Immigration Reform Dying or Dead? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sadly, the Immigration Reform bill is designed to make reform acceptable to the Republicans - it is hardly a liberal bill (such bill would simply get rid of restrictions). Even more sadly, some kind of reform was absolutely essential for the long term survival of the Republican Party - although I am not so sad about the prospect of it dying. The saddest thing of all is that the Republican fear of doing something likely has everything to do with the racism of most of the voting public (not the public at large) - so it is their best short term play - and that includes in states where Democrats favor something punitive. Lastly - and pitifully - which is beyond sad, the lack of progress still has to do with not wanting to give Obama a victory. whether that reflects the racism of the Republican members of the Congress and Senate or the wider party is uncertain - and frankly, I don't want to know. Oh, maybe I do.
Of course, the nasty thing is that the bill may be written to make the GOP look bad - although it is within the policy paradigm of the last Republican President who likely would have signed it as well. There is a degree that this is a crafted set up - but I still wish it were not so punitive.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Instrumentum laboris: Second impressions | National Catholic Reporter
Instrumentum laboris: Second impressions | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This interpretation of the working papers for the synod (yesterday I thought it was a document about work - oops - so much for my Latin) raises interesting questions - perhaps more interesting than MSW realizes. He still hopes for the gift that old celibate men can give. In my experience, don't believe that either age or celibacy carry any special charisms - especially the last. Indeed, that imposition is tragic, initially misogynistic (seeing a life lived sexually as less then) and medieval (reflecting a paradigm where the bishop personally owns the property of the diocese). Sadly, it is not discussed - which shows the old celibate men do not feel part of the family. The question is, who will dominate the conference - those who believe in central authority in the Church - and who expect the bishops attending to fall in line if the whip is cracked - or those whose age and experience represents having to deal with the difficult issues Catholic families face and are willing to do real natural law that is sensative to real experience - rather than driven by first principles. In other words, will those who believe change is needed have the courage to speak up? If so, the Holy Spirit will drive this conference and anything can happen under her guidance. She may use Francis as the instrument of her labor - that is what many hope. I think that part is right - but it is his humility that will lead to the courage needed to really get to the truth and then do what is necessary out of that truth.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Bruta Figura: Tea Party Version | National Catholic Reporter
Bruta Figura: Tea Party Version | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: He was reacting to the fact that most career politicians thought of him as an embarrassment and of his association with, shall we call it, white power groups. One could see how losing to the black vote would get his goat. He probably expected they would vote for him to prop up a Tea Party nut. Some nuts, however, should not be allowed to put down roots.
The Instrumentum laboris: First impressions | National Catholic Reporter
The Instrumentum laboris: First impressions | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The fact that the letter talks about work as a component of family lfe - but as an instrument, not a goal in itself, is a nice slap in the face to capitalism.
In writing about familiy life situations should be considered - indeed primarily - because they are the source of good natural law reasoning. All natural law need not be created from first principles. Indeed, none of it should. Even the statement in the gospel about marriage between a man and a woman was a quote from Genesis, not a statement condemning gay marriage. Jesus goes on to say that the couple is a family in and of itself - they are no longer members of their family of origin. Of course, that is most applicable to gay marriage as well.
Families are stressed - not as a whole but as individuals - which then goes to the family dynamic. This would be a great place to talk about a just family wage that responds to family size. As to security, talking about worker ownership and control of the workplace would be a nice step up - although it would make conservatives not just agitated, but apoplectic.
The Pope also condemns consumerism again - however without consumerism workers would remain radicalized and revolt, or the economy would collapse because of too many goods that employers are unable to buy. There is also a meme that this has intruded into medical care - yes and no. The desire for a child is natural - it is not a consumer fetish. We do not design luxury children - and if we did it would be a problem of luxury, not simple conumerism. Now, teenagers who want stuff like overgrown babies is a separate thing - but again that is not consumerism so much as a desire for luxury. Filling that desire may overwork the parent - however that desire is only fed because the parents indulge in luxury themselves. As for sex, that is about lust, not luxury - unless one is willing to engage the services of prostitution - and there are some high end prostitutes - compelete with recreational drugs.
On defense and remarriage, changing the annulments process is really not enough. It is time to grow up and realize that some marriages just need to end. If an alcoholic is violent (or even docile) and refuses treatment, the marriage can be ended - even without recognition that the alcoholism was an impediment in the first place. The same goes for any violence, abandonment and for adultery - and even mental illness - my wife would like that. Now, if recovery occurs, there is a place for reconciliation - but that should lie with the harmed party -not the Church and if the harmed party refuses forgiveness - not only should the marriage be over, but the other party should be unable to marry again without proving that what ended the first marriage will not recur.
There should still be annulments - especially when time has uncovered something missed or hidden in the pre-marital investigation. For instance, if it turns out that the person seeking a divorce is the child of divorce and went into the marriage determined to leave if the marriage did not suit her desires, that marriage should be annulled and that issue should be checked. Simply asking people if their parents ever divorced and whether the candidate for marriage agrees with that decision should be a big red flag, which is sad.
As for same sex marriage, its section on adoption comes from (fear) as MSW relates. Still, I wonder if the fear relates to how it looks to allow such adoption while condemning marriage than any fault in gay parents themselves. Indeed, not all gay adoption is of infants - it is as common that gays and lesbians foster a child of siblings when they cannot be cared for in their family of origin - or when one person birings children into the new relationship. Of course, those cases do not often go through Catholic Charities, who are mainly involved in placing babies from parents who can't handle them - teens and addicts who should actually be encouraged to keep their children - and give them to couples who bipass modern medicine for their fertility issues.
There is a section on the right of children in gay unions to fully participate in the life of the Church, including camps (I will resist the obvious cheap shot). It is truly disappointing that this has to be said at all.
As MSW concludes, at least the Church is trying to change its inadequate theology on gays and lesbians. Of course, many note that it was proceeding just fine before Cardinal Ratzinger started calling homosexuality disordered. If we could somehow examine the sole question of whether the natural order theology is a cheat for allowing God to enforce a harm to the order that Him does not feel because He is perfect, progress will have been made indeed. I am sure such views also condemn polygamy, which is also mentioned but is part of African and some Asian cultures (of course, giving the entire African Church to the Copts may solve that and calm their condmenaton of homosexuality's acceptance in the north). The key here is to examine how wifes are treated. Being chattle is not being married. When they realize they are slaves, they should be able to opt out of the union at will.
I wish the conference well - and am delighted that MSW refered to the Spirit as feminine in his tag line.
In writing about familiy life situations should be considered - indeed primarily - because they are the source of good natural law reasoning. All natural law need not be created from first principles. Indeed, none of it should. Even the statement in the gospel about marriage between a man and a woman was a quote from Genesis, not a statement condemning gay marriage. Jesus goes on to say that the couple is a family in and of itself - they are no longer members of their family of origin. Of course, that is most applicable to gay marriage as well.
Families are stressed - not as a whole but as individuals - which then goes to the family dynamic. This would be a great place to talk about a just family wage that responds to family size. As to security, talking about worker ownership and control of the workplace would be a nice step up - although it would make conservatives not just agitated, but apoplectic.
The Pope also condemns consumerism again - however without consumerism workers would remain radicalized and revolt, or the economy would collapse because of too many goods that employers are unable to buy. There is also a meme that this has intruded into medical care - yes and no. The desire for a child is natural - it is not a consumer fetish. We do not design luxury children - and if we did it would be a problem of luxury, not simple conumerism. Now, teenagers who want stuff like overgrown babies is a separate thing - but again that is not consumerism so much as a desire for luxury. Filling that desire may overwork the parent - however that desire is only fed because the parents indulge in luxury themselves. As for sex, that is about lust, not luxury - unless one is willing to engage the services of prostitution - and there are some high end prostitutes - compelete with recreational drugs.
On defense and remarriage, changing the annulments process is really not enough. It is time to grow up and realize that some marriages just need to end. If an alcoholic is violent (or even docile) and refuses treatment, the marriage can be ended - even without recognition that the alcoholism was an impediment in the first place. The same goes for any violence, abandonment and for adultery - and even mental illness - my wife would like that. Now, if recovery occurs, there is a place for reconciliation - but that should lie with the harmed party -not the Church and if the harmed party refuses forgiveness - not only should the marriage be over, but the other party should be unable to marry again without proving that what ended the first marriage will not recur.
There should still be annulments - especially when time has uncovered something missed or hidden in the pre-marital investigation. For instance, if it turns out that the person seeking a divorce is the child of divorce and went into the marriage determined to leave if the marriage did not suit her desires, that marriage should be annulled and that issue should be checked. Simply asking people if their parents ever divorced and whether the candidate for marriage agrees with that decision should be a big red flag, which is sad.
As for same sex marriage, its section on adoption comes from (fear) as MSW relates. Still, I wonder if the fear relates to how it looks to allow such adoption while condemning marriage than any fault in gay parents themselves. Indeed, not all gay adoption is of infants - it is as common that gays and lesbians foster a child of siblings when they cannot be cared for in their family of origin - or when one person birings children into the new relationship. Of course, those cases do not often go through Catholic Charities, who are mainly involved in placing babies from parents who can't handle them - teens and addicts who should actually be encouraged to keep their children - and give them to couples who bipass modern medicine for their fertility issues.
There is a section on the right of children in gay unions to fully participate in the life of the Church, including camps (I will resist the obvious cheap shot). It is truly disappointing that this has to be said at all.
As MSW concludes, at least the Church is trying to change its inadequate theology on gays and lesbians. Of course, many note that it was proceeding just fine before Cardinal Ratzinger started calling homosexuality disordered. If we could somehow examine the sole question of whether the natural order theology is a cheat for allowing God to enforce a harm to the order that Him does not feel because He is perfect, progress will have been made indeed. I am sure such views also condemn polygamy, which is also mentioned but is part of African and some Asian cultures (of course, giving the entire African Church to the Copts may solve that and calm their condmenaton of homosexuality's acceptance in the north). The key here is to examine how wifes are treated. Being chattle is not being married. When they realize they are slaves, they should be able to opt out of the union at will.
I wish the conference well - and am delighted that MSW refered to the Spirit as feminine in his tag line.
Wieseltier Scolds de Botton | National Catholic Reporter
Wieseltier Scolds de Botton | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I once tried taking Facebook sabbath's over the weekend - but now I go on to at least wish people a Happy Birthday - and with 3 sets of friends that means three times a day. As for Twitter, I tried to set up an account but never got through all the lists of topics they seem to think I care about - especially the celebrity side. They need a skip button. I never read it, of course, because real men don't tweet. I don't read the New Republic(an) either - more of a fan of the Nation - and would not have read the piece if I had known. The intellectual snobbery of the thing is up front, although I suspect that MSW missed the reference to torture by the IDF near the end of the piece - or he would lump them with the Presbyterians.
Dolan on Ethics & Young People | National Catholic Reporter
Dolan on Ethics & Young People | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This was an interesting interview - although it was at a Jesuit College (where my godfather went) conducted by two students on a university website. I would not expect controversy. It was a nice interview, though not devoid of political questions and nicely addressing economics. I still wish he would go farther, although that might make some of his colleagues on the Catholic right nervous.
Anti-Semitism & the Presbyterians | National Catholic Reporter
Anti-Semitism & the Presbyterians | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Knox comment is interesting since the Church of the Nativity in Bethlhem in Galellie (down the road from Nazareth), which many believe to be the real site of the nativity, is also in under a highway. I have no doubt that anti-semites are contributing the the divestment moves on Israel - but I dont' count the Presbyterians among them. As I have written before, Israel has few options on dealing with the Palestinians - a two-state solution where the Palestinian state may include the Arab parts of the north of Israel and that state has nothing to do with the IDF (when said that way, many Zionists blanch), full integration of Arabs and Palestinians into the Jewish state - so full that it is no longer a Jewish state (which would be what Torah requires), recognize that Palestinian Arabs were likely Samaritan Christians at one time and accept them as ethnic Jews - while letting the other Samaritan peoples who are Romany return as well (where to put all those people) and the one they seem to be leading to - continued bad treatment of people in the territories - including Christians and no recognition of their rights as full citizens - which sounds a lot like apartheid to me. It would be easy to call opposing Israel anti-Semetic if they did not treat the Palestinians as captives who do dirty jobs by day and are locked behind the wall at night. It is no wonder that they like Republican neo-cons so much - not only are they reflexively Zionist but some long for the days of segregation - and are not troubled by what goes on with the Palestinians.
The Tea Party Loses in Mississippi | National Catholic Reporter
The Tea Party Loses in Mississippi | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Mississippi politics are mostly about race. Indeed, the Tea Party movement is too - as some of the various parties were former militias or has some other link to white nationalism. Indeed, reports are that such people recruited at the Tea Party candidate's events. If I were a black voter in Mississippi, the strategic move might have been to elect the nut - but there would have been a good chance that the nut would have won in November, so the Senate, not just Mississippi dodged a bullet.
Other Tea Party's work hand-in-glove with the Republican establishment (Dick Armey and the Virginia Tea Party included) and their chief sponsor (David Koch). Kansas and Misouri are also likely places where the Tea Party and the Party Establishment are the same thing. While some are Republicans others are Libertarian Republicans. An effort to start a Republican Caucus in the Libertarian Party has met with some success in making the party less strident, but not enough to take control. Meanwhile Libertarian and Tea Party Republicans in the Paul movement remember quite well the rules and organization committee votes and the lack of appeals allowed from the floor in 2012 at the GOP Convention. Some of this may be there revenge, as some of those organizations fall under the Tea Party Nationalist banner. What I find fascinating is the complete absence of Trent Lott in the reporting on this election. One wonders what side he was on.
As for the farm animal thing, one wonders whether he was refering to beastiality or the forced misegination of young women on the plantation. Some would call it rape and I would expect it more in the South of that era than any daliences that people seem infer. Hence the knowing response by the audience.
The Valerie Jarrett comment underestimates her. She knows well enough to tailor the message to the Senate or contested House race. Women's issues will likely be brought up, considering how thoroughly aborton facilities have been shut down in Mississippi. There is little Catholic impact - since there is little Catholicism there. The local Ordinary is hardly a powerful force in state where significant numbers still believe that the Pope is the anti-Christ. Mississippi is kind of a freebee - no one expects the Democrat to win although it could be a nice surprise if registration is strong.
Other Tea Party's work hand-in-glove with the Republican establishment (Dick Armey and the Virginia Tea Party included) and their chief sponsor (David Koch). Kansas and Misouri are also likely places where the Tea Party and the Party Establishment are the same thing. While some are Republicans others are Libertarian Republicans. An effort to start a Republican Caucus in the Libertarian Party has met with some success in making the party less strident, but not enough to take control. Meanwhile Libertarian and Tea Party Republicans in the Paul movement remember quite well the rules and organization committee votes and the lack of appeals allowed from the floor in 2012 at the GOP Convention. Some of this may be there revenge, as some of those organizations fall under the Tea Party Nationalist banner. What I find fascinating is the complete absence of Trent Lott in the reporting on this election. One wonders what side he was on.
As for the farm animal thing, one wonders whether he was refering to beastiality or the forced misegination of young women on the plantation. Some would call it rape and I would expect it more in the South of that era than any daliences that people seem infer. Hence the knowing response by the audience.
The Valerie Jarrett comment underestimates her. She knows well enough to tailor the message to the Senate or contested House race. Women's issues will likely be brought up, considering how thoroughly aborton facilities have been shut down in Mississippi. There is little Catholic impact - since there is little Catholicism there. The local Ordinary is hardly a powerful force in state where significant numbers still believe that the Pope is the anti-Christ. Mississippi is kind of a freebee - no one expects the Democrat to win although it could be a nice surprise if registration is strong.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Pro-Life Kudos to Wester | National Catholic Reporter
Pro-Life Kudos to Wester | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: We have some progress. I am sure Dolan et al are having a conniption. Of course, I have yet to hear from any of them, Catholic Charities or the USCCB on the need to raise the Child Tax Credit rather than cut the deficit on that part of tax reform that seeks to get rid of the mortgage interest and property tax deductions. Still, make him an Archbishops (and send him to Phili, NY or Balto).
Contra USCCB on LGBT Non-Discrimination | National Catholic Reporter
Contra USCCB on LGBT Non-Discrimination | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The bishops seem to be running scared - although I doubt the Catholic Charities agencies they are proporting to represent are - such agencies are the most gay friendly of any employer. (Note well, fear is what leads to most sin - not just the icky personal sins but the more serious ones against others).
No outside goverenment will ever requre the Church to officiate (not peform) a same-sex marriage. That pressure will come from within the Church from family members and gay-friendly (and gay) priests. As far as cutting a deal with the USCCB - the Obama administration should not even take their calls. They have no idea about how the right to privacy relates to this case or the legitimacy of said right - which is not about confidentiality - is about people being left alone by the government (and by extension the Church and employers) about their personal decision - with the government now being called upon to protect privacy rights from employers.
The question also comes up of the Church's motives. It claims to be protecting its right to hold its doctrines - however as I have long said, the Church recognizes civil marriages of its employees all the time - or marriages which are not Catholic or Christian - when dispensing benefits to spouses. What we are seeing here is not moral objection, but homophobia and probably coalition politics.
It is truly pathetic that the Church FAQ talks about the question of orientation vs. acts because Lawrence v. Texas essentially said that the acts are protected from public scrutiny. EDNA is simply taking that governmental protection into the workplace - even if the employer is the Church (in a non-ministerial setting of course - althought with estimates that half of priests are gay - the Church's stand would be funny if it were not so tragic. This shows what I have been saying for a long time, USCCB staff on this issue and all things sexual seems to be as Republican as it is Catholic - as are some of the bishops. Pews to Francis - HELP!
No outside goverenment will ever requre the Church to officiate (not peform) a same-sex marriage. That pressure will come from within the Church from family members and gay-friendly (and gay) priests. As far as cutting a deal with the USCCB - the Obama administration should not even take their calls. They have no idea about how the right to privacy relates to this case or the legitimacy of said right - which is not about confidentiality - is about people being left alone by the government (and by extension the Church and employers) about their personal decision - with the government now being called upon to protect privacy rights from employers.
The question also comes up of the Church's motives. It claims to be protecting its right to hold its doctrines - however as I have long said, the Church recognizes civil marriages of its employees all the time - or marriages which are not Catholic or Christian - when dispensing benefits to spouses. What we are seeing here is not moral objection, but homophobia and probably coalition politics.
It is truly pathetic that the Church FAQ talks about the question of orientation vs. acts because Lawrence v. Texas essentially said that the acts are protected from public scrutiny. EDNA is simply taking that governmental protection into the workplace - even if the employer is the Church (in a non-ministerial setting of course - althought with estimates that half of priests are gay - the Church's stand would be funny if it were not so tragic. This shows what I have been saying for a long time, USCCB staff on this issue and all things sexual seems to be as Republican as it is Catholic - as are some of the bishops. Pews to Francis - HELP!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Robert Christian on RC/Libertarianism | National Catholic Reporter
Robert Christian on RC/Libertarianism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB:There is more than one kind of libertarianism. The Libertarian Party has its kind - and one of the bitterest debates in it is about abortion - the Paulistas (whether they are LP or GOP are definitely pro life). As far as drugs - it depends. that is a legal issue, not a canonical one. Some drugs are worse than others and on both abortion and drugs the question is not health or right and wrong but whether the government can do more harm than good in probiting either. Experience shows the answer is a resounding no. While some Libertarians and many Theologians are about arguing points from deduction - most of us sane folks - who may be both look at real world experience when deciding how to proceed.
There are right wing libertarians who are primarily economic libertarians. Many equate taxation with theft because it includes the possiblity of state violence. In reality, being jailed for not paying taxes or filing them is rare, but many obsess on it. There are left libertarians too, many being social libertarians who want the government to leave people alone on drugs, sex (especially banning gay marraige - although some have recently said marriage itself should be banned - but that is just PC directed at the Church) etc. Finally, there are libertarian socialists (the first libertarians - and probably the last) who can defintely work with the Church as a governmental alternative in many areas - especially education (and the Church is lax in doing adult education high schools and votech schools), health (lets expand CHA), correcttions (as in expanding CHA some more to do mental health care) and possibly even administering retirement annuities to the spouses of workers and retirees who have died. This can all be done with the Church being paid in lieu of taxes being paid. So, yes, the Church and libertarians can actually work together quite nicely.
There are right wing libertarians who are primarily economic libertarians. Many equate taxation with theft because it includes the possiblity of state violence. In reality, being jailed for not paying taxes or filing them is rare, but many obsess on it. There are left libertarians too, many being social libertarians who want the government to leave people alone on drugs, sex (especially banning gay marraige - although some have recently said marriage itself should be banned - but that is just PC directed at the Church) etc. Finally, there are libertarian socialists (the first libertarians - and probably the last) who can defintely work with the Church as a governmental alternative in many areas - especially education (and the Church is lax in doing adult education high schools and votech schools), health (lets expand CHA), correcttions (as in expanding CHA some more to do mental health care) and possibly even administering retirement annuities to the spouses of workers and retirees who have died. This can all be done with the Church being paid in lieu of taxes being paid. So, yes, the Church and libertarians can actually work together quite nicely.
Silk on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | National Catholic Reporter
Silk on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: While the Shoa is a reason for the existence of the Jewish state, it is not the only one. The refusal of the rest of the world to take in large numbers of refugees - both before and after the war- has as much to do with it. The students should have been shown the movie about the St. Louis, which the U.S. State Department did not allow to dock (nor did any other nation). In that era, by the way, Jews and Arabs across the region coexisted peacefully. Only when they started shooting each other was there a problem. The cynical will say that it may have been the Jews who started shooting first so that they could take control of the Palestinian land. Those who did not leave are considered Arab Israelis, not Palestinians. Truthspeak rules.
The odd thing is that many, if not all, Palestinians were Christians before they were Muslim and Samaritans before that. We are begining to know that the Romany, who also died in work camps under Hitler, are essentially Samaritans (people of the northern kingdom). Palestinians should never again protest against learning about the Holocaust - since their relatives, who are still scattered, were also victims. Indeed, accepting that destroys any right the Jewish State has to not consider Palestinians as full citizens and brothers. We are all one people - I am Romany - and until we acknowledge that peace is impossible.
The odd thing is that many, if not all, Palestinians were Christians before they were Muslim and Samaritans before that. We are begining to know that the Romany, who also died in work camps under Hitler, are essentially Samaritans (people of the northern kingdom). Palestinians should never again protest against learning about the Holocaust - since their relatives, who are still scattered, were also victims. Indeed, accepting that destroys any right the Jewish State has to not consider Palestinians as full citizens and brothers. We are all one people - I am Romany - and until we acknowledge that peace is impossible.
Cordileone and the Defense of Marriage | National Catholic Reporter
Cordileone and the Defense of Marriage | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: His introduction is touching - however no one becomes gay because of life circumstances. They simply are - regardless of whethr it happened in the womb or is in the genetics - or both. As far as self pity, the Church is entitled to none. There would be no marriage movement had Catholic hospitals not denied prime next of kin privileges to long time companions rather than to families of origin who rejected the dying patient in the first place. That is not just abetting bad behaviour, it is instigating it. The Church is not to be the object of pity but must come as the penitent to this discusssion. As far as the Archbishop attending the rally, I suspect he paid for it. Time for some penitence on this issue as well - not just to gays being attacked by some of the speakers but to the parishoners who donated to the Lenten Appeal with no desire that it be used for this purpose.
As for marriage itself, I am also not shy in saying that patriarchical marriage should be killed in the way the Church understands it (and is loathe to admit). A marriage among equals cannot of an automatic superior - and if that is the image they fear then the Church should stop using marriage as a model of Christ and his people (of course, Christ might be in favor of a fraternal rather than a partriarchical relationship - but he bishops will have none of it). As for comparing gay and straight sacrmental marriage - both are made by the couples themselves. It would be good if the priest could witness both - but it is not essential for the sacrament. I also suspect many retired or released priests are doing this function anyway - showing that the people are still out in front of the hierarchy. As to the requirement of marriage - it is not fecudity, it is functionality. Just because some priests have a hang-up about the functionality - which is none of their business- does not mean it does not satisfy both canon law and civil law definitions of the purpose of marriage. It is not the marriage equality folks who are working against the true meaning of marriage, it is folks like NOM.
As for NOM, they are a C Street affiliated organization. This kind of ecumenical dialogue is not what most of us have in mind. The bishops, even the right wing ones, should step away. I exect that NOMs next goal is to keep building a grass roots network to call a constitutional convention to overturn gay marriage once it is universal - and then include the rest of the social agenda that they and Cardinal Dolan, et al, wish to see enacted.
As for marriage itself, I am also not shy in saying that patriarchical marriage should be killed in the way the Church understands it (and is loathe to admit). A marriage among equals cannot of an automatic superior - and if that is the image they fear then the Church should stop using marriage as a model of Christ and his people (of course, Christ might be in favor of a fraternal rather than a partriarchical relationship - but he bishops will have none of it). As for comparing gay and straight sacrmental marriage - both are made by the couples themselves. It would be good if the priest could witness both - but it is not essential for the sacrament. I also suspect many retired or released priests are doing this function anyway - showing that the people are still out in front of the hierarchy. As to the requirement of marriage - it is not fecudity, it is functionality. Just because some priests have a hang-up about the functionality - which is none of their business- does not mean it does not satisfy both canon law and civil law definitions of the purpose of marriage. It is not the marriage equality folks who are working against the true meaning of marriage, it is folks like NOM.
As for NOM, they are a C Street affiliated organization. This kind of ecumenical dialogue is not what most of us have in mind. The bishops, even the right wing ones, should step away. I exect that NOMs next goal is to keep building a grass roots network to call a constitutional convention to overturn gay marriage once it is universal - and then include the rest of the social agenda that they and Cardinal Dolan, et al, wish to see enacted.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Will Pope Francis Go to US-Mexico Border? | National Catholic Reporter
Will Pope Francis Go to US-Mexico Border? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Both political and spiritual theater. That is why we have a Pope and why we needed a Christ rather than a well written book on Jewish mysticism. Stil, at the risk of encouraging polarization in the Church, it will be fun to watch Weigel, Hahn and I suspect some of the bishops to either mouth off or squirm.
Do the Palestinians Want Peace? | National Catholic Reporter
Do the Palestinians Want Peace? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I have no doubt he upset the apple cart too much. When Jordan recognized Israel and ceded the West Bank, this became a civil war and not a war of all Arabs against Israel. All Arabs know what Mossad and the Israeli Air Force is capable of (as well as the tanks the the possibility of a nuke or two). Civil wars demand internal cohesion - although if the PLO decided that they were an Israeli group under apartheid and said it with one voice, it would be rather inconvenient for the Jewish state and its government (and, for that matter, its cheerleaders in the United States - including MSW).
Fighting Polarization Within the Church | National Catholic Reporter
Fighting Polarization Within the Church | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The reason that the Master prayed that we all be one (or that the Gospel writer inserted those words in his mouth) was that he know we would not be - or there was already division in 90 AD. We have actually progressed a bit, but only a bit. We are no longer killing each other within the Church, although we are seperated into various sects in the Western Church - sects that are both ethnic and economic, as well as doctrinal. Ideed, rich pro-life Calvinists often seem closer to the Acton sect with the exception of a different Eucharist. Also, there are times when one side wins. With the exception of the Latin and the orientation and some of the vestments, there is very little difference from the New Order Mass and the Extraordinary Order. Simply compare the translated Latin and the current New Order English and it is hard to believe they are the same thing - which is why there are now splinter groups that use the old translation a friendly priest (my wife goes to one). While we have a difference between the right and left as far as parishes go, the biggest break is between frequent attendees and rare attendees - probably those that are tired of hearing one side or the over bloviate or because their economics or energy level precludes a Sunday Mass.
While we are not (mostly) killing each other in the West, there seems to be a bit of killing between certain Muslim sects and other and between those sects and Christians. Its not just about the oil. Is there hope? Yes - though some of it is from the top (and yes, the Spirit selected Francis). At some Pope a Holy Father will submit to His All Holiness and end the period of Roman Triumphalism that has no justification - as Constantinople became the Imperial See when Constantine built his new city. This act of humility will bring the Protestants back into the main body of the Western Church - since Roman excess is why they originally left. As far as the Muslims and Jews, maybe talking about the Trinity more and in language that shows its necessity would help - although a cease fire is necessary too.
The Spirit of Prophesy is alive and well in the Church, as She has been from the begining (yes, spirit is a feminine noun in ancient Greek, not a masculine). Kim Daniels talking about immigration is an example. It can also come from speaking the truth to the other side. Biden and Pelosi don't seem to have the words to explain abortion law to the bishops, either their own, the Acton sect or the USCCB and staff (some of whom aer Repbulicans first, since overturning Roe is a hopeless cause). The interesting thing will be if a bishop is so convinced, whether he will acknowledge where the pro-choice side is speaking truth. While they are on the slippery slope of promoting abortion - the vast majority of Catholic pro-choicers - indeed most pro-choicers, do not go down that slope. When (not if) will such transformations take place? As with all good things, when the Spirit wills it (and not before) - and that includes people coming back to Church.
While we are not (mostly) killing each other in the West, there seems to be a bit of killing between certain Muslim sects and other and between those sects and Christians. Its not just about the oil. Is there hope? Yes - though some of it is from the top (and yes, the Spirit selected Francis). At some Pope a Holy Father will submit to His All Holiness and end the period of Roman Triumphalism that has no justification - as Constantinople became the Imperial See when Constantine built his new city. This act of humility will bring the Protestants back into the main body of the Western Church - since Roman excess is why they originally left. As far as the Muslims and Jews, maybe talking about the Trinity more and in language that shows its necessity would help - although a cease fire is necessary too.
The Spirit of Prophesy is alive and well in the Church, as She has been from the begining (yes, spirit is a feminine noun in ancient Greek, not a masculine). Kim Daniels talking about immigration is an example. It can also come from speaking the truth to the other side. Biden and Pelosi don't seem to have the words to explain abortion law to the bishops, either their own, the Acton sect or the USCCB and staff (some of whom aer Repbulicans first, since overturning Roe is a hopeless cause). The interesting thing will be if a bishop is so convinced, whether he will acknowledge where the pro-choice side is speaking truth. While they are on the slippery slope of promoting abortion - the vast majority of Catholic pro-choicers - indeed most pro-choicers, do not go down that slope. When (not if) will such transformations take place? As with all good things, when the Spirit wills it (and not before) - and that includes people coming back to Church.
Great Article on Becket Fund | National Catholic Reporter
Great Article on Becket Fund | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Smith is likely to be controlling law, dooming the Hobby Lobby Case (not to mention that there is no change, save copayments, from the prior status quo on birth control in the EEOC decision). The Hobby Lobby is not so much subsidizing birth control as accepting a susidy to provide it - making it an agent of the state. Finding for Hobby Lobby essentially overturns Griswold v. Connecticut, allowing employer interference with the privacy rights thus granted. I hope someone made that argument. Personal privacy trumps employee religious rights all the time (Smith again). Still, the Becket Fund is not as obnoxious as others. Thank Heaven their lawyer was not the American Center for Law and Justice. They are the kind of Catholic Dominionists that you can call scary. Of course, because they are so out there (like those true believers representing the Institute for Marriage) that the case likely would have died by now.
What Should the Presbyterians Do? | National Catholic Reporter
What Should the Presbyterians Do? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Israel has three choices - a second state that includes the West Bank, some of the North, the Golan (rockets make it stragecially usless) and is absolutely free of the IDF or any other outside interference, become a secular state where everyone is equal and there are no religiously based laws or apartheid. Tutu is write, MSW is wrong and the Presbyterians need to do a partial devestment just to know that the world means business and is watching - even if the political establishment of both parties is wired into AIPAC. (a fourth option is to allow Romany return as members of the northern kingdom - the issue being that most are Catholic).
What Should Israel Do? | National Catholic Reporter
What Should Israel Do? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: While it is good that restrcitions have been lifted in the West Bank, Israel still treats Gaza abysmally. Also, freedom of movement is seen here as a right - not in Israel if you are Palestinian. An improved prison is still a prison. Things are better in the North of Arab Israelis, however I suspect that the government reserves the right to have them be less good. The Jewish state still has a massive demographip problem (unless the recognize the Palestinian Muslims as formerly Christian families who were formerly Samaritan - if there has been a massive influx of Arabs to Palestine, it is never spoken of). A two state solution needs to include the North and not have any remaining IDF control over what is given up - it should instead be ceded to a larger Arab federation that should also include three independent Iraqi regions and be ruled by the Hashemite dynasty. As for the immediate crisis of three missing teenagers - I think in the U.S. the conclusion would be a drug gang or a pervert - if they are political pawns they should consider themselves lucky. As for holding the Speaker of the Palestinian Authority Parliment hostage - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER! The rule of law means you don't hold other politicians hostage. Thugs to this, not western governments. Israel can start by rreleasing the Speaker.
Do We Need A Conversation? | National Catholic Reporter
Do We Need A Conversation? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: President Obama does not do a lot of relationship building with Congress because he uses Vice President Joe Biden for that rather effectively He is almost forced to after that oaf from Kentucky held a meeting the night of his first inaugural and promised that nothing Obama wanted would pass - with Fox News essentially lying to their audience, feeding them RNC talking points in place of news. When one side is commited to a discuss that is no discussion, there is nothing much to say.
Hillary Clinton knows that the same people (at Fox) who went after her husband will come after her - indeed they already are. This is why Barack was such a brilliant choice in 2008 - the GOP had their anti-Clinton strategy already and were not set to go after Obama except in some of the most vile terms on their own weblists (some of which I saw - which also demonstrates why there will be no national conversation on Race). Whether I feel comfortable with a second Clinton presidency (frankly, I prefer General Clark - but maybe he can be Veep), there is no Republican out there that I would vote for - certainly neither Christie or Ryan. I suspect that the majority of electoral votes go the same way, which is why the GOP attack machine gets so vile every four years.
As far as guns, there is not really much deliberation to do, especially with Scalia still on the Court. That is where the discussion will ultimately occur because, like abortion, we are talking about questions of rights, not questions of what the public wants. This is also way marriage equality is inevitable, even though they don't want to decide now - the die is pretty much cast on this issue - as it should be. If MSW or the Church don't like that, they need to realize that Catholic hospitals that did not accept long time companions as next of kin, instead deferring to blood relatives who often do not accept their child's homosexuality, have brought the need for marriage equality into stark reality and deserve what is happening now. I am sure we will talk more about that tomorrow.
Things have been worse and I doubt any fix to gerrymandering will last long (unless we adopt proportional representaton in large states). The politics of the 1880s and 1890s was equally rough - as was the antebellum political culture (which in the south brooked no dissent on slavery without a violent response). Ross never had a chance due to demographic reality and as for the calls for strong leadership from the left (or right) during the FDR administration, I am sure that they were truely meant, but they did give FDR an extreme bargaining chip to get Social Security and the New Deal passed. Indeed, the lack of such movements on a larger scale (like Occupy actually having demands) is why Obama's hand is limited. A strong left wing campaign to do more of what (we) want may be what is required to get anything done in this capitalist dominated political system (on both sides - which is the datum that MSW missed).
Hillary Clinton knows that the same people (at Fox) who went after her husband will come after her - indeed they already are. This is why Barack was such a brilliant choice in 2008 - the GOP had their anti-Clinton strategy already and were not set to go after Obama except in some of the most vile terms on their own weblists (some of which I saw - which also demonstrates why there will be no national conversation on Race). Whether I feel comfortable with a second Clinton presidency (frankly, I prefer General Clark - but maybe he can be Veep), there is no Republican out there that I would vote for - certainly neither Christie or Ryan. I suspect that the majority of electoral votes go the same way, which is why the GOP attack machine gets so vile every four years.
As far as guns, there is not really much deliberation to do, especially with Scalia still on the Court. That is where the discussion will ultimately occur because, like abortion, we are talking about questions of rights, not questions of what the public wants. This is also way marriage equality is inevitable, even though they don't want to decide now - the die is pretty much cast on this issue - as it should be. If MSW or the Church don't like that, they need to realize that Catholic hospitals that did not accept long time companions as next of kin, instead deferring to blood relatives who often do not accept their child's homosexuality, have brought the need for marriage equality into stark reality and deserve what is happening now. I am sure we will talk more about that tomorrow.
Things have been worse and I doubt any fix to gerrymandering will last long (unless we adopt proportional representaton in large states). The politics of the 1880s and 1890s was equally rough - as was the antebellum political culture (which in the south brooked no dissent on slavery without a violent response). Ross never had a chance due to demographic reality and as for the calls for strong leadership from the left (or right) during the FDR administration, I am sure that they were truely meant, but they did give FDR an extreme bargaining chip to get Social Security and the New Deal passed. Indeed, the lack of such movements on a larger scale (like Occupy actually having demands) is why Obama's hand is limited. A strong left wing campaign to do more of what (we) want may be what is required to get anything done in this capitalist dominated political system (on both sides - which is the datum that MSW missed).
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Pope Francis At It Again | National Catholic Reporter
Pope Francis At It Again | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: His Holiness is absolutely right - and not just on food markets but on oil markets as well. So far the capitalists (there are not enough libertarians to care about) have resisted some very common sense regulations (last time it was mandated - but never implemented) gas went down to under two dollars a gallon. The one thing standing in the way of third world farmers succeeding is the global agricultural commodities market - which seems to be predatory and the Pope knows it. On the other hand, it is a tough game. My grandfather was a commodities broker in Chicago in the 1910s and 20s until he lost his seat after the 1920 depression - which probably saved his life from what they called "fast living". Had he not, there would be no me. These problems are why I believe in basement agriculture and employers having their own farms to produce food for the employee cafeteria. The more we can get things out of financial markets, the better. (I guess that is libertarian socialism rather than market libertarian).
The Non-Discrimination Rule Cometh | National Catholic Reporter
The Non-Discrimination Rule Cometh | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Office of Federal Procurement Policy will write the rule extending non-discrimination for gays to federal contracts. This is not their first rodeo and I believe that they will simply add sexual orientation (and possibly transgender) to the list of protected classes in current regulations. It is literally to simple to worry about. As for the Catholic Church - last time I checked, employment non-discrimination for gays and lesbians is one of the things we believe in. Other Christian Churches, particularly the right-wing authoritarian evangelicals, not so much. Of course, the universe of federal contracts is very large - with the number of them going to religious entities very small (and usually these are state contracts with federal money - this is where the fun will be - on the standard that relates to spending federal grant money at the state level. Valerie Jarrett won't be involved in this - as these rules stay mostly in the professional procurement community (of which I have been a part).
As for robust civil society - society will be more robust with gay couples who can interact without discrimination. As for a more moral society - I believe if the Church accepts marriage equality it can more forcefully condemn promiscuity - regardless of sexual orientation. Now, promiscuous hook-ups and marriage equality are seen as the same thing - which is idiotic. No wonder people runnning away from church teaching sometimes just hook up. Such hooking up, like compulsive use of pornography and being a cat lady is wrong if it keeps one out of relationships with others. It is not good to be alone.
As for robust civil society - society will be more robust with gay couples who can interact without discrimination. As for a more moral society - I believe if the Church accepts marriage equality it can more forcefully condemn promiscuity - regardless of sexual orientation. Now, promiscuous hook-ups and marriage equality are seen as the same thing - which is idiotic. No wonder people runnning away from church teaching sometimes just hook up. Such hooking up, like compulsive use of pornography and being a cat lady is wrong if it keeps one out of relationships with others. It is not good to be alone.
Updated: USCCB names new domestic policy director | National Catholic Reporter
Updated: USCCB names new domestic policy director | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I bet Chaput hired him in the first place and that network of Chaput, Lori, Dolan and Rigali fought for this - especially Lori. This is why the USCCB is not included in the religious advisors inner circle at the White House, while Sister Carol Keenan and Fr. Larry Snyder of CHA and CCUSA are. Stupidity and cupidity with the Republican electoral agenda are not counter-cultural - rather they are cooperating with the economic elites of this country in a way that makes them look like the Vatican Bank.
S. Court Backs Vulture Funds | National Catholic Reporter
S. Court Backs Vulture Funds | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The good news is that no U.S. Court can force Argentina to pay - only to transfer assets being held in the United States. Argentina can also try to work out a deal with the Department of State and others to find other authorities to shield those assets. I suspect that some of this will be part of an EXIMBANK claim - or an expansion of the role of EXIMBANK to government bond transactions. Of course, if none of that is possible the global south could take collective action against these hedge funds - along with other debtor nations, including asset seizures in their jurisdictions. The sad thing is that some of what happened had to do with these slick operators encouraging countries to securitize government assets and revenue streams - with the whole thing collapsing in 2008. Again, default seems like an option - as does seeking a US Fed bailout.
Gates Foundation: No Abortion Funding | National Catholic Reporter
Gates Foundation: No Abortion Funding | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Melinda thinks that smaller families make development more likely. Economic history says something else - that population pressure, industrialization and consumerism tend to be the best way to do it. It is still good that she is not funding abortion - although some may ask what took her so long. Someone should tell the President that what the government and Melinda are doing includes encouraging smaller families among his relatives - which means less people with his ears - or precisely less people that look like him. Even though this was E.W. Jackson's point, personalizing it to Obama seems necessary. Of course, on the biology of it, I wish that more bishops, theologians and pro-life activists would take a real embryology book to the beach - one that explains gastrulation in detail. Maybe then we could stop obsessing about birth control except in those cases where it is being used to not deal with the real causes of poverty. As for abortion, the human dignity problem is economic - for most who could afford the child would unless there is a problem. The majority of the pro-life movement are less concerned with the human dignity of the unborn as they are the electoral force the movement can be in the Republican Party (why they don't like pro-life Democrats - it muddies their ability to take the holier-than-thou-art high ground without actually making abortion more unlikely by changing family economics - which the right rejects out of hand).
The Fascinating Reactions to Paul Griffiths' CTSA Talk | National Catholic Reporter
The Fascinating Reactions to Paul Griffiths' CTSA Talk | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Talking about Paul Griffiths talk is an interesting way to start the week. The main question seems to be what is the purpose of modern theology and who does it serve. The bishops are very clear that they want it to serve tradition - from St. Piux X's condemnation of modernism to requiring that Catholic university theology teachers have a mandatum from the local bishop. Ultimately, however, the Church is not just the clergy, but all of the people. Now, a big part of this is training priests - but the majority of theologians are not working in seminiaries.
If theology as a study is to ever rescue the Church from backwardness, it must integrate tradition with the rest of modern thought - including demystifying Adam and Eve and representing that story as a parable about human nature (and marriage) and not as a historical account about a golden age that we now know did not occur, given the archeological and anthropological records.
As far as moral theology - from sex to economics - it is time for the Church to abandon its claims of superiority in natural law. Indeed, MSW mentions basing morality on what was written by a pagan - but if memory serves Aristotle is given great weight in Thomistic thought and the ethics taught in pre-seminary (which I took). Indeed, natural law must mean that all fact is on the table - even the inconvenient ones about how homosexuality is not really a disease or a disorder and those areas where Marx got it right (which Benedict did not seem to have any problem repeating in Caritas in Veritate).
A bit of proof texting adds to this debate, however. Many who favor a strict morality glom onto the phrase "Be perfect as your Father is perfect," however when Jesus says this, he is talking about how we love - not whether we take too much pleasure in a bowl of ice cream or surf erotic websites. Of course, loving people perfectly is actually a harder demand than simply following a set of moral rules and sometimes moral rules come into play when selfishness decreases our ability to love or robs someone of a decent wage.
Another moral precept from the Master is that he "is gentle and humble of heart, (his) yoke is easy and his burden is light." This essentially means that the morality we teach must make life better than any other set of teachings - and never an impossible quandry. That means that promiscuity is always wrong (gay or straight) while marriage is always shared love and is of God (gay or straight). We don't kill because we don't want to be killed. We also should not prohibit a late trimester abortion if the child has the kind of condition that will never allow it to survive and carrying the pregnancy further would provide no gain and considerable risk. I know that is against Catholic teaching, but sometimes we must tell the truth regardless of what teaching is.
A final biblical insight that has to do with both human morality and theology. (Many have heard this one already - but it always bears repeating). On Holy Thursday, Jesus promised after instituting the Eucharist to not drink of the fruit of the vine he would do so in his Father's kingdom. When first crucified, he did not. At around 3, he hold his mother that he was dead and that John would take care of her - and likewise told John to take care of his grandmother (John was Salome's son - Salome was his sister) - with no mention of baptizing the world. In doing so he both rejects his Godhead (as first told to him by Mary) and his mission. This causes him to cry out in grief and feel what we feel - and he then says I thirst and is given some kind of fruit of the vine. In other words, salvation was a divine vision quest - not a bloody death (his death was in solidarity with us, not some kind of cosmic payment to himself).
This final scenario - entirely theological - is perhaps the most important in moral theology. It means that God is not going to damn us for getting it wrong - unless of course getting it wrong hurts people. He is not some divine Ogre but someone who loves rather than desires punishment (the only one damed in the Gospel was rich and ignorant of poverty on his door). Indeed, the entire Jewish prophetic tradition has God punishing Israel and Judea for their treatment of the poor and vulnerable.
This is why we need not fear the wrath of God if we use a bit of sanity rather than fear in dealing with certain abortions - while still condemning abortion - not just for their injustice to the unborn but the usualy economic and social injustice visited on women who have them because they are forced by circumstance. This means chaing the circumstances - giving a much larger child tax credit to families, enabling young families to continue education (both parents) without having to abort their child and changing how we respond to teen sexuality - which is evolutionarily natural and has been since before we came down from the trees. We have made children, especially daughters, property of their parents. We need to stop doing that. God's opinion is not the purity is essential. He did not make us that way and we need to stop putting words into his (or her) mouth. Of course, that is another question that I am sure the Church does not want to address regarding the Holy Spirit.
If theology as a study is to ever rescue the Church from backwardness, it must integrate tradition with the rest of modern thought - including demystifying Adam and Eve and representing that story as a parable about human nature (and marriage) and not as a historical account about a golden age that we now know did not occur, given the archeological and anthropological records.
As far as moral theology - from sex to economics - it is time for the Church to abandon its claims of superiority in natural law. Indeed, MSW mentions basing morality on what was written by a pagan - but if memory serves Aristotle is given great weight in Thomistic thought and the ethics taught in pre-seminary (which I took). Indeed, natural law must mean that all fact is on the table - even the inconvenient ones about how homosexuality is not really a disease or a disorder and those areas where Marx got it right (which Benedict did not seem to have any problem repeating in Caritas in Veritate).
A bit of proof texting adds to this debate, however. Many who favor a strict morality glom onto the phrase "Be perfect as your Father is perfect," however when Jesus says this, he is talking about how we love - not whether we take too much pleasure in a bowl of ice cream or surf erotic websites. Of course, loving people perfectly is actually a harder demand than simply following a set of moral rules and sometimes moral rules come into play when selfishness decreases our ability to love or robs someone of a decent wage.
Another moral precept from the Master is that he "is gentle and humble of heart, (his) yoke is easy and his burden is light." This essentially means that the morality we teach must make life better than any other set of teachings - and never an impossible quandry. That means that promiscuity is always wrong (gay or straight) while marriage is always shared love and is of God (gay or straight). We don't kill because we don't want to be killed. We also should not prohibit a late trimester abortion if the child has the kind of condition that will never allow it to survive and carrying the pregnancy further would provide no gain and considerable risk. I know that is against Catholic teaching, but sometimes we must tell the truth regardless of what teaching is.
A final biblical insight that has to do with both human morality and theology. (Many have heard this one already - but it always bears repeating). On Holy Thursday, Jesus promised after instituting the Eucharist to not drink of the fruit of the vine he would do so in his Father's kingdom. When first crucified, he did not. At around 3, he hold his mother that he was dead and that John would take care of her - and likewise told John to take care of his grandmother (John was Salome's son - Salome was his sister) - with no mention of baptizing the world. In doing so he both rejects his Godhead (as first told to him by Mary) and his mission. This causes him to cry out in grief and feel what we feel - and he then says I thirst and is given some kind of fruit of the vine. In other words, salvation was a divine vision quest - not a bloody death (his death was in solidarity with us, not some kind of cosmic payment to himself).
This final scenario - entirely theological - is perhaps the most important in moral theology. It means that God is not going to damn us for getting it wrong - unless of course getting it wrong hurts people. He is not some divine Ogre but someone who loves rather than desires punishment (the only one damed in the Gospel was rich and ignorant of poverty on his door). Indeed, the entire Jewish prophetic tradition has God punishing Israel and Judea for their treatment of the poor and vulnerable.
This is why we need not fear the wrath of God if we use a bit of sanity rather than fear in dealing with certain abortions - while still condemning abortion - not just for their injustice to the unborn but the usualy economic and social injustice visited on women who have them because they are forced by circumstance. This means chaing the circumstances - giving a much larger child tax credit to families, enabling young families to continue education (both parents) without having to abort their child and changing how we respond to teen sexuality - which is evolutionarily natural and has been since before we came down from the trees. We have made children, especially daughters, property of their parents. We need to stop doing that. God's opinion is not the purity is essential. He did not make us that way and we need to stop putting words into his (or her) mouth. Of course, that is another question that I am sure the Church does not want to address regarding the Holy Spirit.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Wilcox Hits a Double | National Catholic Reporter
Wilcox Hits a Double | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Cultural factors are important - includging not just the impact of equality on sex in the marriage but of what that partners bring in terms of overall culture - someone who is an extreme hierarch or came out of a family where despotism is the rule won't have a good go of it, nor will someone who has had the example of easy divorce - where it is best to leave if one is upset rather than working through it. (I could name names). Economics is one of those problems - the biggest one - but certainly not the only one. Sex can be a problem to - both for the issue of adultery if the marriage is not satisfying or one is simply a sex addict (which is not cultural, it is addictive) or if sex has gone from great to non-existent due to the growing of kids or simple biology (see again the problem of leaving when things are mildly bad).
I know nothing of this Wilcox character. Is he a celibate? Has he been married or maybe divorced? Does he counsel marriages and divorces? What qualifies him to speak? Maybe they should ask someone like me who has been through some of this (not more than a few bishops know both me and my wife). I am sure they can find them in their own diocese rather than at a USCCB event.
I know nothing of this Wilcox character. Is he a celibate? Has he been married or maybe divorced? Does he counsel marriages and divorces? What qualifies him to speak? Maybe they should ask someone like me who has been through some of this (not more than a few bishops know both me and my wife). I am sure they can find them in their own diocese rather than at a USCCB event.
Garnett on RCs vs Libertarianism | National Catholic Reporter
Garnett on RCs vs Libertarianism | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Niether the religious views of Ayn Rand or Karl Marx - who wish to see the causes of Objectivism and Proletariat Revolution as the sole world view of man - with religion as a scam for the mentally weak and enslaved and therefore jettisoned by followers of the revolution can ever be accepted by Catholics - for the obvious reason that one cannot be a Catholic Atheist. There are milder forms, however. Quite a few Lutherans in the Nordic countries do very well with democratic socialism - although many reject relgion for different reasons - primarily over what is regarded as an antiquated and anti-woman sexual morality designed to serve an imaginary deity and not the sexual health of both sexes (which it should, by the way - if it does not then the Scandanavians are right - the ordination of women should be a benchmark here). There are also libertarian Catholics - which is troublesome - although many really are about freedom and are against abortion (see Ron Paul and his followers). Some libertarians are members of the Party and may or may not participate in religion while others are Republicans (see Acton) - especially if they want a piece of a governing coalition.
I contend that a Catholic can be both and can be yeast within the Church - both standing up for rights for women and gays, a morality that works for people - not for the interests of pietism and for a more just economics that the merging of liberty and community can provide - as well as a role for the Church in taking over governmental functions where it can - especially in mental health (closing most jails - which are the largest mental health providers in America) and education (especially for the non-college bound).
One final thing to clean up. Some equate the unfettered market (laissez faire) with capitalism. It is not. Write it on your mirror until you get it. Capitalism is about controling both the product markets you sell to to the greatest extent possible and the resources (including people) used to make those products (for the lowest price possible - not the most just). Like atheistic Marxism (which still can be predictively useful - see both communism and the effects of trade on labor prices), Capitalism must be crushed in favor of worker ownership and cooperation in labor, product and financial markets. Again, the Church should be a partner in this.
I contend that a Catholic can be both and can be yeast within the Church - both standing up for rights for women and gays, a morality that works for people - not for the interests of pietism and for a more just economics that the merging of liberty and community can provide - as well as a role for the Church in taking over governmental functions where it can - especially in mental health (closing most jails - which are the largest mental health providers in America) and education (especially for the non-college bound).
One final thing to clean up. Some equate the unfettered market (laissez faire) with capitalism. It is not. Write it on your mirror until you get it. Capitalism is about controling both the product markets you sell to to the greatest extent possible and the resources (including people) used to make those products (for the lowest price possible - not the most just). Like atheistic Marxism (which still can be predictively useful - see both communism and the effects of trade on labor prices), Capitalism must be crushed in favor of worker ownership and cooperation in labor, product and financial markets. Again, the Church should be a partner in this.
The US should focus on small victories in the ongoing Iraq crisis | National Catholic Reporter
The US should focus on small victories in the ongoing Iraq crisis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I have always believed that the end game in Iraq was regionalization or partition into three countries. Biden actually helped move toward that goal as Administration point man at my behest (most of the really smart voices said the same thing). I suspect Turkey (and Iran) objected to an independent Kurdistan because it would grow into their borders. A commission to do just that - as well as settle the internal and external borders (and eliminate) Afghanistan, Israel (draw the second state from Northern Israel and the West Bank), Gaza (back to Egypt), the Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and Jordan has always been what is called for - but the United States allegience to the Zionist state has made this impossible.
A similar approach should also settle the boundaries of Russia and the Ukraine. All this harkens to President Wilson's vision of national self-determination - which some would argue causes wars. Maybe so - but dismantling the large colonial empires has mostly been about colonial powers finding a patsy to take over so that they could quickly withdraw. That has not worked either.
As for American air strikes - NO! At best they will destory strategic equipment - especially American equipment. At worst it will kill enough people to inflame passions and terrorism against us. We have had enough of that and cannot do anything more than encourage someone else to make peace. The answer may, in fact, be to set up a Caliph - a Hashemite Caliph - not over the world, but simply the region from the Lebanon to whatever part of the Iraq the Supreme Leader does not want. Of course, this would drive the Neo-cons mad with fury, especially John McCain - who seems to act as if revenge for the honor of Jimmy Carter was the be all and all of foreign policy vis-a-vis Iran. He needs to give it up. Oil need not be a concern any longer - we have discovered too much on this continent to ever worry about Middle Eastern oil again.
A similar approach should also settle the boundaries of Russia and the Ukraine. All this harkens to President Wilson's vision of national self-determination - which some would argue causes wars. Maybe so - but dismantling the large colonial empires has mostly been about colonial powers finding a patsy to take over so that they could quickly withdraw. That has not worked either.
As for American air strikes - NO! At best they will destory strategic equipment - especially American equipment. At worst it will kill enough people to inflame passions and terrorism against us. We have had enough of that and cannot do anything more than encourage someone else to make peace. The answer may, in fact, be to set up a Caliph - a Hashemite Caliph - not over the world, but simply the region from the Lebanon to whatever part of the Iraq the Supreme Leader does not want. Of course, this would drive the Neo-cons mad with fury, especially John McCain - who seems to act as if revenge for the honor of Jimmy Carter was the be all and all of foreign policy vis-a-vis Iran. He needs to give it up. Oil need not be a concern any longer - we have discovered too much on this continent to ever worry about Middle Eastern oil again.
Best, Concise RCs vs Libertarianism Article | National Catholic Reporter
Best, Concise RCs vs Libertarianism Article | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Ms. Stoker does a good job in reproducing quotes the get to the subtlety of the Cardinal's argument - who mays many, not all. From his perch in Hondures, the Cardinal sees first hand what libertarian capitalists do to his society and is quite correct that it is the American variety one sees supporting the Republican Party (not the Llibertarian Party per se) that do most of the damage. Indeed, the Cardinal could have called out the GOP - which is why the NRO, EWTN et al are in such a twitter - since most with a brain can detect the inference - it is why they are responding back so defensively (instead of going to Confession from some pretty unspeakable things they have helped justify -including the murder of peasant workers). NRO has a point that development can be a good tool - but that depends on how exploitative it is and whether the salary helps one become a consumer in the economy. If the limited number of employers is small enough, there will be no consumer effect and capitalism is slavery. More employers mean good workers can demand higher wages and unionization - something the libertarians fight tooth and nail - both academic and corporate. I submit that some of these so-called libertarians (and they aren't really because they violate the prohibition on force or association with those who do (my little touch)) are nothing of the kind. They are simply capitalist exploiters.
David Brat: Christian Libertarian | National Catholic Reporter
David Brat: Christian Libertarian | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I literally wrote the book on being a Christian Libertarian. One must also believe in Libertarian Socialist to be my kind of CL. Brat is the knock-off Austrian variety. They don't believe in data. I suspect that phase two of this election in the Virginia 7th is a Democratic win. Seriously - libertarianism which expand poverty simply invites backlash and more government. Some of us understand that - I doubt Brat can make the leap.
NPR on Cristo Rey Schools | National Catholic Reporter
NPR on Cristo Rey Schools | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Christo Rey, probably and as likely turning abandonned parish schools (with the Catholics in the burbs and non-Catholics in the parish) into charter schools as well. I would also hope the Church would offer vocational charter high school (like the Job Corps) without the college-bound focus that is fast making Catholic education an elite system.
Contra Nicholas Hahn on Immigration | National Catholic Reporter
Contra Nicholas Hahn on Immigration | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Any Catholic author who does not uphold the Torah teaching not to molest the alien and who does not have the spiritual imagination to see the Master speaking on their behalf now needs to take their soul out and look at it - and probably to confession as well - but not to a right-wing priest who will validate their B.S. Or they could notice what the Pope is saying. Some of these are like the relatives of the rich man in Hell, who do not follow the prophets and the law and would not even believe the word of a man risen from the dead (that would be Jesus).
As far as the Mass at the border - it gave food to those who need it. The Mass at the Fortnight for Freedom gave it to those who think they deserve it. It takes no imagination to decide which sacrifice God favors. Jesus would fight for the poor - not for the right not to offer birth control (which, by the way, is not abortefacient) as an employer.
Sadly, Hahn, Weigel and Arroyo seem to favor big food and our consumer society - a part of the GOP coalition - something Pope Francis would surely condemn. Hahn intimates that bishops have no expertise in the immigration area. Someone please show him some of the classic Bing Cosby movies where Irish immigrant priests dealt with an immigrant population. And not just Bing. Can I get a Stella! Stella!
The bishops have no understanding of embryology. They have loads of understanding on immigration - which is also scriptural. The only biblical speaking on embryology is about knitting me in my mother's womb - which is about God, not embryology. I suggest that right wing Catholics want a block on immigration because they lost so badly on health care when those who know something about it - Catholic Health Association - told the truth to enough Catholics on the fence to pass it.
Cardinal O'Boyle was a leader in the civil rights movement - I suspect he desegregated the Communion rails before most of the rest of the south. It is good that the current bishops have enough moral courage to minister to immigrants - more than ministering equally to black Catholics.
The Church has been a leader in living wage teaching since the 1820s, essentially over 150 years. Most economic theories are hardly older and are certainly no more valid. While the union movement has foundered in recent years, mostly due to Republican Presidents giving it a shove every so often - the Church has been constant.
Winters closing on how evangelization is not from the ambo, but from the trenches is spot on. As Francis says (the saint, not the pope) preach the gospel always - use words only when necessary. Of course, just to underline it in a way MSW won't - any piece in the American Spectator usually speaks directly to the needs of the Republican Party and Conservative movement. The bishops siding with the Pope and the Democrats could potential ruin the relationship some of them have with the GOP electoral establishment - especially on abortion and especially with Latinos. Hahn is right, they should be scared.
As far as the Mass at the border - it gave food to those who need it. The Mass at the Fortnight for Freedom gave it to those who think they deserve it. It takes no imagination to decide which sacrifice God favors. Jesus would fight for the poor - not for the right not to offer birth control (which, by the way, is not abortefacient) as an employer.
Sadly, Hahn, Weigel and Arroyo seem to favor big food and our consumer society - a part of the GOP coalition - something Pope Francis would surely condemn. Hahn intimates that bishops have no expertise in the immigration area. Someone please show him some of the classic Bing Cosby movies where Irish immigrant priests dealt with an immigrant population. And not just Bing. Can I get a Stella! Stella!
The bishops have no understanding of embryology. They have loads of understanding on immigration - which is also scriptural. The only biblical speaking on embryology is about knitting me in my mother's womb - which is about God, not embryology. I suggest that right wing Catholics want a block on immigration because they lost so badly on health care when those who know something about it - Catholic Health Association - told the truth to enough Catholics on the fence to pass it.
Cardinal O'Boyle was a leader in the civil rights movement - I suspect he desegregated the Communion rails before most of the rest of the south. It is good that the current bishops have enough moral courage to minister to immigrants - more than ministering equally to black Catholics.
The Church has been a leader in living wage teaching since the 1820s, essentially over 150 years. Most economic theories are hardly older and are certainly no more valid. While the union movement has foundered in recent years, mostly due to Republican Presidents giving it a shove every so often - the Church has been constant.
Winters closing on how evangelization is not from the ambo, but from the trenches is spot on. As Francis says (the saint, not the pope) preach the gospel always - use words only when necessary. Of course, just to underline it in a way MSW won't - any piece in the American Spectator usually speaks directly to the needs of the Republican Party and Conservative movement. The bishops siding with the Pope and the Democrats could potential ruin the relationship some of them have with the GOP electoral establishment - especially on abortion and especially with Latinos. Hahn is right, they should be scared.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Another Response to Dolan | National Catholic Reporter
Another Response to Dolan | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: First of all, the fact that Dolan writes in Rupert Murdoch's WSJ is damning in and of itself. Next, the Church does not condemn communalism - it only condemns it when it is atheistic and does not work. A look at any monestary shows the strength of the communal ideal. Further, there is no difference between the so-called virtuous capitalism of the United States and the rackett in the third world. Dolan misses the fact that it is the same capitalism - which sends jobs to the third world where workers are more easily abused - either by moving factories or setting up a supply chain. Indeed, when capitalism does this, it invites the radicalization of workers. If the local Church is in bed with the local capitalists, Marxism could be the result. For my taste, I would prefer Liberation Theology. As for the idea that personal virtue should control - no - it is a systemic problem. The virtuous choice is to follow Francis, not undercut him in the Journal. Sadly, Dolan is to young to retire and too stupid to send to the Curia. I am sure that his liberal constituents are quite embarrassed. Hopefully they will give money to Catholic Charities directly and bypass the Lenten Appeal. Also, as far as virtuous choices, does the New York Archdiocese and its parishes pay a living wage - defining such a wage as adequate to support the family of the worker - with an increase to cover the cost of living when a new child is added? If not, perhaps Dolan should excommunicate himself for economic participation in the decision ot use birth control and abortion.
More Bad Consequences of Not Expanding Medicaid | National Catholic Reporter
More Bad Consequences of Not Expanding Medicaid | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Virginia needs to pay attention to this when the special session happens. I am sure INOVA told our local members which way to vote (and they did). Hopefully HCA will follow suit. Of course, none of these are Cathlolic hospitals. We don't have any in Northern Virginia. As for the USCCB, that is a staffing issue. The pro-life staff tends to dominate health issues (pity that - human development should) - and they are Republicans who would never abandon the attacks on Obamacare, nor the bishops on the committee. Luckily, the are irrelavant. CHA is the go-to group on the Church and health. They say the right thing, but anything they say in this partisan atmospher won't help the cause since they are regarded as Democratic (and in cahoots with Nuns on the Bus).
36,110 vs. 11 million | National Catholic Reporter
36,110 vs. 11 million | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The decision to hold up the Senate immigration bill has always been Boehners. Rachel Maddow tonite pointed out that the latest PPP poll had the Virgnia 7th as rather open to immigration reform, includign the Republicans. There are other reasons that Cantor lost. The first is that he ran ads, lots of them, mentioning his opponent by name - essentially giving him free air. Cantor should have had no air game at all.The second thing that might have happened is that former Congressman Ben Jones (a Democrat) had members of the local Democratic community cross over and vote against Cantor - which is supported by higher than expected turnout. If this can be verified, kiss open primaries in Virginia goodbye. Finally, the perception put forward by Brat was that Cantor was a national figure who forget the adage by Tip O'Neal that all poliltics is local. Indeed, man on the street interviews on the election seem to show this is the truest reason. In other words, Cantor deserved to lose, since as the leader of the obstruction, the unpopularity of Congress reflected back onto him. Maybe he should have let immigration - and many other things, pass - or maybe he should have followed Joe Biden's example and commuted by Amtrack every day. He could not have been an effective leader, but he would still have his seat.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Can Conservatives Flourish in Academic Theology? | National Catholic Reporter
Can Conservatives Flourish in Academic Theology? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is an interesting piece. In answer to the question, can conservatives flourish in academic theology? Sure, if they go to conservative school and teach at another conservative school. In general, however, is it a bad thing that most academic theology is more liberal? Not at all. Theology can look outside of approved teacing to history, archeology, anthropology and Christology and provide the yeast the bishops and the CDF won't allow. Remember, no one has revoked the condemnation of Modernism - even though history and modern theology have made it relevant only to the CDF. More bishops than you think practice a benign neglect of the theologians in their diocese - unless the CDF raises an issue. Of course, there are conservative bishops who might look to find error, although I suspect that they have a pool of self selected theologians that are essentially yes-men to Rome.
There is the question of conservative theologians and money. Perhaps it is not the desire to start a family that drives them so much as a bit of a rejection of the social doctrines of the Church, which are not kind to wealth. Neither is the Gospel. Indeed, it may be that liberal theologians do actually have families, even on meager resources, because they thrust the Lord that their needs will be met. They are right. (we had a saying in my dorm at Catholic college - money is no object, I work for Loras College).
One final thing. There seems to be a bias in theology toward credentialism. Indeed, MSW won't discuss by name such an indvidual (me). What should be prominent is the truth as it is written or spoken -not where or whether one went to school.
There is the question of conservative theologians and money. Perhaps it is not the desire to start a family that drives them so much as a bit of a rejection of the social doctrines of the Church, which are not kind to wealth. Neither is the Gospel. Indeed, it may be that liberal theologians do actually have families, even on meager resources, because they thrust the Lord that their needs will be met. They are right. (we had a saying in my dorm at Catholic college - money is no object, I work for Loras College).
One final thing. There seems to be a bias in theology toward credentialism. Indeed, MSW won't discuss by name such an indvidual (me). What should be prominent is the truth as it is written or spoken -not where or whether one went to school.
Douthat is Half Right | National Catholic Reporter
Douthat is Half Right | National Catholic Reporter MSW. MGB: The main problem for the Democrats, especially the Catholic elected ones, is in laying out a compelling case for not providing legal protection for first trimester embyos - rather than standing on pluralism and saying they, of course, are personally pro-life (they are not, because to really be so they would have to be Republicans). That is the other thing they never say, because doing so would offend Catholic voters - calling out some members of the Bishop's Conference as being in bed with the GOP political agenda with no hope for actually helping the unborn. Indeed, going all in on much larger child tax credits payable with wages would crush the Republicans without alienating the NEA/NOW vote (pretty much the same thing). Oh, at least one should explain why Roe cannot be overturned without demolishing federal supremacy on equal protection - which sounds like a job for Obama.
As the nativists in the Tea Party have unseated the House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, I suspect that the days of the GOP are numbered. This is problematic for the Democras because the refugees will make the Democratic coalition even more untennable than anyone thinks. It will split into two factions - with the nature of the split depending on who the leaders are that seek support. I am hoping one of the new parties is of the libertarian socialist variety - which I am sure is a concept that will make MSW's head explode. What happens with identity politics and the corporate wing of the Democrats is an interesting question. I would welcome the former but not the latter.
Ross is probably right that only Hillary can win easily next time - but he underestimates the support for Obama of the Democratic core. He underestimates how doomed the GOP is - having not yet seen the results in Virginia's 7th.
As the nativists in the Tea Party have unseated the House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor, I suspect that the days of the GOP are numbered. This is problematic for the Democras because the refugees will make the Democratic coalition even more untennable than anyone thinks. It will split into two factions - with the nature of the split depending on who the leaders are that seek support. I am hoping one of the new parties is of the libertarian socialist variety - which I am sure is a concept that will make MSW's head explode. What happens with identity politics and the corporate wing of the Democrats is an interesting question. I would welcome the former but not the latter.
Ross is probably right that only Hillary can win easily next time - but he underestimates the support for Obama of the Democratic core. He underestimates how doomed the GOP is - having not yet seen the results in Virginia's 7th.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Getting History Wrong | National Catholic Reporter
Getting History Wrong | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The History Channel produces documentaries that are more on the order of war movies, like Patton or The Longest Day. They do that for one reason, people watch them - not history majors or professors but the average channel surfer. A little dramatization is to be expected in that brand of history that puts dialogue in people's mouths that can never be exact - although you could dramatize what is on the Watergate tapes - but the Tea Party would storm the studio. I am sure Game Change, the Clinton Campaign Edition, is probably being written to be out next year or the year after. Of course, that might not happen if you believe that Hollywood has a liberal bias. Hollywood has a bias for money - which is why you see the History Channel programming that you do and will likely see Game Change again.
Confronting Inequality: Not Just for Pope Francis Anymore | National Catholic Reporter
Confronting Inequality: Not Just for Pope Francis Anymore | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It is interesting to see what she was speaking about - inclusive capitalism. She also spoke about financial stability - which the IMF values most. I will not expect her to be singing The Internationale just yet. Concepts like inclusive capitalism, democratic capitalism and all the rest have one major flaw - they don't share wealth and power to the extent it needs to be shared. While lower level decisionmaking and better pay might give you a better gilded cage, usually only the CEOs and major shareholders see the gilded part. What we need to really explore are things like cooperativism and libertarian socialism. I don't expect Madame Le Grand to ave mention such things as a goal.
Kudos to Sample | National Catholic Reporter
Kudos to Sample | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sounds like he is the right kind of Archbishop to bridge the Church into the future on this. When I prepered for marriage, I was told that my wife and I married eachother - the Church was a witness. When they did the investigation, one of the questions was about sexual functionality - nothing about fecundity. Perhaps if we focused on the teachings of the sacrament itself, we can go beyond the fear that doctrine on homosexuality may (finally) change. Anyway, it is not too long before gay priests will either demand the right to marry or leave the priesthood to do so. It is not long before Catholic families of gay couples want the benefit of a Church wedding for their children, siblings or parents. Some priests might even bless such unions quietly. Reality must be faced soon - and it won't come from the state but from the Church herself.
RCs vs. Libertarianism, Part II | National Catholic Reporter
RCs vs. Libertarianism, Part II | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: No one is saying it was illigitimate - it was just one sided. Since you have attacked him in your column, you could have invited Congressman Paul Ryan - and if you wanted to really cover the waterfront you could have invited left wing libertarians from Catholics for Choice or NORML. As far as the death penalty, you could have invited me to make the point that because all citizens are sovereign, all are responsible to protect the innocent againt dangerous killers - even in jail. If they cannot be cured, then you can either cage them until they go mad and die or hurry the process up with a lethal injection. - not to punish but for euthanasia.
Don't invite Acton. It is a parody of itself. Invite one of the Contributing Editors of the Free Liberal online magazine. Several are Catholic, but I am also local. Acton is faux libertarian. Garnett's comment shows how deep Libertarianism can go - and I add how nicely it can use organizations with the Catholic Church - such as schools and hospitals, as instrumentalities. Indeed, that relationship should expand, along with the funding, to end private for-profit prisons.
As for the spiritual poverty of the free market - it depends. One can have a good days work and be spiritually connected if this is a job that one was meant to do by God. There is no excuse, however, to take advantage of such workers and give the lions share of rewards to the executives. That is just theft.
Ryan going from Rand to Aquinas is interesting. Any first or second year philosophy student (both pre-law and minor seminary) can recite what Aquinas (and Aristotle) taught about how free will works. Because only the perfect good can compel the will and it does not exist in this life, the intellect can examine partial goods for the will to chose freely. I personally like this combined with the General Will of Rouseau in rejecting laws which require the maintenace of a police state - especially on those issues libertarians on the left focus on - alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, abortion, marriage equality, etc. While the Church can certainly suggest the truth in these areas, the state cannot without police power - aka force and violence, which libertarians reject.
Of course, since MSW does not respond to comments we will never know his reaction to this proposition published on Facebook and in the Examiner.
Trumka's story is interesting and could have featured Bing Crosby as the priest. Why don't we see that anymore? Maybe it happens in gang situations and immigration - at least I hope so. This is where left libertarians like me give a shout out for unions and solidarity - much to the chagrin of the right wingers. Of course, the consumer angle is most interesting. It means that solidarity has worked, although when wages are too low all along the scale we risk people living to work, not working to live. The old joke from the 90s still applies - I know that jobs are increasing, I have three of them (and I do - not counting blogging at Examiner). Still, worker-consumers do not become revolutionaries, which is why consumerism makes it hard for socialists to expand solidarity to its natural ends.
I would love it if professors versed in Catholic Social Teaching - or the more Protestant Social Gospel were to teach business ethics. Including Catholic socialists as speakers might be a good thing as well, although that might be the wrong audience. Possibly giving this conference as an online course may make more sense - both from CUA and licensed to others. Maybe even the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute?
Don't invite Acton. It is a parody of itself. Invite one of the Contributing Editors of the Free Liberal online magazine. Several are Catholic, but I am also local. Acton is faux libertarian. Garnett's comment shows how deep Libertarianism can go - and I add how nicely it can use organizations with the Catholic Church - such as schools and hospitals, as instrumentalities. Indeed, that relationship should expand, along with the funding, to end private for-profit prisons.
As for the spiritual poverty of the free market - it depends. One can have a good days work and be spiritually connected if this is a job that one was meant to do by God. There is no excuse, however, to take advantage of such workers and give the lions share of rewards to the executives. That is just theft.
Ryan going from Rand to Aquinas is interesting. Any first or second year philosophy student (both pre-law and minor seminary) can recite what Aquinas (and Aristotle) taught about how free will works. Because only the perfect good can compel the will and it does not exist in this life, the intellect can examine partial goods for the will to chose freely. I personally like this combined with the General Will of Rouseau in rejecting laws which require the maintenace of a police state - especially on those issues libertarians on the left focus on - alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, abortion, marriage equality, etc. While the Church can certainly suggest the truth in these areas, the state cannot without police power - aka force and violence, which libertarians reject.
Of course, since MSW does not respond to comments we will never know his reaction to this proposition published on Facebook and in the Examiner.
Trumka's story is interesting and could have featured Bing Crosby as the priest. Why don't we see that anymore? Maybe it happens in gang situations and immigration - at least I hope so. This is where left libertarians like me give a shout out for unions and solidarity - much to the chagrin of the right wingers. Of course, the consumer angle is most interesting. It means that solidarity has worked, although when wages are too low all along the scale we risk people living to work, not working to live. The old joke from the 90s still applies - I know that jobs are increasing, I have three of them (and I do - not counting blogging at Examiner). Still, worker-consumers do not become revolutionaries, which is why consumerism makes it hard for socialists to expand solidarity to its natural ends.
I would love it if professors versed in Catholic Social Teaching - or the more Protestant Social Gospel were to teach business ethics. Including Catholic socialists as speakers might be a good thing as well, although that might be the wrong audience. Possibly giving this conference as an online course may make more sense - both from CUA and licensed to others. Maybe even the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute?
Friday, June 6, 2014
Cloutier Takes on Dolan | National Catholic Reporter
Cloutier Takes on Dolan | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Dolan (and all bishops) likes capitalists as they are big donors to the annual Lenten Appeal. They also conflate capitalism with a free market, when in fact it is not. Capitalists like market control - its how the exploit others and reduce their economic freedom. It shows why people with theology degrees should leave economics to those who make a study of it - even a radical study of it. (note reference to CUA confab on libertarianism).
Plus ca change? Nope | National Catholic Reporter
Plus ca change? Nope | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Not sure what has changed, except for Rigali's loss of his See -which has nothing to do with economic policy and everything to do with allowing the abuse of children to continue. The Francis Effect has not penetrated the stubborness of ideological conservatives who still love their Robbie George and EWTN. Shall they be fought or ignored? I think the latter would humiliate them more. As for Dolan, he is as much an opportunist as a true believer and he has his own mistakes on sexual abuse in Wisconsin to answer for. Maybe he and Rigali can share a cell.
RCs vs. Libertarianism, Part I | National Catholic Reporter
RCs vs. Libertarianism, Part I | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. (read his piece first) MGB: Professor Schneck is correct - there is a libertartianism no the left - although hard core libertarians work on both the left (social liberty) and the right (economic liberty). There is nothing in it about evangelizing Christianity, because it is not a religious philosophy. In general, libertarianism is a philosophy that rejects force or theft. For some that means no taxation is allowed, with the exception of land value taxes which are spent on a citizen dividend that each person may spend as they please. That is the pure form - not sure the match works all that well. Then you have the Republican libertarians who promote Capitalism. Many libertarian anachists don't believe in what we call crony capitalism, where capitalists used any advantage provided by the state. Some of us who exist on the left believe that a capitalism that terrorizes workers is as bad as a governent that controls its citizens and takes their money. We also believe in mutualism - which is a form of voluntary association that comes under the heading of anarchism (the ultimate in libertarianism). Cooperatives are part of this. Some of us even believe in taxation as the means to an end. My own proposal is to divert Social Security employer taxes to personal accounts holding employer voting stock - with these accounts credited equally - regardless of wage level. Of course, this is more liberal than libertarian - but it is a means to the same end - abolishing both crony capitalism and government.
Can we work with the Church? Absolutely. Mutualists and libertarians love private schools, especially the good ones in the Catholic system. I am sure if the bishops set up a series of adult education high schools that take the place of welfare, we'd like that too. If Catholic hospitals started treating all non-violent drug offenders rather then sending them to jail we would applaud and probably contribute to all these things if they happened in lieu of taxation. What we do resist, however, is the Church not letting people think for themselves - especially on issues of personal choice. We will never cooperate with any coercive bans imposed using the state. Indeed, there is a class of libertarians called Christian libertarians who are largely Protestant who believe that the state should not be doing anything in the moral law that the Church could teach (and we respect its right to teach it as long as it does not use public coercion to do so), with God (not government) being the ultimate authority and Hell the ulitmate punishment. Shunning is the prefered social penalty of libertarians.
One further thing about evangelization. I include a chapter in my book on God and my understanding of the Crucifixion which I believe shows that Jesus created morality for man, not God and that his sacrifice was a vision quest into human despair - not a blood offering. As you can guess, such a shift in theology yields a profound shift in morality and natural law reasoning. Why do I mention these things? First, because they have a direct bearing on liberty. Second, because libertarianism before the Austrians was called libertarian socialism. Indeed, Libertarian Socialism is the proper form for seeking liberty. Why talk about God then? Because doing so offers proof that I am not associating myself with the atheism of Marx - which tends to be the bogeyman people throw up whenever the word socialism is mentioned. Note that there is a long tradition of Christian socialism (monks, anyone?) and Christian Humanism (Erasmus). I would hope that any further conference on Social Libertarianism includes an expert on Erasmus.
Can we work with the Church? Absolutely. Mutualists and libertarians love private schools, especially the good ones in the Catholic system. I am sure if the bishops set up a series of adult education high schools that take the place of welfare, we'd like that too. If Catholic hospitals started treating all non-violent drug offenders rather then sending them to jail we would applaud and probably contribute to all these things if they happened in lieu of taxation. What we do resist, however, is the Church not letting people think for themselves - especially on issues of personal choice. We will never cooperate with any coercive bans imposed using the state. Indeed, there is a class of libertarians called Christian libertarians who are largely Protestant who believe that the state should not be doing anything in the moral law that the Church could teach (and we respect its right to teach it as long as it does not use public coercion to do so), with God (not government) being the ultimate authority and Hell the ulitmate punishment. Shunning is the prefered social penalty of libertarians.
One further thing about evangelization. I include a chapter in my book on God and my understanding of the Crucifixion which I believe shows that Jesus created morality for man, not God and that his sacrifice was a vision quest into human despair - not a blood offering. As you can guess, such a shift in theology yields a profound shift in morality and natural law reasoning. Why do I mention these things? First, because they have a direct bearing on liberty. Second, because libertarianism before the Austrians was called libertarian socialism. Indeed, Libertarian Socialism is the proper form for seeking liberty. Why talk about God then? Because doing so offers proof that I am not associating myself with the atheism of Marx - which tends to be the bogeyman people throw up whenever the word socialism is mentioned. Note that there is a long tradition of Christian socialism (monks, anyone?) and Christian Humanism (Erasmus). I would hope that any further conference on Social Libertarianism includes an expert on Erasmus.
Maya Angelou: Feminist for Life | National Catholic Reporter
Maya Angelou: Feminist for Life | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: A very nice story. She did it for the child, not the moral principle and certainly not for the politics of the right. Perhaps the Church should listen to that part of the story. Hopefully this is not a hoax.
Lets Keep Climbing on this Limb | National Catholic Reporter
Lets Keep Climbing on this Limb | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Church is going to lose in Court for the simple reason that insurance has been requiring contraceptive coverage (including to those mistakenly called abortificients) on all preventative policies since December 2008 in a decision by the EEOC. All previous challenges on similar laws have lost. One would hope that one of the lawyers for respondents or their amici point out the the Affordable Care Act has turned health insurance, more than ever before, into a governmental program. As such, employers as agents of the government must honor the privacy rights of employees to contraception - else we would essentially be voiding the right to privacy for everyone. An exception is made for non-therapeutic abortion - but other than that dropping privacy would be a bad thing for Americans - no matter how much the Church wishes to insert its power into the life of the state. I am sure this is why the Church is working so hard on this - but frankly, I wish they would not and hope they lose (and quit using my Lenten Appeal money to go down this road).
Daily Beast on OMalley and Francis | National Catholic Reporter
Daily Beast on OMalley and Francis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I disagree with Dickey or his editor on the title. Immigrants are not just the future of the Church, they are it past and present. That is also true for the Democratic Party - as it wa for the Tamany Hall Republicans more than a century ago for the Irish and the Italians (not so much for the Jews). Of course, the Irish have changed sides for the most part and they are Democrats. For Latinos, the Republicans were gaining more of them but after W. the nativists came out in force and lost Latinos for a generation. You never believe someone who disrespcts you so the pro-lifers in the GOP have gone along with shooting themselves in both feet (although they will still indoctrinate Latino kids in Catholic schools).
Next Weeks USCCB Mtg & The Ad Hoc Cmte on Religious Liberty | National Catholic Reporter
Next Weeks USCCB Mtg & The Ad Hoc Cmte on Religious Liberty | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I agree that ad hoc committees should not be allowed to continue. They should either be made permanent or killed. Its time for this one to die. The Church should never get into wedge issue politics - especially when the USCCB staff is being expertly played by Valerie Jarrett (NOT Kathleen Sebelius) from the White House. The Religious Liberty Campaign was essentially a reaction to the War on Women campaign - and the Democrats got the better of it by a long shot in 2012. It has long been time to end this Ad Hoc Committee - the issue is done for the most part, as the CHA leadership that represents the Catholic institutions most impacted - hospitals - has agreed that the Administration accomodation is adequate. Indeed, it was always adequate because health insurance companies have had to provide contraception in preventative health policies since December 2000, when the EEOC said they had to (and the USCCB did not object). The only change is copayments. What the USCCB really needs to examine is how closely some of its pro-life staff and the bishops in the pro-life movement are involved in Republican Party politics (including my own Bishop of Arlington, Virginia). The question is not whether they are involved by how consciously their involvement is. This could be a good first stop at addressing the issue - but I doubt they have the courage to take it.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Next Weeks USCCB Mtg & the Future of Faithful Citizenship | National Catholic Reporter
Next Weeks USCCB Mtg & the Future of Faithful Citizenship | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: MSW, this is classic. You collect beads at Mardi Gras to toss at women on balconies (or women below your balcony, to expose themselves - which they do quite willingly. This is also why the thought of the Bishops going there for a "light agenda" is a bizarre. Of course, some of them have such a stunted sexuality, irregardelss of their vows, that their cluelessness on New Orleans is more sad than surprising.
If they are going because of the poverty of the place - well, that is not a light agenda. Redrafting Faithful Citizenship is not either. I suspect that the departed staff were valuable not only because of their knowledge because of their relationships with certain groups - including the ability to not go too far into Republican turf. Benedict and Francis have probably thrown off the ideological balance but the political balance remains unchanged - although I must say the Republicans are a dying party - or their core is dying anyway - literally. A real blessing would be a new examination of those relations with the National Right To Life Committee - including and especially its relationship with the Republicans. Thinking through the end game on abortion would be a good thing - but such an open discussion may lay bare some motives that they wish to keep hidden - hence the movement to the fifth floor.
The real problem, however, is that if they acknowldge that nothing much will ever move on abortion (other than GOP get out the vote) - save maybe a higher guaranteed income for families, there is not logical reason for the bishops not to go hard left on most policy areas - from Obmacare to immigration to much bigger child tax credits (not to mention adult eduation high schools for the inner city poor). They bishops have already lost anti-communism - so dropping abortion as a poltical hook to tell the flock to vote as Republican as many of them are pretty much goes away and many bishops do not want that, even if the Pope's focus dictates as much. This will be a dfficult meeting because the GOP is so entrenched in the Conference.
If they are going because of the poverty of the place - well, that is not a light agenda. Redrafting Faithful Citizenship is not either. I suspect that the departed staff were valuable not only because of their knowledge because of their relationships with certain groups - including the ability to not go too far into Republican turf. Benedict and Francis have probably thrown off the ideological balance but the political balance remains unchanged - although I must say the Republicans are a dying party - or their core is dying anyway - literally. A real blessing would be a new examination of those relations with the National Right To Life Committee - including and especially its relationship with the Republicans. Thinking through the end game on abortion would be a good thing - but such an open discussion may lay bare some motives that they wish to keep hidden - hence the movement to the fifth floor.
The real problem, however, is that if they acknowldge that nothing much will ever move on abortion (other than GOP get out the vote) - save maybe a higher guaranteed income for families, there is not logical reason for the bishops not to go hard left on most policy areas - from Obmacare to immigration to much bigger child tax credits (not to mention adult eduation high schools for the inner city poor). They bishops have already lost anti-communism - so dropping abortion as a poltical hook to tell the flock to vote as Republican as many of them are pretty much goes away and many bishops do not want that, even if the Pope's focus dictates as much. This will be a dfficult meeting because the GOP is so entrenched in the Conference.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Review: Lost Classroom, Lost Community | National Catholic Reporter
Review: Lost Classroom, Lost Community | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: If they are arguing for school vouchers than in the end it is a political analysis aimed at teachers - the kind of garbage one expects from the Heritage Foundation or the Manhatten Institute. While they talk about Charter conversion not being adequate to stop social pathology, I don't see that they have tested it by looking at the Charter conversion in Washington, DC - which also had a temporary school voucher program for comparison purposes. Chicago might not have been the best test case.
The fact also remains that schools are closed when parishes are no longer vibrant - mostly because the families have moved away. The pathologies may very well be because of white flight - which is not just a phenomenon of the sixties. While some diocese have kept schools open or made them charter schools when the parish community leaves (Washington, DC), Chicago clearly has not. It might also be that the parish has become Latino and the immigrant families simply cannot afford tuition and the pathology is from the influx of poorer people - since it is really poverty, not race, that causes crime (or opportunity - Capone was an Italian Catholic, Mayer Lansky was Jewish but both were crooks who tapped on the immigrant community for foot solidiers. It may be that ending the drug war is the answer to ending pathologies in the neighborhood - including the police war against black men - which leaves their families rudderless. Some alternative titles could have been "Lost Fathers, Lost Community", "Lost Middle Class, Lost Community" or the very un-PC "Lost White People, Lost Community."
The fact also remains that schools are closed when parishes are no longer vibrant - mostly because the families have moved away. The pathologies may very well be because of white flight - which is not just a phenomenon of the sixties. While some diocese have kept schools open or made them charter schools when the parish community leaves (Washington, DC), Chicago clearly has not. It might also be that the parish has become Latino and the immigrant families simply cannot afford tuition and the pathology is from the influx of poorer people - since it is really poverty, not race, that causes crime (or opportunity - Capone was an Italian Catholic, Mayer Lansky was Jewish but both were crooks who tapped on the immigrant community for foot solidiers. It may be that ending the drug war is the answer to ending pathologies in the neighborhood - including the police war against black men - which leaves their families rudderless. Some alternative titles could have been "Lost Fathers, Lost Community", "Lost Middle Class, Lost Community" or the very un-PC "Lost White People, Lost Community."
Monday, June 2, 2014
What is George Weigel Smoking? | National Catholic Reporter
What is George Weigel Smoking? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The key fact about Weigel is that he is a Catholic Republican author with the emphasis on Republican. He was so pleased with St. John Paul II because the Republican mythos is that Reagan and Wojitila defeated Communism (the truth is that it defeated the Soviets, not the concept called Communism - which is inevitable with the advance of technology). The Campaign for Human Development is the kind of liberation theology/spirit of Vatican II organization he and his ideologues cannot handle - especially the part having to do with parish social ministry - which is to Catholic Democrats what the right to life movement is to Catholic Republicans - except the CHD has a chance of succeeding. As for Catholic Schools, if they need more money they should become Charter Schools - with the added feature of increasing income or property taxes to fund the increase in the Public Education budget.
Evaluating Hillary Clintons Tenure at State | National Catholic Reporter
Evaluating Hillary Clintons Tenure at State | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Meade mostly gets it right and his analysis is fairly textbook. Of course, textbook's tend to deal with the past and the best analogy to rely on here is George H.W. Bush, who was a three-term House member, envoy to China and CIA director. Hillary has been a Watergate prosecutor, Madame Secretary of State, First Lady and a Senator. Obama came with a list of policy goals, including the all important ones on making the rich pay more in taxes. Hillary has her resume and her gender - which along with her ties to the Nixon impeachment - fires up her opposition - making it hard for her until they die off (which they will). Still, history shows that she will likely be elected - but that her resume gives her only a 50% chance of re-election. Obama had that Senate credential and he was re-elected. The odds are not good for HRC.
Kmiecs Quixotic Campaign | National Catholic Reporter
Kmiecs Quixotic Campaign | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Whether I voted for Doug or not (and I would prefer to as I am a great admirer of his) depends on who was running against him and whether doing so might give the seat to a Republican ninny. Of course, once the ninnies are a mere demographic anomoly, Doug is more than welcome in a libertarian socialist or libertarian green - and they are meeting in the same hotel on the same day) major party. That day is coming.
C. J. Reid on Gun Control | National Catholic Reporter
C. J. Reid on Gun Control | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This is not about guns. It is about the fact that no one could compel treatment against his wishes. (No, it is not about neuroscience either). It is about law. It is also about giving this kid too much money to buy guns and giving him a Beamer. You don't do that with someone who is mentally ill - especially one who is scizophrenic. I am also curious as to what he was taught in house and church about sex. What this most seems like is the sexual frustration of jihadi suicide bombers. Not to be entirely indelicate, but a lot of people might be alive if someone had taken him to a brothel. Were it not for conservative sexuality, we might not be having this or many other discussions.
Contra Kaiser | National Catholic Reporter
Contra Kaiser | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Whether the Heizer's action is illicit is beyond doubt - it was. Whether it was invalid is a more open question, although a non-community Eucharist misses something profound. Still, unless you partake with them, there is know way of knowing the truth (same as going to an Episcopalian Eucharist, a Presbyterian one or a Baptist one - which in my experience is yes, yes and very much no - illicit for me to do so, mostly, but I am the judge of validity and only I can be). The other matter is the lazy bishop simply declaring that they made themselves excommunicate. With that logic, they should be able to go to Mass and be declared no longer excommunicate. Even if that were the case, their right would be to have at least been confronted by their parish priest with the instruction to stay silent as well as to stop - and with the bishop doing the same thing. There are procedures for public excommunication and they involve much due process in Canon Law. Legalism is not a one sided thing - it involves the rights of every member of the Church to contest what the hierarchy maintains before the issue goes public. Of course, this bishop is a coward - what if they were correct on the validity of their celebration. Stating so would take more moral courage than this bishop likely has. It takes none to say someone is self-excommunicate. By the way - the same can be said for Bishop Olmsted and what was likely a necessary though indirect abortion in Arizona. He also treated Sister Margaret shabbily and in the same way.
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