https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/links-063016 by MSW. MGB: When Conservative Christians say religious liberty, they mean religious power for their own authoritarian style of democracy. They think nothing about dumping on the Muslims. This is not hypocrisy, its worse then that. It's putting group identity before God.
I suspect the no votes from the left were about the control board and its likely undemocratic ways. After Flint, what could go wrong? As for the right, pure campaign contributions - they were bought and paid for.
Pat Summitt was the best. I had hoped she would coach my daughter, whose mother works for the University and who is getting tall like her maternal grandfather. Alas, it is not to be. There is no higher praise than wanting your kid to be coached by someone, because you are admitting they are a better version of you. May she rest in peace.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Nate Silver by MSW in NCR
https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/distinctly-catholic/matthew-mark-luke-john-and-nate-silver by MSW. MGB: Nate Silver's computer analysis simply duplicates a careful eyeballing of the most reliable polls in each state. Generally, you throw out the really partisan Republican ones, like Rasmussen, which are more push poll than scientific measurement device. Just by looking at the last poll in late October of 2012, I came up with the same state by state for the POTUS (I did not bother with the House and Senate). Sadly, the world is not beating down my door.
As Nate and I will both tell you, it is too early to tell who will win. The election will not be held today. The debates have not happened. If you want to offer odds, my odds-on pick is that someone will convince Trump that he will be killed in the debates and that he should beg off. He can only do worse. Of course, his ego won't let him do that, so I will be looking at the early November results after the last debate to see whether Trump will win any states at all. It may be Hillary's to lose, but it is Trump's to be driven into the ground.
As Nate and I will both tell you, it is too early to tell who will win. The election will not be held today. The debates have not happened. If you want to offer odds, my odds-on pick is that someone will convince Trump that he will be killed in the debates and that he should beg off. He can only do worse. Of course, his ego won't let him do that, so I will be looking at the early November results after the last debate to see whether Trump will win any states at all. It may be Hillary's to lose, but it is Trump's to be driven into the ground.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Puerto Rico legislation passes Senate | National Catholic Reporter
Puerto Rico legislation passes Senate | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I suspect that if there had been no bill, the Archbishop would have counseled the Commonwealth government not to pay the creditors first - nor is it likely that a judge would give that order. Solidarity gave them a position of strength, which is why the creditors finally realized that this was their best bet.
Links for 06/29/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/29/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB:I will join you in praising Lori. If any matter is pro-life, it's climate change. If only he looked at higher child tax subsidies in the same way.
Cupich is right and the right-wing ChurchMilitant, which is more authoritarian than Catholic, is wrong about both the NRA and I suspect, Muslim religious freedom.
Trump is no more likely to win than Romney was. The GOP leadership got in bed with the authoritarians long ago, even in the grass roots. Unless a huge number of Bernie people vote for Trump (and I don't see that at all), Hillary has this - probably more securely than the Main Stream Media would ever want to admit in late June.
Cupich is right and the right-wing ChurchMilitant, which is more authoritarian than Catholic, is wrong about both the NRA and I suspect, Muslim religious freedom.
Trump is no more likely to win than Romney was. The GOP leadership got in bed with the authoritarians long ago, even in the grass roots. Unless a huge number of Bernie people vote for Trump (and I don't see that at all), Hillary has this - probably more securely than the Main Stream Media would ever want to admit in late June.
Four challenges for the pro-life movement | National Catholic Reporter
Four challenges for the pro-life movement | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would have voted with the majority on the Court and against the law in Texas because it clearly did not meet the undue burdens test established by O'Connor and supported by Kennedy. This case never had a chance. It was the pro-life movement "looking busy." As for MSW's rationale for voting with the minority - that these should be state decisions - the answer is absolutely not, never, no. Equal protection matters have the last call in federal court for a reason. States are horrible in protecting the rights of minorities, especially women - and by minorities, I mean people not favored by the upper crust of society, regardless of numbers. Whites are likely soon a minority in the South, but they have found a way to keep power. Men are a minority, same thing. Federal common law should tilt towards the less powerful - and that is not those who favor abortion legislation. This attitude that states should be dominant on this issue must be excised from the pro-life movement for the simple reason that no justices believe it - not even Thomas. And shame on Alito and Roberts for voting on ideological and religious grounds rather than on the law and precedent.
I agree on the Washington State case that capitalists have no conscience rights, provided individual clerks are not forced to do something they object to (if only that were true with everything in business). Of course, I also believe that the evidence demonstrates that life begins at gastrulation, so there is nothing morally objectionable about Plan B. The issue is, of course, past its prime. Last I checked, Barack Obama is not running for the White House and Hillary does not need wedge issues to get liberal, and even conservative, women to vote for her.
The Democratic Party Platform is an interesting development. With a female candidate and a very strong NEA/NOW delegate base, it is not surprising - which means it does not mean much. Of course, I wonder about the pro-life Democrats. Their hearts are pure but they are no more welcome in the movement than any non-Republican. They need to strongly highlight economic measures to prevent abortion rather than hoping for the impossible dream of the state using the criminal law to somehow limit it. Monday's decision essentially put most of those issues into stone - the only one open being an effort by Congress to pass a law on abortion resetting the personhood limit - but that likely won't be in the first trimester or even anytime that the fetus could be born but still require life long supportive care. A law that says 28 weeks is essentially ratifying the status quo - and the pro-life side would hate that because it would kill fundraising. The pro-choice side would too.
I am not sure Cuomo has had his shots, so kissing Donohue is out of the question. That LifeSiteNews and Bill are against gay sex, which is always for pleasure/unity (sex for domination is not, technically speaking, consensual homosexuality). They don't like that as a motivation for straights either. Too bad. It is in our DNA and we will keep doing it. Efforts to stop it have never worked. Even regulating it with marriage has had dubious effect. As far as using genetic tests to abort, you can't. Epigenesis is not genetic, its an adaptation that is likely but not certain due to genetics and it happens late enough in the first trimester to make gays and lesbians safe from gender selective abortion. LifeSiteNews is another group that should be demanding more money for families. They don't. They are obsessed with thwarting sex for pleasure (an evolutionary trait). The different route for the pro-life movement, however, is to accept and celebrate sexuality (even and especially teen sex - as some teens abort so as not to be found out as sexually active) and fund every family, young or old, whenever a new child is born, to the tune of $1000 per child per month through tax credits to employers distributed with payroll. I doubt the movement has the courage to do that - even to the extent of convincing their supporters to go along. While it would be nice if the bishops adopted a wage hike for every new child, without waiting for tax law changes, I am not going to try to hold my breath until they do. Sadly, there is no bang for the bucks from donors for standing up for people who need more income.
I agree on the Washington State case that capitalists have no conscience rights, provided individual clerks are not forced to do something they object to (if only that were true with everything in business). Of course, I also believe that the evidence demonstrates that life begins at gastrulation, so there is nothing morally objectionable about Plan B. The issue is, of course, past its prime. Last I checked, Barack Obama is not running for the White House and Hillary does not need wedge issues to get liberal, and even conservative, women to vote for her.
The Democratic Party Platform is an interesting development. With a female candidate and a very strong NEA/NOW delegate base, it is not surprising - which means it does not mean much. Of course, I wonder about the pro-life Democrats. Their hearts are pure but they are no more welcome in the movement than any non-Republican. They need to strongly highlight economic measures to prevent abortion rather than hoping for the impossible dream of the state using the criminal law to somehow limit it. Monday's decision essentially put most of those issues into stone - the only one open being an effort by Congress to pass a law on abortion resetting the personhood limit - but that likely won't be in the first trimester or even anytime that the fetus could be born but still require life long supportive care. A law that says 28 weeks is essentially ratifying the status quo - and the pro-life side would hate that because it would kill fundraising. The pro-choice side would too.
I am not sure Cuomo has had his shots, so kissing Donohue is out of the question. That LifeSiteNews and Bill are against gay sex, which is always for pleasure/unity (sex for domination is not, technically speaking, consensual homosexuality). They don't like that as a motivation for straights either. Too bad. It is in our DNA and we will keep doing it. Efforts to stop it have never worked. Even regulating it with marriage has had dubious effect. As far as using genetic tests to abort, you can't. Epigenesis is not genetic, its an adaptation that is likely but not certain due to genetics and it happens late enough in the first trimester to make gays and lesbians safe from gender selective abortion. LifeSiteNews is another group that should be demanding more money for families. They don't. They are obsessed with thwarting sex for pleasure (an evolutionary trait). The different route for the pro-life movement, however, is to accept and celebrate sexuality (even and especially teen sex - as some teens abort so as not to be found out as sexually active) and fund every family, young or old, whenever a new child is born, to the tune of $1000 per child per month through tax credits to employers distributed with payroll. I doubt the movement has the courage to do that - even to the extent of convincing their supporters to go along. While it would be nice if the bishops adopted a wage hike for every new child, without waiting for tax law changes, I am not going to try to hold my breath until they do. Sadly, there is no bang for the bucks from donors for standing up for people who need more income.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Links for 06/28/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/28/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I suspect that if P.R.'s government promised to ignore any order to pay the hedge funds first, they would change their tune quickly - or if the Court stayed any orders while the legislation was pending. Debtors always have the upper hand, if they are only bold enough to use it.
The rule of law means that how we make policy is important - whether it is abortion or immigration. The ruling was not on the merits of immigration but on presidential power. The last immigration bill was no gem. It was way too punitive. The Democrats, when they return to power next year, need to do an immigration bill that is not at all punitive and has a much shorter path to citizenship. It's time to kick some sand in the GOP's face. These thing happen in God's time - and sometimes the time has to be right.
Splenda may cause cancer if you overuse it. Water is a great drink. I have found that the best way to deal with weight gain and clothing is to update my wardrobe - although low carb diets work too - but that is another higher power thing.
Nothing on SCOTUS? I am shocked.
The rule of law means that how we make policy is important - whether it is abortion or immigration. The ruling was not on the merits of immigration but on presidential power. The last immigration bill was no gem. It was way too punitive. The Democrats, when they return to power next year, need to do an immigration bill that is not at all punitive and has a much shorter path to citizenship. It's time to kick some sand in the GOP's face. These thing happen in God's time - and sometimes the time has to be right.
Splenda may cause cancer if you overuse it. Water is a great drink. I have found that the best way to deal with weight gain and clothing is to update my wardrobe - although low carb diets work too - but that is another higher power thing.
Nothing on SCOTUS? I am shocked.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Links for 06/27/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/27/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am not surprised that a Democrat is shilling for the vulture capitalists. It's why I feel the Bern. As for July 1st, its only a deadline for the people who want money from Puerto Rico. I somehow don't care about them.
I would rather that idiots like Pilon speak out so that we know not to put them on any commissions studying sexual doctrine and can avoid them in Confession. He has a right to his opinion - just as those of us who want more action from the left. The truth will win out, as I imply in my comments from this morning.
The Monsignor's life would be easier if Francis did not speak off the cuff, probably because people tend to start asking embarrassing questions about Catholic doctrine, like I did this morning in my comments. (MSW: Call your office). The Pope's comments on the validity of marriages where one party is willing to leave if they are made unhappy are correct in how we define marriage - although I suspect they are the reason to end a marriage rather than call it void from the start.
I would rather that idiots like Pilon speak out so that we know not to put them on any commissions studying sexual doctrine and can avoid them in Confession. He has a right to his opinion - just as those of us who want more action from the left. The truth will win out, as I imply in my comments from this morning.
The Monsignor's life would be easier if Francis did not speak off the cuff, probably because people tend to start asking embarrassing questions about Catholic doctrine, like I did this morning in my comments. (MSW: Call your office). The Pope's comments on the validity of marriages where one party is willing to leave if they are made unhappy are correct in how we define marriage - although I suspect they are the reason to end a marriage rather than call it void from the start.
Pope Francis does it again! | National Catholic Reporter
Pope Francis does it again! | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There are three motives for sex which are wired in our DNA through evolution: procreation (since the first sexual organisms), domination (mammals) and pleasure (benobos). Any natural law based morality must take this into account or it is simply circular reasoning. The fact that both our evolution likely comes through benobos (who really like sex - of all kinds) and that gay sexuality seems a regular instance of epigenesis means both sex for pleasure and homosexuality are natural - and all natural things are a gift from God. Indeed, that last sentiment was leading straight to gay marriage, leading St. John Paul and Cardinal Ratzinger to say, quite incorrectly, that homosexuality was disordered. That all depends on whether you accept the natural order as something besides a CDF sophistry. I do not.
The welcoming thing about the latest from Cupich and Francis is that contrary views to the disordered hypothesis (which is wrong) can now be discussed - and not just pastorally. Saying we will only deal with the pastoral solution is still allowing error in our doctrine. Allowing that challenges the notion that we have doctrine at all, or that it is to protect the status quo - as the atheists like Dawkins, Dennett and Hitchens (God rest his soul) indicated. Let's strike a blow for rationality in natural law and honor our benobo ancestors by accepting that sex for pleasure is both right and good. (The rest of us already know this, by the way).
The welcoming thing about the latest from Cupich and Francis is that contrary views to the disordered hypothesis (which is wrong) can now be discussed - and not just pastorally. Saying we will only deal with the pastoral solution is still allowing error in our doctrine. Allowing that challenges the notion that we have doctrine at all, or that it is to protect the status quo - as the atheists like Dawkins, Dennett and Hitchens (God rest his soul) indicated. Let's strike a blow for rationality in natural law and honor our benobo ancestors by accepting that sex for pleasure is both right and good. (The rest of us already know this, by the way).
Friday, June 24, 2016
Links for 06/24/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/24/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: There is not practical difference between the Center and the Action Fund except tax id numbers. What was said still represents what they believe, in general terms.
Trump 1.0 was about getting the nomination. Trump 2.0 is yet to be revealed. The Donald says his prior proposals are just suggestions, but how he said it is as important as what he said. I don't see how he can walk this one off.
Milbank did not talk about how we need a high energy campaign, but how much is at stake for those of us of semetic origin. At least he has not started talking about gypsies.
The old joke is that the Catholic Church is real and true because we have survived the bishops trying to destroy it for 2000 years (or 1900 at any rate). Because the issue was presidential power, particularly this president, I am not shocked at the lack of reaction. I'd give it a week until some of the good guys speak.
The British still have Britannia in the Commonwealth. Expect efforts to beef it up as an organization.
Trump 1.0 was about getting the nomination. Trump 2.0 is yet to be revealed. The Donald says his prior proposals are just suggestions, but how he said it is as important as what he said. I don't see how he can walk this one off.
Milbank did not talk about how we need a high energy campaign, but how much is at stake for those of us of semetic origin. At least he has not started talking about gypsies.
The old joke is that the Catholic Church is real and true because we have survived the bishops trying to destroy it for 2000 years (or 1900 at any rate). Because the issue was presidential power, particularly this president, I am not shocked at the lack of reaction. I'd give it a week until some of the good guys speak.
The British still have Britannia in the Commonwealth. Expect efforts to beef it up as an organization.
DAPA and Brexit: Is the Left up to the challenge? | National Catholic Reporter
DAPA and Brexit: Is the Left up to the challenge? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This election will be a demonstration of Donald Trump's manifest unfitness for office (or even the CEO position in his own company). It is good that David Cameron resigned, as the Brexit vote was as much about his austerity regime as it was the E.U. Of course, the problem is the Tories as a whole, not just Cameron. The Brits were only half in the E.U. as it was, having never adopted the Euro - not that the Euro without a continent-wide debt and income tax regimen was any good thing. This is a wake up call for the continent, who needs its own Hamilton.
We dodged a bullet in 2014. The immigration bill was not the one we needed. It was much too punitive and I am glad it did not pass. The challenge of both gun control and immigration reform is to win in both houses of Congress and pass real progressive legislation - one with courage on guns and no punitive measures on immigration.
We dodged a bullet in 2014. The immigration bill was not the one we needed. It was much too punitive and I am glad it did not pass. The challenge of both gun control and immigration reform is to win in both houses of Congress and pass real progressive legislation - one with courage on guns and no punitive measures on immigration.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Links for 06/23/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/23/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I still like my religious liberty point the best - that the Church wants religious power, not religious liberty. As for the ACLU case, I offered my reasons both the day it was mentioned hear and today - that there are some cases where the hierarchy is simply wrong about the morality of what must be done and that not doing so is cowardice, not piety.
One should never assume safety when dealing with one's own children. Never. Still, Archbishop Cupich does a good job in showing we are trying to get there. I don't know who I would give the red hat to first, Cupich or Gregory. How about both/and.
Actually, NARAL is what the NRLC and the USCCB is to the GOP. California will be California, even with a Catholic governor. The people in the bowels of HHS who are in charge of state compliance are not political appointees. They will find some way to make sure the law is enforced and they don't care about NARAL.
One should never assume safety when dealing with one's own children. Never. Still, Archbishop Cupich does a good job in showing we are trying to get there. I don't know who I would give the red hat to first, Cupich or Gregory. How about both/and.
Actually, NARAL is what the NRLC and the USCCB is to the GOP. California will be California, even with a Catholic governor. The people in the bowels of HHS who are in charge of state compliance are not political appointees. They will find some way to make sure the law is enforced and they don't care about NARAL.
Anti-Catholic bigotry at the Center for American Progress | National Catholic Reporter
Anti-Catholic bigotry at the Center for American Progress | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Actually, in the world of issues, this is a small one and one in no danger of going anywhere. It is coalition moment, as you pointed out - which is exactly what the right to life movement is for the conservative side. CAP joining with the ACLU won't affect the outcome of the case.
A few details do need to be addressed. First, Medicare and Medicaid pay the hospital, not the patient - which is why we have a Hyde Amendment. If the patient got the check, he would be responsible for the entire bill instead of it being paid in full. Relatedly, the equipment is actually paid for by overhead, all of which is funded by public and private reimbusements and other bills - no one fundraises for an MRI or cotton swabs.
You must understand, for a significant minority of people, abortion is just a medical procedure without a second life involved - especially in the first trimester. The rest of us don't agree but most think it is not an earth shattering issue. They are probably right.
Where the Church really gets it wrong are in those cases where the woman does need the procedure - not just when the fetus or embryo is already dead (a normal miscarriage - although the procedure is called an abortion) - but when the pregnancy could kill the mother or when the child is doomed to never be born and an earlier termination - even if by induction - would be healthier than the risk of a later birth. It is at this point that the bishops moan about not playing God, but doctors do that all the time when the prolong life.
Finally, as I said yesterday, the reality is that for late term abortions, the Church has too choices. Allow women to go to abortion clinics that do late term procedures, which are violent, or deliver the baby, baptize it and maybe adopt it out if it is simply a Downs baby. The moral cowardice of the hierarchy does actually result in those procedures which make for such great posters in the March for Life. They could stop these but they won't. Cowards. Abortion, like poverty, will always be with us. The question is how do we want them to happen?
A few details do need to be addressed. First, Medicare and Medicaid pay the hospital, not the patient - which is why we have a Hyde Amendment. If the patient got the check, he would be responsible for the entire bill instead of it being paid in full. Relatedly, the equipment is actually paid for by overhead, all of which is funded by public and private reimbusements and other bills - no one fundraises for an MRI or cotton swabs.
You must understand, for a significant minority of people, abortion is just a medical procedure without a second life involved - especially in the first trimester. The rest of us don't agree but most think it is not an earth shattering issue. They are probably right.
Where the Church really gets it wrong are in those cases where the woman does need the procedure - not just when the fetus or embryo is already dead (a normal miscarriage - although the procedure is called an abortion) - but when the pregnancy could kill the mother or when the child is doomed to never be born and an earlier termination - even if by induction - would be healthier than the risk of a later birth. It is at this point that the bishops moan about not playing God, but doctors do that all the time when the prolong life.
Finally, as I said yesterday, the reality is that for late term abortions, the Church has too choices. Allow women to go to abortion clinics that do late term procedures, which are violent, or deliver the baby, baptize it and maybe adopt it out if it is simply a Downs baby. The moral cowardice of the hierarchy does actually result in those procedures which make for such great posters in the March for Life. They could stop these but they won't. Cowards. Abortion, like poverty, will always be with us. The question is how do we want them to happen?
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Links for 06/22/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/22/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The main and only question on DAPA is not how we feel about immigration - or even how the justices feel about it. It is whether it is within the discretionary power of the President to not enforce the law for a certain class of people rather than taking cases in order with no special provisions. That is a question both of equal rights and of presidential discretion, not on whether the populace approves of immigration or not.
Archbishop Gonzalez is calling on solidarity in dealing with the current crisis in Puerto Rico. This comes as the Supreme Court makes it clear that the island is not dually sovereign and is therefore a colony. While Puerto Ricans in the United States (and for that matter, Anglos in Puerto Rico with a U.S. address) have full political rights, the mother island does not. It needs that help right now as the Control Board suggests potentially difficult changes - even as it tries to secure the island's future.
The key to understanding the Fortnight for Freedom is that is bemoans not a loss of religious liberty (the Church can teach what it wants), but religious power - even over non-Catholics in its employ (whose religious liberty rights they are actually wanting to abuse). Gone are the days where the people in the pews back the play of the bishops. That is probably a good thing - because very bad things happen under the rubric of Catholic religious power - and I am not even talking about child abuse. Luckily, the Sisters will stop them now before they do any real damage (especially on health care).
Mark Gehring gives us the good news on individual bishops who stand up for diversity. Of course, Atlanta would be one of these as Wilton Gregory knows a thing or two about being the target of discrimination. He should have a red hat. Props too for mentioning Sr. Carol and her role on the ACA. As I predicted, she is on point when it is needed - this time with the ACLU suit (which has zero chance, by the way - although for late term abortions I would rather see an induced birth with a baptism at a Catholic hospital than butchery at a clinic that does late term procedures). Bravo for mentioning Bishop Lynch of Orlando as well. The problem with bemoaning the loss of religious power is not only that it divides the conference, but that it is fighting for something that should not be on the agenda anyway. Moral power is what we need from the Church, not a valuable place for it in the Republican coalition with its annual publicity stunt, which only keeps people out of Mass the Independence Day weekend.
I am pleased that the Newman Center to be sponsored by Notre Dame (which is joyful enough on the whole Obama degree flap) but that it will be run by an experienced litigator who is now a priest - indeed one of the best and brightest of both worlds. Expect honesty over dogma and a much better memorial to Blessed John than that provided by the Cardinal Newman Society. It is grand that they are including music in their outreach instead of having it be an after-thought. It will be a great home-away from home for the Fighting Irish doing a semester in Ireland.
Archbishop Gonzalez is calling on solidarity in dealing with the current crisis in Puerto Rico. This comes as the Supreme Court makes it clear that the island is not dually sovereign and is therefore a colony. While Puerto Ricans in the United States (and for that matter, Anglos in Puerto Rico with a U.S. address) have full political rights, the mother island does not. It needs that help right now as the Control Board suggests potentially difficult changes - even as it tries to secure the island's future.
The key to understanding the Fortnight for Freedom is that is bemoans not a loss of religious liberty (the Church can teach what it wants), but religious power - even over non-Catholics in its employ (whose religious liberty rights they are actually wanting to abuse). Gone are the days where the people in the pews back the play of the bishops. That is probably a good thing - because very bad things happen under the rubric of Catholic religious power - and I am not even talking about child abuse. Luckily, the Sisters will stop them now before they do any real damage (especially on health care).
Mark Gehring gives us the good news on individual bishops who stand up for diversity. Of course, Atlanta would be one of these as Wilton Gregory knows a thing or two about being the target of discrimination. He should have a red hat. Props too for mentioning Sr. Carol and her role on the ACA. As I predicted, she is on point when it is needed - this time with the ACLU suit (which has zero chance, by the way - although for late term abortions I would rather see an induced birth with a baptism at a Catholic hospital than butchery at a clinic that does late term procedures). Bravo for mentioning Bishop Lynch of Orlando as well. The problem with bemoaning the loss of religious power is not only that it divides the conference, but that it is fighting for something that should not be on the agenda anyway. Moral power is what we need from the Church, not a valuable place for it in the Republican coalition with its annual publicity stunt, which only keeps people out of Mass the Independence Day weekend.
I am pleased that the Newman Center to be sponsored by Notre Dame (which is joyful enough on the whole Obama degree flap) but that it will be run by an experienced litigator who is now a priest - indeed one of the best and brightest of both worlds. Expect honesty over dogma and a much better memorial to Blessed John than that provided by the Cardinal Newman Society. It is grand that they are including music in their outreach instead of having it be an after-thought. It will be a great home-away from home for the Fighting Irish doing a semester in Ireland.
Can we stop the Constitutional idolatry? | National Catholic Reporter
Can we stop the Constitutional idolatry? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Where to begin?! I could just say stick to theology and leave the constitutional analysis to lawyers and political scientists, but you have a right to an opinion on amending the Constitution. It's in the document in two places - the First Amendment and Constitutional Convention Clause in Article V.
I guess we can start with the Fortnight for Freedom. The bishops are whining because Valerie Jarrett set them up and they took the bait. Obama is not running and contraception is all but settled. They need to let go of the bone. Of course, the larger issue is that they want religious power, not religious freedom, including the power of moral scorn (which their members would echo - like that's happening ever gain). This power carried some weight in the 1950s. (It's probably why Lenny Bruce is dead). Thankfully, the Court found everyone else had a superior right to tell the Church where to get off and the Bishops look like white racists who can't get over the loss of their southern manhood to civil rights. Its pathetic and should stop.
The Constitution does expand, by the way. Gay marriage was found to exist in the basic right of marriage under Loving v. Virginia. Moral scorn against gays can no longer stop it and should not stop ENDA. That is also where we got a right to abortion - which resides in due process, not in the emination of penumbras of the Ninth Amendment - which is the right to be left alone in one's private decision making - a zone where legislators have no place passing laws. Of course, on abortion, Congress can move the bar and make recognized life begin at 28 weeks. Anything before that and you are protecting a fetus that cannot life outside the womb, either at all or without long term complications. You also lose abortion as an issue because no one gets out the vote or sends money to an issue that is solved.
Congress could actually ban assault weapons. States certainly have the power to and one just did - and the Court went along with it. They just don't have the votes in the House and Senate. Like abortion (on both sides), legislators are afraid that gun rights voters will primary them if they show sanity. That is a voter problem, not a constitutional problem and it ain't necessarily so. As for muskets - the modern day equivalent is the AR-15 - or the M-16 and members of the militia - the National Guard - have them. There is no need for anyone else to. You could collect most, if not all, guns as a public safety measure - even without warrant - and it would be constitutional, but the voters would be pissed. Like I said, it's a democracy problem, not a constitutional problem.
Everyone talks about getting rid of the Senate and the Electoral College, but it is hard to imagine Texas and Arkansas in the same national - or even regional government (that's constitutional too, by the way) without giving states and equal vote in one house. The problem is more likely that we need more robust regions with their own taxes (I suggest a VAT), regional caucuses and regional vice president to run most domestic affairs. Only the regional VAT would require a constitutional amendment. Congress could do everything else - indeed, the President can do a lot of it now. The advantage here is that one state cannot stop all action in all regions - although a minority party might - depending on the rules of the regional Senate caucus. Nothing can be done about a stupid majority, of course, except replacing it by election.
This is the point of veneration of the constitution. Most people who care like the rules the way they are. They were not only agreed up (and not even unanimously), but continue to receive agreement - at least among elites who could do something about changing it. The reason we don't have Article V conventions, by the way, is that the same party committees that elect the members of Congress and the Senate also elect the members of the state assembly. There will be no convention or 1000 amendments blooming.
This is not unlike most of our major credal dogma (exempting the pelvic stuff, which is natural law based and therefore based on understanding). Most of it is seen as true because we agreed upon it and continue to agree upon it. We have no proof either way. That is not possible when talking about God. I am not saying that the Constitution is like God, but the belief's are held on the same basis - mass agreement. Where agreement is flagging (like on pelvic issues, especially contraception), doctrine, or even dogma, cannot exist forever. One are where there is dogmatic movement is on the Crucifixion and what it accomplished. The St. Anselm angry God view is yielding again to the Augustinian view that God cannot be bribed. That is especially true in this era, but the hierarchy is as slow to act as those who keep the Constitution in place. Questions?
I guess we can start with the Fortnight for Freedom. The bishops are whining because Valerie Jarrett set them up and they took the bait. Obama is not running and contraception is all but settled. They need to let go of the bone. Of course, the larger issue is that they want religious power, not religious freedom, including the power of moral scorn (which their members would echo - like that's happening ever gain). This power carried some weight in the 1950s. (It's probably why Lenny Bruce is dead). Thankfully, the Court found everyone else had a superior right to tell the Church where to get off and the Bishops look like white racists who can't get over the loss of their southern manhood to civil rights. Its pathetic and should stop.
The Constitution does expand, by the way. Gay marriage was found to exist in the basic right of marriage under Loving v. Virginia. Moral scorn against gays can no longer stop it and should not stop ENDA. That is also where we got a right to abortion - which resides in due process, not in the emination of penumbras of the Ninth Amendment - which is the right to be left alone in one's private decision making - a zone where legislators have no place passing laws. Of course, on abortion, Congress can move the bar and make recognized life begin at 28 weeks. Anything before that and you are protecting a fetus that cannot life outside the womb, either at all or without long term complications. You also lose abortion as an issue because no one gets out the vote or sends money to an issue that is solved.
Congress could actually ban assault weapons. States certainly have the power to and one just did - and the Court went along with it. They just don't have the votes in the House and Senate. Like abortion (on both sides), legislators are afraid that gun rights voters will primary them if they show sanity. That is a voter problem, not a constitutional problem and it ain't necessarily so. As for muskets - the modern day equivalent is the AR-15 - or the M-16 and members of the militia - the National Guard - have them. There is no need for anyone else to. You could collect most, if not all, guns as a public safety measure - even without warrant - and it would be constitutional, but the voters would be pissed. Like I said, it's a democracy problem, not a constitutional problem.
Everyone talks about getting rid of the Senate and the Electoral College, but it is hard to imagine Texas and Arkansas in the same national - or even regional government (that's constitutional too, by the way) without giving states and equal vote in one house. The problem is more likely that we need more robust regions with their own taxes (I suggest a VAT), regional caucuses and regional vice president to run most domestic affairs. Only the regional VAT would require a constitutional amendment. Congress could do everything else - indeed, the President can do a lot of it now. The advantage here is that one state cannot stop all action in all regions - although a minority party might - depending on the rules of the regional Senate caucus. Nothing can be done about a stupid majority, of course, except replacing it by election.
This is the point of veneration of the constitution. Most people who care like the rules the way they are. They were not only agreed up (and not even unanimously), but continue to receive agreement - at least among elites who could do something about changing it. The reason we don't have Article V conventions, by the way, is that the same party committees that elect the members of Congress and the Senate also elect the members of the state assembly. There will be no convention or 1000 amendments blooming.
This is not unlike most of our major credal dogma (exempting the pelvic stuff, which is natural law based and therefore based on understanding). Most of it is seen as true because we agreed upon it and continue to agree upon it. We have no proof either way. That is not possible when talking about God. I am not saying that the Constitution is like God, but the belief's are held on the same basis - mass agreement. Where agreement is flagging (like on pelvic issues, especially contraception), doctrine, or even dogma, cannot exist forever. One are where there is dogmatic movement is on the Crucifixion and what it accomplished. The St. Anselm angry God view is yielding again to the Augustinian view that God cannot be bribed. That is especially true in this era, but the hierarchy is as slow to act as those who keep the Constitution in place. Questions?
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Links for 06/21/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/21/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The small enterprise model buys into the Calvinist notion that if only the poor had initiative, they would not be poor. Making a few dollars as an Avon lady is one thing. Running a real business of any size takes education, which is vastly more expensive than setting up a small enterprise - both here and in the third world.
As I said earlier this afternoon, the Trump phenomenon is authoritarian. Racism does not bother authoritarians - but there aren't enough of that ilk for Trump to win the White House - and possibly not even a single state. Of course, people may be secretly authoritarian in the voting booth, but I doubt enough of them will - especially the women. Donald Trump may love women, but by and large they don';t love him.
Is it even legal to give away and assault rifle? ATF, call your office. Hopefully, this craven partisanship will signal an end to this yahoo's career.
As I said earlier this afternoon, the Trump phenomenon is authoritarian. Racism does not bother authoritarians - but there aren't enough of that ilk for Trump to win the White House - and possibly not even a single state. Of course, people may be secretly authoritarian in the voting booth, but I doubt enough of them will - especially the women. Donald Trump may love women, but by and large they don';t love him.
Is it even legal to give away and assault rifle? ATF, call your office. Hopefully, this craven partisanship will signal an end to this yahoo's career.
Can Trump win? | National Catholic Reporter
Can Trump win? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It's not that Trump can win this, it's that Hillary can lose it by beating herself. I think she learned her lesson in 2008, so this is not likely. There is unlikely to be an indictment unless it is of her webmaster - and that is not usually done except for a serious breach of security. Unless Jill Stein lowers Hillary's number in states she should win, which is higly unlikely, Hillary has the momentum.
The odds are that Trump will likely keep making gaffes until election day. He would have to have three gaffe free debates and that is more unlikely than Hillary having one gaffe.
There is a strain in conservative ideology that thinks government should be run like a business. This strain is why people want billionaires like Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg or Mitt Romney. The problem is that the extreme example of this strain is Donald Trump. This desire has the whiff of authoritarianism - the ability to force things to be done without the usual politics. Again, Trump is the extreme example. Luckily, we have never actually seen this in practice. Ike was the closest as a military general (some of our 19th Century generals were abject failures) - and he had heart attacks, the job was so stressful for him. Of course, generals are used to the give and take of Congress and the bureaurcracy. Executives are not. That Trump is not is apparent with every time he opens his mouth. While anything is possible with an open microphone, I suspect that this will be a wipe out like Nixon in 72 or Reagan in 80.
The odds are that Trump will likely keep making gaffes until election day. He would have to have three gaffe free debates and that is more unlikely than Hillary having one gaffe.
There is a strain in conservative ideology that thinks government should be run like a business. This strain is why people want billionaires like Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg or Mitt Romney. The problem is that the extreme example of this strain is Donald Trump. This desire has the whiff of authoritarianism - the ability to force things to be done without the usual politics. Again, Trump is the extreme example. Luckily, we have never actually seen this in practice. Ike was the closest as a military general (some of our 19th Century generals were abject failures) - and he had heart attacks, the job was so stressful for him. Of course, generals are used to the give and take of Congress and the bureaurcracy. Executives are not. That Trump is not is apparent with every time he opens his mouth. While anything is possible with an open microphone, I suspect that this will be a wipe out like Nixon in 72 or Reagan in 80.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Links for 06/20/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/20/16 | National Catholic Reporterby MSW. MGB: Cancelling the meeting with bondholders is not a bad thing if it puts pressure on the Senate to pass the House bill. If the Governor wanted to meet with bondholders, it would happen, so maybe some of the bondholders are having second thoughts. Cancelling the meeting is appropriate hardball.
I swear that bluster form idiots like Trump probably ruin more good intelligence operations, if only because the FBI Director has to make clarifications to stop mob violence by Trump's little fascists.
There is a new conservatism and it is all Donald Trump and his reactionary supporters (with their reactionary party). Conservatism is about slow change. The new conservatism is Clinton, not anyone in the GOP. I disagree that the party of the soul must be center-right. The center-left or the extreme left is a good place for it. As for rituals Thanksgiving dinner, the modern version is a recent creation - just as Christmas is (the latter was traditionally a Bachanalia, even in Christian times. In the end, it is the Church who should unite us as a community of souls. That it is more difficult to do so in the age of Trump should clue some on the right that this is also the age of Francis.
Hats off to Bishop Estev for representing and for saying the word gay. Lets hope the drum beat shuts up the people who believe their own circular reasoning on sexuality so they can start dealing with the real world. And kudos for going after the guns.
Cupich is correct and that lessening hatefulness helped give rise to the gay marriage movement and the reaction by Cardinal Ratzinger, also of the CDF, that gays are disordered (without pointing out that the natural order is a philsophical construct - it does not really exist - if you disagree, point to it - Heaven, Hell, Heck, the mind of God (can't be that because then God could be damaged) - only in the minds of the CDF and its adherents does it live).
I swear that bluster form idiots like Trump probably ruin more good intelligence operations, if only because the FBI Director has to make clarifications to stop mob violence by Trump's little fascists.
There is a new conservatism and it is all Donald Trump and his reactionary supporters (with their reactionary party). Conservatism is about slow change. The new conservatism is Clinton, not anyone in the GOP. I disagree that the party of the soul must be center-right. The center-left or the extreme left is a good place for it. As for rituals Thanksgiving dinner, the modern version is a recent creation - just as Christmas is (the latter was traditionally a Bachanalia, even in Christian times. In the end, it is the Church who should unite us as a community of souls. That it is more difficult to do so in the age of Trump should clue some on the right that this is also the age of Francis.
Hats off to Bishop Estev for representing and for saying the word gay. Lets hope the drum beat shuts up the people who believe their own circular reasoning on sexuality so they can start dealing with the real world. And kudos for going after the guns.
Cupich is correct and that lessening hatefulness helped give rise to the gay marriage movement and the reaction by Cardinal Ratzinger, also of the CDF, that gays are disordered (without pointing out that the natural order is a philsophical construct - it does not really exist - if you disagree, point to it - Heaven, Hell, Heck, the mind of God (can't be that because then God could be damaged) - only in the minds of the CDF and its adherents does it live).
Three pro-life moments last week | National Catholic Reporter
Three pro-life moments last week | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The lesson here is that there is a difference between being pro-choice and pro-abortion. Pro-aborts would say that the disabled child and the poor child in the third world are better off dead. Pro-choicers contend that it is the decision of the woman, not the state, and that not having an abortion when told too is a pro-choice stance too. Whether it's LifeSiteNews, the American Life League, the USCCB or the NRLC, the onus is on pro-lifers to say exactly how they would protect life.
The Church has been a strong advocate to say that first trimester embryos are people - but the moral point is not really the issue. It is easy to advace a moral point. What is hard is to advance a legal one - one which applies the force of the state. Given the commonality of miscarriage in the first trimester, the moral point is fairly impossible to turn into a legal one without major equal protection problems (you can't simply separate the status of the miscarried from the aborted by saying so - if one becomes public, so does the other).
This is particularly important because Justice Thomas hinted at retirement this past weekend. That would leave exactly no votes on the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade. That destroys the possibility of going back to the bad old days where abortion was considered bad medical practice and sanctioned that way. The only way to regulate it now is by personalizing the embryo or fetus - so the Church gets its wish. Be careful what you wish for.
Any legisiative compromise will resemble the status quo, for the most part (although Downs children might be spared - if we throw enough money at giving them supportive care). As an issue for Republicans, this will largely go away. Indeed, they should quit trying to get cases before the Court. If there is a 9-0 ruling upholding Roe, their ability to raise funds and bodies for their annual March for Life will start to diminish - the same is true for NARAL-Pro-Choice America.
The Church has been a strong advocate to say that first trimester embryos are people - but the moral point is not really the issue. It is easy to advace a moral point. What is hard is to advance a legal one - one which applies the force of the state. Given the commonality of miscarriage in the first trimester, the moral point is fairly impossible to turn into a legal one without major equal protection problems (you can't simply separate the status of the miscarried from the aborted by saying so - if one becomes public, so does the other).
This is particularly important because Justice Thomas hinted at retirement this past weekend. That would leave exactly no votes on the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade. That destroys the possibility of going back to the bad old days where abortion was considered bad medical practice and sanctioned that way. The only way to regulate it now is by personalizing the embryo or fetus - so the Church gets its wish. Be careful what you wish for.
Any legisiative compromise will resemble the status quo, for the most part (although Downs children might be spared - if we throw enough money at giving them supportive care). As an issue for Republicans, this will largely go away. Indeed, they should quit trying to get cases before the Court. If there is a 9-0 ruling upholding Roe, their ability to raise funds and bodies for their annual March for Life will start to diminish - the same is true for NARAL-Pro-Choice America.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Links for 06/17/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/17/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I can't tell if the Tablet article in the link is the entire piece or just the teaser for an article hidden behind the paywall. In either case, it looks like something we read on Monday. I know on Monday I also had something to add about mental illness and directing retaliation to the Saudis.
The Trump is a better self-promoter than a businessman (not the same thing) is not really news. Let's hope the voters realize this before it is too late.
The Wieseltier link is a repeat of the Trump article in Bloomberg. I'll check back later for a repost.
The Trump is a better self-promoter than a businessman (not the same thing) is not really news. Let's hope the voters realize this before it is too late.
The Wieseltier link is a repeat of the Trump article in Bloomberg. I'll check back later for a repost.
Brexit: Should I stay or should I go? | National Catholic Reporter
Brexit: Should I stay or should I go? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The EU has largely brought Western liberal values to both those western nations where they were weak and to eastern nations where they only existed as a desire. A main benefit is for those nations which are really too small to exist independently (which is why the Benelux nations created their union before the EU existed). For the most part, England has these features (Scotland, interestingly, may stay in the EU - who knows what Northern Ireland will do) - although Tory leadership is always a bit dangerous to civil rights in a parliamentary system.
As far as protection from bureaucrats - it is an ugly characterization that they run amok. Such people always seek authority in either the master treaty or action by the European Parliament. If anything is running amok, its democracy.
Where Europe has failed is in having a continental currency without a continental fiscal policy (a unified income tax and debt to back that currency). In this, England is not affected since they do not use the Euro.
Consumerism is well established in Europe, although the rise of the social democratic state has transcended it to an extent. The government guarantees of a decent way of life mean that consumption does not have to serve as a counter-weight to an oppressive workplace.
I am agnostic to whether England should remain in the Union. Sadly, this vote may be a confidence vote in the Tories and their austerity as it is to the EU with their demand for austerity on its debtor states. Still, if the EU loses, let this be a message to them to start buying up member debts and imposing an individual income tax in the continent. I suspect that the American debt consolidation is a big reason it survived. The EU should take a lesson, regardless of what happens in the election. So should the Tories.
As far as protection from bureaucrats - it is an ugly characterization that they run amok. Such people always seek authority in either the master treaty or action by the European Parliament. If anything is running amok, its democracy.
Where Europe has failed is in having a continental currency without a continental fiscal policy (a unified income tax and debt to back that currency). In this, England is not affected since they do not use the Euro.
Consumerism is well established in Europe, although the rise of the social democratic state has transcended it to an extent. The government guarantees of a decent way of life mean that consumption does not have to serve as a counter-weight to an oppressive workplace.
I am agnostic to whether England should remain in the Union. Sadly, this vote may be a confidence vote in the Tories and their austerity as it is to the EU with their demand for austerity on its debtor states. Still, if the EU loses, let this be a message to them to start buying up member debts and imposing an individual income tax in the continent. I suspect that the American debt consolidation is a big reason it survived. The EU should take a lesson, regardless of what happens in the election. So should the Tories.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Links for 06/16/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/16/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Bravo to the Archbishop of San Juan. I doubt some Catholic prelates would do the same. More is the pity for them.
I thought First Things might have had an epiphany or someone had snuck in some truth until the paragraph about homosexuality never being normalized. Whether that was his belief or an editorial intrusion, he is wrong. If people are, in the words of Gaga, "Born this way" than we owe it to them and to ourselves to quit calling them or their love disordered.
I am sure the Pope enjoys the occasional Tequila drink. The most I can muster for Chaput or First Things is the line "God help those poor fools." Of course, these prayers are for our own psyche more than who we pray for. I love Ignatian spirituality!
I thought First Things might have had an epiphany or someone had snuck in some truth until the paragraph about homosexuality never being normalized. Whether that was his belief or an editorial intrusion, he is wrong. If people are, in the words of Gaga, "Born this way" than we owe it to them and to ourselves to quit calling them or their love disordered.
I am sure the Pope enjoys the occasional Tequila drink. The most I can muster for Chaput or First Things is the line "God help those poor fools." Of course, these prayers are for our own psyche more than who we pray for. I love Ignatian spirituality!
The Speech Clinton must give | National Catholic Reporter
The Speech Clinton must give | National Catholic Reporter MSW. MGB: Its not so much that Trump can't bring back the economy of small scale America, its that he won't. That would involve one of two things - either raising taxes on the wealthy to Eisenhower/Kennedy/Johnson/Nixon/Ford/Carter levels (between 70% and 93% - which made the middle class because it gave the government any attempt to cut costs and make executives rich) or working full bore on shifting to an economy of employee-owners rather than capitalists and the factors of production. I am pretty sure Clinton can't either - but Sanders could have. Still, the speeches Clinton has to make involve clear and complete sentences. The bar is pretty low to beat trust fund child. He's doing a good job of beating himself.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Links for 06/15/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/15/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Family leave is a nice start, but it is short of a family wage, which would include an addition $1000 per month per child. Ideally, it should be tax supported, but even if not it is a moral obligation if you really believe in Catholic social teachings on family wages.
I am sure that the Archbishop of Philadelphia (and the emeritus) have just put their feet through the floor at Cardinal Sean's remarks. I see Mr. Williams is already up to his knees on Lynch. Rumpelstiltskin is having a bad day. Just waiting to hear from San Diego to finish the job.
I am sure that the Archbishop of Philadelphia (and the emeritus) have just put their feet through the floor at Cardinal Sean's remarks. I see Mr. Williams is already up to his knees on Lynch. Rumpelstiltskin is having a bad day. Just waiting to hear from San Diego to finish the job.
Thumbs up/down for the press | National Catholic Reporter
Thumbs up/down for the press | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Perpetrators are not victims - and because mass murders often do so for the acclaim, their names should never be mentioned. I do agree on Hanity. He's an idiot.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Links for 06/14/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/14/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would say bipolar, but he could be a full-blown sociopath.
The SCOTUS did what it should do, put the onus on Congress to act - which it can do with fairly large latitude - which scares the vulture capitalists to no end. If they had been smart, they would have sought to affirm the Puerto Rican law. Confidetial to Alito: clean out your portfolio, it is interfering with your duties.
PRRI is correct about the small state advantage against gun control - its why Senator Sanders was forced to make regrettable choices on guns. Of course, gun laws more than open homosexuality is the real reason for this past weekend's tragedy.
The SCOTUS did what it should do, put the onus on Congress to act - which it can do with fairly large latitude - which scares the vulture capitalists to no end. If they had been smart, they would have sought to affirm the Puerto Rican law. Confidetial to Alito: clean out your portfolio, it is interfering with your duties.
PRRI is correct about the small state advantage against gun control - its why Senator Sanders was forced to make regrettable choices on guns. Of course, gun laws more than open homosexuality is the real reason for this past weekend's tragedy.
Questions for the USCCB | National Catholic Reporter
Questions for the USCCB | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: My own questions on the same topic:
Are you seeking religious freedom or religious power? Do you really think it is still 1958?
Is there really a difference between letting gay people marry and couples where the woman is past menopause? Do you still believe that a married couple ministers the sacrament to themselves - and if so, how are gays and lesbians different? Have you even paid enough attention to know what epigenesis is - and why it means people don't chose to be gay? Would you rather they be promiscuous than married? Do you know that at least half the priesthood is gay and that they are likely blessing gay marriages, including possibly their own?
Do you care more about immigrants or your links with the Republican Party?
Are you creating a conservative Catholic sect that ignores both Pope Francis and the people in the pews - who seem to ignore you quite effectively? Do you know that the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday is a sham as long as you run your dioceses like medieval feifdoms? Its time to give up the money, the power and the politics and let the people govern themselves, including who they as Church which to affiliate with.
Are you seeking religious freedom or religious power? Do you really think it is still 1958?
Is there really a difference between letting gay people marry and couples where the woman is past menopause? Do you still believe that a married couple ministers the sacrament to themselves - and if so, how are gays and lesbians different? Have you even paid enough attention to know what epigenesis is - and why it means people don't chose to be gay? Would you rather they be promiscuous than married? Do you know that at least half the priesthood is gay and that they are likely blessing gay marriages, including possibly their own?
Do you care more about immigrants or your links with the Republican Party?
Are you creating a conservative Catholic sect that ignores both Pope Francis and the people in the pews - who seem to ignore you quite effectively? Do you know that the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday is a sham as long as you run your dioceses like medieval feifdoms? Its time to give up the money, the power and the politics and let the people govern themselves, including who they as Church which to affiliate with.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Links for 06/13/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/13/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The GOP and their pet bishops take cues from each other. No surprise there.
Bravo to the Supreme Court for turning up the heat and also for not lodging federal bankruptcy authority with states. Not a shock here either.
Fr. Z is simply a sociopath with Holy Orders. I won't even bother reading his screed. Jesus talked about whether people on whom harm fall are to blame for that harm. Jesus said no. Towers fall on people whether they are just or unjust. People living in flood plains get flooded. Both are due to bad engineering, not a vengeful God. Lack of gun control is like bad engineering, it hurts the good and the bad.
Bravo to the Supreme Court for turning up the heat and also for not lodging federal bankruptcy authority with states. Not a shock here either.
Fr. Z is simply a sociopath with Holy Orders. I won't even bother reading his screed. Jesus talked about whether people on whom harm fall are to blame for that harm. Jesus said no. Towers fall on people whether they are just or unjust. People living in flood plains get flooded. Both are due to bad engineering, not a vengeful God. Lack of gun control is like bad engineering, it hurts the good and the bad.
The murders in Orlando | National Catholic Reporter
The murders in Orlando | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: While sociopathology cannot be effectively treated as of yet, it can certainly be diagnosed and scanned for. The problem for mental health approaches is that sociopaths don't want help. Is it evil to act on a damaged brain's impulses? Possibly and possibly not. Since such people don't get better and can't be treated, the only option when they do something like this is capital punishment, if they don't die in the act. This is because they will be dangerous when locked up. We can kill them slowly in super-max or quickly with an injection or a bullet, but we owe it to all other human beings to end their lives with others.
Would this sniper, in the absence of gays to shoot at, have shot at uncovered women? Probably. I doubt that Archbishop Kurtz would have not been able to say the victims classifications if they had, which puts Kurtz in league with the shooter as far as the moral question of homosexuality goes. Shame on him.
Is there more we can do against ISIL/Daesh? Not so sure if we don't want to put ground troops more at risk. We have maxed out that credit card and strategic bombing is not an option, because we are still concerned with the civilians living under their tyranny. Of course, if ISIL claims responsibility and the Saudi's fund ISIL and similar organizations, I think we can say that enough is enough. Oil is cheap - lets not take any more from Saudi, or let anyone else have it. Until we do that, we aren't serious in anti-terrorism protection.
Would this sniper, in the absence of gays to shoot at, have shot at uncovered women? Probably. I doubt that Archbishop Kurtz would have not been able to say the victims classifications if they had, which puts Kurtz in league with the shooter as far as the moral question of homosexuality goes. Shame on him.
Is there more we can do against ISIL/Daesh? Not so sure if we don't want to put ground troops more at risk. We have maxed out that credit card and strategic bombing is not an option, because we are still concerned with the civilians living under their tyranny. Of course, if ISIL claims responsibility and the Saudi's fund ISIL and similar organizations, I think we can say that enough is enough. Oil is cheap - lets not take any more from Saudi, or let anyone else have it. Until we do that, we aren't serious in anti-terrorism protection.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Links for 06/10/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/10/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I think what is different is that Judge Curiel is in the club. He is no fence climber. It used to be that lawmakers of both parties stood up against the un-civil debate of the masses, whose opinions of the civil rights of others has never been very good. The GOP has spent more time pandering of late, especially on immigration, but going after a judge was a step too far for Trump. The other alternative is that they were looking for him to go too far and finally he did. Too bad that they are stuck with him. Now they are hoping it was all an act.
Prager is an idiot who fears that those of us who are both socialistic and hebraic will somehow make life difficult for him. Boo hoo, Dennis. Whether Sanders is personally religious or not is his business. That he is a socialist is his glory and why we stood up to caustic redbaiters liike Prager and supported him - and will continue to follow him in whatever long term movement he creates. That is what really scares Dennis, that we are not leaving the field.
Congratulations to the Archbishop and the sponsors for passing the Puerto Rican reform bill. Hopefully the last few months have helped the local citizens see that this is a good thing, although you can count on others to protest the anti-democratic nature of control boards in general.
Prager is an idiot who fears that those of us who are both socialistic and hebraic will somehow make life difficult for him. Boo hoo, Dennis. Whether Sanders is personally religious or not is his business. That he is a socialist is his glory and why we stood up to caustic redbaiters liike Prager and supported him - and will continue to follow him in whatever long term movement he creates. That is what really scares Dennis, that we are not leaving the field.
Congratulations to the Archbishop and the sponsors for passing the Puerto Rican reform bill. Hopefully the last few months have helped the local citizens see that this is a good thing, although you can count on others to protest the anti-democratic nature of control boards in general.
'People who thought they were at the periphery, but Pope Francis said, 'No, you're not!'' | National Catholic Reporter
'People who thought they were at the periphery, but Pope Francis said, 'No, you're not!'' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: As someone who abandonned by a spouse who likely ever thought there was not an escape clause to the marriage (not being happy), I am glad the fee is waived. I might take advantage of this. It still think, however, that the rise of no-fault divorce should be countered with divorces for fault in the Church having to do with current problems, like adultery and violence, that may not have been present to invalidate the original union. Of course, we always need to remember that we made most of this up. There is little divine guidance on this issue and where there is supports having marriages be stronger than the parents of the spouses, who may want a divorce and remarriage for status purposes. This provision, which privileges the couple over their families is also a justification for gay marriage (if we want it to be).
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Links for 06/09/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/09/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Control Boards take their authorizations seriously, so a child poverty rider is essential for Puerto Rico (provided you don't get a Randian on the board).
Baltimore is a hot spot for both urban poverty and the rising tide. Laudato Si' is most applicable. Bravo to the Archbishop.
The important point to note is that the Republicans need 10 of the 11 battle ground states to win. The Democrats only need Pennsylvania or two of the smaller states. At this point, the question is not who will get these 11 states, but whether Clinton will eat into the Red wall of 145 electoral votes.
Baltimore is a hot spot for both urban poverty and the rising tide. Laudato Si' is most applicable. Bravo to the Archbishop.
The important point to note is that the Republicans need 10 of the 11 battle ground states to win. The Democrats only need Pennsylvania or two of the smaller states. At this point, the question is not who will get these 11 states, but whether Clinton will eat into the Red wall of 145 electoral votes.
Will this year see a political realignment? | National Catholic Reporter
Will this year see a political realignment? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Neither Obama victory was close. It was backed by a coalition of identity politics and Wall Street. There is now a significant part of the Democratic Party that does not like that idea, but they will vote for the historic first of a woman president. If they (OK, we) decide in the out years to take our toys and form a new party (or take over the Democrats in the organizing meetings that occur after the November election), Wall Street won't have a toe hold, and the DLC Democrats could join with similar country club Republicans to form a new pro-business party, with the angry Trump voters largely dying off, but the survivors dividing between the two - or going to their natural home in the Libertarian Party or the Constitution Party. Of course, whether Wall Street will let a second party form where it does not have a stake is an open question, but if the Sanders coalition holds together they may have no choice.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Links for 06/08/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/08/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Puerto Rico needs to keep stiffing creditors. Its the only way that Wall Street will realize that their best deal is passing the bill.
Bishop and Duffy have nothing to worry about. No one reads press releases from vulture capitalists. Unless they are willing to write checks for primary challengers - oops! the primaries have likely already happened or the ballot signature deadline has at least passed.
Deportation is not good politics. Sadly, its the law. This is what happens when Latino voters stay home and let the Trump voters control Congress.
America is a republican form of government where properties interests are meant to have a finger on the scale. Sanders would agree with that. Yes, Paul's speech writers are a bit extreeme on this - but they always have been. Remember, conservatives, especially the libertarian kind, don't trust democracy over individual rights (especially the economic ones).
Bishop and Duffy have nothing to worry about. No one reads press releases from vulture capitalists. Unless they are willing to write checks for primary challengers - oops! the primaries have likely already happened or the ballot signature deadline has at least passed.
Deportation is not good politics. Sadly, its the law. This is what happens when Latino voters stay home and let the Trump voters control Congress.
America is a republican form of government where properties interests are meant to have a finger on the scale. Sanders would agree with that. Yes, Paul's speech writers are a bit extreeme on this - but they always have been. Remember, conservatives, especially the libertarian kind, don't trust democracy over individual rights (especially the economic ones).
The November election takes shape | National Catholic Reporter
The November election takes shape | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It is about time Hillary played the woman card. Men have been playing the anti-woman card for longer than this country has been in existence. Turnabout is fair play. I think the challenge from Sanders helped her work out the bugs. The only danger is if Trump exceeds expectations in the debates and looks like someone who is serious and reasonable - although that could cost his base, which is Lee Atwater's dream. Is HRC perfect? No, but Trump is a crook (hence the hidden tax returns). I would have hoped for a more leftist campaign with less red baiting from the Democratic crowd, but that just sets up the future where an even more leftist candidate will win both the nomination and the White House - and that is the best hope for the littlest (not some vague declaration concerning their rights that is impractical to enforce - indeed, it is impossible and should no longer be a candidate litmus test).
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Links for 06/07/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/07/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Trump is aping what the right-wing media says about racism, that white's are the victims of it. I am sure his campaign brain trust thought this was a good idea and I am sure his supporters are agreeing with him, but his surrogates live in the real world and have been taught to choke on nasty things.
Garland should stay on the list. If not Garland, than Obama should wait for Hillary to officially become President-Elect (after the Congress counts the votes of the Electoral College) - and then have her name him! This one has been suggested before, but it is still a good one.
Thank you for the link to the platform committee. My stuff is a bit to esoteric for this moment in time (having to do with employee-ownership and diverting FICA taxes to make it happen more quickly). Of course, it is probably less out-there than the almost sure bet that MSW put in something from Democrats for Life. Maybe I'll put in something denouncing the Right to Life movement as a confidence game. It might actually be adopted. It became polilcy in Catholics for Obama back in 2008. You're welcome.
Garland should stay on the list. If not Garland, than Obama should wait for Hillary to officially become President-Elect (after the Congress counts the votes of the Electoral College) - and then have her name him! This one has been suggested before, but it is still a good one.
Thank you for the link to the platform committee. My stuff is a bit to esoteric for this moment in time (having to do with employee-ownership and diverting FICA taxes to make it happen more quickly). Of course, it is probably less out-there than the almost sure bet that MSW put in something from Democrats for Life. Maybe I'll put in something denouncing the Right to Life movement as a confidence game. It might actually be adopted. It became polilcy in Catholics for Obama back in 2008. You're welcome.
The roots of the clergy sex abuse crisis | National Catholic Reporter
The roots of the clergy sex abuse crisis | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: On the topic of bishops has holy vessels, a read of Garry Wills book, Why Priests? is worthwhile. As for the crisis in hierarchy, it comes from reading the Bible in English. No where does it say that Jesus ordained the disciples as priests, bishops and pope - or that it was a practice in Acts. Indeed, hierarchical bishops are a product of Roman and then Medieval governance. There is no excuse for continuing it. I am not sure Dorotheus wrote about how one reacts when one is afraid of being called out as a fraud, but I suspect that this is the case that applies. The Church will always be saved, but realistically, for that to occur, the hierarchy is toast.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Episcopal accountability and the motu proprio | National Catholic Reporter
Episcopal accountability and the motu proprio | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Two thoughts here. First, if the document does not already do so, something must be done about the Church's lawyers, which have served the bishops and not the faithful. In the future, they should consider their clients the victims first, the parishes second and the bishops last. Second, the Vatican needs some skin in the game. It needs to recognize that it is the employer of the bishops and that its property is at stake. Its time for a fire sale, at least of all that Italian art that portrays the Holy Family as northern Italian nobility rather than as Arab peasants. Personally, I would not pay for any of it, but I am sure there are those who would.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Links for 06/03/06 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/03/06 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Payday Loans were always going to be on the agenda of the CFPB. It may even be in Dodd-Frank. The important thing is to make sure that poor people have access to banking services, which will require that certain screens to get a bank account be ended. Until then, payday loans are an expensive lifeline. Perhaps employers could pick up the slack.
We don't need moderation, we need radicalism - but we won't get it. We will get Hillary and we will watch Trump self-destruct. If he self-destructs and they vote for him anyway, it won't be because of moderation.
Israel needs to hold itself to a higher standard, given the religious implications of the Jewish State, which has also claimed to, at the same time, be a western democracy. You can't be both. Fr. Reese, call your office. MSW is going all neo-con again (neoconservatism is all about liberals supporting a conservative zionist foreign policy - trust me on this, I'm a political scientist.
See the essay from Notre Dame for continuing coverage of the Jubiliee Year of Mercy. The prodigal son is a good point of reference, but so is the assertion by Jesus that he is gentle and humble of hears. His yoke is easy and his burden light. Why is that important? Because the list of mortal sins needs to be pruned to reflect the sense of the faithful - and those served by the Sacrament of Marriage and Orders needs to be expanded.
We don't need moderation, we need radicalism - but we won't get it. We will get Hillary and we will watch Trump self-destruct. If he self-destructs and they vote for him anyway, it won't be because of moderation.
Israel needs to hold itself to a higher standard, given the religious implications of the Jewish State, which has also claimed to, at the same time, be a western democracy. You can't be both. Fr. Reese, call your office. MSW is going all neo-con again (neoconservatism is all about liberals supporting a conservative zionist foreign policy - trust me on this, I'm a political scientist.
See the essay from Notre Dame for continuing coverage of the Jubiliee Year of Mercy. The prodigal son is a good point of reference, but so is the assertion by Jesus that he is gentle and humble of hears. His yoke is easy and his burden light. Why is that important? Because the list of mortal sins needs to be pruned to reflect the sense of the faithful - and those served by the Sacrament of Marriage and Orders needs to be expanded.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Speaker Ryan caves | National Catholic Reporter
Speaker Ryan caves | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Ryan is supporting Trump because he likely feels that Trump is an empty shirt that Ryan can use for his own ends, i.e. for passing his policies. Let us hope we never find out.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Links for 06/02/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/02/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Williams' interview largely mimics Camosy's book on the subject, which was also reviewed here. A few observations - a human rights perspective on the unborn was never an easy sell in the first trimester, because any formal action to claim rights for this group would also adhere to miscarried embyros, which complicates things immensley. Some things are just not possible.
I agree that something was lost when the Democrats and the pro-lifers parted company - that thing being an emphasis on economic empowerment for women who would have abortions. Sadly, such arguments don't hold sway in the GOP, who believe the myth that poor are lazy and deserve their lot and helping them only hurts them in the long run - that those who are blessed by God are simply not poor. Only repeated defeats in overturning Roe have the capacity to change their minds - especially as Roberts and Alito, the two Bush appointees, vote with Kennedy on this issue. Only Thomas would repeal Roe, and he is among the oldest of justicies. Indeed, there may never be another abortion related case.
There are still Catholics in the movement, however, the bishops and nuns being the prime movers here. They also still join the Evangelicals in their aversion to a sexualized cultural aesthetic (these are cultural, not moral questions), although this is nothing new. Back when the Church was riding high opposing abortion, they were also in the lead in resisting a growing aesthetic of freedom in all things cultural - and exercised a great deal of religious power (as opposed to religious freedom) in that area. Those days are happily gone.
I would compare Trump to a teenage bully with bipolar disorder. He needs help and public pity - it may be the only thing that will shame him into decent behavior. I hope he picks a good Vice President, because if he wins we may need to use the 25th Amendment to make him control his mood or remove him if he remains in denial about his illness.
Good work by the Sunlight Foundation on the extent of the Dark Money campaign against Puerto Rico. Shame on Connie Mack, who has been a hired gun against economic justice, especially for brown people who speak Spanish. I hope there are hearings, that he testifies and someone gets his donor list on the record.
I agree that something was lost when the Democrats and the pro-lifers parted company - that thing being an emphasis on economic empowerment for women who would have abortions. Sadly, such arguments don't hold sway in the GOP, who believe the myth that poor are lazy and deserve their lot and helping them only hurts them in the long run - that those who are blessed by God are simply not poor. Only repeated defeats in overturning Roe have the capacity to change their minds - especially as Roberts and Alito, the two Bush appointees, vote with Kennedy on this issue. Only Thomas would repeal Roe, and he is among the oldest of justicies. Indeed, there may never be another abortion related case.
There are still Catholics in the movement, however, the bishops and nuns being the prime movers here. They also still join the Evangelicals in their aversion to a sexualized cultural aesthetic (these are cultural, not moral questions), although this is nothing new. Back when the Church was riding high opposing abortion, they were also in the lead in resisting a growing aesthetic of freedom in all things cultural - and exercised a great deal of religious power (as opposed to religious freedom) in that area. Those days are happily gone.
I would compare Trump to a teenage bully with bipolar disorder. He needs help and public pity - it may be the only thing that will shame him into decent behavior. I hope he picks a good Vice President, because if he wins we may need to use the 25th Amendment to make him control his mood or remove him if he remains in denial about his illness.
Good work by the Sunlight Foundation on the extent of the Dark Money campaign against Puerto Rico. Shame on Connie Mack, who has been a hired gun against economic justice, especially for brown people who speak Spanish. I hope there are hearings, that he testifies and someone gets his donor list on the record.
'At long last, have you left no sense of decency?' | National Catholic Reporter
'At long last, have you left no sense of decency?' | National Catholic Reporterby MSW. MGB: So, in other words, the Church still condemns homosexuality, but tolerates friends they know who are gay? Half measures. The truth is, the whole "homosexuality is disordered" meme depends on there being a natural order as a real thing rather than an intellectual construct by the Curia and their supporters. It is this sophistry that we should stand up against, not the hyper-partisan actions of Lepanto and LifeSiteNews.
Modern science is pretty clear that people are born gay, just as they are born black. It is not enough to say you have gay friends or black friends. You must stand against bigotry on the wholesale as well as the retail level. Francis already had an audience with a gay married couple of his acquaintance when in the United States. That should be enough of a signal to stop resisting the bigotry of treating gay people as somehow lesser when forming voluntary familial relationships. Luckily, we have the families of gay marrieds to stand up to the likes of LifeSiteNews. That should be enough to move the Church in its pastoral role to start blessing such unions and telling Lepanto to shut the heck up.
Modern science is pretty clear that people are born gay, just as they are born black. It is not enough to say you have gay friends or black friends. You must stand against bigotry on the wholesale as well as the retail level. Francis already had an audience with a gay married couple of his acquaintance when in the United States. That should be enough of a signal to stop resisting the bigotry of treating gay people as somehow lesser when forming voluntary familial relationships. Luckily, we have the families of gay marrieds to stand up to the likes of LifeSiteNews. That should be enough to move the Church in its pastoral role to start blessing such unions and telling Lepanto to shut the heck up.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Links for 06/01/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 06/01/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It appears that the Tycoon has no clothes - and that Politico just got on the not nice people list.
Bill Kristol is overcorrecting on brains after giving us Sarah Palin. If he is settling on an academic, he is essentially waving the white flag. Is anyone returning his calls?
Lew and his Deputy Secretary were likely running the show from behind the scenes, although I am sure Interior had an equal part, due to their role in territorial issues. The question is not what he has done, but what his vocal support will do.
Bill Kristol is overcorrecting on brains after giving us Sarah Palin. If he is settling on an academic, he is essentially waving the white flag. Is anyone returning his calls?
Lew and his Deputy Secretary were likely running the show from behind the scenes, although I am sure Interior had an equal part, due to their role in territorial issues. The question is not what he has done, but what his vocal support will do.
Donald Trump's lies | National Catholic Reporter
Donald Trump's lies | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Trump is a master of the Big Lie, but that has more to do with his ravings on policy than anything else. That he is qualified to be President is a delusion, both personal and organizational - the key factor being that he has surrounded himself with people whose ethic is to give no bad news to the boss. That does not necessarily mean they are yes men, but it does tend to leave the boss blind to reality. That kind of ethos is the antithesis of democratic governance, which demands that even the inner circle of the President tell the him occassionally where to get off because they put the nation above their boss and their careers. When that does not happen, we get incidents like Watergate and Iran-Contra.
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