present in pure form - we must and are entitled to chose between imperfect goods.  It is not the Church's right to dictate those choices or the state to compel them - as the latter requires a police state to just that extent.  Libertarian socialists, like me, want such political force to only extend the what is required for public safety and for economic justice - a sentiment that I am sure neither Micheal Sean Winters or the Koch brothers agree with.  Can the Pope be convinced of this?   It seems to me that Francis is closer than St. John Paul to this, but who am I to judge?

'Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom'????? | National Catholic Reporter

'Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom'????? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: His Grace, the Archbishop, is using his office to promote the agenda of the Republican Party, as well as trying to coopt the founding and its deeply Masonic roots.  Anyone want Freedom Fries with that Cheesesteak?  Of course, one wonders who Chaput wants freedom from more - Obama or Francis?

Midterms deliver verdict of dissatisfaction | National Catholic Reporter

Midterms deliver verdict of dissatisfaction | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: 2016 will be very different from 2014 because the GOP will be on the defense for the Senate seats won in 2010.  This year was bad because it was the year 2008 was to be defended, which was a year Obama did very unexpectedly have coattails in such places as North Carolina.  A repeat was not in the cards.  It was the economy, not the message on the economy, that failed Obama.  This past year, the banks dumped a lot of homes in their foreclosure inventories onto the market.  Housing prices, especially condos, went down.  Young workers could not take advantage, but landlords can - and they were not voting for Obama anyway.



Pelvic issues only work for the Democrats if they are under attack - and sometimes not even then, as Wendy Davis found.  Cardinal Dolan stayed away from Congress this year - so there were no active fronts on the war on women (and the GOP gains on Trap Laws will soon be overturned by the Courts - sadly just in time for the right to life scammers to talk about the war on the unborn in 2016).  Was the strategy horrible?  Not really, since it fires up the activists in the Democratic Party - yet it does not really work unless the candidate is stupidly extreme on the same issues (like rape causing automatic miscarriages).  Because the GOP told its pro-life candidates to put a cork in it, there was nothing to respond to (unlike 2012 - when the GOP could have won the Senate except for its loudly pro-life candidates.



While one would hope, with Democrats for Life, that an economic campaign to make abortion rare would help (and I certainly favor that - especially a much larger and always refundable child tax credit - say one thousand dollars per child per month) - most pro-life voters despise such efforts as an affront to personal economic responsibility (although they are perfectly happy attacking personal sexual responsibility - unless that means abstinence - even for the married).



The youth vote was what the Democrats needed and they simply did not come out.  They hardly ever do in midterms and it is debatable whether the poor economy or voter suppression were factors - as in many places there were active GOP measures to keep college students from voting at their dorm addresses, making campus ID insufficient to prove residency at the polls.  Their actions are very likely unconstitutional, but the Department of Justice did not do a good job in challenging these dirty tricks and there is little evidence that the youth vote was any lower than in any other mid-term, although this will be a big issue for 2016.



The Speaker is in better shape this year than two years ago - simply because there is no obvious replacement for him.  That will change, since one will be elected - but the new Majority Leader will not have the strength to challenge for the Speaker's chair - although the governing margin is not so big that he can run roughshod over the Tea Party extremists in the Republican Steering Committee (which sounds just a bit fascist - because it is).  Whether the unholy alliance between Senator Cruz and the RSC continues depends on whether he runs for the White House.  If he does, Cruz will not be around to make mischief for the rest of the congressional party.



Will there be some magical change in the dynamic between Obama and the RSC - or the rest of the GOP?  Are you kidding me?  Absolutely not!  This majority ran on opposing Obama.  That won't change and any member who goes soft on the President, even on his own agenda, will be primaried by the Tea Party, whose funders and supporters (in that order), hate Obama for mostly his age - but probably is African origins as well.



The Senate passed immigration bill was never meant to become law.  It was meant to showcase how the House would never vote on it, even though it has most of what the GOP wants.  The GOP would not even pass the phone book - as a phone book - if Obama favored it.  That is the takeaway for the next two years.  Clip this sentence and put it on your shaving or makeup mirror and you can safely ignore what goes on in Washington for the next two years.  The bill fooled no one - especially not Latinos - who regard it as too punitive - which it is.  A better bill would have been one that McConnell would have stopped in the Senate - one without the punitive fines and waiting periods.  Blame this one on Harry Reid.



Trade bills likely will pass - which is good for consumers and bad for both domestic and overseas workers - and the Congress won't support any provisions that would make it less so.  While a thriving economy would hold displaced workers harmless - we don't have a thriving economy.  There is no way we could have because Obama caved to Rick Santinelli of CNBC (who promised a Tea Party - which came because of health insurance reform) and Larry Summers on not extending radical mortgage forgiveness to underwater borrowers - essentially leaving them to foreclosure and bankruptcy, which was the Romney policy.  Big labor won't like this, but they did not like NAFTA either - and they still supported Clinton for a second term.  As big labor is essentially an organ of the Democratic Party - especially teachers (who do respond to the war on women - as well as any effort on school choice - especially Catholic schools) - they are usually ignored on governing decisions, just like the House Democrats - who will fall in line on anything the Senate Democrats agree to.

God's Advent | National Catholic Reporter

God's Advent | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The return of captive Israel (the Samaritans) is a real thing - as they are both Romany (gypsy - I am one, so I can use the word and not violate PC) and converted Christian Palestinians who are now Muslim.  Now these are some challenging groups to deal with who are also poor - for many they are the unworthy poor - but we unworthy poor are the best kind.  Of course, the coming of Christ is mostly for our hearts - even for those to whom he has already come and still resides.  Clearing away the sin is good - but the reality is the darkness of  our hearts really does reflect the darkness of our land due to the changing of the seasons.  It makes many of us quite sad so we seek fellowship.  Indeed, Christmas was a drunken holiday where this was maximized - now many of those drunks are in AA rooms, quite sober, and seeking the light together in a way the Church doesn't fully address.  As for sin and our character flaws - its harder than just going to confession and discussing flaws in the past - our task is really to be perfect as our Father is - and in the way our Father is - with perfect Love.  That is harder than going to confession but it is the source for dealing with the poor of all kinds.

Cupich on Immigration | National Catholic Reporter

Cupich on Immigration | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: He seems to be on top of this and has quickly become a leading prelate in America - which I am sure the Cardinal Protector of the Knights of the Order of Malta is steaming about.  Still, it would have been good if the remarks had been delivered in Spanish.  It would have been better if the bishops had demanded a less punitive bill in terms of fines and waiting periods.  We can't pass a good bill now, but we should put a good bill out there so that later we can pass it.

Pope Francis: Blithe Spirit? | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Francis: Blithe Spirit? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Francis could be such a spirit or he could be covering up a melancholy exterior. I suspect the former over the latter - you can't fake happy for long. Maybe the Pope is also channeling Pharrell?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Francis and Bartholomew issue resounding, historic calls for church reunification | National Catholic Reporter

Francis and Bartholomew issue resounding, historic calls for church reunification | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Interesting developments, however at some point Rome will need to concede that it is not a separate Church, but one of the many where his All Holiness is the first among equals.  Only such a submission (which was not  made here) will take away the justification for Protestantism (that and getting rid of the property).

Judging and firing bishops and due process in the church | National Catholic Reporter

Judging and firing bishops and due process in the church | National Catholic Reporter by Fr. Reese.  MGB: While traditionally, Bishops were an independent entity because of their local election by priests - and originally by the people of God, that began to erode when provinces were set up over diocese and the office of Archbishop was created.  One could offer that in the ancient Church, the office of overseer was not a bishop, but a pastor - a pastor who grew into a bishop in large city churches and metropolitan areas (hence the title, metropolitan).  Saint Paul could be seen as the prototype of the Archbishop or Patriarch, with his see being the entire area to the West of the Lebanon.  Once the clergy took over for the people, clericalism began.



The end of civil government in Italy and the feudal era turned the Pope into an absolute monarch - with the benefits that came with selling indulgences and having vassals.  This ended when the Pope lost his land and he replaced his civil power base with an ecclesiastic one - when ambassadors to the various nations became branch managers - so very much like the bureaucracy found in modern capitalism.  Even while popes condemn this method of organization, they practice it.  Indeed, the Vatican is a headquarters under the guise of a sovereign state (you wonder what St. Paul and Jesus would think of that one).



Indeed, because of the way bishops are hired, fired and rotated, it is only the Vatican Treaty that protects the Holy See's assets from seizure by avaricious lawyers in sexual abuse cases.  Christ would simply volunteer most of the paintings - which don't look like Him or His Mother anyway, in abuse settlements.  He certainly would not hide behind a treaty with Benito Mussolini.  Indeed, at the Last Supper, the cautioned against the kind of worldly power that the papacy and the bishops have gathered.  He would sell it all and give it to the victims (and the poor) - and believe Francis would as well if he though he could get away with it.  Of course, Christ also mandated capital punishment for those who would lead children astray.  I believe Bernard Law would be in the Tiber - and any priest who simply covered up abuse to protect diocesan assets - which are literally in the name of the bishop.

Russell Moore: Evangelical or Republican? | National Catholic Reporter

Russell Moore: Evangelical or Republican? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is not at all a shock.  I would say that my Massachusetts Anabaptist ancestors would be saddened, but I really don't think they would be, although at the time they were religious insurgents defying the Puritans.  As I said, however, this is not a shock - any more that divergence from the GOP line is acceptable in the Pro Life movement (which says loads about that movement as well).  The GOP and all its associates are bad to the core and need to be disbanded, not by man, but by God.

How Deep is the Racism? | National Catholic Reporter

How Deep is the Racism? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sadly, this is not a shock.  I doubt the Officer who shot Michael Brown had parents who were civil rights workers.  This is why reparations are so important and should be an event - to make such people understand the origins of their racism and feel some shame.  That also goes to both sides of the abortion rights movement (yes, including the pro-lifers).

On Gratitude | National Catholic Reporter

On Gratitude | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Gratitude is the means to the end of finding God.  It is not what is needed when things are good, but instead when things are bad.  Penance and mortification are the Catholic way of trying to achieve that, but the effort cannot really get to that broken place that makes the need for gratitude real.  The atheist, Russell, has obviously been comfortable - however if he gives charity, whether or not he believes in eternal life does not matter - and he is correct that we cannot know - but that is the reason we have faith.  When others die we actually get to the place where gratitude can become Grace, as MSW experienced with David.



As for the author of Pro, it is interesting that she mixes a defense of abortion rights with a description of the joy of pregnancy - but I suspect she does so to reflect that most women who procure abortions do so out of a perceived need for their health and even that of her child.  Not having a Downs child is a bit selfish, since Downs children are the most grateful of all.  Still, even the pro-choice movement is a teachable moment for those who abhor abortion.  Going back to the bad old days where abortion was a semi-criminal act (doctors got fined - the same penalty as shooting your neighbor's dog) that lead to back alley and self-induced abortion is not an option - that still kills the child but also makes the mother ill.  Instead, gratitude requires that we actually take action to stop the economic danger of abortion - which means an adequate state supported family income at middle class levels (about a thousand per month per child - twelve times what we now give) and supportive care for Downs Syndrome children AND their parents.  Do that and abortion will likely only occur for medical necessity - when the mother is in grave danger or the child would never survive to birth - which is always a difficult choice and one that rarely is done from malice to the child. Indeed, even there, we can find God - not God the Ogre who is jealous of decisions of life and death, but the Spirit of Consolation, when mothers hope their child is in Heaven, not some state called Limbo. Limbo cannot exist, because it runs counter to the mercy of God.

Latino & Anglo RCs in Climate Change | National Catholic Reporter

Latino & Anglo RCs in Climate Change | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I suspect Latinos are more in touch with global warming because they are in regions experiencing drought, for the most part.  Control for location and the answers are probably not at all different. Also, don't blame different thought patterns on some Protestant v. Catholic mindset.  Elites from both sides of the border are Masonic (the US is less so).  Visit Texas and see the dry fields, and California and you will know that Climate Change has become more than theoretical (and I am practically a Protestant in my ancestry - my ancestors being involved in founding the Baptists, the Presbyterians, the Disciples of Christ and the Friends in America - we were all mostly Masons).

More Older Son Nonsense About Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter

More Older Son Nonsense About Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The prodigal son analogy breaks down because wanting reform is not a sin.  Being divorced is not a sin.  Finding love again is not a sin (unless your reason for doing so is economic advancement - read closely what Jesus says about divorce). Being gay is not a sin or is having a gay spouse.  These are the distinctions that make the analogy of the older son break down and what Cardinal Kaspar and the Pope are missing - even though they are trying to use a language they understand.  Lets not understand it that way.  Demanding that Cardinal George be answered is probably going too far, but maybe the Cardinal could get a phone call.  Giving him or Oddie (who is as much a Chestertonian as a Wardian) a public answer would be giving them more than they deserve - unless doing so is profitable for teaching others.

Wassup at EWTN? | National Catholic Reporter

Wassup at EWTN? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Actually, I think not watching them (except when they carry the Papal News Feed, is the best solution. Don't rebut them, don't comment on them - realize that there are a lot of right wing idiots in both the Church and society who should go ahead and talk to each other.  Their numbers are shrinking anyone.  Talk about the fresh voices in the Church - and I don't mean just the young ones.  Take that as a hint.

Injustice in Ferguson | National Catholic Reporter

Injustice in Ferguson | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Hopefully, Officer Wilson's department will fire him - indictment or not.  The feds certainly will and this will taint him forever.  He could only become a Tea Party member of Congress.  As for black men being in the justice system - that was intentional to keep them from voting -  it has nothing to do with public safety and health. Missouri is still part of the deep south, even though it is next to southern Illinois (which is southern in mind as well).  My relatives live in that part of the world - the ones who were in the Daniel Boone Party and kept moving - not an unracist bunch.  One hopes we will grow out of racism, but Officer Wilson is not old and there are a lot of people like him in his age cohort.  They may usually act respectfully, but their hearts and not pure.  Sadly, neither is religion.  Dr. King called Sunday the most segregated day of the week.  Indeed, while Fr. Kelly is seen as making gains, when one mentions another priest, Fr. Michael Plueger is seen as somehow disreputable.  We need more like Fr. Mike in the Church.

Tea Leaves in the Windy City | National Catholic Reporter

Tea Leaves in the Windy City | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The right wing have their group of leader, who go without mention.  There are those others who are backing away from the right wing, like Dolan and Weurl and now we have a decisive leader from the left, who not coincidentally comes from Spokane and its tradition of personal episcopal humility. It takes the latter to bring out the former - which also is a peek at Pope Francis as well. He is certainly stepping into the shoes of some and not others, and it will help him if Francis finishes Benedict's work on becoming more like the Orthodox. I would hope that this will put a stake in the heart of the curial system, but I expect someone like Burke to follow Francis and become an anti-pope pushing Roman primacy. The bumpy ride is just beginning.

Pat Archbold's Alternate Universe | National Catholic Reporter

Pat Archbold's Alternate Universe | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sadly, I don't thing Patrick speaks for himself alone.  I am sure his readership and colleagues, and even a few bishops, agree with him.  Their shrillness comes from the fact that they are really getting the sense that they are out of step with the majority of bishops and the Pope.  Unless they are willing to make confession for this, they will stew in their juices, which are not fireproof if they take them to the grave.

5 Myths about Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter

5 Myths about Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Its a good piece, which the right wingers will studiously ignore, because hey already know they are playing to their bases and funders, not to the truth.  I plan to ignore that the door is closed to women priests, since I have taken Eucharist from some of them. That ship sailed with England and no one can really give a logical counter-argument without maintaining the farce that the Anglican Orders and subsequent Sacraments are false.  The question is not whether, its when, and pressure can help that one. Indeed, the Gospel of Life falls flat if only from a male voice.

Benghazi or Bust | National Catholic Reporter

Benghazi or Bust | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would rather Fox demure and never mention this again - since not doing so and defending itself means full on war against Secretary, now Candidate Clinton. I am not sure the GOP could handle not having the attack machine in full operation.  What would happen to their fundraising??!!!

Gomez Reacts to Obama Speech | National Catholic Reporter

Gomez Reacts to Obama Speech | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It is good the Archbishop is publicly on board and wants more. Sadly, there will not be more while the Republicans are in town.  As for the Senate bill, not only will it die, it should.  It was a mistake, both moral and political, to not start with something less punitive and make the GOP reject in the Senate.

Ratzinger, circa 1972, on Divorced & Remarried | National Catholic Reporter

Ratzinger, circa 1972, on Divorced & Remarried | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Its amazing to me that none of our discussions of divorce compare modern divorce to the divorces Jesus mentioned in the Bible - which seem to have more familial involvement than today.  As for Ratzinger and those who argue now against change, it seems that their main motive for not changing is the belief that it would offend God and the Church.  Since God is not an Ogre who has a stake in this and its none of the Church's business either (and I doubt most parishioners care if the person in the communion line with them is divorced and remarried, the concern should be on the families left behind and how they feel.  This concern should start as soon as a couple stops going to Mass together. Its time to quit worrying about the rules and worry about the people.

Camosy on NJ euthanasia bill in Star-Ledger | National Catholic Reporter

Camosy on NJ euthanasia bill in Star-Ledger | National Catholic Reporter by MSW,  MGB: I can see this debate forcing the alternatives of medical cannabis for cancer patients and more generous benefits for the elderly poor. That is a good thing - especially if suicide does not pass - and frankly, even if it does, most doctors will not participate just like most will not perform and abortion.  What Camosy avoids, and I guarantee that the Church does not, is the argument that when you die is God's choice, not your doctor's or your own.  Of course, that argument devolves into God the Ogre who will damn you if you do this. Let us forever keep such arguments off the table, even in sermons.  Actually, put them on the table, because if they are in the background, it will poison the whole debate. If its the only real argument against it, then there is no argument worth making.

Obama's Immigration Speech | National Catholic Reporter

Obama's Immigration Speech | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I think the President's defense tone had to do with the fact that he had to demonstrate legal justification for what he was doing.  The sad thing is that this is not the opening act, it is the closer. The GOP will do nothing, which is likely a good idea, because what they would do is veto bait.  The Senate bill was sent over not to pass but because it never would. It would have been better to have a Senate bill without the punitive measures included - letting McConnell block it and getting credit with the Latino community for proposing progress rather than compromising with the Tea Party Nationalists who roam the border even now.  I am glad that the Bishops got on the right side of this, but its sad who they rolled it out in a way that had their most conservative members able to distance themselves from it and maintain their contacts with the GOP sponsored National Right to Life Committee (which is compromised morally for not issuing their own statement of support).

Curran: Papacy should admit some of its teachings are wrong | National Catholic Reporter

Curran: Papacy should admit some of its teachings are wrong | National Catholic Reporter by TF.  MGB: Fr. Curran speaking clearly on the truth - no hedging hear.  Still, I go farther - when the matter is regarding natural law, we have an obligation to listen to the Church - but reason cannot admit tradition without becoming formalism.  Indeed, if the Church had to actually use reason rather than tradition on sexual issues, its arguments would undoubtedly improve.  You always do better without the guaranteed win.

Review: Walking God's Earth, Part III | National Catholic Reporter

Review: Walking God's Earth, Part III | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would have been interested in the scriptural picture Cloutier weaves together, whether it is applicable to the carbon crisis or not.  As lovely is as the poetry is in the Bible about God, the Earth and the people of God, the more important parts of the Bible have to do with how we deal with the poor, the widow and the orphan.  The problem of our ecology is a problem of uneven impacts - with the poor getting the short end.



Big systems changes are required to deal with this issue - but they go beyond national change or the current global system to an expanding nation consisting of all those countries that share our belief in freedom and equality, excluding all others from the polity, and possibly from our commerce - although that may make their poverty even worse so maybe not.  A larger government can fix these issues, both financially and authoritatively, where the current regimes can only be overrun by global capitalism.



As for consumerism, it is the necessary outgrowth of global capitalism.  It keeps us in a gilded cage - without it would simply be a cage and we might do something - like demand shares in our workplaces to eventually kick the capitalists to the curb.  Such a system is also necessary to afford the kind of closed system habitats that will take care of our pollution crisis having to do with growing our food.  Will that reduce our obesity problem?  Only if the habitat contains no systems for producing sweetened carbonated soft drinks.  That is what has made us fat, not the availability of food.  If we eat less well, it won't create an economy that allows the poor of the world to eat better - we must raise them up, not bring ourselves down (just don't sell them Coke).



On fuel, necessity is the mother of invention.  Until whale oil ran out, no one was looking for something else until gasoline showed itself the miracle fuel of the twentieth century.  When it becomes scarce, the oil and coal companies will stop pushing the Department of Energy to slow down Helium3 Fusion research - although the necessity may be the carbon crisis.



These, of course, are not religious issues.  Indeed, on one world government, Dante was very specific in his tome on the subject to insist the Catholic Church have not role.  None.  Zilch.  Nada.  Dante was right.  While the Church and Cloutier certainly have a place in rallying the troops and focusing on the poor - as the Holy Father already does relentlessly, as did his predecessors, the solution must be governmental and probably a bit socialistic as well.  It is a good argument, however, for those who think the free market will solve our environmental issues on its own.