Links for 10/30/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Douthat flap is getting curiouser ad curiouser, with a Bishop joining in. Kaveny may be short, but she references a lot which probably reference a lot. Read if you have time to follow the links.
Jared (and probably his staff) provides a nice summary and he is right about infrastructure. This essay puts the issue where it needs to be, on the pages people read. Ironically, if Biden had run, I would have expected Dr. Bernstein to be moving to the campaign. CBPP dodged a bullet here.
The Remnant et al have been predicting the end of the Catholic Church forever. They never mean to be funny but the irony gets a bit thick. The only way the Catholic Church is ending would be reunion with New Rome and the admission that Peter is there, not here. That, however, was not on the table.
As usual, the Pope has turned the Gospel of the day into something related to his current theme of mercy. He is, of course, correct that God does not turn His back on us, it is us who refuse his mercy, both in terms of confession and in moral behavior. Sadly, there are some in the Church who say differently.
Friday, October 30, 2015
The Wrongness of the Right Side of History | National Catholic Reporter
The Wrongness of the Right Side of History | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The right side of history is rather Hegelian concept, especially in dealing with theology and with government and economics. Stalin probably borrowed from Hegel, which is not good for Hegel. Of course, if Capitalism is the Thesis and Communism the Antithesis, then the collapse of the latter will probably lead to the eventual collapse of the former, with a Synthesis arising from the ashes, probably from the liberal side. I suspect there are plenty of synthetic ideas out there - I wrote a book full of them - Musings from the Christain Left (you can find the pieces online in various spots, just Google it) - the problem is that in our noisy Internet culture, its hard to find such new ideas - there are always naysayers in the chat room.
As for stadia, the new arrangements are synthesis, or so it may seem at first blush. It is usually science and engineering, in fact, that the term is most applicable. Stadia and airports are public ventures and lack some of the external controls that make scientific advancement self-correcting. Unless capitalism is the synthesis, however, we have not reached the end of our journey. I suspect the ultimate fate of sports venues will come once players own the teams and municipalities have a share of the ownership for owning the venue, part of which will be distributed to the people who staff tickets and concessions. Now that would be progress on the broad arc of history.
As for stadia, the new arrangements are synthesis, or so it may seem at first blush. It is usually science and engineering, in fact, that the term is most applicable. Stadia and airports are public ventures and lack some of the external controls that make scientific advancement self-correcting. Unless capitalism is the synthesis, however, we have not reached the end of our journey. I suspect the ultimate fate of sports venues will come once players own the teams and municipalities have a share of the ownership for owning the venue, part of which will be distributed to the people who staff tickets and concessions. Now that would be progress on the broad arc of history.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Links for 10/29/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/29/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: If the Church were ruled by the Curia, it would have been dead by now. The Church survives because it can change its mind (and mark my words, it will on gay marriage). The office of Pope is essential because it can move the Church to where it needs to be, which is always other than where it is.
Restorative Justice should also include making the offender whole - the best way to stop re-offending. We are all broken in some way, which is why we need the Church as much as, if not more than, the criminal justice systsem.
Interersting that Norm Ornstein is skeptical of Rubio's chances, not totally. He is right in saying we should wait until the voters decide. He should take his own advice before writing off Sanders so soon. Obama had the party apartchuks on his side in 2008. If Clinton gets them this time, Norm may be right about an early end. Not so sure Bernie is not another Obama (except Bernie really is a socialist).
The President's plan (it was likely vetted locally) is probably the best option, including a control board - which is an absolute requirement for giving debtors a haircut and an infusion of federal funds, including for Medicaid. I suspect Congress likes control boards enough to impose one. Any other territory could count on unilateral action by Interior without congressional help. Not so for Puerto Rico. Statehood would also help them - or independence. Retaining Commonwealth status, however, requires a board.
Restorative Justice should also include making the offender whole - the best way to stop re-offending. We are all broken in some way, which is why we need the Church as much as, if not more than, the criminal justice systsem.
Interersting that Norm Ornstein is skeptical of Rubio's chances, not totally. He is right in saying we should wait until the voters decide. He should take his own advice before writing off Sanders so soon. Obama had the party apartchuks on his side in 2008. If Clinton gets them this time, Norm may be right about an early end. Not so sure Bernie is not another Obama (except Bernie really is a socialist).
The President's plan (it was likely vetted locally) is probably the best option, including a control board - which is an absolute requirement for giving debtors a haircut and an infusion of federal funds, including for Medicaid. I suspect Congress likes control boards enough to impose one. Any other territory could count on unilateral action by Interior without congressional help. Not so for Puerto Rico. Statehood would also help them - or independence. Retaining Commonwealth status, however, requires a board.
Last Night's CNBC GOP Debate | National Catholic Reporter
Last Night's CNBC GOP Debate | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I think the winners are those who did not watch the debate, which probably includes many, if not most, primary and caucus voters. Since I am one of the winners, I will have only a few things. Carson needs to hone a debate style that will have him able to go up against Sanders or Clinton. The same goes for Trump. One would look out of place and the other like a baffoon. Fiorina is performance at to make Clinton look like she is also running only on gender. Cruz is just scary, Bush lackluster and Christie is Nixonian, which means he may get elected but may leave in scandal. Too bad Kasich was not at the big boys table, I might actually vote for him over Hillary - so might many people. Rubio is also performance art as a comparison to Obama's experience and voting record. Of course, Obama is not on the ballot.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Links for 10/28/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/28/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Douthat and First Things are hardly worthyof the title theologian and theologians dignify them by their objections. Some things should be ignored, allowing those of us who, even if not theologians, to get more ink from the left. Ms. Oakes statement that every Catholic has the right to an opinion is spot on and why more democracy in the Church is appropriate.
Bravo to Bishop Flores for reminding us that there is more to current church affairs than practices regarding marriage and divorce.
Schneck is not correct. There is quite the movement in the Democatic Party to focus on the working class, Democratic or not. Its called the Sanders campaign. If the Senator wins nomination, it will color all other races down ticket (although only the Senate will have much change - although some House seats could be picked up by a movement candidate and a dispirited GOP (the reason the Democrats aren't doing so bad is because the GOP is in parts dying off and going to crazy town). Not mentioning Sanders at all is journalistic malpractice.
Bravo to Bishop Flores for reminding us that there is more to current church affairs than practices regarding marriage and divorce.
Schneck is not correct. There is quite the movement in the Democatic Party to focus on the working class, Democratic or not. Its called the Sanders campaign. If the Senator wins nomination, it will color all other races down ticket (although only the Senate will have much change - although some House seats could be picked up by a movement candidate and a dispirited GOP (the reason the Democrats aren't doing so bad is because the GOP is in parts dying off and going to crazy town). Not mentioning Sanders at all is journalistic malpractice.
Why Liberals Should Oppose Assisted Suicide | National Catholic Reporter
Why Liberals Should Oppose Assisted Suicide | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Social Liberal impulse actually gave us laws against suicide as part of the moral nanny state. They also gave us laws against adultery and contraception. I am sure there are those in the Church that would like to ban adultery again and contraception if they could get away with it, but it won't happen - and it is likely that in the end, assisted suicide will become legal - not because we are endorsing suicide (no one endorse adultery either when it was legalized and, contrary to popular belief, few pro-choicers endorse abortion) - and that legality will come the way Roe did, through a SCOTUS decision.
Now lets be clear about terms, the impulse to assisted suicide is Social Libertarianism, not social liberalism. We social libertarians believe in freedom, even if we don't endorse the action taken in absence of what are now very real punishments for attempting or assisting suicide. The question is not whether we wish to assist suicide, but whether we wish to continue punishing the attempt. In those terms, the answer is obvious. We can still channel suicide attemptors to behavioral health wards without also including the prospect of jail.
No one who believes in repealing anti-suicide laws also believes in using them as a financial boon for the health budget. Indeed, that is exactly what social libertarians would oppose. That would be a suicide mandate (many social libertarians are already economic liberals, just look at a Nolan Chart). MSW can channel Sarah Palin all he wants, but assisted suicide does not lead to death panels. There is no provision for mandatory suicide in this movement, only taking the punishing power of the state out of the issue.
Finally, I will repeat the techical correction from yesterday. Ike's tax rate was over 90%. JFK and LBJ cut it to 70%. The rate is not about revenue, its about stopping the CEO class from cutting jobs and then getting a bonus. The high tax rate confiscates any such blood money.
BTW, I am on medical assistance, suffer from bipolar and probably have prostrate cancer - and I live in Maryland. I am not likely to seek suicide at this point nor will my family encourage me to do so, nor my case worker. However, should I come to the late stages of cancer where the pain and inconvenience are particularly high, I would not want any caregiver who helps me end my life to be jailed, nor would I wish to be jailed for an incomplete attempt. Those last pieces are what this movement is really about.
Now lets be clear about terms, the impulse to assisted suicide is Social Libertarianism, not social liberalism. We social libertarians believe in freedom, even if we don't endorse the action taken in absence of what are now very real punishments for attempting or assisting suicide. The question is not whether we wish to assist suicide, but whether we wish to continue punishing the attempt. In those terms, the answer is obvious. We can still channel suicide attemptors to behavioral health wards without also including the prospect of jail.
No one who believes in repealing anti-suicide laws also believes in using them as a financial boon for the health budget. Indeed, that is exactly what social libertarians would oppose. That would be a suicide mandate (many social libertarians are already economic liberals, just look at a Nolan Chart). MSW can channel Sarah Palin all he wants, but assisted suicide does not lead to death panels. There is no provision for mandatory suicide in this movement, only taking the punishing power of the state out of the issue.
Finally, I will repeat the techical correction from yesterday. Ike's tax rate was over 90%. JFK and LBJ cut it to 70%. The rate is not about revenue, its about stopping the CEO class from cutting jobs and then getting a bonus. The high tax rate confiscates any such blood money.
BTW, I am on medical assistance, suffer from bipolar and probably have prostrate cancer - and I live in Maryland. I am not likely to seek suicide at this point nor will my family encourage me to do so, nor my case worker. However, should I come to the late stages of cancer where the pain and inconvenience are particularly high, I would not want any caregiver who helps me end my life to be jailed, nor would I wish to be jailed for an incomplete attempt. Those last pieces are what this movement is really about.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Links for 10/27/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/27/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It looks like the Francis effect is showing up in the appointment of Italian bishops, including the Archbishop of Palermo being awarded to a parish priest.
In loose ends from the Synod, the last blog entry of the Archbishop of Brisbane's travelogue has been posted - very folksy. 100 converts signed a letter saying they were more Catholic than the Pope by objecting to any change. I hope that the Church does not become a haven for conservative Protestants whose denominations are responding to change more adroitly than Rome.
There is no surpise that some conservatives, if you want to call them that (they aren't - they are anti-tax libertarians) will not be supporting the budget deal. Boehner knew that, its why he gave up his seat and will presumably seek votes from Mrs. Pelosi to pass the deal. This deal ends the budget drama for the rest of Obama's term and that is a good thing. I doubt a 70% tax rate would be considered conservative (and indeed, the Eisenhower rate was 93%). JFK and LBJ had the 70% rate, which lasted through Carter. One hopes Bernie Sanders offers that kind of tax plan, which disincentivizes cutting labor costs rather than being a rate designed to increase revenue.
In other news, there is a White House plan on Puerto Rico. More information is available on TaxVox.
In loose ends from the Synod, the last blog entry of the Archbishop of Brisbane's travelogue has been posted - very folksy. 100 converts signed a letter saying they were more Catholic than the Pope by objecting to any change. I hope that the Church does not become a haven for conservative Protestants whose denominations are responding to change more adroitly than Rome.
There is no surpise that some conservatives, if you want to call them that (they aren't - they are anti-tax libertarians) will not be supporting the budget deal. Boehner knew that, its why he gave up his seat and will presumably seek votes from Mrs. Pelosi to pass the deal. This deal ends the budget drama for the rest of Obama's term and that is a good thing. I doubt a 70% tax rate would be considered conservative (and indeed, the Eisenhower rate was 93%). JFK and LBJ had the 70% rate, which lasted through Carter. One hopes Bernie Sanders offers that kind of tax plan, which disincentivizes cutting labor costs rather than being a rate designed to increase revenue.
In other news, there is a White House plan on Puerto Rico. More information is available on TaxVox.
Synod Wrap-Up, Part II | National Catholic Reporter
Synod Wrap-Up, Part II | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I heartily agree with morality that is made for man, not man for morality. That should, however, lead to a willingness to change the rules when they are found to be lacking in their usefulness. That is more radical than forgiveness. To deal with First Things/George Weigel, culture is also for man and man exists in culture - morality falls within that framework. Of course, Cultural Theorists believe there are four cultural ways of life. Catholic morality cannot only exist in hierarchism. This is not the first time the Church adapted to and contributed to the culture and it won't be the last, however its crisis is that the culture is moving away from hierarchism - hopefully within employment relations as well.
The Hegelian paradigm is interesting, because in Hegel either God or our understanding of God (same thing really) evolves through time. I can see Francis and the Germans as the fruit of that. Pity the American Kantians - where when I was taking ethics with minor seminarians the ideal was Thomas, not Kant, although our professor had his Kantian side when it came to the oughtness of why we behave morally in relation to God (who deserved our good behavior due to his goodness rather than because it completes us - I tended to disagree, as God has no indepedent interest in our behavior).
As for Pell and Burke and either denial (not a river in Egypt) or ambiguity, if there is ambiguity in whether remarried Catholics can receive Communion, the ambiguity allows reception of Communion. Remarriage is not a sacralige nor is it not adultery if one is the victimized party in the end of the marriage. Abandoning judgmental language also leads toward openness to Communion. The change in tone changes doctrine. Indeed, no one who recieves Communion if they believe their homosexuality or their second marriage is appropriate can possibly sin by seeking the Lord.
On EWTN, one wonders whether they understand the arguments that they oppose or if they simply fear them and a change in the established order. It is shocking no one from on high has warned them about being hard of heart. The references to the jealous co-workers and the older faithful brother were obviously pointed at them and they seem not to realize it. Someone please buy them a clue. Of course, Jesus already bought them a clue and they still don't get it - as the brothers of the rich man could not if Lazarus had come back from the dead to warn them.
I am glad the Orthodox are not as wed to bad proof-texting as those who seem to insist on their version of the morality of remarriage and of unworthy Communion. I suspect that our best option would have been to simply acknowledge the supremacy of New Rome (there is much to say for this biblically as well) and drop the Latin Church's objections to the Orthodox positions. Barring that, I suspect they are used to Roman foolishness on many issues.
I am glad to see my own Cardinal is favoring mercy. While I would hope that both he, the Latin Church and the Orthodox would embrace actually changing the doctrine to align with the spirit of the gospel, I will take what I can get and hope the Americans bishops will do the same (and remember who hires them).
The Hegelian paradigm is interesting, because in Hegel either God or our understanding of God (same thing really) evolves through time. I can see Francis and the Germans as the fruit of that. Pity the American Kantians - where when I was taking ethics with minor seminarians the ideal was Thomas, not Kant, although our professor had his Kantian side when it came to the oughtness of why we behave morally in relation to God (who deserved our good behavior due to his goodness rather than because it completes us - I tended to disagree, as God has no indepedent interest in our behavior).
As for Pell and Burke and either denial (not a river in Egypt) or ambiguity, if there is ambiguity in whether remarried Catholics can receive Communion, the ambiguity allows reception of Communion. Remarriage is not a sacralige nor is it not adultery if one is the victimized party in the end of the marriage. Abandoning judgmental language also leads toward openness to Communion. The change in tone changes doctrine. Indeed, no one who recieves Communion if they believe their homosexuality or their second marriage is appropriate can possibly sin by seeking the Lord.
On EWTN, one wonders whether they understand the arguments that they oppose or if they simply fear them and a change in the established order. It is shocking no one from on high has warned them about being hard of heart. The references to the jealous co-workers and the older faithful brother were obviously pointed at them and they seem not to realize it. Someone please buy them a clue. Of course, Jesus already bought them a clue and they still don't get it - as the brothers of the rich man could not if Lazarus had come back from the dead to warn them.
I am glad the Orthodox are not as wed to bad proof-texting as those who seem to insist on their version of the morality of remarriage and of unworthy Communion. I suspect that our best option would have been to simply acknowledge the supremacy of New Rome (there is much to say for this biblically as well) and drop the Latin Church's objections to the Orthodox positions. Barring that, I suspect they are used to Roman foolishness on many issues.
I am glad to see my own Cardinal is favoring mercy. While I would hope that both he, the Latin Church and the Orthodox would embrace actually changing the doctrine to align with the spirit of the gospel, I will take what I can get and hope the Americans bishops will do the same (and remember who hires them).
Monday, October 26, 2015
The Synod Wrap-Up: Who and What Won? | National Catholic Reporter
The Synod Wrap-Up: Who and What Won? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It is good that Synodality won the day and consensus was reached, despite what the naysayers believed. Still, it would be more impressive if the people elected the bishops (or at least the local clergy). A Petrine ministry is fine (although the argument can be made that Peter is in New Rome), but that does not imply Petrine authoritarianism.
It is good that the Synod was non-judgemental. Still, it would be better if it differentiated between granting forgiveness and declaring that no sin has been committed - that prior pastoral teaching went over board in its pietousness - that the purpose of morality is not piety, it is a livable human existence.
It is good that Francis one this one against the conservatives - who should take notice of the old aphorism to never wound the king. I would hope these Cardinals retire shortly, regarldess of age - although I don't go as far as the Archbishop of Chicago with the walking on water metaphor. I suspect that His Holiness simply moved the fence sitters effectively. Of course, he put the fence sitters there in the first place. A rigged synod, of course, would have omitted the 13 cardinals who challenged the Pope. Since the document also gives the Pope elbow room, it is hoped he goes as far as is needed and maybe a bit further.
It is good that the drafting committee found a way to change things while getting consensus and staying within current teachings. Hopefully the Pope can provide further teachings so that the next iteration can have even more room to work toward humanizing doctrine.
Conscience is fine, but it should not be only a mitigating factor in breaking from dogma that is unworkable for the individual, but also where God speaks to us on the unworkability of dogma for everyone where that is appropriate. The mercy should be in the commandments, which lead us to a better life rather than being a heavy yoke - heavier than the one Christ promised. The indisoluability of marriage was originally from families who wanted their children to divorce and marry better connections. That privileging of the married over their families is as vital today (parents still break up their kid's unions - I am living proof) and in recent stepped into where a dying gay person's partner deserved to be. At least that bit of non-sense has stopped, both in Catholic hospital procedure and in civil law.
It is good that the Synod was non-judgemental. Still, it would be better if it differentiated between granting forgiveness and declaring that no sin has been committed - that prior pastoral teaching went over board in its pietousness - that the purpose of morality is not piety, it is a livable human existence.
It is good that Francis one this one against the conservatives - who should take notice of the old aphorism to never wound the king. I would hope these Cardinals retire shortly, regarldess of age - although I don't go as far as the Archbishop of Chicago with the walking on water metaphor. I suspect that His Holiness simply moved the fence sitters effectively. Of course, he put the fence sitters there in the first place. A rigged synod, of course, would have omitted the 13 cardinals who challenged the Pope. Since the document also gives the Pope elbow room, it is hoped he goes as far as is needed and maybe a bit further.
It is good that the drafting committee found a way to change things while getting consensus and staying within current teachings. Hopefully the Pope can provide further teachings so that the next iteration can have even more room to work toward humanizing doctrine.
Conscience is fine, but it should not be only a mitigating factor in breaking from dogma that is unworkable for the individual, but also where God speaks to us on the unworkability of dogma for everyone where that is appropriate. The mercy should be in the commandments, which lead us to a better life rather than being a heavy yoke - heavier than the one Christ promised. The indisoluability of marriage was originally from families who wanted their children to divorce and marry better connections. That privileging of the married over their families is as vital today (parents still break up their kid's unions - I am living proof) and in recent stepped into where a dying gay person's partner deserved to be. At least that bit of non-sense has stopped, both in Catholic hospital procedure and in civil law.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Links for 10/23/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/23/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The fiftieth anniversary of Nostra Aetete is a time to remember that it was long overdue and that it was likely inevitable when early Christians at the Council at Jersulem decided not to Judaize Christianity. Anti-Semitism is really consigned to the fringes, which are noticeable because they are rare. As any European about the Gypsy problem, however, and there is no memory of the Porojmos, which is our Holocaust and for which there were not survivors. Not endorsing Zionism in its most extreme settler incarnations, by the way, is not anti-semitism.
The proof texting about Communion is in the same league as the proof texting about marriage (which appears to be about setting the new mariage up as its own family, with the parents of either partner having no say in it once it is done - the same truth is obvious in gay marriage). I am all for mercy as a key part of Christianity, the greatest mercy being that Christ on the cross shared the abandonment that the sinner feels in those dark moments - after which he said "I thirst" and pointed the way to the Blood of Christ as the source of healing.
Nothing Rubio does to pander to the primary electorate surprises me, nor Trump, nor Carson. However is the GOP going to field a candidate? It seems like Kasich is the only sane one.
I am glad to see that MSW is at least showing the Bern, even if he isn't feeling it. I hope the Senator can do something now, as its a long time until 2017.
The proof texting about Communion is in the same league as the proof texting about marriage (which appears to be about setting the new mariage up as its own family, with the parents of either partner having no say in it once it is done - the same truth is obvious in gay marriage). I am all for mercy as a key part of Christianity, the greatest mercy being that Christ on the cross shared the abandonment that the sinner feels in those dark moments - after which he said "I thirst" and pointed the way to the Blood of Christ as the source of healing.
Nothing Rubio does to pander to the primary electorate surprises me, nor Trump, nor Carson. However is the GOP going to field a candidate? It seems like Kasich is the only sane one.
I am glad to see that MSW is at least showing the Bern, even if he isn't feeling it. I hope the Senator can do something now, as its a long time until 2017.
The Benghazi Star Chamber | National Catholic Reporter
The Benghazi Star Chamber | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would call it a show trial, except that the Committee has no power to do anything to Mrs. Clinton. On the first takeaway, that they went after her is not a surprise, given that she staffed the Judiciary Committee went it brought down Nixon. On the second point, the Committee knew they could not get her, she would have to get herself. She did not. The Robison comparison is unfortunate, since MSW paints Hillary as the opposing manager. Three, agreed that the GOP embarrassed itself, but we knew that before hand. Some of the rants captured on TV, however, were priceless. On the final takeway, I am not so sure, having read the part of Game Change that applies to her (HBO is stupid if it does not shoot a movie on this side) and am less sure when you know Bill will be in the White House with her, given some of his failures which led to modern failures: Glass-Stiegel repeal, not regulating derivatives, welfare reform, DADT and capital gains tax cuts. She should be in the same straits as JEB for the same reason.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Links for 10/22/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/22/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Mrs. Rubio and the German bishops miss the point that the doctrine of the indissolubility of marriage is the product of bad proof texting and it is the Church that is in error and that error needs to be corrected. Indeed, the concept that the Church cannot err is erroneous and needs to be quashed. In the Inner Dialogue of the Church it regularly is. It is time to admit it externally.
E.J. does a good job. I suspect I would have worked for Joe had he run, even though I had already committed to that other middle-class guy, Bernie Sanders. I trust his reason and hope nothing else shows up which forces him into the Presidency, like Obama's history of smoking. I still miss the opportunity his candidacy could have been to educate the bishops on why abortion is legal and how this is different than in Europe.
Since reading Acton's drivel would burn my eyes, I will simply have to add my congratulations to the Archbishop to that given by MSW.
E.J. does a good job. I suspect I would have worked for Joe had he run, even though I had already committed to that other middle-class guy, Bernie Sanders. I trust his reason and hope nothing else shows up which forces him into the Presidency, like Obama's history of smoking. I still miss the opportunity his candidacy could have been to educate the bishops on why abortion is legal and how this is different than in Europe.
Since reading Acton's drivel would burn my eyes, I will simply have to add my congratulations to the Archbishop to that given by MSW.
Biden's Decision Not to Run | National Catholic Reporter
Biden's Decision Not to Run | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Using the past tense in not appropriate, as he is not dead - just not running for President. I am glad for Biden that he is putting family first and not launching another run at the White House. For him to be a believable POTUS, he would have had to be a governor first, although being Governor of Delaware is like being Montgomery County Executive - and no one is considering Ike Legget for the White House (or Martin O'Malley for that matter).
It went without saying that Biden would have been a good union/social justice candidate - however I was hoping he would run so he might better explain to the hierarchy and theologians like MSW why abortion in America is not a license - license is definitely the wrong word because it implies permission - but an impossibility to regulate in our system. Aside from a few states before Roe and a handful after, abortion has been deemed outside the legislative process - which is totally unlike the rest of the world where rights are granted by the state, not innate (except Canada and England - who also have a strong natural rights tradition). If some want to assert rights for the unborn, the place to do so is Congress, but they would have to be willing to compromise to get it done -which would be bad for GOP and right to life fundraisers.
Biden's authenticity was a prize tool in his quiver, but he is not the only authentic politician out here. Bernie Sanders is drawing huge crowds because he is also the real deal. I dare MSW to mention him in that way.
It went without saying that Biden would have been a good union/social justice candidate - however I was hoping he would run so he might better explain to the hierarchy and theologians like MSW why abortion in America is not a license - license is definitely the wrong word because it implies permission - but an impossibility to regulate in our system. Aside from a few states before Roe and a handful after, abortion has been deemed outside the legislative process - which is totally unlike the rest of the world where rights are granted by the state, not innate (except Canada and England - who also have a strong natural rights tradition). If some want to assert rights for the unborn, the place to do so is Congress, but they would have to be willing to compromise to get it done -which would be bad for GOP and right to life fundraisers.
Biden's authenticity was a prize tool in his quiver, but he is not the only authentic politician out here. Bernie Sanders is drawing huge crowds because he is also the real deal. I dare MSW to mention him in that way.
Links for 10/21/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/21/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: On Bennett and Cloutier, it would be nice if the Synod looked at the ITC example, although theologians were not invited as they should have been. The flaw, of course, is that we are looking only at bringing forgiveness to those who thought they were doing the right thing but actually sinned. The Natural Law Argument should actually take on the question of whether the Dogma itself, being derived by reason rather than experience (or at least present experience) is in fact erroneous. That goes double for gay marriage. The analysis ignores the Spirit of Prophesy, which is who the Synod should be listening for. To refuse to do so is still hubris.
Camosy's piece is still a rehash of his last article and he is still wrong. The question is not just allowing suicide, it is removing the punishments in place in current law punishing suicide. Some say God really does not do so if someone is in the depths of despair - so why should the State? These restrictions will fall as a privacy issue in the High Court once there is more support on the ground for them. For all of his handwringing, one would think that we were talking about mandatory suicide. There is nothing liberatian about such a thing and I am sure that when there is great wealth involved, the law will continue to guard against abuses like knocking of Granny to fund the trust fund.
The Archbishop has an interesting travelogue, if you are into such things - however it means having to dig for the arguments - except of course for his leading quote. Still, he is the kind of folksy that does bring to mind the former Cardinal from Argentina.
Camosy's piece is still a rehash of his last article and he is still wrong. The question is not just allowing suicide, it is removing the punishments in place in current law punishing suicide. Some say God really does not do so if someone is in the depths of despair - so why should the State? These restrictions will fall as a privacy issue in the High Court once there is more support on the ground for them. For all of his handwringing, one would think that we were talking about mandatory suicide. There is nothing liberatian about such a thing and I am sure that when there is great wealth involved, the law will continue to guard against abuses like knocking of Granny to fund the trust fund.
The Archbishop has an interesting travelogue, if you are into such things - however it means having to dig for the arguments - except of course for his leading quote. Still, he is the kind of folksy that does bring to mind the former Cardinal from Argentina.
Speaker Ryan? | National Catholic Reporter
Speaker Ryan? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: On Ryan's demands, if he wants to see his kids more, he needs to move them to DC. St. Ann's Parish School is lovely, as are the Catholic schools in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax. Indeed, St. Mary's would coddle enough of his conservatism to give Dorothy Day pause.
I doubt he is personally less of a Randian, even if he did throw her under the bus to keep the Catholics happy. On subsidiarity - it is about federalism - with the states making more decisions (and bearing more financial burden) that he was referring to - although he misses the part in subsidiarity which deals with higher levels of government taking over if the lower level can't. Of course, the lowest level is to have a tax on employers, say a subtraction VAT, letting employers either pay the tax with the funds going to the local government, or providing the services.
What Ryan usually misses, of course, is the need to force all levels to pay enough (and relatives are not a level of government). Whether a certain level is adequate or not is technical question - one that must use both economic data and case management input. For example, food stamps are currently inadequate, as is the lack of any cash income for single poor people who don't even get Metro fare without getting Disability.
Of course, the main entitlement cuts are Chained CPI (which dials back both COLAs and Indexing) and raising Part B and D premiums on Medicare. Of course, to really do that without making many retirees worse off (although it is usually the richer ones who pay more), you must increase the basic Social Security benefit to offset the premium increases - and maybe beyond the premium increase. That means you need more money - say by getting rid of the income caps (although that also gives wealthier retirees a bigger benefit unless you change the bend points) - or you could LOWER the tax on employees and remove the cap on employer levies - funding it with a Value Added Tax and giving each employee the same amount, regardless of their wage (and get rid of benefit bend points).
That is the school solution to entitlement reform (which has little to do with welfare if you want real money). Would Ryan be brave enough to go as far as I suggest? I very much doubt it, which means he is better off as Speaker than as Ways and Means Chair - as anything he would suggest would either be vetoed or negotiated with Obama (which will kill it in the eyes of the Freedom Caucus).
I doubt he is personally less of a Randian, even if he did throw her under the bus to keep the Catholics happy. On subsidiarity - it is about federalism - with the states making more decisions (and bearing more financial burden) that he was referring to - although he misses the part in subsidiarity which deals with higher levels of government taking over if the lower level can't. Of course, the lowest level is to have a tax on employers, say a subtraction VAT, letting employers either pay the tax with the funds going to the local government, or providing the services.
What Ryan usually misses, of course, is the need to force all levels to pay enough (and relatives are not a level of government). Whether a certain level is adequate or not is technical question - one that must use both economic data and case management input. For example, food stamps are currently inadequate, as is the lack of any cash income for single poor people who don't even get Metro fare without getting Disability.
Of course, the main entitlement cuts are Chained CPI (which dials back both COLAs and Indexing) and raising Part B and D premiums on Medicare. Of course, to really do that without making many retirees worse off (although it is usually the richer ones who pay more), you must increase the basic Social Security benefit to offset the premium increases - and maybe beyond the premium increase. That means you need more money - say by getting rid of the income caps (although that also gives wealthier retirees a bigger benefit unless you change the bend points) - or you could LOWER the tax on employees and remove the cap on employer levies - funding it with a Value Added Tax and giving each employee the same amount, regardless of their wage (and get rid of benefit bend points).
That is the school solution to entitlement reform (which has little to do with welfare if you want real money). Would Ryan be brave enough to go as far as I suggest? I very much doubt it, which means he is better off as Speaker than as Ways and Means Chair - as anything he would suggest would either be vetoed or negotiated with Obama (which will kill it in the eyes of the Freedom Caucus).
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Links for 10/20/15 (b) | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/20/15 (b) | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I don't see a world where Rubio is the nominee except as performance art. He is simply outclassed by both Cruz and Bush - even if he is ahead of them in the polls. I don't see him winning Iowa, New Hampshire or New York. We will see who is real once the votes start being counted.
Hof hits the nail on the bed better than Berkowitz, but remember that the Arab Spring was not Obama's idea. That came from a Google VP who thought social media mattered more than ammunition.
The Democrats real problem is that it can't keep its campus volunteers fired up to work in off-years. That has always been the case. The way forward Yglesias points out for the GOP are idiotic. The reality is that old Republicans are dying and Simpson-Misoli voters and their kids will become a majority of voters in the Southwest and the South because of it. The reality is that the Clinton and Sanders wings of the Democratic Party are more likely to be the major parities of the future while the GOP slithers away - and neither party will politicize abortion - which is not a political issue in terms of possible policy changes leading to changed outcomes. While some teachers are being fired, it won't be for long and their grass roots belief in abortion rights and the insanity (and fraud) of trying to ban it won't change.
Archbishop Aquilla is making a simplistic point. The Vatican acted stupidly in not annulling a marriage which was based on a dispensation for incest. This was all about playing favorites between Spain and England - and More died not because he was an outspoken defender of traditional marriage but because he felt the King should not be able to compel his belief. The Archbishop should realize that those who wish Communion have the same desire, with himself playing the role of Henry.
Hof hits the nail on the bed better than Berkowitz, but remember that the Arab Spring was not Obama's idea. That came from a Google VP who thought social media mattered more than ammunition.
The Democrats real problem is that it can't keep its campus volunteers fired up to work in off-years. That has always been the case. The way forward Yglesias points out for the GOP are idiotic. The reality is that old Republicans are dying and Simpson-Misoli voters and their kids will become a majority of voters in the Southwest and the South because of it. The reality is that the Clinton and Sanders wings of the Democratic Party are more likely to be the major parities of the future while the GOP slithers away - and neither party will politicize abortion - which is not a political issue in terms of possible policy changes leading to changed outcomes. While some teachers are being fired, it won't be for long and their grass roots belief in abortion rights and the insanity (and fraud) of trying to ban it won't change.
Archbishop Aquilla is making a simplistic point. The Vatican acted stupidly in not annulling a marriage which was based on a dispensation for incest. This was all about playing favorites between Spain and England - and More died not because he was an outspoken defender of traditional marriage but because he felt the King should not be able to compel his belief. The Archbishop should realize that those who wish Communion have the same desire, with himself playing the role of Henry.
The Synod and the 'great et, et' | National Catholic Reporter
The Synod and the 'great et, et' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Lets be clear, the first thousand years of Christianity has no problem with gays and had a rite for their unions. It was only around the first millenium that everyone got all pious on sex. It was not considered incompatible with Christianity. Natural Law reasoning came with Aquinas and the Church rationalized that homosexuality was disordered. We now know differently, gays are born, not made (like in pederastry, which does get repeated by the victims). Natural law should mean that changes in information mean changes in conclusions. If it is not, then it is simply a cover for clerical fiat, which is not truth. Chaput needs to know that natural law is not up for a vote - but it can change and it must. The only thing I agree with Chaput about is that Chaput's conscience is flawed on this issue, including his frame of mind.
Sadly he has friends. The reactionary viewpoint always does. Loyalty is easier than thinking, especially for groups who are predisposed to supress dissent when they are ascendent. Luckily Francis is not one of these people and I hope he does not strive for compromise with those who want loyalty over charity in these discussions. That would be truly human - as is being gay if you were created that way by God. It is not immoral to abandon self-loathing and pursue truth, just as it is not immoral to seek the Eucharist just because they found love in a second marriage. Its not doctrine v. mercy - the doctrine must be merciful.
Sadly he has friends. The reactionary viewpoint always does. Loyalty is easier than thinking, especially for groups who are predisposed to supress dissent when they are ascendent. Luckily Francis is not one of these people and I hope he does not strive for compromise with those who want loyalty over charity in these discussions. That would be truly human - as is being gay if you were created that way by God. It is not immoral to abandon self-loathing and pursue truth, just as it is not immoral to seek the Eucharist just because they found love in a second marriage. Its not doctrine v. mercy - the doctrine must be merciful.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Links for 10/20/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/20/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I hope the cashier in the story did not get in trouble from management.
We have videos. I won't watch Burke. His remarks have cast doubt on his competence far too many times to waste my time on him.
Bishop Gonzalez shows why we would need more than one English speaking Partriach.
We have videos. I won't watch Burke. His remarks have cast doubt on his competence far too many times to waste my time on him.
Bishop Gonzalez shows why we would need more than one English speaking Partriach.
Team Valjean Steps Up To the Plate | National Catholic Reporter
Team Valjean Steps Up To the Plate | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I don't like the implication by Wuerl that the issue is spin. It seems to me that some doctrines are ripe for change, having been devised by proof texting that would make Luther proud. As for packing the Synod, I am sure that any expansion beyond the Curia and certain reliable bishops is seen as packing. On the issue of democracyin the Church - that would be the collection of all of our consiciences - as it was in ancient times (without casting lots) - and I believe our collective consciences would say that on remarriage and gay marriage the doctrine is wrong - in no uncertain terms.
Five reasons the synod is doomed to fail | National Catholic Reporter
Five reasons the synod is doomed to fail | National Catholic Reporter by Fr. Thomas Reese. MGB: One, letting the Synod topic be broad allows the Pope to include those issues he wants discussed.
Two: The broad audience, while including traditionalists is likely outweighed by those Francis can trust - just look at the change in the American deligation from one session to the next. Francis is too smart not to pack the house while still having enough people from unfriendly areas on hand to have them buy-in and cut the risk of schism that overcame the Anglican Communion.
Three: Synods are paper factories, the question is, who is working on the paper? If they were all acceptable by the gang of 8, something could happen.
Four: There is division on change and its meaning and those who think doctrine cannot change may be in for a rude awakening.
Five: Theologians would be nice, but the theologians of Vatican II are not what you get now. Most are now laity and including them would be a point of controversy. If this were a Council, then it would be good to include them, but the problem would be, which ones? It is true that the topic is incomplete, but it will never be finished anyway. If Cardinal Burke complains or is silenced, we know it was good synod.
Two: The broad audience, while including traditionalists is likely outweighed by those Francis can trust - just look at the change in the American deligation from one session to the next. Francis is too smart not to pack the house while still having enough people from unfriendly areas on hand to have them buy-in and cut the risk of schism that overcame the Anglican Communion.
Three: Synods are paper factories, the question is, who is working on the paper? If they were all acceptable by the gang of 8, something could happen.
Four: There is division on change and its meaning and those who think doctrine cannot change may be in for a rude awakening.
Five: Theologians would be nice, but the theologians of Vatican II are not what you get now. Most are now laity and including them would be a point of controversy. If this were a Council, then it would be good to include them, but the problem would be, which ones? It is true that the topic is incomplete, but it will never be finished anyway. If Cardinal Burke complains or is silenced, we know it was good synod.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Links for 10/16/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/16/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Fetal tissue harvesting happens with abortion and miscarriage and Planned Parenthood is not the only organization that does it. Someone should invite Catholic Health Association to relate their experience with this phenomenon, including cost recovery negotiations. Of course, I doubt that CHA will be allowed to testify in this propoganda war. No one likes the Eugenic genesis of this this organization and this may end those federally funded women's health services provided for free (although certainly not to everyone), but as long as a pimply burger flipper needs to earn money because he needs to pay for his girlfriend's abortion, Planned Parenthood will exist. Ultimately, finding a way for our pimply faced worker and his lady to marry, have a kid and seek a better future at the same time with heavy public subsidies is what will end PPUSA. Of course, those who think justice is envy will never go with that - see Brooks ande Langone below.
Coercion is not a feature of the right to die movement. Pop culture is not destiny. The fact is that the prohibitions on suicide and doctors helping their patients die are coercive and that part of the issue is still obvious to everyone. It will propel it forward until it gets to the Supreme Court again with more support on the ground and the issue will be considered private from then on, i.e., not the subject for prohibiting legislation. No one is talking about mandatory suicide for either patients or doctors, at least no one but the fear mongers who still have their under current of a God who reserves life and death to Himself (and for them, God is always a him) - and this is the biggest fear of all. - The question for the Church, by the way, is not how we stop it? Frankly, we cannot and probably should not. The question is how respond to it with compassion, without pulling the God the Ogre card.
Brooks is simply wrong. It was not free enterprise that made the rich as much as access to education - often at the hands of the Church. While the ability to get financing certainly helped grow some businesses, it was know-how that got most fortunes made. Some second generation rich use their educations for that reason while others drown their future in alcohol and entitlement - which is why wealth is not permanent for any family. Going back to Francis and his message of unity - I wonder how many of the wealthy could stand the economic unityof the Church in the Acts of the Apostles? Some defenders of capitalism blame envy for a desire for more equality, however they seem to be the devils here. Justice is not envy.
Langone believes that because he loves the Church and Pope Francis that he has a right to pay his store floor level employees as little as the market allows while keeping the difference. That is what Capitalism is and that is what Francis condemns. Langone needs to take an economics course - one taught by a Marxist.
Coercion is not a feature of the right to die movement. Pop culture is not destiny. The fact is that the prohibitions on suicide and doctors helping their patients die are coercive and that part of the issue is still obvious to everyone. It will propel it forward until it gets to the Supreme Court again with more support on the ground and the issue will be considered private from then on, i.e., not the subject for prohibiting legislation. No one is talking about mandatory suicide for either patients or doctors, at least no one but the fear mongers who still have their under current of a God who reserves life and death to Himself (and for them, God is always a him) - and this is the biggest fear of all. - The question for the Church, by the way, is not how we stop it? Frankly, we cannot and probably should not. The question is how respond to it with compassion, without pulling the God the Ogre card.
Brooks is simply wrong. It was not free enterprise that made the rich as much as access to education - often at the hands of the Church. While the ability to get financing certainly helped grow some businesses, it was know-how that got most fortunes made. Some second generation rich use their educations for that reason while others drown their future in alcohol and entitlement - which is why wealth is not permanent for any family. Going back to Francis and his message of unity - I wonder how many of the wealthy could stand the economic unityof the Church in the Acts of the Apostles? Some defenders of capitalism blame envy for a desire for more equality, however they seem to be the devils here. Justice is not envy.
Langone believes that because he loves the Church and Pope Francis that he has a right to pay his store floor level employees as little as the market allows while keeping the difference. That is what Capitalism is and that is what Francis condemns. Langone needs to take an economics course - one taught by a Marxist.
Obama's Decision To Stay in Afghanistan | National Catholic Reporter
Obama's Decision To Stay in Afghanistan | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Incrementally, Obama made the right decision - it was the obvious choice as presented by his commanders. It is likely the right decision on a human level in the short term for Afghan civilians. His only alternative would have been to cut and run, knowing that the Taliban would quickly move into an obvious power vacuum and the retribution would be as terrible, if not more terrible, than that visited on American collaborators in South Vietnam after the US withdrawl. Of course, the Communists re-educated the collaborators, the Taliban will likely kill them. Vietnam has turned into a fairly decent place and even the killling fields of Cambodia are closed. Afghanistan may not yield to modernity so quickly. It depends on the courage of those left behind. Of course, we could spend a protracted time offering asylum to any of our friends and all women who want a better life - let an all male Afghanistan survive without women.
What is more troubling is the stated aim of the continued opposition to use a base in Afghanistan for continued drone strikes by the CIA. If you don't like drone warfare, the continuation is not good news. While it is better than carpet bombind civilians, it is blunt tool that makes us no friends.
I still believe that the answer in the region is boundary adjustment from Palestine to Kashmire. Let smaller ethnic states like Uzbekistan and the former Uzbek SSR unite and let them pick a supporting power to defend them if they cannot defend themselves. We can then focus on whether to leave the Pastun section alone, let Pakistan support it (which may be a booby prize) or whether we want to subdue it as a danger to the United States (which is hardly semetrical warfare, except for the fact that the military does not have the stones to commit to total war against such an area - a war that would have to be almost genocidal to accomplish its aims). Obama should ask Wes Clark to step in here. He is the most experienced negotiator to stop genocidal religious and civil war. He certainly can't do worse than current policy, which is as much on Pentagon as it is on Obama.
What is more troubling is the stated aim of the continued opposition to use a base in Afghanistan for continued drone strikes by the CIA. If you don't like drone warfare, the continuation is not good news. While it is better than carpet bombind civilians, it is blunt tool that makes us no friends.
I still believe that the answer in the region is boundary adjustment from Palestine to Kashmire. Let smaller ethnic states like Uzbekistan and the former Uzbek SSR unite and let them pick a supporting power to defend them if they cannot defend themselves. We can then focus on whether to leave the Pastun section alone, let Pakistan support it (which may be a booby prize) or whether we want to subdue it as a danger to the United States (which is hardly semetrical warfare, except for the fact that the military does not have the stones to commit to total war against such an area - a war that would have to be almost genocidal to accomplish its aims). Obama should ask Wes Clark to step in here. He is the most experienced negotiator to stop genocidal religious and civil war. He certainly can't do worse than current policy, which is as much on Pentagon as it is on Obama.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Links for 10/15/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/15/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The CRS sponsored growth is not just about sustainability but cooperation, which is the key to all of our futures.
On the recklessness of those opposing reform, recklessness is always a product of fear - and self-centered fear over position and power of their place in the world is the bottom line motivation for the reactionary Trads.
Thank you to Dr. Higgins for highlighting the sanctity of those called to voice the Spirit of Prophesy, as well as those who push the envelope in the search for truth for our times - as well as all times. The Delators seem to be particularly reckless these days.
It looks like the Delators are on the side of Kim Davis and her pathetic attempt to make herself look like a martyr for tradition, when he reality she was a martyr for authoritarian oppression. Sad that someone can use the word Liberty when talking about supporting arbitrary government action that the Supreme Court has ruled oppressive to gays and lesbians. Someone needs to explain equal protection under law to whomever set up this meet, as well as to those in the Curia who have anything to do with the United States. Memo to LC: Sedition (working with a foreign power against the Contitution) is not a conservative value.
On the recklessness of those opposing reform, recklessness is always a product of fear - and self-centered fear over position and power of their place in the world is the bottom line motivation for the reactionary Trads.
Thank you to Dr. Higgins for highlighting the sanctity of those called to voice the Spirit of Prophesy, as well as those who push the envelope in the search for truth for our times - as well as all times. The Delators seem to be particularly reckless these days.
It looks like the Delators are on the side of Kim Davis and her pathetic attempt to make herself look like a martyr for tradition, when he reality she was a martyr for authoritarian oppression. Sad that someone can use the word Liberty when talking about supporting arbitrary government action that the Supreme Court has ruled oppressive to gays and lesbians. Someone needs to explain equal protection under law to whomever set up this meet, as well as to those in the Curia who have anything to do with the United States. Memo to LC: Sedition (working with a foreign power against the Contitution) is not a conservative value.
The Power of the Keys & the Synod | National Catholic Reporter
The Power of the Keys & the Synod | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The problem here is the hierarchy and papal appointment of bishops. If capitalists were in control of who was appointed in America, there would be reason enough to have the Pope appoint bishops, as it is for bishops in China. Absent such extremity, the really ancient practice should maintain, as our Episcopal brothers have rediscovered in their episcopal selection. They seem to have also solved the second marriage thing. We need to realize that the reality of the situation is much more important then the curial symbolism, which is nice to discuss over a nice Chianti but should not be used to inconvenience the faithful. Old and New Testament marriage had women as property, even in the most enlightened times of the early Church. That property relation is no longer true and our practices regarding the Sacrament and Divorce should reflect that. The Keys to the Kingdom say that the Church will surive. It won't be because we never change doctrine - rather it will be because we change before we become irrelevant.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Links for 10/14/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/14/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Its way too early for Nevada and South Carolina polls to mean anything. While Trump has the money to stay in as long as we want, a Huckabee win in Iowa out of the blue will shake up everything, although he is likely to win New Hampshire, a close neighbor to New York. Of course, that may hurt him when the negative ads start flying.
The Canon 212 group is oddly named (by the way, I hate these one sided petitions) - because what the petitioners are most afraid of is what the rest of us told the Synod Fathers. Of course, the Pope gives no weight to such reactionary nonsense. He knows what sour grapes smell like.
The Canon 212 group is oddly named (by the way, I hate these one sided petitions) - because what the petitioners are most afraid of is what the rest of us told the Synod Fathers. Of course, the Pope gives no weight to such reactionary nonsense. He knows what sour grapes smell like.
Clinton Wins Big | National Catholic Reporter
Clinton Wins Big | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Pity Sanders did not do better, but that may be a function of the questions asked. One debate, however, will not prove Clinton won't yet shoot herself in the foot. The GOP still hates her for being part of the Watergate Committee that brought down Nixon. As for Sanders' college plan, he pays for it with a financial transactions tax.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Links for 10/13/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/13/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Paramount Queen Mothers prove that knowledge is power. Sadly, I expect reprisals, as anyone who would deliberately swindle another is capable of anything.
Berkowicz is a confirmed Zionist who is not exactly objective on this topic. Obama did not create the Arab Spring - he tried to limit it. It was a Google executive with too much money and optimism who thought linking on Facebook could change the military tyranny to democracy, with militant Islam not being a problem. Syria was strange because you have to add John McCain's good rebels to the mix, who the Administration mistakenly supported. In this one case, Putin has the right answer.
The Pro-life Press is essentially part of the right wing conspiracy that went after and goes after Clinton and Obama and Mrs. Clinton. Bravo to the Pope for throwing the fool out on his ear.
Finally, bravo to MSMfor getting it on the divorced and remarried. Sadly, I doubt that either he or the Pope is wiling to consider that for some (but not others), there is no sin in finding love after being victimized in a bad marriage - and if the marriage is not a sin, receiving Communion is not an issue, nor should it have ever been.
Berkowicz is a confirmed Zionist who is not exactly objective on this topic. Obama did not create the Arab Spring - he tried to limit it. It was a Google executive with too much money and optimism who thought linking on Facebook could change the military tyranny to democracy, with militant Islam not being a problem. Syria was strange because you have to add John McCain's good rebels to the mix, who the Administration mistakenly supported. In this one case, Putin has the right answer.
The Pro-life Press is essentially part of the right wing conspiracy that went after and goes after Clinton and Obama and Mrs. Clinton. Bravo to the Pope for throwing the fool out on his ear.
Finally, bravo to MSMfor getting it on the divorced and remarried. Sadly, I doubt that either he or the Pope is wiling to consider that for some (but not others), there is no sin in finding love after being victimized in a bad marriage - and if the marriage is not a sin, receiving Communion is not an issue, nor should it have ever been.
Tonight's Democratic Debate | National Catholic Reporter
Tonight's Democratic Debate | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Let's go in reverse. O'Malley cannot even win Maryland - most of his former constituents don't like him. On Sanders, the question is which blue states will he lose by being a Democratic Socialist? Not sure their are any and a Trump v. Sanders election would be priceless. Clinton might have won in 2008, but she did not. Her flaws as a candidate are apparent in the book Game Change. I am not sure she has changed or that having the best record since George H.W. Bush is a good thing. As for the debate, there are better things on TV than a CNN Breaking News event - so we will see who won based on the commentary in the morning (that is how these things are scored anyway, by the takeaways).
Monday, October 12, 2015
Links for 10/12/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/12/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Most of the five mths were well responded to already, although Genoa is still Italian, whatever it thinks of itself.
Sadly, Chicago has rather strict gun control that does not do anything, as surrounding jurisdictions to not. Unless Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin cooperate or there is a national policy, Chicago will be a blood bath, at least as long as there is something to shoot about. Get rid of drug laws and you will have more success.
Comparing Chaput to Javert is apt, although it may go a bit too far. Hopefully Chaput hears of it and uses the comparison to examine his own soul.
Sadly, Chicago has rather strict gun control that does not do anything, as surrounding jurisdictions to not. Unless Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin cooperate or there is a national policy, Chicago will be a blood bath, at least as long as there is something to shoot about. Get rid of drug laws and you will have more success.
Comparing Chaput to Javert is apt, although it may go a bit too far. Hopefully Chaput hears of it and uses the comparison to examine his own soul.
The Fault Lines at the Synod | National Catholic Reporter
The Fault Lines at the Synod | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would submit that the view of marriage as indisoluable is the result of the kind of proof texting usually reserved for the Southern Baptists. It is time to be open to the Paraclete, who is said to come to educate us because there things we don't yet know (for example that because of epigenesis, gays were born that way - its not a choice). Divorce is the same thing. The modern marriage exists without Covenenture - meaning the dominant role of the male as a comparison to Christ and his Church no longer applies (unless you want a horizontal relationship with Christ).
Traditional marriage is dead and has been for a while. The question becomes how divorce fits in with the new marriage. When marital rape was by definition impossible, it was not cause for divorce. It is now, as is all manner of abuse, alcoholism and mental illness (which while it could be cause for annulment is sometimes arising after the marriage itself). The right cannot put their heads in the sand and think the marriages of their childhood (which reality were not that pristine) are the be all and all of human relationships. The Trads thinking all the answerers have already been discerned are suffering from extreme HUBRIS, which is a worse sin than finding a new person to love after divorce.
Traditional marriage is dead and has been for a while. The question becomes how divorce fits in with the new marriage. When marital rape was by definition impossible, it was not cause for divorce. It is now, as is all manner of abuse, alcoholism and mental illness (which while it could be cause for annulment is sometimes arising after the marriage itself). The right cannot put their heads in the sand and think the marriages of their childhood (which reality were not that pristine) are the be all and all of human relationships. The Trads thinking all the answerers have already been discerned are suffering from extreme HUBRIS, which is a worse sin than finding a new person to love after divorce.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Links for 10/09/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/09/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Rather than bankruptcy, I hope that broadening the tax base to include non-Puerto Ricanos living on the island and federalizing enough of the debt so what is left is sustainable. PR is part of the US, it should not be treated by Wall Street like a banana republic.
Silk asks the wrong question. It is not whether assisted suicide is good or bad policy, but whether penalizing suicide attempts or assistance is. Most people rightly say it is not. The view that our lives are not our own, but we are stewards of them is essentially a God the Orgre argument. Its old and tired. Its not natural law unless you are talking about the Relativistic natural law that comes out of the Curia (a mistake by both Benedict and Francis). In the end, the Supreme Court will put suicide with contraception and sodomy under the realm of privacy (4th and 9th Amendments as well as 14). Will the poor and marginalized by harmed by this? No. The subject is assisted suicide, not mandatory suicide - which we would fight and the Supreme Court would never allow - also for privacy reasons.
I don't believe that the Devil made me do it when I argue against error in Church teaching - which does exist. Indeed, I am speaking from another Spirit within me, granted in Baptism and Confirmation. To deny that Spirit just because it makes Trads a bit uncomfortable is unforgiveable blasphemy.
Silk asks the wrong question. It is not whether assisted suicide is good or bad policy, but whether penalizing suicide attempts or assistance is. Most people rightly say it is not. The view that our lives are not our own, but we are stewards of them is essentially a God the Orgre argument. Its old and tired. Its not natural law unless you are talking about the Relativistic natural law that comes out of the Curia (a mistake by both Benedict and Francis). In the end, the Supreme Court will put suicide with contraception and sodomy under the realm of privacy (4th and 9th Amendments as well as 14). Will the poor and marginalized by harmed by this? No. The subject is assisted suicide, not mandatory suicide - which we would fight and the Supreme Court would never allow - also for privacy reasons.
I don't believe that the Devil made me do it when I argue against error in Church teaching - which does exist. Indeed, I am speaking from another Spirit within me, granted in Baptism and Confirmation. To deny that Spirit just because it makes Trads a bit uncomfortable is unforgiveable blasphemy.
The Synod, Viewed From the Right | National Catholic Reporter
The Synod, Viewed From the Right | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am all for the Church using its offices to make sure that mental and addictive health care and adequate incomes are available to singles and families alike. It might decrease divorces or it might not. There will still be people who leave marriages because they don't feel happy, in love or all those things that are essentially giving up. Should these people be allowed to marry again in the Church? Only if the spouse that was left behind consents. We keep thinking that this matter is somehow a sin against God. Far from it, unless your God is like Edmund Burke, a bit priggish. Even in those cases, to find love in a second marriage cannot be considered sinful - what Christ condemned, if you look at the text, was a family breaking up their child's marriage so they can marry again into higher status (a variation of telling a child who is unhappy in marriage to leave instead love). It is the scheming of the parents that is condemned. (I am not sure I have forgiven my in-laws). Regardless, does getting married again constitute a serious sin? Depends. If you were being beaten, were married to a drunk or were abandonned by someone seeking greener pastures, I would say no. These are not once size fits all matters and their reality does not fit into the Annullment model, so we should quit trying to make it and realize divorce is legitimate and remarriage is not sinful for the wronged party.
Then there is the matter of Communion. There are some sins that demand the person be considered unworthy to recieve. Murder comes to mind, as does abortion if one simply did not feel like having a kid. Adultery? When women property there was a case for it - but not now (and drop the rest of the sexual sins, which are venial - its what venial means - of the flesh. Depriving employees of wages they earned at they level of their productivity? Serious sin, including if the Church secretary is not making enough to live on. So, maybe what is needed is not mercy, but a re-examination of which sins really do exclude someone from Communion. I think that is what we are getting to and its more honesty than mercy.
Then there is the matter of Communion. There are some sins that demand the person be considered unworthy to recieve. Murder comes to mind, as does abortion if one simply did not feel like having a kid. Adultery? When women property there was a case for it - but not now (and drop the rest of the sexual sins, which are venial - its what venial means - of the flesh. Depriving employees of wages they earned at they level of their productivity? Serious sin, including if the Church secretary is not making enough to live on. So, maybe what is needed is not mercy, but a re-examination of which sins really do exclude someone from Communion. I think that is what we are getting to and its more honesty than mercy.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Links for 10/08/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/08/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There was no way Jerry Brown was not going to sign that Law. It would not pass in most places, but all it takes is for one court case seeking the right under privacy to have it go national. There are two possibilities with suicide, either there is life after death or there is not. If there is not and if life is suffering, people wills suicide. If there is life after death, which we Catholics believe in, we either have a compassionate God or an Ogre. Only in the last case is assisted suicide a bad thing. We don't preserve life just because we can, or else Jesus would have hung on the cross for days on end, he was strong enough to not die. What the Trads fear most is most likely - that the Supreme Court will find a right to die and in a decade or so Modernist Catholics will embrace it, if not sooner, and in a generation everyone will wonder what all the fuss was about.
The Bishop's travelogue is interesting, but will wait for any summary he offers. The key fact is that the Synod is now the Pope, the Bishops and the Holy Spirit. I suspect at least two of the three agree on what needs to be done. The question is the bishops. Lets hope the moral priggishness of Chaput and his like do not make progress impossible.
The Bishop's travelogue is interesting, but will wait for any summary he offers. The key fact is that the Synod is now the Pope, the Bishops and the Holy Spirit. I suspect at least two of the three agree on what needs to be done. The question is the bishops. Lets hope the moral priggishness of Chaput and his like do not make progress impossible.
The Other GOP Problem: The Presidential Race | National Catholic Reporter
The Other GOP Problem: The Presidential Race | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The House just got worse, McCarthy opted out of the Speakership,
Trump is on top because he exudes a certain Reaganesque boldness. He is this year's central casting version of a leader - which shows you that central casting mainly does reality TV. Still, there are polls that show that more Republicans are against him than with him. Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson are better pollers, but its early. All three are disasters and Carly and Ben are performance art, much the way Herman Cain was, with Carson drawing the people who say they oppose Obama but not for his race (a lie) and Carly as the alternative to Clinton (who may lose to Sanders or Biden). I suspect when the real voters show up at the caucuses, John Ellis Bush will get support if he does not withdraw before then. Marco Rubio is the sop to the Latino community about immigration - except he is Cuban. Cuban exiles gain residency simply by showing up, which shows how much Cuba had been an American colony. This goes double for Cruz.
Is Bush a shoe in, maybe. Kasich is too moderate for the noisy part of the GOP - but people need to remember that the Screw It caucus is not a majority. He may well be the person who wins it if the Primary electorate reads the tea leaves and realizes that no one wants yet another president named Bush (or Clinton).
Trump is on top because he exudes a certain Reaganesque boldness. He is this year's central casting version of a leader - which shows you that central casting mainly does reality TV. Still, there are polls that show that more Republicans are against him than with him. Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson are better pollers, but its early. All three are disasters and Carly and Ben are performance art, much the way Herman Cain was, with Carson drawing the people who say they oppose Obama but not for his race (a lie) and Carly as the alternative to Clinton (who may lose to Sanders or Biden). I suspect when the real voters show up at the caucuses, John Ellis Bush will get support if he does not withdraw before then. Marco Rubio is the sop to the Latino community about immigration - except he is Cuban. Cuban exiles gain residency simply by showing up, which shows how much Cuba had been an American colony. This goes double for Cruz.
Is Bush a shoe in, maybe. Kasich is too moderate for the noisy part of the GOP - but people need to remember that the Screw It caucus is not a majority. He may well be the person who wins it if the Primary electorate reads the tea leaves and realizes that no one wants yet another president named Bush (or Clinton).
The GOP Meltdown in Congress | National Catholic Reporter
The GOP Meltdown in Congress | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There were a few times the Hastert rule was set aside, the most important being to extend the Bush tax cuts for the bottom 98% (still too many people) while letting them go up for the top 2%. He essentially surrendered to Obama. He did not make out so well, but the nation as we have the kind of recovery you get when you limit how much the rich can steal from workers without getting higher taxes.
I think he was tired and only stayed around to make history with the Pope's Address to Congress. Its only symbolic, but it is a nice counter-point to the bloviations of Donald Trump.
It would be interesting to see a multi-fight for Speaker later on - indeed, the winning candidate may have to get some votes from the other side and share power. Imagine Nancy Pelosi as Majority Leader. Of course, I don't think the Liberty Caucus (aka Tea Party) is that stupid, but we've been surprised before. I hope the new starts playing hardball and withholding perks, subcommittee chairmanships and access to amendments by anyone trying to treat him like they treated Boehner.
On the Benghazi Committee, no Democrats were shocked that it was political, its the GOP who tried to keep up the facade that they were after good government. They were shocked he told the truth.
If the Liberty Caucus stays out of control, and it is not clear they aren't real libertarians, then the GOP will melt down and not just for Fall 2016. There is no recovering from craziness. It seems the conservative party in America must implode every so often to be renewed as a new party. Its happened before and is likely in the near future.
I think he was tired and only stayed around to make history with the Pope's Address to Congress. Its only symbolic, but it is a nice counter-point to the bloviations of Donald Trump.
It would be interesting to see a multi-fight for Speaker later on - indeed, the winning candidate may have to get some votes from the other side and share power. Imagine Nancy Pelosi as Majority Leader. Of course, I don't think the Liberty Caucus (aka Tea Party) is that stupid, but we've been surprised before. I hope the new starts playing hardball and withholding perks, subcommittee chairmanships and access to amendments by anyone trying to treat him like they treated Boehner.
On the Benghazi Committee, no Democrats were shocked that it was political, its the GOP who tried to keep up the facade that they were after good government. They were shocked he told the truth.
If the Liberty Caucus stays out of control, and it is not clear they aren't real libertarians, then the GOP will melt down and not just for Fall 2016. There is no recovering from craziness. It seems the conservative party in America must implode every so often to be renewed as a new party. Its happened before and is likely in the near future.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Links for 10/06/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/06/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Norman Vincent Peale's philosophy was essentially the Prosperity Gospel, which is only good news for the rich and powerful. It's no shock that the up and coming rich like the Trumps flocked to it and it looks like the anti-Catholic xenophobia of Peale rubbed off on the Donald. Sadly, some voters like that Reaganesque larger than life image the Trump projects, even though the informed observer is right to be alarmed that Trump may be suffering from something as light as Narcisism and maybe as serious as Bipolar Disorder.
Nothing is wrong with students who have been trudging through a museum to check their devices while they rest. Its is judgmental to think that they did not look at the painting first - which to mean is grandiose and of little importance. It reminds me of the Dead Protestants collection in the Dublin Portrait Gallery.
I don't see that the ACLU has a case against Catholic Hospitals, which are well protected against having to perform abortions or supply birth control. Indeed, the suit will likely lead to clarifying language in federal law to make sure the suit will fail. Of course, there is the ethical question that has nothing to do with either religious protection of hospitals or the religous power that allows the Church to dictate terms on this issue. Is the Church's ban on abortion in their hospitals a just thing? I cannot see how it is. If the fetus is doomed and the woman is better off with an abortion now than a stillbirth later, then induce an end to pregnancy now. This is better than sending women into the arms of planned parenthood - both because the woman might not safely travel and because Catholic hospitals will induce labor rather than chopping up the baby inside the womb. They can then baptize the child and assure the woman it is in a better place. Every time that the Church stands by its moral prigishness, a fetus is butchered instead and the blood is on the Bishop's hands. Also, failure to administer Plan B contraception is not consistent with past Catholic practice where the older practice was correct and the contraception prevents a pregnancy at the stage where a blatocyst has not yet acquired the main component of personhood - genetic control by both parents. Any natural law that ignores this information is dicta, not reason and so is nothing of the kind.
Nothing is wrong with students who have been trudging through a museum to check their devices while they rest. Its is judgmental to think that they did not look at the painting first - which to mean is grandiose and of little importance. It reminds me of the Dead Protestants collection in the Dublin Portrait Gallery.
I don't see that the ACLU has a case against Catholic Hospitals, which are well protected against having to perform abortions or supply birth control. Indeed, the suit will likely lead to clarifying language in federal law to make sure the suit will fail. Of course, there is the ethical question that has nothing to do with either religious protection of hospitals or the religous power that allows the Church to dictate terms on this issue. Is the Church's ban on abortion in their hospitals a just thing? I cannot see how it is. If the fetus is doomed and the woman is better off with an abortion now than a stillbirth later, then induce an end to pregnancy now. This is better than sending women into the arms of planned parenthood - both because the woman might not safely travel and because Catholic hospitals will induce labor rather than chopping up the baby inside the womb. They can then baptize the child and assure the woman it is in a better place. Every time that the Church stands by its moral prigishness, a fetus is butchered instead and the blood is on the Bishop's hands. Also, failure to administer Plan B contraception is not consistent with past Catholic practice where the older practice was correct and the contraception prevents a pregnancy at the stage where a blatocyst has not yet acquired the main component of personhood - genetic control by both parents. Any natural law that ignores this information is dicta, not reason and so is nothing of the kind.
Contra George Weigel on the Synod | National Catholic Reporter
Contra George Weigel on the Synod | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Anything coming off of First Things is idiotic from the get go and should be ignored, but I will go along. I would actually prefer a general council consider these matters, as it can rule ex Cathedra on it own, although the Pope is likely to approve and adopt. The we could go further - as far as the people wish to push their bishops to go. Weigel should be glad of the Synod, as a full Council brings in the possiblity of recognizing the primacy of New Rome (when the empire moved, Peter moved), a yielding to married and female priests, gay marriage (both priestly and lay - the former is not without precedent in the Church, see Sergius and Bachus) and a clarification on which sins really make one unworthy to recieve Communion - or whether Paul was talking of the unbaptized. That teaching is not divine revelation - it is pastorl direction from St. Paul and as valid and as ephemeral as the writings of any Archbishop. Both Paul and some Archbishops listen to the Lord - while others repeat what the see on First Things. As to the media leaks, if it shows up in First Things it is inconsequential and likely, while acurate, not true.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Links for 10/05/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/05/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The DC Voucher program is dead and deserves to be dead, becaues it takes money out of the school system and thus hurts students who stay. Instead, there are private charter schools made up of five parish schools that the Archdiocese was considering closing. The historionics on this incident are pathetic.
Middle class parents see sports as a way to go to college on the cheap. Its not the rich but the slightly upper middle class. If we fix college costs and take parents out of the equation, having government and future employers fill the gap, things would be better and people would have more kids. As for the building culture of excellence in sport - that is not a bad thing and no talented kid who is poor is going to be excluded - coaches want to win. No more medals, however, for showing up. The self-esteem movement needs to go away.
Salt & Light takes a very orthodox view of the takeaways - probably more orthodox than Francis. The best takeaway is that Francis preaches the Gospel, especially the Gospel of the Day. If only all priests did that and took away the same challenging message of justice for the workers and the poor.
I challenge Robert Christian and Democrats for Life to detail how they propose to protect innocent life. Who is fined, who is jailed, what abortions go forward, how does the proposal affect miscarriages (if you make the aborted people, miscarriages are too), and how do all of these proposals measure up to equal protection law? He does a good job in taking the right wing of the movement to task for its cozy relationship with the GOP and I frankly don't see how DFL is that welcome in the coalition - considering what the Susan B. Anthony Fund did to pro-life Democrats who supported Health Care Reform by lying about its funding of abortion. Its not enough to call out the bad guys, liberal right to lifers must seriously look at whether they are pawns in a political conspiracy to raise money while doing nothing short of GOP victory.
Middle class parents see sports as a way to go to college on the cheap. Its not the rich but the slightly upper middle class. If we fix college costs and take parents out of the equation, having government and future employers fill the gap, things would be better and people would have more kids. As for the building culture of excellence in sport - that is not a bad thing and no talented kid who is poor is going to be excluded - coaches want to win. No more medals, however, for showing up. The self-esteem movement needs to go away.
Salt & Light takes a very orthodox view of the takeaways - probably more orthodox than Francis. The best takeaway is that Francis preaches the Gospel, especially the Gospel of the Day. If only all priests did that and took away the same challenging message of justice for the workers and the poor.
I challenge Robert Christian and Democrats for Life to detail how they propose to protect innocent life. Who is fined, who is jailed, what abortions go forward, how does the proposal affect miscarriages (if you make the aborted people, miscarriages are too), and how do all of these proposals measure up to equal protection law? He does a good job in taking the right wing of the movement to task for its cozy relationship with the GOP and I frankly don't see how DFL is that welcome in the coalition - considering what the Susan B. Anthony Fund did to pro-life Democrats who supported Health Care Reform by lying about its funding of abortion. Its not enough to call out the bad guys, liberal right to lifers must seriously look at whether they are pawns in a political conspiracy to raise money while doing nothing short of GOP victory.
The Synod Begins | National Catholic Reporter
The Synod Begins | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There is a place between the moral and pastoral schools where we need to recognize that some people are truly not sinning if their sexuality is not open to conception - either singles who are indulging themselves or gay couples who are accepting the invitation to permantent loving relationships. Let us also look at the doctrine of marriage and we will see that people marry eachother, the priest is but a witness and procreation is not a requirement for a sacramental marriage - or else seniors could not be newlyweds. Consumerism in products does not carry over into relationships - and if someone is working hard for low wages I do not begrudge them an X-Box. Indeed, this is where the Church should teach about income supplementation through taxes - capitalzing on those inherited truths - and bring back the term not heard much in our modern times among the seven deadly sins - Luxury. Condemn that.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Thoughts on Kim Davis and a synod preview | National Catholic Reporter
Thoughts on Kim Davis and a synod preview | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Kim Davis show has already reached the end of its shelf life. Her 15 minutes are up.
I wrote long comments on all of the MSW Synod curtain raisers, which are in the comment section and on my own blog at http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-i-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-ii-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-iii-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-iv-national.html as well as the post script at http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/more-thoughts-on-synod-national.html
Watch this space for my comments on Monday.
I wrote long comments on all of the MSW Synod curtain raisers, which are in the comment section and on my own blog at http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-i-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-ii-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-iii-national.html http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/synod-on-family-part-iv-national.html as well as the post script at http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2014/09/more-thoughts-on-synod-national.html
Watch this space for my comments on Monday.
Links for 10/01/15 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 10/01/15 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Both jihad and angelic warfare are meant to be individual struggles for holiness - not public quests. He mostly sticks to that theme and his theology is mostly correct (besides his homophobia - and for the record, gays are quite capable of being good dads), however some of his language gives me the impression that he has not taken his psych meds - and if none have been prescribed, get a net as he needs help. He at least needs an editor and the screed should have been broken up into pieces and serialized. Its so long I doubt many ready it.
Linker certainly agrees with MSW, but he gets it wrong. Under the law, birth is the standard unless Congress uses its enforcement powers under the 14th Amendment to draw a new line - so compromise is possible. As for the 20 week experience of pain, what should be mandated is pain management for the fetus - which would make the parents think twice about having the abortion. As for the deal, family leave is not enough for such a significant step on the pro-life side - they should also put amending language into the toothless partial birth abortion act and clarify when the procedure can be done - or the equally grisly D&C - so that doctors know when the provisions are enforceable. Finally, there should be a vast expansion of the child tax credit, with payroll refundability. It is not enough to get families to birth and early parenthood - if we care for the unborn, we must assure that EVERY child has enough to eat, a place to live, decent clothing and all the other things that middle class kids enjoy. Actually, there is one more thing - this should be the last word on this issue - whatever boundary is set by Congress is the last one, with no more efforts to repeal Roe by enacting radical abortion bills at the state level. This should not be a first step to a total ban but the last one that puts it off the agenda. Of course, such a final compromise will put most of the pro-life fundraisers out of work. That would just be a bonus.
Sadly, the features Harold bemoans are designed in, they are not flaws. The Constitutional Convention was dominated by people with skin in the game, i.e. bond speculators (or their wives were, particularly Mrs. Adams). It was meant to defend property against democracy, labor and abolition. The dominant industries of the nation have always been well represented, sometimes even putting a family member in government (2 Rockefellers - one VP and the other a Senator). I shocked a Ford has not been elected from Michigan. Wait, there was one, but not of the same family. This is why the GOP can be nutty. Doing nothing favors their side, although they want to gut the surtaxes in Obamacare which hit the rich - I doubt they really care about the rest of the provisions, which were designed by them. Of course, the Court is right about money being speech and the difficulty in drawing a line to regulate. The real problem is not government, its capitalism and not even left will do what it takes to bring it down - which would make constitutional change unnecessary.
Linker certainly agrees with MSW, but he gets it wrong. Under the law, birth is the standard unless Congress uses its enforcement powers under the 14th Amendment to draw a new line - so compromise is possible. As for the 20 week experience of pain, what should be mandated is pain management for the fetus - which would make the parents think twice about having the abortion. As for the deal, family leave is not enough for such a significant step on the pro-life side - they should also put amending language into the toothless partial birth abortion act and clarify when the procedure can be done - or the equally grisly D&C - so that doctors know when the provisions are enforceable. Finally, there should be a vast expansion of the child tax credit, with payroll refundability. It is not enough to get families to birth and early parenthood - if we care for the unborn, we must assure that EVERY child has enough to eat, a place to live, decent clothing and all the other things that middle class kids enjoy. Actually, there is one more thing - this should be the last word on this issue - whatever boundary is set by Congress is the last one, with no more efforts to repeal Roe by enacting radical abortion bills at the state level. This should not be a first step to a total ban but the last one that puts it off the agenda. Of course, such a final compromise will put most of the pro-life fundraisers out of work. That would just be a bonus.
Sadly, the features Harold bemoans are designed in, they are not flaws. The Constitutional Convention was dominated by people with skin in the game, i.e. bond speculators (or their wives were, particularly Mrs. Adams). It was meant to defend property against democracy, labor and abolition. The dominant industries of the nation have always been well represented, sometimes even putting a family member in government (2 Rockefellers - one VP and the other a Senator). I shocked a Ford has not been elected from Michigan. Wait, there was one, but not of the same family. This is why the GOP can be nutty. Doing nothing favors their side, although they want to gut the surtaxes in Obamacare which hit the rich - I doubt they really care about the rest of the provisions, which were designed by them. Of course, the Court is right about money being speech and the difficulty in drawing a line to regulate. The real problem is not government, its capitalism and not even left will do what it takes to bring it down - which would make constitutional change unnecessary.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
What to Make of the Pope Francis-Kim Davis Meeting? | National Catholic Reporter
What to Make of the Pope Francis-Kim Davis Meeting? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I disagree that this needs addressing at all. Let the news cycle take care of it. I doubt, by the way, that the Nuncio arranged it. I would guess Chaput or Dolan or someone from the family life directorate at USCCB. If the latter, that person should be fired and their supervisor. That kind of stunt is all ego.
I am not shocked that Francis would meet with her. He, the bishops and most theologians simply do not understand American natural rights democracy the same way that those of us in law and political science do. That misunderstanding for the Pope is like invincible ignorance until someone explains it to him and those in the Church who are so adament about gay marriage and Roe v. Wade but can't for the life of them figure out where to go next - when the answer is probably no where.
Finally, on marriage, while fecundity is part of a requirement for marriage, lack of fecundity is not a bar toward getting marriage. Treat gays like you treat older adults and your issue disappears.
I am not shocked that Francis would meet with her. He, the bishops and most theologians simply do not understand American natural rights democracy the same way that those of us in law and political science do. That misunderstanding for the Pope is like invincible ignorance until someone explains it to him and those in the Church who are so adament about gay marriage and Roe v. Wade but can't for the life of them figure out where to go next - when the answer is probably no where.
Finally, on marriage, while fecundity is part of a requirement for marriage, lack of fecundity is not a bar toward getting marriage. Treat gays like you treat older adults and your issue disappears.
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