Nullification? | National Catholic Reporter

Nullification? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The American Legislative Exchange Council, the Koch Brothers and Karl Rove strike again and only succeed in making fools of themselves and in seperating foolish old people from their money.  The odd thing is that no President seems to be more pro-gun on principle than Barack Obama.  The only restrictions he proposed were quite reasonable given several high profile shootings of children, theater goers and a Congresswoman.  Of course, if the NRA, et al, told the truth they could not raise any more money - especially in the post-Heller world, where personal gun ownership is now an enshrined right.  I think the worst thing that could happen to the NRA and ALEC is a GOP victory in 2016 - which is why they are supporing idiots who can't win.  Only a Democrat in the White House will give them any viability.

Wuerl, Other Religious Leaders Send Letter to Obama | National Catholic Reporter

Wuerl, Other Religious Leaders Send Letter to Obama | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: A rather mainstream letter.  It mentions the religious liberty rights of our citizens.  They did not mention the religious liberty rights of denominations to dictate to their employees based on religious dicta.  I am glad they did not try to lie with a straight face, as religious employers have no such right - even though the USCCB would love to revoke Griswold v. Connecticut and the right to privacy (which would also extend to Roe, consensual sodomy and marriage equality).  As for the religious rights of individuals not to pay for other people's contraception - the cost that they bear is so minor that the impact is too trivial for them to claim a relgious liberty right to not pay premiums (or taxes).  I do find it curious that A/B Lori (my provincial) did not sign the letter, but not surprising.  If we elected our own provincials he would still be in Connecticut.

The "Freedom to Worship" Canard | National Catholic Reporter

The "Freedom to Worship" Canard | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I usually expect better from a Jesuit.  Interesting the four freedoms are mentioned by MSW.  Health care comes in under the Freedom from Want in a big way - even contraception - not for family size regulation necessarilty (which would be unneccessary if we had a tax supported family wage - although that may offend certain Calivinists in their freedom to workshop in their Social Darwinist view of the world) but for the health of women who simply CAN'T get pregnant and NEED hormone regulation.

Kudos to Crisis Mag | National Catholic Reporter

Kudos to Crisis Mag | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Crisis published an article about contraception coverage that largely agrees with MSW's position - so he largely agrees with the article.  This means that I do not because contracepton is not necessarily wrong unless it is eugenic or as a means to not address social justice issues like family pay. Indeed, if the Church addressed the latter issue, none of its employees would use contraception except for health reasons - which is no employer's business.  Indeed, the real issues are the religious freedom rights of the group versus the individual (Jan Brewer just vetoed that proposition in Arizona).  Gone should be the days when employers can meddle in employee personal (and yes, religious) decisions.  Now that health care is largely a matter of public policy - especially insurance coverage - not providing contraceptive coverage would be equivalent of reversing Griswold v. Connecticut by an end around, and thus eliminating privacy rights in all things - including non-discrimination of gays.  The Church wold like this but I will not stand for it.

Robert Christian on the Inconsistent Consistent Ethic of Life | National Catholic Reporter

Robert Christian on the Inconsistent Consistent Ethic of Life | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: An excellent article by Robert Christian (who commented on comments when he was covering for MSW).  I agree with including Just War - and I suspect non-Catholic pro-life Republicans would too (sorry Robert).  I would go farther and add that some capital punishment is necessary if the condemned will become a predator in prison - and if you prevent that in a life of solitary confinement in a SuperMax you are making the State his cause of death anyway after first destroying his mind - which is more cruel than the needle.  Of course, if the pro-life movement goes down such a slippery slope (it won't, as its real purpose is still Republican voting - the shades consistent ethic of life are simply cosmetic to hide this fact), it may see that the issue is danger, not the innocence of the victim.  Suddenly it makes no sense to NOT abort some late term pregnancies that will never survive to birth but are dangerous to the mother to carry (and some no so late pregnancies).  While I would insist on induction rather than dismemberment, the slippery slope has been crossed - because economic danger and social danger are then open to consideration.  The question for pro-lifers would then be not how to ban abortion or end the death penalty, but when to allow the amelioration of physical danger with abortion as a last resort and how to remove economic and social danger by public policy and by changing how we teach young people about sex.  If being caught pregnant is a cause for shame, then it is the Churches who are indirectly promoting abortion.  Robert and MSW could never say these things, nor would they be likely to - even though they are true.

Tax Reform? I'll Pass | National Catholic Reporter

Tax Reform? I'll Pass | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Today, Washington is awash in discussions of tax reform as House Ways and Means Chair David Camp releases his tax reform plan.  Is this a Catholic Progressive topic?  Of course.  The tax system is the foremost way to redistribute income from richer people to pooerer people.  Camp does not make it better, but at least he does not make it worse.  We will see how his proposal survives the Tea Party House, negotiations with the Senate and consultation with the Office of Tax Policy in the Department of the Treasury.



Michael Sean Winters of the National Catholic Reporter does not want reform now, because it comes once in a generation and the plan offered is too gradual.  He wants to eliminate payroll taxes and put in a modified flat tax.  I can agree to some of this in principle as I state below.  After these comments, I will include my comments from the Tax Policy Center website, TaxVox.  Here is my response to MSW's article:



I can see repealing the Employer Contribution for Old Age and Survivors Insurance and replacing it with some kind of consumption tax (either a Value Added Tax or VAT-like Net Business Recepits Tax).  I can also see crediting each employee with the same amount from that tax and possibly using some of the proceeds for purchasing employer voting stock - with group voting by occupation with Unions voting proxies for its members.  As for the Employee contribution, I would put in a floor and end the Earned Income Tax Credit - increasing the Child Tax Credit and minimum wage instead and I would LOWER the cap - which would decrease the benefits paid out to richer retirees.  As there would be no cap on the consumption tax funding the employer contribution, there would still be plenty of funds to increase benefits.  None of this would necessarily be done under tax reform, but they might.



The reason to do tax reform is to both change Social Security but also to increase benefits for families and lessen the burden of having to file.  That is best done not by having a flat tax, modified or not (the big proposal in this area is by Dick Army, who would also make people write a check instead of having withholding - which was a non-starter), but by shifting the responsibility to file taxes to employers from employees.  Employers collect the income tax for the most part anyway (the process of giving 1099s to people who are essentially full time emloyees must also be eliminated) and give the same info to the IRS that they would give if paying the tax.  The wasted effort of most families can be ended - while including a credit for children on the EMPLOYER tax - was a pass through to workers.  Not THAT would be worth tax reform.



Howard Gleckman of the Tax Policy Center does a fairly good analysis of this and I add my comments on their website and my tax blog.  In essence, Camp is to be congratulated for sticking to it.  We will now see if there is follow through and if the Office of Tax Policy at Treasury takes this seriously.  If they do we may see tax reform yet.



Howards Comments are at http://taxvox.taxpolicycenter.org/2014/02/26/dave-camps-tax-plan-a-brave-start-but-lots-of-gimmicks/



Here are my comments to Howard: He will likely take flack from both the right and the left on this one. It will be interesting to see whether this survives to get out of committee and whether it goes to the floor and is voted on. He does deserve credit for sticking his neck out and making some hard choices – as well as keeping the discussion going and allowing those of us who have our own plans to get them on the record yet again. Cutting the EITC is DOA with POTUS, so we will see if Camp et al are open to compromise and whether the Administration lets the Office of Tax Policy fully engage on this plan. This could be a last shot across the bow or it could be the start of actual change this year (or part of his bid to seek an additional term as chair rather than handing it over to Ryan – who also has reform plans of his own). We live in intersting times for tax reform.

More on Uganda's Churches and the Anti-Gay Bill | National Catholic Reporter

More on Uganda's Churches and the Anti-Gay Bill | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Would bishops forcing female ordination and gay rights from Canterbury really have made things work better?  I think not.  Rome is not doing so well either and it should not.  All foreign based churches need to leave Africa, which by original intent was to be Coptic and under the authority of the Pope of Alexandria.  This crisis shows why this is a good idea, as is the whole flap about gay Anglican bishops being condemned by African Anglican bishops.  Let his holiness the patriarch sort it out - or let them have each country sort it out in the Coptic tradition.

Humane (& Sane) RC Bishops in Africa | National Catholic Reporter

Humane (& Sane) RC Bishops in Africa | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: More on Africa - although South Africa is still considered to be a colony run by white people - even if they are not in the government.

Uganda's Anti-Gay Laws | National Catholic Reporter

Uganda's Anti-Gay Laws | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The people promoting this law do not like Catholics either, as it is directly from C Street and the Family, although the number of men in the family shows they may be just a tiny bit in the closet.  The old phrase was "better latent than never."  As far as homosexuality hurting western culture (and the Church) - it mostly created western culture (and the modern priesthood).  I have been saying for a while that the Roman and Anglican Churches should sever ties with their African Church branches and let them form ties with the Pope of Alexandria, who traditionally (western imperialism notwithstanding) is the Patriarch of All Africa.  If an Afrocentric Coptic Church were created it could work through these issues on its own - at which point it would come up with a more modern answer than reacting to our reality.

Arizona's SB 1062 | National Catholic Reporter

Arizona's SB 1062 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: In the Church there is a place for gays, provided they keep quiet about it - the priesthood.  I as those who support the law how they would feel about a bakery denying a cake order to the family of an obviously gay new priest in the same way they would deny a cake to a gay couple getting married?  The answer is that while religious freedom is protected, religious scorn (whether spoken or not) deserves no more freedom than other fighting words or yelling fire in a theater.

A Kosher Analogy That Works | National Catholic Reporter

A Kosher Analogy That Works | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The question is whether Ultra Orthodox Catholics are the majority of donors at the parish and Lenten Appeal levels - or whether modern orthodox Catholics - or wealthier occassional attending Catholics give money at all.  Be that as it may, I do not forsee a movement of modern orthodox (contracepting and marriage equality supporting) and occassional Catholics joining our ultra Orthodox any time soon.  The center cannot hold and the Ultra Orthodox will decrease in numbers until they are rare.  What happens next in a Church that says Christ will never leave?  (a clue, my side holds sway).

Productivity & Wages | National Catholic Reporter

Productivity & Wages | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The principle should control, but it does not in a Capitalist economy which gives all gains in capital productivity AND labor productivity to the owners of capital (who conveniently own the House and much of the Senate if the truth be told).

A Reply to Reno | National Catholic Reporter

A Reply to Reno | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Elites do have a bit of say, especially when unfettered, on matters of public faith - especially but not exclusively school prayer.  Bishops are included in the elite and last I checked the New Evangelization was not about being nice to people but by Catholicizing them.  Given the ugliness in that hierarchy at present, I don't see how adult bapitsms are going to be any different next year than they were last year - this being the test of evangelization - conversion.  (That includes Israel by the way, all protests to the contrary).  As to the wisdom of the current separations in education - imagine a Satanist (which is essentially a form of hyper-secularism) school principal, with a similarly aligned staff which also made up the majority of the student banner (assume they play Marilyn Manson each morning over the PA and offer a prayer).  What are the rights of the group of Catholic students in the school?  Do you give them an alterate day (ridicule and all) or was the Supreme Court correct after all?  Argument ad abusurdum?  Absolutely - but it was what atheist and Jewish schools really faced.

More Anti-Jewish Bigotry on The Christian Left | National Catholic Reporter

More Anti-Jewish Bigotry on The Christian Left | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Bigotry is something that has no cause.  That is not the source of our support for Palestinians, whose plight must be addressed.  God's justice demands it.

C.J. Reid on Tradition | National Catholic Reporter

C.J. Reid on Tradition | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I like the part where he says it is living and adaptable. I agree with that.  It also means that if we disagree strongly enough all change is possible. American Christmas traditions are entirely adaptable.  120 years ago they were entirely different.  I daresay that the Church will be the same way.

"Stand Your Ground" & the Culture of Death | National Catholic Reporter

"Stand Your Ground" & the Culture of Death | National Catholic Reporter  MSW.  MGB: This is not a culture of death thing or even a whacko gun culture thing.  This is about racism, pure and simple.  The State of Florida seethes with it.  To the extent that eugenics against African Americans is part of a culture of death, I can go along with the explanation - but it is still about race and southern whites wanting to keep blacks (and now Latinos) in line - as well as making poor whites comfortable in an economic system where they comply with the economics of their betters.  God forbid that they seek solidarity with poor people of all races to seek economic justice. Hence the NRA and other racist tools.

Below Freezing in Hell: MSW Agrees with Weigel | National Catholic Reporter

Below Freezing in Hell: MSW Agrees with Weigel | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Here is the thing.  I agree with the UN.  The Holy See's position on its liability for the actions of the bishops it is feels free to appoint is simply wrong.  Either the Pope, the Conference of Bishops and the diplomatically appointed Nunios are is in charge and therefore accountable or they are not.  Put in those terms, there is not argument.



As for the legality of abortion, it is different from the morality of it.  Far different.  One can condemn it and refuse to give the state a role in restricting it - which is what the Church should do - rather than hoping that there is some way that governments can actually outlaw abortion without simply leaving the tragedy of abortion in place while spreading the carnage to women and girls.  The Church has aligned itself with some nasty characters, from third world autocrats to the American Republican Party, in service to its pious wish that abortion can be regulated by the state - especially in a world of increasingly natural rights republics (rather than unfettered parliaments).  Instead, it should focus on state actions which make having a child economically favorable - such as raising the minimum wage and enlarging a child tax credit.

Argentina Files Brief at Supreme Court | National Catholic Reporter

Argentina Files Brief at Supreme Court | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I wish them well and that Justice Breyer (who is Jewish) writes an opinon based in part by foreign law rather than Justice Scalia (a Catholic) who probably would not see anything beyond what is in American law - which of course favors the banksters.

The New CBO Report on the Minimum Wage | National Catholic Reporter

The New CBO Report on the Minimum Wage | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Catholic Social Teaching demands not just an adequate minimum wage but one that can support a family.  Of course, family size is a big variable in that equation.  Not only must the minimum wage go up (and it must) but the Child Tax Credit as well.  This cannot be done by subsidiary forces (except maybe for state governments, who could also enact such a credit for their income taxes or sales tax rebates) - it must be governmental. The economy won't do it, as those who are just will be outcompeted by those who are unjust.  Indeed, I suspect most businesses heave a quiet sigh of relief when government acts - at least those who are willing to do the right thing but are afraid to due to competitive pressures.  There is one other way that the Church could insert itself into the debate.  It could demand under pain of mortal sin that Catholic employers and shareholders pay a higher wage and a higher per child benefit, regardless of what the government does.  Of course, the hue and cry would be deafenning - especially since the Catholic Church as an employer does not seem to do these things itself (CCUSA did not give us a $12,000 wage when Catie was born - even though that would have been in compliance with Catholic Social Teaching - which is why they covered contraception).

Language & History in Hollywood | National Catholic Reporter

Language & History in Hollywood | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Have fun with the pointing out of some sloppy script writing (using 21st century American in the 1950s).  Still, I don't see what this has to do with Catholicism or politics.  Of course, I am sure that there are conservative prelates ou of the 1950s who would simply condemn the show out of hand in much the same way they condemned the origianal Masters and Johnson and their work - or the subsequent work that is even better researched and that generally shows that the same prelates are ill informed on sex.

The Pathetic House Republicans | National Catholic Reporter

The Pathetic House Republicans | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: This was like both Bob McDonald and Ken Cuccinelli running without reference to abortion in Virginia and then starting a war on abortion providers (and, may I say, women?) when they got elected.  They knew if they were honest about their views, they would alienate the majority, while if they lied and said they would not be extremists, they would alienate their extremist base.  I suspect that someone has polled both the primary and general election voters and found that saying anything would be harmful to their chances at reelection.  This is because their bases and their standard set of proposals are insane.

Nichols on the poor | National Catholic Reporter

Nichols on the poor | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: He is right to speak out for a solution, although I would rather he actually use the Church to do something to provide those in chronic poverty with the education they need, even if it is a practical rather than an academic one.  There is a certain snobbery in Catholic education toward giving educations to those who would be either priests or professionals.  Plumber and chef are just as good a career path - and you can still offer religion classes to students to everyone from basic adult education to votech (and yes, also college prep).

Religious Liberty and Snakehandling | National Catholic Reporter

Religious Liberty and Snakehandling | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The contraception ban was original a ban on involuntary euthanasia by the state in dealing with the mentally handicapped and mentally ill.  That was a good idea.  Contraception is also deplorable (as is Natural Family Planning) when we resort to it instead of insisting on wages tied to family sizes - and that includes when the Church is employer.  Indeed, no Catholic employee would use contraception unless it had to do with maternal health if wages grew by $12,000 a year for each child.  All the other Church arguments against contraception are rooted in skewed ideas of science (life begins at Gastrulation, period) and sexual relations between married and unmarried heterosexual couples.  None of that has any impact on requiring coverage of contraception - a requirement based not on the fiat of Secretary Sebelius or even the thoughts of Valerie Jarrett in rallying women to Obama electorally - but instead on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine.  Natural law decisions (aside from the weird versions that are based on reason in absence of evidence - sadly what the USCCB and the CDF teach) must be based on science.  I trust the Institutes of Medicine over the Vatican and USCCB on medical issues every time.  Anyone should - especially if they have a wife, daughter or mother.  Anyone who has never had much chance to talk to an OB/GYN needs to just keep their mouths closed on this issue.



Be that as it may, the question is not simply the rights of the religious, especially on Hobby Lobby.  Rather, it is the religious liberty rights of employers v. employees.  The question of whether the government may constitutionally settle such disputes in law is what is at issue.  As a matter of labor law, I would say the government definitely has such an interest - in these cases protecting both the religious libery rights of employees who do not share the religion of their employer or if they are the same religion, those of employees who disagree with their employer on that particular issue (most Catholics).



As for the snake handler, the right to do this practice is an essential practice in their sect.  Of course, by cheapening his belief by putting it into a reality show he was gaining fame for his own sake, not witnessing for the Lord.  If the Lord does protect snake handlers generally, once they call the Discovery Channel and sell the experience, I would suspect that would be withdrawn.  This, however, is between the snake handler and God.  There is no role for government in the question.

TLM: "Just a kind of fashion" | National Catholic Reporter

TLM: "Just a kind of fashion" | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: One thing - St. Michael is his patron and MSW is the namesake.  I will spare you my theories of why the prayer is no longer said, except to say that when St. Leo XIII penned it after hearing a conversation between the Lord and Satan at St. Peter's alter, the time limit given to Satan (which he took full advantage of) was 100 years.  That century has passed.

Myers Swanky Retirement Home | National Catholic Reporter

Myers Swanky Retirement Home | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: If his Grace sought to live communally with all his staff, I could see this as a small monestary - although the hot tub raises eyebrows as is the low probability that such an experiment in communism is in the offing.

Conservative Case for Raising Minimum Wage | National Catholic Reporter

Conservative Case for Raising Minimum Wage | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Plutocracy is not conservative, nor is capitalism.  They are authoritarian. They care about personal advantage and nothing else.  The word we are looking for is amoral.  When you talk with one of these libertarian thinkers or those they have brain washed they admit to no concept of social justice or family wage.  The term social darwinism also comes to mind.

Robbie George: Agent of Secularization | National Catholic Reporter

Robbie George: Agent of Secularization | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: MSW, Kaveny and George miss the entire point.  We do not work for the hierarchy.  They work for us.  They can counsel us, but the decision should ultimately be up to the individual school or parish, not the local Ordinary - nor should it be made in fear of the local Ordinary's disapproval.  If either teacher is professing values which make the community uncomfortable, then they might choose firing - or they might use the opportunity to learn tolerance and, gasp, acceptance and tolerance.  THAT would please the Master - not this push to be purer than thou - which would remind our Lord of the Temple Priests.  Sadly it probably reminds Him of His own.

Can Libs Love Downton? | National Catholic Reporter

Can Libs Love Downton? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: At least Limo-Liberals, like my little sister.  She and her husband are good Democrats, although if you ask them about the prospect of paying one person more than the other just because they have more kids, you might find a less than liberal answer an almost (ok no almost) conservative remark about personal responsibility.  Me, I don't watch the show.

Is the UAW Coming to Tennessee? | National Catholic Reporter

Is the UAW Coming to Tennessee? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: What the paid conservatives, like Norquist, are afraid of is that big food in the south and midwest will also unionize, which would add cost that can only come out of CEO pay.  They are also afraid that working management councils will lead to a call to distribute pay more in accordance with responsibility - which means more  to workers and less to CEOs and their flunkies.  It might even lead to tax reform from the pre-Reagan era that taxed the highest wages to such an extent that they won't be paid in the first place.  This will lead to less money to paid conservatives and less of an ability of such as Norquist to demand a CEO level salary.  In other words, opposition to this vote is all about personal selfishness.

3.3 Million People Sign Up for Obamacare | National Catholic Reporter

3.3 Million People Sign Up for Obamacare | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: A nice start.  Hopefully some were healthy younger adults.  Also, I think this does not include Medicaid expansion - which sadly is not universal - especially where needed most.  Time to federalize Medicaid  - call it a pro-life move as doing so ends the state optional payment for abortion services - making the expansion a pro-life vote - or proof that the NRLC is a GOP front organization.

Conservative Reform? | National Catholic Reporter

Conservative Reform? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I have been a self-critical liberal with ten years of calling for entitlement reform - not to enhance freedom but ultimately equality of result - which, yes, liberals are for.  As for Berkowitz, he seems to floating the same talking points as the Dean of the CUA business school on "freedom."  The conservative blind spot is still that Capitalism is not about freedom, but about imposing order by elites.  Essentially, these two would take us back to the 1920s (which Bush II did a good job of doing, a look what it left us.

Kurtz on Philippines | National Catholic Reporter

Kurtz on Philippines | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is a nice add for Catholic Relief Services and the good work it does, and is doing, everywhere - particularly in the Philippines.  It highlights how we are all obligated, if we have the means, to respond.  Of course, for long term poverty issues in many of the places disaster seems to hit (Haiti comes to mind as well), in my opinion there are long term equality issues that need to be addressed by something more akin to what Pope Francis preaches - and maybe even something closer to Liberation Theology.

NETWORK on Unemployment Benefits | National Catholic Reporter

NETWORK on Unemployment Benefits | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The problem on extending unemployment benefits is bigger than helping out current beneficiaries who near their deadlines.  There are many of us who have been without any income or working for low wages jobs for well over a year - due in large part to cutting the 99 week benefit to 77.  The economy has not responded to "reinclude" those of us at our current abilities - nor does it really do anything for the vast majority of minimum wage workers who want to step up (and yes, I have tried). Indeed, Temp Service jobs have dropped by two to three dollars an hour because of the current job economy.  At least home prices are finally coming around, which is helping some buidling workers, but not enough to pull many of us out of the under-water mortgage zone.  The old saying applies to me - of course there are jobs in this economy - I have two of them!



By the way, much of the continued low wage job problem is due to a lack of government spending.  As a contractor or public servant, I would not need two jobs.  Until spending gets going, the jobs door seems closed.

On Economic Myths | National Catholic Reporter

On Economic Myths | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I am glad that CUA did not hire Meyerson, because idiots like Weigel would turn every argument with him into one on abortion rights.  Of course, the answer to abortion is equality.  The laws we currently have support Capitalism, not a free market.  Indeed, they make it harder through protecting pensioneer value of course - yeah, right - for unions to take a more concentrated position in holding the shares for whom their members work.  When the Koch's turn their coal companies to ESOPs, I will have more faith in their commitment to a person centered economy.  If every person contracted individually, there would be no corporate power or large organizations.  Of course, modern society needs such things - but that does mean that the shareholders can't be employees.



Modern capitalism has not been about shareholders - it has been about making CEO's and their flunkies rich, under the myth that they will be good stewards rather than thieves.  Tax cuts under Reagan and Bush II reinforced the incentive to cut wages.  High taxes at the top removed that incentive because any wage cut gains sent up to the top would just be given to Uncle Sam.  Until we get back there, CEOs will keep every dime they can squeeze out of workers.  This is the important thing for both Francis and Democrats to understand and explain, or things will only get worse.



As to the Olympic myths, they live on as what they are meant to be - human archtypes which are useful in understanding personality, primarily using Astrology. The Hindu pagan system exists for the same reason.  It turns out that these symptoms in practice are a much better tool than more simplistic ones, like MBTI.

Gehring on Benedict | National Catholic Reporter

Gehring on Benedict | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Benedict made Marxism popular in the Vatican again, while saying brilliant things intergrating ecomomic justice and contraception doctrines.  My question is whether anyone has confronted the President with the fact that our family planning programs in the third world, including Africa, are designed to decrease the numbers of people who look like him - and to stop his own villiage and family from breeding so much, even though it is industrialization, not contraception that leads to controling population numbers - with industrialization flowing from more kids, not less.  Still, he misses the boat on why most Catholics disagree with most contraception policy - and for good reason.  My main observation, however, is that, with a few exceptions, Benedict was not nearly as harsh as Pope than he was as Bl. John Paul's attack dog.  He still gets relativism wrong, however - but they all do. Including MSW.  Its in the water at most schools of theology, even the liberal ones like Theological College.

Another Lie From Arroyo | National Catholic Reporter

Another Lie From Arroyo | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: How do you tell Fr. Raymond is lying? His lips are moving.  He is basically adhering to the anti-Obama party line of the GOP.  He is an extreme example of priests and bishops who have sold their souls to Republicans, although he is certainly not the only one.  (Chaput, Chaput, Chaput - Gazoontite)

Podcast on American Evangelicalism | National Catholic Reporter

Podcast on American Evangelicalism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Isn't the whole point of American Evangelicalism that every Christian finds their own interpretation by reading the Book?  They don't go in for leaders (except for the practioners of the prosperity gospel - which comes from authoritarianism rther than authority).

Pope Emeritus Benedict | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Emeritus Benedict | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Benedict still did not understand that the Magisterium and papal infallibility were relativistic, not absolutist - as absolutes can be discerned by everyone with the tools of reason (and faith).  He did improve the child sex abuse thing - although I wonder if Benedict understood that the prohibition on corrupting these young ones was really about sexual abuse and not about false doctrine (since there was limited doctrine when that Gospel was written -and there was certainly abuse - it was as endemic in the ancient world as it is now.  One hopes that Benedict realized that we needed someone for whom the washing of the feed of the Apostles is not a one time thing - with obedience required those other days - and with full regalia showing more about imperial Rome than the Christ.  From what I see, Francis gets all these things.  One wonders if spiritual discernment had him realize that Francis would be elected and that he would perform as he has?

"Downtonomics" | National Catholic Reporter

"Downtonomics" | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Interesting stuff.  It is useful to note that these estates were accumulated by charging rents and before that taxes, to the peasants.  What killed this system is that the peasants could find a better deal and did.  Some of the aristocracy turned to capitalism and found other ways to live off the peasants, however most of these grand estates have turned into castle hotels.  Now the guests are downstairs and some of the staff live upstairs.  You have not lived until you have had breakfast at a castle (and been visited by the castle ghost).

"Noisy, exotic and obscurantist fringe" | National Catholic Reporter

"Noisy, exotic and obscurantist fringe" | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I would not call it splendid, I would call it bizarre.  It seems that the culture warriors (who do nothing on sexual abuse but blame the child) seem to be the rule, not the exception.  I offer these fools up as what you get when you DON'T have elections and let the bishops appoint themselves.  Democracy could do no worse.  It might even elect some women, much to the fear of the bishops. Everyone knows it is the right thing to do, at least in the pews (outside of Africa, where traditionalism is still strong).  Because the Pope and bishops don't agree, it is time to think about fundamental governance changes.

Nixon Won. Twice. | National Catholic Reporter

Nixon Won. Twice. | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: It is not about who has the right answer.  It is about who has the right to decide.  While it is tempting to say simply that the bishops and Rome have done badly on countless matters, it is enough to say that the Church belongs to the people, not the bishops and it is time for the people to take it back and to take all Church property from Episcopal control - as well as the election of the very same bishops.  Nixon won because he controlled the party and the second time picked McGovern to run against.  The bishops are equally guilty of such shenanigans.  Remember, they picked Rigali, Law and Chaput - among others.

The Conservative Economic Conundrums | National Catholic Reporter

The Conservative Economic Conundrums | National Catholic Reporter by MSW  MGB: Conservatives don't generally support government involvement, even when it is indicated.  And it is.  It is indicated in wage levels and in providing a robust additional child subsidy (which the market would never supply - although an employee owned firm might).  The biggest recent example is the employer mandate to provide health insurance.  Of course, in this case, there is government failure - probably due to business involvement in writing the Act.  This requires government action - but the right one.  Instead of making full time employment (at 30 hours and above) the standard - which only leads to cutting hours - instead make non-coverage by other means the standard (most young workers are covered by their parents and the requirement they be covered should be removed) - require anyone who works the customary hours be covered (if not covered already).  The penalty, however, should not be a fine - it should be withdrawal of the tax subsidy for covering ANY employee.  If you can't afford to cover the low wage folks who need it - you can't afford to cover executives, managers or owners.  Of course, here is where we get to the crux of the issue - Capitalism is not about free markets or even market forces, it is about protecting elites and throwing others to the wolves.

Politics & the Olympics | National Catholic Reporter

Politics & the Olympics | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: While politics is part of the Olympics, Capitalism has joined it as well.  Just look at the IOC and its elite membership and requirements for public works at the host nation's expense.  We now also have endorsements and there have always been bribes, much as they try to hide it.  If you look at men's hockey, you will mainly see NHL players - of course this still means very good hockey.  Sean White is big business as well, as was Lindsey Vahn  - as will whomever takes her place on the medal stand.  And afterwards, here come the new endorsement deals (and woe to past endorsees who don't deliver.   No wonder people use doping!  While the Games are fascinating to watch and the coverage is very professional, I think I will take a pass this year.  I work most nights.

Kaveny on the Montana Firing | National Catholic Reporter

Kaveny on the Montana Firing | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: A legal-moral analysis of this issue (though not a legalistic one).  See my earlier post for my full response.

Hahn Trashes Bernardin | National Catholic Reporter

Hahn Trashes Bernardin | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The WSJ is now a NewsCorp rag with an editorial page dedicated to advancing the Republican Party, just as FoxNews is.  There is no reducing religion to ethics here - as ethics makes sense (probably more so than the Magisterium - which is about teaching authority rather than truth).  There is no legalism in Hahn either - only the political agenda.  The whole pro-life movement from the GOP side reeks of politics, not a desire to end abortion (which would be bad for their business line).  The Seamless Gospel of Life is actually about reducing abortion - again, bad for the GOP> Worse is the possibility that people who really are concerned with Life will go along with economic means to make Life possible for women who chose to not only have, but keep, their children.  Such people are likely to not vote Republican anymore (or contribute or campaign).  In other words, the bottom line is not even politics - it is MONEY for the GOP/Pro-Life establishment, which sadly the bishops collude with (some more than others - can you say Simony? (in this case the teaching office of the bishop for worldly acclaim in the GOP).

Judgment or Mercy in Montana | National Catholic Reporter

Judgment or Mercy in Montana | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The idiot in Montana is erring in that he chose the culture of shame (and sending a message) rather than encountering the teacher as a person (the question of whether the violation of social norms is sinful is for another day and depends on whether the she and the father live as husband and wife before each other and therefore before God).  One wonders if he would fire someone who got pregnant in a civil marriage (civil marriages also being condemned by the Church) or whether the person pregnant was a student.



Does this moron even begin to get the fact that the demonization of sexuality when practiced by unmarrieds and especially by teens is an incentive to use abortion services (and contraception)?  If we welcome life we must welcome sex.  The appropriate action in this case is to have a baby shower and arrange for maternal leave (paid maternal leave).  Christ himself was conceived outside a marriage.  Would he expel a 12 year old pregnant Mary?



Likewise, on the gay marriage question - if the Church accepts the civil marriages of its staff members who are heterosexual - though such marriages are not accepted by the Church, then any rejection of civil homosexual marriages is based on HOMOPHOBIA - not adherance to teaching on sex.

Garnett on Notre Dame and Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter

Garnett on Notre Dame and Pope Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: More coverage of Notre Dame University's audience with the Pope.  I am sure there are those in the right wing laity, clergy and episcopacy whose blood is boiling over the fact that he did not lecture them for inviting the President (which both Francis and Benedict have done).  If only one of them has a stroke and is treated by a doctor or nurse at a Catholic Hospital who benefits from full contraceptive coverage, then my year is complete.

Say What, Mr. Obama? | National Catholic Reporter

Say What, Mr. Obama? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I suspect that the remarks were staff developed, possibly with this themes.  As for dumping on Sebelius, go to where you sent the UN, MSW.  The new accommodation on contraception is adequate and was probably what was to be used before Valerie Jarrett (not Sec. Sebelius) politicized the issue.  As for all the lawsuits, they grandstanding by the hierarchy. Notre Dame is involved (as well as others) to take some kind of joint action as a sop to the feelings of the poor, poor bishops who embaraced themselves over health care reform.  As for calling the Solicitor General's brief ridiculous, I am not so sure that that particular SG is not now a member of the SC.  Bottom line, the Church as employer has a different role than Church as teacher.  The employee rights and choices of a non-Catholic teacher, student or nurse are none of the USCCB's business.



If the shoe were on the other foot and the Church was arguing for more contraceptive freedom for female employees while some Fundamentalist Oligarchy wanted to ban it (it could happen), then I would side with the Church - not because of its rights as Church, but because it was on the side of freedom.  To say otherwise is to put group dynamics ahead of truth.

Samuel Gregg At It Again | National Catholic Reporter

Samuel Gregg At It Again | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The private sector won't solve the problem of people getting their hours cut to avoid complying with employer mandates in 2015.  They will simply cut hours.  While the mandate as written is government failure, it will only be fixed by government action - hopefully after the GOP is no longer the majority party in the House.  As to the living wage, environmental protection, et al - honest businesses want to do these things - and they want regulations so that those who don't behave ethically are penalized.  There is no such thing as a voluntary living wage ($10.10 is not high enough).  Distributing benefits for families through the tax system is the only way to allow employers to pay such a wage (and I include the Church in this) without economic harm to themselves.  Of course, this scheme implies that taxation really is not theft - something that Acton and Gregg surely will not stipulate to.

Prioritizing the Poor in Global Health | National Catholic Reporter

Prioritizing the Poor in Global Health | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: This is the one case (aside from attempts at Eugenics here), where I agree that world public health needs to focus on disease prevention, not on preventing the births of people related to Barack Obama and other brown people who happen to be poor. The big step, still, is income redistribution.  Wealth buys health in a big way - from public utilities to first rate hospitals with access to doctors.

To Hell With the UN | National Catholic Reporter

To Hell With the UN | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: While the Church has every right to defend its moral teachings on gay marriage (even though it is wrong) and abortion (even though it is sadly mistaken how abortion rights exist in wester natural rights republics - especially this one).  On contraception, I do dislike the idea of trying to prevent the birth of brown people in the name of development - especially when we have a brown President - although no one has put this question in terms of getting his Kenyan family not to reproduce - which should be done.  As for the Church's (lack of) knowledge on reproductive biology and human sexuality within marriage - it is embarrassing and bad for the Church herself.



As for the organization of the Church.  NO, MSW!  If the bishops work for Nuncio who gets his orders from the Holy See, then the reality is that those bishops (and especially Cardinals who hold a Vatican City passport) ARE EMPLOYEES OF ROME.  There is no doubt that the priests in a diocese work for the bishop.  Indeed, if they deny it they are in violation of their promise of obedience.  Locally appoint and approve bishops and make priests free agents and you can absolve Rome of responsibility. Otherwise, the Vatican needs to schedule more than one art auction for the benefit of the victims.  That the plaintiff lawyers did not draw the lines that clearly is a mystery to me and a sin.  Until we drop the name Roman from Roman Catholic...



MSW, quit carrying the hierarchy's water on this issue - they don't deserve it.

Happy Anniversary MOJ | National Catholic Reporter

Happy Anniversary MOJ | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Congratulations are in order - these are the good guys who offset Ave Maria University Law School, Judicial Watch, Priests for Life and Jay Sekulo and his American Center for Law and Justice (how fascist can you get).

Little Monster Sighting | National Catholic Reporter

Little Monster Sighting | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I suspect Francis might agree, but I am not entirely sure.  I am sure his bishop is probably happy, as well as the Bishop Emeritus (Burke).  Those are the big monsters.  This harkens back to the priest in our area who was sent home for pulling the same stunt.  Would that lesbian couples could both take Communion everywhere - both at funerals and AT THEIR WEDDING!

Is Weigel Nervous? | National Catholic Reporter

Is Weigel Nervous? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Weigel's problem is that he thinks capitalism and the free market are the same thing - with capitalism part of the natural order (as part of a hierarchy of truth and privilege).  George is likely fearing that he is sadly mistaken and that the Pope will make things too clear for George to not take notice of - and even worse - repent of with the only options being either outright rebellion (not good for his byline) or silence (which works for me - his 15 minutes are over).

Card. George Pushes For Immigration Reform | National Catholic Reporter

Card. George Pushes For Immigration Reform | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Not Danny, Denny.  The former Speaker is a good Catholic and knows what the GOP needs (which is not to pander to the Tea Party).  Francis Cardinal George has similiar instincts about what is good before God and for the Church.  I am only glad they were not joining hands to protest marriage equality.

A Myth Is Born | National Catholic Reporter

A Myth Is Born | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: What the CBO report says is true.  It is likely most applicable to people with a next egg who, until now, worked to keep insurance.  It will apply to people retiring at 62 rather than 65 (when they get Medicare).  It is why Feds can retire in their 50s - because their health insurance stays in place - insurance that is a lot like what you find on the Exchanges.  Most of all, it will be the people who don't want to take orders from anyone but their own customers, allowing them to tell management where to shove it.



That is the bright side.  There is a down side, which may create jobs rather than fire folks.  Marginal employers do indeed have strategies to cut hours for individuals so they don't have to cover them (a good ACA amendment would be to exempt employees who are covered elsewhere from employer mandate calculations).  Of course, this means more staff, not less - but none making a living wage or getting health insurance.  Congress could, of course, call full time 25 hours instead of 30 - but that hust means more hours cuts and people finding their insurance in Medicaid (and supplementing their incomes with Food Stamps).  It is hard to find a way to make low wage workers eligible for care through employers, because we are so replaceable.  Something akin to single payer funded by a wage or consumption tax (with no size exemptions) seems the only obvious solution for this cohort.  Even the threat might defuse the drive to cut hours.  I hope the Dems keep the Senate and win the House - making it a credible threat.

Fluke for Congress? | National Catholic Reporter

Fluke for Congress? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Ms. Fluke handled herself with grace under pressure.  The best thing that the self-righteous press and the GOP blowhard press can do for her is to keep attacking.  This is not a bad time to get in.  Waxman was there forever (like Gonzalez and his son in San Antonio in the district I lived in).  Now would be a good time to introduce a fresh face.  There may be no other chance for decades save for being a carpet bagger (assume she was born there and is not one already - however you only get one shot at this).

Movement on Immigration Reform | National Catholic Reporter

Movement on Immigration Reform | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: It looks like the GOP is finding religion on this.  The election draweth nigh - and they must have realized that the Latino vote is waxing while the Tea Party is waning.

"Let there be light" | National Catholic Reporter

"Let there be light" | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Support these people if you can.  Amazing story.

"Let there be light" | National Catholic Reporter

"Let there be light" | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Support these people if you can.  Amazing story.

Kudos to Tom Roberts | National Catholic Reporter

Kudos to Tom Roberts | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: There are quite a few ex-Jesuits who leave for a variety of reasons.  Roberts need not apologize for the Society nor throw his friend under the bus.  What matters is, I suspect, the former Fr. Dear does with his life now that he has left.  That will serve as justification for why and whether it had anything to do with politics.  Tom did not don pom-poms, but maybe he should have let the writing of this commentary go to someone else - or simply quit talking about it and let life go on.

The "War on Francis"? | National Catholic Reporter

The "War on Francis"? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Mills calls out FoxNews for its latest bit of Truth Speak, that somehow Capitalists are good for hard working Americans (who need a raise) and that Francis and Catholic Social Teaching (how he misunderstands it) gets in the way - or worse - justifies Capitalist exploitation.  Shaw needs to read up on what Leo and every pope since then says about a living wage (indeed, a few bishops should too when review the adequacy of pay for their staffs and those at the parish level, i.e., that it should relate to the size of the family).

Debating American Exceptionalism | National Catholic Reporter

Debating American Exceptionalism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Secularization came about for a few reasons - none of which having to do with marrying later.  My father married at 24 but had me (his first) at 36.  Likewise, his father had all of his children late in light, as did my mother's father, who had my mother in a second marriage - although lived long enough for me to be able to get to know him a bit - although I wish I could have had another 10 years so we could have talked politics and outflanked my father.



Three things have led to secularization.  The most obvious one is television.  In the 50s and much of the 60s, Sunday Morning was a TV wasteland.  Second, the strictness of the 50s led many to simply rebel - with Vatican II and the demystification of the Mass giving them permission.  Humanae Vitae sealed the deal.  Finally, the children of those of 40's and 50's Catholicism simply let their children make up their own minds.  While some still force their kids to go to Church, those who feel forced simply stop going when in college (Catholic college or not).  There are some who come back, some who become Evangelicals when reached if they are seeking certainty (or a faith to match their libertarian politics) and some who be Episcopalians or Presbyterians in they are looking for a "Real Pressence" Church (not sect, Church - the hierarchy is wrong on this point).  The Episcopal Church is especially popular with the socially liberal (who may still be wealthy) - given its acceptance of women and gays in the priesthood (not ministry, priesthood).



As for the term American Exceptionalism, that is usually about how our commitment to both liberty and equality exists side by side, unlike many other nations - especially in regard to seeing rights coming from God rather than being granted by the government.  I am not sure this is true for modern social democracies - although I am quite sure the right wingers would say that such schemes are a violation of liberty.

Our Cultural Obsessions | National Catholic Reporter

Our Cultural Obsessions | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: The game was essentially over after the first snap led to a safey - and yet people watched - probably because nothing stirs the masses like a blow out.  This was good for the advertisers, as they can point to the ratings, say that they helped, and charge a bit more to their clients - although hard core beer drinkers (the ones who consume the most reliably - are alcoholics who will drink anyway - the question is what?).  People watch the Super Bowl not just for that game, but for the 46 games that came before it, as well as the 30 odd NFL title games that came before the American and National Leagues merged.  Watching the game brings back memories for many, often of family lost, and rehonors all of those prior champions over the course of so many years.  At one point, professional football was a speculative enterprise (and it still relies on owner rather than corporations).  Now, not so much.



As for Downton Abbey, I've never seen it, although my sister swears by it.  Still, she does not watch it.  Comcast, Fios or whatever she has allows her to watch episodes on the next day and for a long time into the future.  Anyone with a satellite or cable provider or Netflix could do the same.  For me, my favorite British import is Dr. Who, which I began watching as I was making a spaghetti bolognaise and sausage dinner for my APO brothers at a chapter reunion.  I am not sure I have missed an episode since if I could avoid it.  To show my age, I started with the 3rd Doctor.  They are on 13 now (since they recognized the unspoken Doctor as a legitimate incarnation - frankly, they pulled him out of thin air.



Science fiction, I find, teaches us as much about the human condition (aliens, androids and all) so something like Downton Abbey - or for that matter, the Super Bowl.  Pagan mythology does essentially the same thing, which is why most no longer find it objectionable as we did in ancient Rome.  The problem in Rome was government domination, not the existence of actual pagan gods.  It would have been wiser for Church fathers to play the Roman's little charade and go about their business.

Kudos to South African Bishops | National Catholic Reporter

Kudos to South African Bishops | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Good for the South African bishops.  Sadly, the Evangelicals hooked in with C Street, aka, the Family, don't really listen to Catholic bishops (unless they are villifying women or Obama).  Sadly, the Catholic Bishops in the US would probably like Lawrence to be repealed - as well as Roe - as they prefer the power the exercise at the local level to not be interfered with by such concepts as equal protection under law - particularly if it is women or homosexuals being protected.  They forget that the same principles protect the right to have a Catholic Church in Alabama - even though some of those churches are routinely firebombed.

The Pastor in Rome | National Catholic Reporter

The Pastor in Rome | National Catholic Reporter  MSW.  MGB: You can put lipstick on the Inquisition, but it is still the Inquisition.  It is interesting that the agency charged with protecting the young from doctrinal impurity is now trying to protect them from predators.  The latter is far more important.  As for doctrinal truth - we learn more every day from history and archeology.  Let us hope that the Inquisition is friendly to those contributions, even if they change how we understand certain things.  While some doctrine is based on finally coming to agreement on doctrine, other historically based findings can be improved upon with science - and that goes doubly for those items which rely on natural law.  Indeed, how the Inquisition and the Pope treat natural law will determine whether it will long endure as other than a fringe movement.

The Pastor in Los Angeles | National Catholic Reporter

The Pastor in Los Angeles | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I wish he had thrown the hammer down - not on the political sphere but among Catholic business owners and shareholders.  THAT is where some Catholic identity would be nice.  I care little whether an employer offers a policy with birth control.  I care more if they have a policy to give a $12,000 per year raise to workers who add a new member of the family.  Indeed, I doubt that even the Church goes that far - and that is a pity.

Pope Francis & Notre Dame | National Catholic Reporter

Pope Francis & Notre Dame | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Notre Dame is the quintessential Catholic University - ranking with CUA and Georgetown, as well as Boston College and Holy Cross.  They also offer an MA program in Social Work to Catholic Charities USA staff.  Catholic Identity is strong at both CCUSA and Notre Dame - although it is always a work in progress.  No one follows the Master fully in charity.  I am also sure that what Fr. Jenkins does, and does well, is fundraising - something a bit outside our Catholic identity.  The conservative view of the concept makes Catholic identity a form of group dynamics on steroids.  That is how they expect all good Republicans to behave.  Luckily they are Catholics, not good Republicans.  If only someone would tell the Bishops (especially Chaput) that such things are possible.