Links for 08/31/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Newman Society, call your office - your patron saint was probably gay. They would certainly not have liked the Catholic school health sex ed class we got in seventh grade, or the one from high school. It was about health, not doctrine. They would have liked the old materials I picked up in my mother's library. Helped screw me up for years until I just ignored what it said and going to confession often. Anything has to be an improvement.
The Catholic Association takes withsful thinking to new heights. It is fringe and is incapable of reasoning their way out a paper bag. ignore it.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Pew study on (almost) why people choose which congregation to attend | National Catholic Reporter
The Pew study on (almost) why people choose which congregation to attend | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The continuing drum beat on abortion most likley impacts where people go. Ethinic Masses in a parish are always full and there is always that group of worshipers who prefer the Mass without music - and probably still would if it was in the Extraordinary Form. Not all Protestants Church shop. My mother's family have been members (and ministers) in the Disciples of Christ for generations, although my mother remembered spending some time as Methodist - but converted for the music at the Latin Mass. As far as congregations go, I moved, so I changed parishes - after some months of not going. My new Pastor was very sympathetic when I said I had been ailing, which is true. I chose the parsih because it was a five minue bus ride and then a ten minute walk. I suspect many poorer people use the same criterion.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Links for 08/30/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/30/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Catholic voters are by and large more educated and the white ones are firmly in the middle class. As such, they represent other voters with similar demographics. Would that hispanics would actually come vote to make us a more liberal denamination too, especially economically. It shows why people wanted Secretary Castro as VP - but right now its the bellweather and that is good news.
Fr. Aniedi very suscinctly showed why corruption is such a problem in Africa - and why more U.S. style federations are needed there so that the crooks cancel each other out.
The bishops are silent on Labor Day because if they respected what would be their biggest union they would have some explaining to do on why the pro-life issue is not the first and foremost - and indeed is not an issue at all.
Trump has a lot more to deal with to not be distracted then his foundation. His entire empire needs an interim trustee not named Ivanka.
One can never tell where one part of the campaign ends and the scam begins.
Fr. Aniedi very suscinctly showed why corruption is such a problem in Africa - and why more U.S. style federations are needed there so that the crooks cancel each other out.
The bishops are silent on Labor Day because if they respected what would be their biggest union they would have some explaining to do on why the pro-life issue is not the first and foremost - and indeed is not an issue at all.
Trump has a lot more to deal with to not be distracted then his foundation. His entire empire needs an interim trustee not named Ivanka.
One can never tell where one part of the campaign ends and the scam begins.
The Clinton Foundation: Does it matter? | National Catholic Reporter
The Clinton Foundation: Does it matter? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: As I recall, the Clinton Foundation - or rather its CEO - the former President - worked in partnership with George W. Bush already on Africa (and probably with the Gates Foundation). They are doing absolutely nothing wrong and Hillary already has an arms length in what is Bill's thing anyway. That there are wagging tongues that want Clinton to act like there is an issue here says more about the wagging toungues. She is handling it perfectly.
Then there is Donald Trump who supposedly has his daughter running the company for him but does not give details. The Trump businesses are no his wife's enterprise, they are his toys. Recall that he went to Scotland to see a golf course during a political campaign. If anyone needs to show the ability to step away, it is Trump. When people raise this issue,the Clinton Foundation is fair game (and when he releases his taxes).Talking about double standards!
Then there is Donald Trump who supposedly has his daughter running the company for him but does not give details. The Trump businesses are no his wife's enterprise, they are his toys. Recall that he went to Scotland to see a golf course during a political campaign. If anyone needs to show the ability to step away, it is Trump. When people raise this issue,the Clinton Foundation is fair game (and when he releases his taxes).Talking about double standards!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Links for 08/29/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/29/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Gerson will take a lot of people with him away from Trump. Sadly, though, not his core supporters who just want a strong authoritarian to fix their problems for them.
The most shame goes to those bishops who fight unions, especially in schools. They try to explain it away by the teacher's unions stance on abortion - but abortion is not a real issue beyond electoral unity. Give it up and spend the money.
Churches have enough religous liberty to be stupid and not celebrate the marriages of Catholic gays and lesbians. It it the Church's loss - literally - both in terms of souls and in really big weddings. See what I said about the Church needing mercy FROM the faithful.
I would love to listen to Tim Urban's TED talk, but I need to stop procrastinating about taking a shower and going out.
The most shame goes to those bishops who fight unions, especially in schools. They try to explain it away by the teacher's unions stance on abortion - but abortion is not a real issue beyond electoral unity. Give it up and spend the money.
Churches have enough religous liberty to be stupid and not celebrate the marriages of Catholic gays and lesbians. It it the Church's loss - literally - both in terms of souls and in really big weddings. See what I said about the Church needing mercy FROM the faithful.
I would love to listen to Tim Urban's TED talk, but I need to stop procrastinating about taking a shower and going out.
Pope Francis's remarkable video message to Bogota: Wow! | National Catholic Reporter
Pope Francis's remarkable video message to Bogota: Wow! | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Sometimes the merciful act is to tell someone they did not sin after all. The Lord condemned the Temple priests for heaping rules onto the people. Some bishops have done the same thing - especially regarding sex. It clouds what is really to be avoided vs. what is unhealthy. Also, on marriages ending, sometimes one spouse is really wrong without the marriage being invalid and the merciful thing is to recognize it. Sadly,this does involve changingn the rules in an unequivocal fashion. Mercy cannot be finessed.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Links for 08/26/26 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/26/26 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Wrong implies invincible ignorance. Weigel is partisan and should know better, so that is just evil.
From what I understand, reconciliation with the Lutherans has been going on for a while. It is a welcome development, especially as they are more liberal than the refugees from the Episcopal Church in the Ordinates and because they ordain women.
The Dallas link was not working. I am glad to see a bishop going to Rome for the right reasons, rather than pulling a Burke or a Law and having to be exiled.
I love Te Deum as well.
From what I understand, reconciliation with the Lutherans has been going on for a while. It is a welcome development, especially as they are more liberal than the refugees from the Episcopal Church in the Ordinates and because they ordain women.
The Dallas link was not working. I am glad to see a bishop going to Rome for the right reasons, rather than pulling a Burke or a Law and having to be exiled.
I love Te Deum as well.
Should the bishops denounce Trump? | National Catholic Reporter
Should the bishops denounce Trump? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The question is not whether the Church is politicized but rather how politicized it is.That it does not speak as forcefully on immigration as it should is a measure of how much it's ties to the pro-life movement and the Republican Party mean to many of the bishops.Sadly, it's hard to minimize the abortion issue enough. It is a nightmare to visualize the Court overturning Roe and sending the matter to the states, because it would be precidential in sending gay marriage, sodomy itself, birth control and racial discrimination against Latinos back to the states - i.e., it can't happen and it won't happen. While Congress could act, the likely action would be to codify the status quo - which most would see as ending the issue - so the pro-life movement would never go along. Regretably, Catholic politicians like Tim Kaine, Joe Biden and Mario Cuomo have not taken the lead in explaining the hopelessness of the pro-lfe cause to the bishops, so they have only their own emotionalism as their guide. Hopefully the abomination that is Donald Trump may get them to re-examine their stance on the political issue of abortion and their de facto linkage to the GOP and all their allies, including the anit-immigrants.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Links for 08/25/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/25/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Consumerism is what keeps people from revolting in a variety of areas, from race to workplace control. If people have the stuff they need, they are less likely to revolt unless the people they are revolting against are aggressive in their oppression.
The sad thing for the Pope and Abp. Cupich is that people really do want an explanation in rules and many want the rules to change. We cannot soft pedal that - its not fair to either the reformers or the reactionaries.
After the laugh factor is over, a cake is a cake. Of course, some people are allowed to make joke transgender cakes. If they became the rage at Liberty University, trans people might be offended. The cake is a reflection of our tribes.
I suspect that the Catholic vote approaches the average. Either we are the biggest group or the group whose religious attitudes are not driving our voting, although I would like to hope that we are decent enough people to reject Trump with full throat.
The sad thing for the Pope and Abp. Cupich is that people really do want an explanation in rules and many want the rules to change. We cannot soft pedal that - its not fair to either the reformers or the reactionaries.
After the laugh factor is over, a cake is a cake. Of course, some people are allowed to make joke transgender cakes. If they became the rage at Liberty University, trans people might be offended. The cake is a reflection of our tribes.
I suspect that the Catholic vote approaches the average. Either we are the biggest group or the group whose religious attitudes are not driving our voting, although I would like to hope that we are decent enough people to reject Trump with full throat.
Review: Eberstadt's 'It's Dangerous to Believe' Part II | National Catholic Reporter
Review: Eberstadt's 'It's Dangerous to Believe' Part II | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would wonder how Ms. Eberstadt would view the proposition that the best way to reduce abortion is to economically empower women to raise the children with a middle class sized subsidy of $1000 per month per child. I suspect that she would object to it as a way of subsidizing sin. Her position on abortion is to regulate sexuality and the place of women. I say the best source for the Gospel of Life would be the mouth of a female priest. I doubt she would agree. She is an anti-feminist - which takes a degree of self-loathing. She wants women to know their place in society - and its not the workplace.
She wants gays to know their place too. Probably psychiatric hospitals or reversion therapy. Like the contention that marriage must be fecund, it is quack theology and quack science.
Sadly, there are people who will buy this book because it reinforces their beliefs. However, it will mostly be older people. Most young people are accepting of gays and lesbians and abandon the pro-life position once they are old enough to have sex - and sexual freedom has been going on a lot longer than 1959 and the birth control pill.
She wants gays to know their place too. Probably psychiatric hospitals or reversion therapy. Like the contention that marriage must be fecund, it is quack theology and quack science.
Sadly, there are people who will buy this book because it reinforces their beliefs. However, it will mostly be older people. Most young people are accepting of gays and lesbians and abandon the pro-life position once they are old enough to have sex - and sexual freedom has been going on a lot longer than 1959 and the birth control pill.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Links for 08/24/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/24/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Anderson is off his rocker, because abortion is not technically an issue at all. Issues carry proposals for change that could realistically happen. Even the best compromise in Congress would merely solidify the status quo - and render the issue mute politically. Indeed, it essentially is - but if he wants to give the pro-choice movement ammunition on the fact that the pro-life movement is more about voting Republican than ending abortion - then he is welcome to keep talking.
I trust that the proceedings of the Notre Dame conference are in line with what MSW has reported and I commented on on May 14th of last year at http://heymsw.blogspot.com/2015/05/notre-dame-conference-on-polarization.html
The drips will continue as long as the GOP does not like her. There is not satisfying these people and there is no fire just because they are torturing us with the Chinese water torture. It is an act of the saddest equivalency to claim there is a problem just because the GOP is raising questions.
I trust that the proceedings of the Notre Dame conference are in line with what MSW has reported and I commented on on May 14th of last year at http://heymsw.blogspot.com/2015/05/notre-dame-conference-on-polarization.html
The drips will continue as long as the GOP does not like her. There is not satisfying these people and there is no fire just because they are torturing us with the Chinese water torture. It is an act of the saddest equivalency to claim there is a problem just because the GOP is raising questions.
Review: Eberstadt's 'It's Dangerous to Believe' Part 1 | National Catholic Reporter
Review: Eberstadt's 'It's Dangerous to Believe' Part 1 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The fact that Chaput, Heritage and the National Review laud the book are enough for me to say not to read it or bother with a review.
Public religiousity is always suspect because it is its own reward. That noted religious radical, Yeshua Bar Josse said it best - pray in the quitet of a locked room so that only the Father can hear you.
The problem with the protection of marriage argument is that the argument was thin. Even canon law recognizes marriages that can yield no children, as long as their is functionality. You can't make a bad argument from the pseudo-science of modern Catholic natural law sexual ethics and expect not to be laughed out of the court room, since such is based on reason alone rather than the facts on the ground.
What Eberstadt is missing about the fifties was not religious liberty, it was religion taking liberties, i.e. religious power. That kind of power is now gone and good riddance to it. Nowadays, because it is linked with the pro-life political scam, most Catholics won't even take it seriously.
Of course, getting rid of religious power is not enough. We need to do so in the Church. Clericalism must be obliterated, bishops elected and Catholic gay marriages performed (by married lesbian priests eventually). The latter is what happens when God is allowed to speak through the people. It is no accident that the Episcopleans celebrate gay marriage and the laity has a say in electing their episcopacy. Remember, Augustine was an elected bishop.
Public religiousity is always suspect because it is its own reward. That noted religious radical, Yeshua Bar Josse said it best - pray in the quitet of a locked room so that only the Father can hear you.
The problem with the protection of marriage argument is that the argument was thin. Even canon law recognizes marriages that can yield no children, as long as their is functionality. You can't make a bad argument from the pseudo-science of modern Catholic natural law sexual ethics and expect not to be laughed out of the court room, since such is based on reason alone rather than the facts on the ground.
What Eberstadt is missing about the fifties was not religious liberty, it was religion taking liberties, i.e. religious power. That kind of power is now gone and good riddance to it. Nowadays, because it is linked with the pro-life political scam, most Catholics won't even take it seriously.
Of course, getting rid of religious power is not enough. We need to do so in the Church. Clericalism must be obliterated, bishops elected and Catholic gay marriages performed (by married lesbian priests eventually). The latter is what happens when God is allowed to speak through the people. It is no accident that the Episcopleans celebrate gay marriage and the laity has a say in electing their episcopacy. Remember, Augustine was an elected bishop.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Links for 08/23/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/23/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It is more that Trump and his staff have no idea what they are doing - or are simply campaigning for every crowd as an ego boost for their candidate. Good staff will tell him he is already lost, but those staff are likely to be fired. Capitalists have a strictly no bad news policy.
Speaking of no bad news, it appears that Michael Shea was sacked for speaking the truth to pro-lifers supporting in that other NCR. He confirms the meme that the pro-life movement is a branch of Republicanism, not Catholicism. Of course, he could just be on vacation.
The Mosaic article raises the interesting question of whether Judaism is the same thing as Zionism - and what happens when Zionism goes too far and becomes the persecutor. Does Bebe Netenyahu have a religious liberty right to build a wall and kill children in Gaza? To what extent do congregations in the United States face blow back - and if they are openly Zionist, is that unjustified? Although nothing justifies hate crimes or interfering with teaching morals in Hebrew School (even if the part on homosexuality, like in the Catholic Church, is more rabbinical than Mosaic).
The enforcement of Fair Housing very much includes a strong roll for local agencies - subsidiarity is in full bloom. If someone is misusing the rules in a way that thwarts advancing real fair housing, I will sick my friend Stella Adams on them. Of course, San Francisco is a hard case because of the expensive rent and the march of gentrification.
Speaking of no bad news, it appears that Michael Shea was sacked for speaking the truth to pro-lifers supporting in that other NCR. He confirms the meme that the pro-life movement is a branch of Republicanism, not Catholicism. Of course, he could just be on vacation.
The Mosaic article raises the interesting question of whether Judaism is the same thing as Zionism - and what happens when Zionism goes too far and becomes the persecutor. Does Bebe Netenyahu have a religious liberty right to build a wall and kill children in Gaza? To what extent do congregations in the United States face blow back - and if they are openly Zionist, is that unjustified? Although nothing justifies hate crimes or interfering with teaching morals in Hebrew School (even if the part on homosexuality, like in the Catholic Church, is more rabbinical than Mosaic).
The enforcement of Fair Housing very much includes a strong roll for local agencies - subsidiarity is in full bloom. If someone is misusing the rules in a way that thwarts advancing real fair housing, I will sick my friend Stella Adams on them. Of course, San Francisco is a hard case because of the expensive rent and the march of gentrification.
No, Jerry Falwell, Jr.: Trump is not like Churchill | National Catholic Reporter
No, Jerry Falwell, Jr.: Trump is not like Churchill | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The standard neo-conservative military policy for the region was first spelled out when Dick Cheney was Secretary of Defense. It involved a series of wars, starting in Iraq, to convert the region to American interests and democracy. In 2001, work began on that objective. That sounds more like Hitler than Churchill or Chamberlain. Obama stopped the march of American ambition to the extent he could, although Syria was destabilized by Baathists fleeing Iraq who eventually became the core fighters of ISIL. The Arab Spring of the Google billionaires did not help the situation, but it was not Obama's fault. Now, the GOP has an authoritarian standing ready to resume the march to American glory. I don't think so. We don't need a Hitler wannabe in the White House.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Links for 08/22/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/22/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I guess the question I have on NPR is whether their data mining indicates whether or not the commentary section was being viewed or passed over. There are ways to rig it do so, like requiring a separate click for comments. Of course, people mostly make their own comments without reading others - unless they want to fight - although they would like to think that others are doing so.
Registering Republican and planning on voting for Trump could be separate universes. They could be registering to vote down ballot or in the GOP primaries that are yet to be held. As long as Trump continues to open his mouth, this election gets closer to being over.
Msgr. Pope fails to see that the Church has been acting as a persecutor, not a persecutee. Those of us in the Francis wing of the Church are calling the callous Catholics to task. Just like John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation as a condemnation of Pauline non-Judaizing Christianity, the muscular culture warrior Catholics will be on the wrong side of history as a footnote about resistance to change. Catholic gay marriage is where it is at, as well as condemning those who would use the tragedy of abortion (and it is always a personal tragedy) for political and financial gain. They call these last things seeking favor in the world rather than with God.
Registering Republican and planning on voting for Trump could be separate universes. They could be registering to vote down ballot or in the GOP primaries that are yet to be held. As long as Trump continues to open his mouth, this election gets closer to being over.
Msgr. Pope fails to see that the Church has been acting as a persecutor, not a persecutee. Those of us in the Francis wing of the Church are calling the callous Catholics to task. Just like John of Patmos, who wrote Revelation as a condemnation of Pauline non-Judaizing Christianity, the muscular culture warrior Catholics will be on the wrong side of history as a footnote about resistance to change. Catholic gay marriage is where it is at, as well as condemning those who would use the tragedy of abortion (and it is always a personal tragedy) for political and financial gain. They call these last things seeking favor in the world rather than with God.
The Rio Games come to a close | National Catholic Reporter
The Rio Games come to a close | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Above all, I found the games powerful and touching - not in the aggregate but in the stories of the individual athletes.
Lochte was out of line, but in America rent a cops don't usually carry guns at gas stations and shaking down tourists is not considered public service.
I see no reason to even mention the Donald in relation to the games. That is overthinking it. As for abortion females - Hillary went to China as first lady to condemn the practice. Good for her.
Opening and closing music should be a bit "marchy" although I have loved Bosa Nova since I was a child. I had forgotten it existed. Anyone have any CD recommendations? (yes, I am a dinosaur). As for the Catholicism of the people - and any indigenous nature to it, I don't think that was covered - again - overthinking. What I do know is that I love the statue of Christ the Redeemer - even though the constant using it in intro shots seems to be commercializing God for network use.
The poverty of Rio was a story covered. It is a hard problem and it will take major change, somewhat socialistic actually, to improve it. I am sure that there is genius in the slums that is not being utilized. A revolution in worker-ownership would have an interest in finding it and redirecting it from crime.
These games were a tonic for the soul. I have been sick of heart the last few weeks and these games have helped take my mind off of it. Viva, Rio!
Lochte was out of line, but in America rent a cops don't usually carry guns at gas stations and shaking down tourists is not considered public service.
I see no reason to even mention the Donald in relation to the games. That is overthinking it. As for abortion females - Hillary went to China as first lady to condemn the practice. Good for her.
Opening and closing music should be a bit "marchy" although I have loved Bosa Nova since I was a child. I had forgotten it existed. Anyone have any CD recommendations? (yes, I am a dinosaur). As for the Catholicism of the people - and any indigenous nature to it, I don't think that was covered - again - overthinking. What I do know is that I love the statue of Christ the Redeemer - even though the constant using it in intro shots seems to be commercializing God for network use.
The poverty of Rio was a story covered. It is a hard problem and it will take major change, somewhat socialistic actually, to improve it. I am sure that there is genius in the slums that is not being utilized. A revolution in worker-ownership would have an interest in finding it and redirecting it from crime.
These games were a tonic for the soul. I have been sick of heart the last few weeks and these games have helped take my mind off of it. Viva, Rio!
Links for 08/19/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/19/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: In the east, national autocephalic churches can make decisions on such things as the deaconate and marriage tribunals. In Rome, we have centralized this. Until we have national or linguistic patriarchs, which is inevitable, these decisions will remain with the Holy See.
While I would love to alter my stated position on floods for the embarrassment of Tony Perkins,I must still bring up what the Lord said about the Tower of Siloam - that God does not use tragedy to punish. However, he also said that everyone must still be concerned about their own place in salvation - and on any day, Tony should be extremely worried about what he says.
Trump is throwing pasta against the wall and seeing if anything sticks. I don't think anything will at this point.
While I would love to alter my stated position on floods for the embarrassment of Tony Perkins,I must still bring up what the Lord said about the Tower of Siloam - that God does not use tragedy to punish. However, he also said that everyone must still be concerned about their own place in salvation - and on any day, Tony should be extremely worried about what he says.
Trump is throwing pasta against the wall and seeing if anything sticks. I don't think anything will at this point.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Review: 'Red, White, Blue and Catholic' | National Catholic Reporter
Review: 'Red, White, Blue and Catholic' | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The remarks on citizenship sound like an ad for the Knights of Columbus, which, while civic, is hardly neutral in its brand of citizenship. Indeed, it is downright partisan.
His remarks on the free market are no shock and are as contradictory to Catholic doctrine, especially Caritas in Veritate, as one would expect.
I don't buy MSW's comments on the inconsistency of how either side deals with freedom. The hierarchy-libertarian axis of cultural theory, which combines low-group/low-rules libertarians with high group/high rules hierarchists is classic Republicanism, just as high group/low rules egalitarians are classically Democratic. Catholics fit in both spaces - with the clergy especially in the hierarchist space and Catholic Charities in the egalitarians with the Catholic Worker Movement.
Social Security let grandma have a place of her own, rather than forcing her to live with her children. Divorce did not arise when that began, it was with us constantly before that - Catholics just did not notice because the clergy made is seem that divorce was forbidden. AFDC and now TANF don't force out-of-wedlock children into orphanages or adoption. That is probably a good thing too, since most don't stay poor forever. His remarks on the low-wage labor market will give libertarians pause, as they should. It sounds like he is in the fight for 15 camp. If he is telling MSW things that MSW does not want to hear on the unlikelihood of any legal protection from the unborn that goes much beyond the status quo, then perhaps MSW should listen.
This book seems to justify a GOP without the harshness of Trump and his followers - or possibly a move of some of it to the Clinton wing of the Democratic Party, which would likely divide the Democrats into a Bernie and Hillary wing. It has happened before and will likely happen again. I don't see the Bernie wing picking up on his ideas or ideals - it will be much more muscularly socialist.
His remarks on the free market are no shock and are as contradictory to Catholic doctrine, especially Caritas in Veritate, as one would expect.
I don't buy MSW's comments on the inconsistency of how either side deals with freedom. The hierarchy-libertarian axis of cultural theory, which combines low-group/low-rules libertarians with high group/high rules hierarchists is classic Republicanism, just as high group/low rules egalitarians are classically Democratic. Catholics fit in both spaces - with the clergy especially in the hierarchist space and Catholic Charities in the egalitarians with the Catholic Worker Movement.
Social Security let grandma have a place of her own, rather than forcing her to live with her children. Divorce did not arise when that began, it was with us constantly before that - Catholics just did not notice because the clergy made is seem that divorce was forbidden. AFDC and now TANF don't force out-of-wedlock children into orphanages or adoption. That is probably a good thing too, since most don't stay poor forever. His remarks on the low-wage labor market will give libertarians pause, as they should. It sounds like he is in the fight for 15 camp. If he is telling MSW things that MSW does not want to hear on the unlikelihood of any legal protection from the unborn that goes much beyond the status quo, then perhaps MSW should listen.
This book seems to justify a GOP without the harshness of Trump and his followers - or possibly a move of some of it to the Clinton wing of the Democratic Party, which would likely divide the Democrats into a Bernie and Hillary wing. It has happened before and will likely happen again. I don't see the Bernie wing picking up on his ideas or ideals - it will be much more muscularly socialist.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Links for 08/19/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/19/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The Aetna case shows why we need Single Payer. I'm not the only one saying this.
Catholics are a reflection of America, not a driver. Trump's Catholic problem is his American/sane/middle class problem.
Trump, like any plutocrat, surrounds himself with people who are personally loyal to him above all else - even when he is being wrong.
At First Things, I almost got lost over the editor's clumsy use of the possessive. I will agree that the Kaine/Biden/Cuomo defense of abortion rights is weak - but it should have nothing to do with their personal loyalty to the Church. Indeed, I would consider it an act of personal loyalty to explain to the Church why they are wrong on, not abortion, but how we treat abortion in society and the impossibility of regulating it in the first trimester. They should also note how craven the pro-life movement is - that it could make a deal on second trimester abortions tomorrow - but doing so would ruin their donor model.
Catholics are a reflection of America, not a driver. Trump's Catholic problem is his American/sane/middle class problem.
Trump, like any plutocrat, surrounds himself with people who are personally loyal to him above all else - even when he is being wrong.
At First Things, I almost got lost over the editor's clumsy use of the possessive. I will agree that the Kaine/Biden/Cuomo defense of abortion rights is weak - but it should have nothing to do with their personal loyalty to the Church. Indeed, I would consider it an act of personal loyalty to explain to the Church why they are wrong on, not abortion, but how we treat abortion in society and the impossibility of regulating it in the first trimester. They should also note how craven the pro-life movement is - that it could make a deal on second trimester abortions tomorrow - but doing so would ruin their donor model.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Bishop Farrell Heads to Rome: What It Means | National Catholic Reporter
Bishop Farrell Heads to Rome: What It Means | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I am quite sure that Archbishop Chaput's reaction to this appointment was something that cannot be repeated in the NCR comments section. Hopefully, the bishop can rein in bishops like Chaput who would ignore the new focus on the pastoral and away from rules and magisterial pronouncements. Maybe now the obstinent will "get it" and drop their official denial that something is really changing. Of course, Farrell may conclude that some rules changes are necessary to clarify things for some of the bishops - and will get Francis to make them. Either way, it's a win for those of us facing the tragedy of divorce or who have gay family who are celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage, even without (and possibly with) the benefit of clergy.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Links for 08/16/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/16/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: As I asked this morning, does Trump really believe what Fox says (meaning he's a fool) or does he just sing off the common hymnal (meaning he is craven)?
None of the trade deals are good policy, but they are established policy. To not do TPP one would first have to void NAFTA, et al, or negotiate amendments taking out provisions that give corporations more sovereignty than governments. I don't see that happening. One day a group of socialist cooperatives are going to assert their rights under trade deals and only then will see action - and then the current crowd against them will be for them.
Italy never really lost its fascist streak. Il Duce hanged himself and there was little other accountability after the war. No Italian Nurembergs. Old mistakes are easily repeated.
Congrats to his Grace of Chicago. Hopefully Francis will remember him with a red hat.
None of the trade deals are good policy, but they are established policy. To not do TPP one would first have to void NAFTA, et al, or negotiate amendments taking out provisions that give corporations more sovereignty than governments. I don't see that happening. One day a group of socialist cooperatives are going to assert their rights under trade deals and only then will see action - and then the current crowd against them will be for them.
Italy never really lost its fascist streak. Il Duce hanged himself and there was little other accountability after the war. No Italian Nurembergs. Old mistakes are easily repeated.
Congrats to his Grace of Chicago. Hopefully Francis will remember him with a red hat.
Trump's Most Insidious Claim Yet | National Catholic Reporter
Trump's Most Insidious Claim Yet | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I would not expect our FoxNews and EWTN watching bishops to depart from the Hannity/Trump meme. My only quesiton is whether Trump is playing along with a FoxNews meme or he actually is one of those people who believes what they say? The fact of the matter is that the only way we could know that the election was rigged was if Trump won, because all indications are a 51 state landslide the other way.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Links for 08/15/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/15/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Poetry is a matter of aesthetics. I like her poem and her work, which is better than most modern poetry. It has a point, even if it contradicts itself in one place - which is called irony - an acceptable literary device. Poetry is something you like when you see or hear it. I like mine plain spoken yet lyrical. Nothing too avant garde. The experts on poetry seem to agree about Maya.
The Angelus message, like most of his preaching, are both the words that every priest should be using based on the Gospel, as well as a nice swipe at some of the Curia and Bishops (who are his personal flock and are the hardest of heart). He is asking for the energies of the Holy Spirit. She may have some ideas about ordaining women that even he is not ready for. (and yes, in the Greek, spirit is feminine).
Ms. Pierson, like her boss, deals in half truths. It is true that Obama turbo charged the war in Afghanistan and made no secret of it in 2008 - but it was still Bush's war - which Bush let languish.
Usually candidates do a 50 state campaign when they have done the math and realized that they don't have a snow ball's chance in the Bad Place of winning anyway.
The Angelus message, like most of his preaching, are both the words that every priest should be using based on the Gospel, as well as a nice swipe at some of the Curia and Bishops (who are his personal flock and are the hardest of heart). He is asking for the energies of the Holy Spirit. She may have some ideas about ordaining women that even he is not ready for. (and yes, in the Greek, spirit is feminine).
Ms. Pierson, like her boss, deals in half truths. It is true that Obama turbo charged the war in Afghanistan and made no secret of it in 2008 - but it was still Bush's war - which Bush let languish.
Usually candidates do a 50 state campaign when they have done the math and realized that they don't have a snow ball's chance in the Bad Place of winning anyway.
Archbishop Chaput's Regrettable Column | National Catholic Reporter
Archbishop Chaput's Regrettable Column | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Luckily, Citizen Chaput's opinions are only hisown, because they are faulty. This year any objective comparison results in a slam dunk for Clinton-Kaine, but the Republican Chaput is unable to say it - or indeed go beyond the FoxNews talking points. Frankly, Citizen Chaput shows why local diocese should elect their bishops democratically - although Biden would beat Chaput by a mile. So would Kaine. I am not averse to a diocese propounding a political position - but it must be the position of the diocese, not the bishop. Even and especially on the political (not the moral) question of abortion. On the moral question, we of course must listen to Archbishop Chaput. On the political question - how to deal with the issue in society - his position is not privileged and contains no political authority unless he actually asked a wide range of the faithful of his flock what they want him to say. I suspect many would say that the pro-life movement has become a con-job and that they are tired of their Archbishop being one of the principle con-men.
I suspect his flock will be mostly for Clinton.
I suspect his flock will be mostly for Clinton.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Links for 08/12/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/12/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Apologies for my classmate, Fr. Rick, who sees things in terms of black, white and apocolyptic. He is a nice guy and he means well, but he is a true believer who could use some Ignatian advice on prayer - that it is effective for the one praying, not to change the behavior of someone you are praying at.
Trump is not seeking religious affirmation, he his going for the endorsement of more authoritarians. Authoritarians like rich men, because they view riches as a sign of favor from God.
Try Canadian Bacon, Turkey and Swiss as a grilled sandwich. You will never go back.
Thanks for the Vivaldi, but I must rush. Dobbie is getting clothes. Dobbie will be free.
Trump is not seeking religious affirmation, he his going for the endorsement of more authoritarians. Authoritarians like rich men, because they view riches as a sign of favor from God.
Try Canadian Bacon, Turkey and Swiss as a grilled sandwich. You will never go back.
Thanks for the Vivaldi, but I must rush. Dobbie is getting clothes. Dobbie will be free.
Do Clinton's emails matter? | National Catholic Reporter
Do Clinton's emails matter? | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I think battle fatigue is the reason Hillary reacts the way she does to yet another scandal. Leon's diatribe in 1993 was about Bill and it was wrong (he did actually raise taxes on the rich and get economic growth - once I saw he thought the two were contradictory, I tuned out). Remember, Hillary helped get Nixon and the Swift Boaters will never forgive her for that. I am still amazed at how the GOP Watergate generation - characters like Ailes and Buchanan really are behind so much of this petty garbage being thrown at Hillary. MSW, quit associating with such Cretins and admit that they are going after her and her husband, as they always will.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Links for 08/11/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/11/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Is there a candidate for Treasury from P.R.? I don't get the reference, unless its a dig on her preference for Wall Streeters, like Bob Rubin and others from Goldman-Sachs.
Who will reconcile LifeSiteNews to reality and what relation do they have, aside from being extreme trads, to the Society of St. Pius X (who would never be canonized today). Let them have their own little world until they die off.
Freedom of the press has never included privileging sources - and even that is as a part of criminal prosecution. In a libel case, if he can't provide facts and testimony, he had better settle out of court quickly, because he deserves to lose.
Who will reconcile LifeSiteNews to reality and what relation do they have, aside from being extreme trads, to the Society of St. Pius X (who would never be canonized today). Let them have their own little world until they die off.
Freedom of the press has never included privileging sources - and even that is as a part of criminal prosecution. In a libel case, if he can't provide facts and testimony, he had better settle out of court quickly, because he deserves to lose.
Infrastructure Spending and Intellectual Infrastructure | National Catholic Reporter
Infrastructure Spending and Intellectual Infrastructure | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I wish you had given the New Republic my number on that counter-intuitive piece. It would have glorious. Politico is a center-right newspaper, so of course they would criticize a Clinton plan. I agree with the points on the $15 minimum wage and the need to create a labor shortage to increase jobs, but I disagree with Hillary's funding source. Back when gas prices were high, we could not raise a gas tax too. Gas prices are no longer high. The way to sustained infrastructure spending is not to tax the rich, but to raise gas taxes. We already know people will pay the higher price, because they have. This fear of the anti-tax Republican base is overblown. It is time to outvote them and move on and let them try to keep running their fringe candidates who would prefer the infrastructure to crumble.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Links for 08/10/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/10/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: I don't think even Trump is another Helms. Maybe in the south. The only exception might be disgruntled black men who want the immigrants gone. That would be the story of the year.
I keep scratching my head and wondering why we are not putting forward Elizabeth Warren for POTUS. Eventually. Either way, this could be a 50 state win, complacency worries aside. We can thank Gary Johnson for that. Actually, Trump should have run as a Libertarian. He would be running agaist both Cruz and Clilnton and would be the insurgent rather than the establishment dolt.
Religious liberty does not need a vehicle (in NC or anywhere) - it has the consitution. As for religious power, it does not need a vehicle - it needs to surrender to modernity and work for the poor, not for its own interests.
Many of the Bernie or Bust crowd were likely Greens anyway, or should be. They are a small enough number not to worry about and if they see Trump as better than Clinton to make a statement, it is better they stay home.
MSW, thank you for sharing video of your friend.
I keep scratching my head and wondering why we are not putting forward Elizabeth Warren for POTUS. Eventually. Either way, this could be a 50 state win, complacency worries aside. We can thank Gary Johnson for that. Actually, Trump should have run as a Libertarian. He would be running agaist both Cruz and Clilnton and would be the insurgent rather than the establishment dolt.
Religious liberty does not need a vehicle (in NC or anywhere) - it has the consitution. As for religious power, it does not need a vehicle - it needs to surrender to modernity and work for the poor, not for its own interests.
Many of the Bernie or Bust crowd were likely Greens anyway, or should be. They are a small enough number not to worry about and if they see Trump as better than Clinton to make a statement, it is better they stay home.
MSW, thank you for sharing video of your friend.
Trump's many flavors of unseriousness | National Catholic Reporter
Trump's many flavors of unseriousness | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Trump is unserious and (MSW is correct) likely insane. I doubt he planned his gaffe on the Second Amendment - and if he did than it was the worst kind of evil designed to keep his base in line (even they have been defecting).
The NRA revolution option has been tried. The Civil War was its shining example. The Federales won that one and laid waste to the South. Does southern pride want a rematch? Good luck with that. You would think that their theory of the case would apply to the Dallas shootings, but apparantly things are different if the shooter is standing up for Black lives. At heart, the NRA revolution concept is about race war (see the militia movement) and selling firearms. Most of us are beyond that, so its time to take the guhs.
As for the speech on economics, Trump was essentially throwing his support to the House Blueprint advanced by Speaker Ryan and his leadership. Granted, Ryan seems to have flunked college economics and hires staff who have the same deficiency, but at least it was better than what Trump had before - or maybe not - since the deficits Trump would give us (Republicans don;t cut spending unless the POTUS is a Democrat) would be expansionary. Now he is simply going back to the rates similar to the Bush Administrations. These rates are just low enough to control wage growth at the bottom while making the rich richer. Given who the nominee is, their plan matters not, but at least the entire GOP is singing off the same page.
The NRA revolution option has been tried. The Civil War was its shining example. The Federales won that one and laid waste to the South. Does southern pride want a rematch? Good luck with that. You would think that their theory of the case would apply to the Dallas shootings, but apparantly things are different if the shooter is standing up for Black lives. At heart, the NRA revolution concept is about race war (see the militia movement) and selling firearms. Most of us are beyond that, so its time to take the guhs.
As for the speech on economics, Trump was essentially throwing his support to the House Blueprint advanced by Speaker Ryan and his leadership. Granted, Ryan seems to have flunked college economics and hires staff who have the same deficiency, but at least it was better than what Trump had before - or maybe not - since the deficits Trump would give us (Republicans don;t cut spending unless the POTUS is a Democrat) would be expansionary. Now he is simply going back to the rates similar to the Bush Administrations. These rates are just low enough to control wage growth at the bottom while making the rich richer. Given who the nominee is, their plan matters not, but at least the entire GOP is singing off the same page.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Links for 08/09/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/09/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This election will be about not electing a narcisist and how conservatives can do that while still voting and not voting for another Clinton. I suspect Gary Johnson will attract those votes, the humblest I candidate there is, who will clear the way for a 50 state Clinton victory, which always has a we feel to it.
There are many ways to unpack Christian libertarianism. The way he seems to mean is that people are Christian morally but economically libertarian. Another way is similar, saying that God is the judge of moral behavior, not man, so the state should not be involved in moral issues. There are others who see freedom a license to sin or not sin, that liberty is about options. Finally, there are those of us who see that moral law is about a libertarian natural law, where the individual uses his consciece to determine moral issues - as well as his or her humanity - rather than having the Church make these moral decisions for him. I favor the last. The Sabbath (and the rest of it) is for Man. It is aka Christian Humanism.
The ones who want to take another stab at TRAP laws have literally run out of options, since they will ever endorse paying people to have their children in a middle class setting ($1000 a month per child). To them, such action would be paying people to not sin or worse, to have sex.
It used to be that medal ceremonies were shown right away. Now they are shown at the end of the night, hence the choice of Americans only. They should show them live for all events instead, except that many events are tape delayed. For those who wish to see everything, I recommend the NBC Olympic web page, which shows everything.
There are many ways to unpack Christian libertarianism. The way he seems to mean is that people are Christian morally but economically libertarian. Another way is similar, saying that God is the judge of moral behavior, not man, so the state should not be involved in moral issues. There are others who see freedom a license to sin or not sin, that liberty is about options. Finally, there are those of us who see that moral law is about a libertarian natural law, where the individual uses his consciece to determine moral issues - as well as his or her humanity - rather than having the Church make these moral decisions for him. I favor the last. The Sabbath (and the rest of it) is for Man. It is aka Christian Humanism.
The ones who want to take another stab at TRAP laws have literally run out of options, since they will ever endorse paying people to have their children in a middle class setting ($1000 a month per child). To them, such action would be paying people to not sin or worse, to have sex.
It used to be that medal ceremonies were shown right away. Now they are shown at the end of the night, hence the choice of Americans only. They should show them live for all events instead, except that many events are tape delayed. For those who wish to see everything, I recommend the NBC Olympic web page, which shows everything.
The Rio Olympics: Have fun | National Catholic Reporter
The Rio Olympics: Have fun | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Rio in the winter is lovely, which it is right now. It is not so different in the summer. It is good to watch the athletes and the fans having fun, especially on the road race courses, where no one can charge you admission to see it - although most people photograph it as much as watch it, which is another bit of competition over fun. I am glad to see the althletes are having fun too, there is no conflict between enjoying yourself and being excellent.
The ceremonial depictions of national pride are new, but they attract viewers. The reason Matt Lauer had the descriptions is that the broadcasters need this kind of show to get people to watch, although the parade of nations is nice too and those of us old enough to remember Montreal know the other components, like the lighting of the torch and the althletes' and judges' oaths.
I suppose it does not matter where you hold the games. In the era of rich white people, they will fly whereever and spend whatever to get good seats. I think it's easier to stream the video from the NBC page. I doubt many working class vacationers put the Olympics on their itinerary, if they get vacation at all. As for the suggestion that Summer games only be held in Greece, no one is holding any venue's feet to the fire to host, although lets hope that the TV revenue is forced as an offset for the venue construction costs. Such stadia are luxuries best fueled by the plutocrats who benefit from them, much like many American football venues which the League forces cities to construct.
The ceremonial depictions of national pride are new, but they attract viewers. The reason Matt Lauer had the descriptions is that the broadcasters need this kind of show to get people to watch, although the parade of nations is nice too and those of us old enough to remember Montreal know the other components, like the lighting of the torch and the althletes' and judges' oaths.
I suppose it does not matter where you hold the games. In the era of rich white people, they will fly whereever and spend whatever to get good seats. I think it's easier to stream the video from the NBC page. I doubt many working class vacationers put the Olympics on their itinerary, if they get vacation at all. As for the suggestion that Summer games only be held in Greece, no one is holding any venue's feet to the fire to host, although lets hope that the TV revenue is forced as an offset for the venue construction costs. Such stadia are luxuries best fueled by the plutocrats who benefit from them, much like many American football venues which the League forces cities to construct.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Links for 08/08/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/08/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: European nations solve their abortion issues through parliament. We don't do that. We deal in the language of rights, which means that unless Congress grants rights to the unborn under it's constitutional powers, they don't exist. While many pro-lifers would like to use such power to end abortion, it would likely not get further than the first trimester - which is where Europe puts it. Third trimester abortions are pretty much unheard of - the child is born and allowed to die of whatever defect plagues him or her. The second trimester is where it gets interesting. Could we find compromise? Probably. Will we? Absolutely not, because the pro-life money and electoral machine won't let us. They don't want the issue solved on reasonable lines.
The Vice President's counter-witness is welcome, because the hierarchy's position is wrong - contrary to the theology of marriage which states that the couple marries each other (the officiant is merely a witness) and that fecundity is not a requirement for Catholic marriage, only functionality. Marriage forms families. Gays have the right to do so (would you rather the two staffers sleep around or act in a sexual manner with women that would violate their personhood?). As for the authority questions, if Biden had been a Catholic deacon, there would be a discipline problem - or if he had performed a religious marriage through online ordination. Civil marriages can be performed by Catholic judges and officials. That some are gay and some are straight is a detail and that the Bishops oppose to just performing gay ones is BIGOTRY. They lost the civil debate. They need to grow up about it and celebrate these marriages themselves.
Aside from the deaths of old white people in Georgia, there has been a significant counter-migration of blacks back to the South, especially to Atlanta. That white youth are no longer conservative Evangelicals is troubling if they are not finding faith in the more liberal Evangelical or Protestant Churches, but the apostacy of the Nones usually only occurs until children are to be raised. Of course, they may just be a mirror that rejects the ugliness of Trumpism.
Private to MSW. See E.J.'s WaPo column from Monday. Juicy stuff on Trump.
Churches should be beautiful because of who is there and whose name they are gathered together in. The rest are details showing the wealth of donors and should not be too over the top unless the Charities organization is really strong.
The Vice President's counter-witness is welcome, because the hierarchy's position is wrong - contrary to the theology of marriage which states that the couple marries each other (the officiant is merely a witness) and that fecundity is not a requirement for Catholic marriage, only functionality. Marriage forms families. Gays have the right to do so (would you rather the two staffers sleep around or act in a sexual manner with women that would violate their personhood?). As for the authority questions, if Biden had been a Catholic deacon, there would be a discipline problem - or if he had performed a religious marriage through online ordination. Civil marriages can be performed by Catholic judges and officials. That some are gay and some are straight is a detail and that the Bishops oppose to just performing gay ones is BIGOTRY. They lost the civil debate. They need to grow up about it and celebrate these marriages themselves.
Aside from the deaths of old white people in Georgia, there has been a significant counter-migration of blacks back to the South, especially to Atlanta. That white youth are no longer conservative Evangelicals is troubling if they are not finding faith in the more liberal Evangelical or Protestant Churches, but the apostacy of the Nones usually only occurs until children are to be raised. Of course, they may just be a mirror that rejects the ugliness of Trumpism.
Private to MSW. See E.J.'s WaPo column from Monday. Juicy stuff on Trump.
Churches should be beautiful because of who is there and whose name they are gathered together in. The rest are details showing the wealth of donors and should not be too over the top unless the Charities organization is really strong.
Scarcity or Abundance | National Catholic Reporter
Scarcity or Abundance | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: One reason people are scrambling for their own savings is the end of pensions, caused because the "experts" said that pension plans that were not fully funded for the future needed to be. In reality, that recommendation, which is still being made for urban pensions, moves employers to shift from defined benefits to defined contributions - which yield better commissions for the "experts." This has caused the upper middle class to go on a Wall Street buying binge and to insist that they need every penny they can to save for a secure retirement in their Roth IRAs. In reality, they would be better off as investors to pay higher taxes, grow the economy and get a better return. Indeed, growth in the economy is measured as consumption spending (which is goosed by transfer payments) and government investment.
No corporate investment manager would ever suggest that the firm invest in a new factory, or even upgrade the line equipment or computers, absent a healthy public or private customer base willing to spend money. Low tax rates and available investment funds are a detail in that analysis. Any investment manager who said they were the most important thing would be fired.
The ultimate solution is the kind of cooperative socialism where employees own the company, set the wage for management and provide themselves a secure pension in retirement, which might even be earlier if the firm is profitable (socialism and profit are not mutually exclusive). Early retirement means more workers get jobs - again growing the economy. Having to work longer makes jobs scarce. We can start with a shorter work week, moving to four days and six and a half hour days, with the same overall salary as a 40 hour week. If we don't reward CEOs with low tax rates so that they can keep the funds that they cut from labor, it will be a lot easier. Senator Sanders had the right idea there.
No corporate investment manager would ever suggest that the firm invest in a new factory, or even upgrade the line equipment or computers, absent a healthy public or private customer base willing to spend money. Low tax rates and available investment funds are a detail in that analysis. Any investment manager who said they were the most important thing would be fired.
The ultimate solution is the kind of cooperative socialism where employees own the company, set the wage for management and provide themselves a secure pension in retirement, which might even be earlier if the firm is profitable (socialism and profit are not mutually exclusive). Early retirement means more workers get jobs - again growing the economy. Having to work longer makes jobs scarce. We can start with a shorter work week, moving to four days and six and a half hour days, with the same overall salary as a 40 hour week. If we don't reward CEOs with low tax rates so that they can keep the funds that they cut from labor, it will be a lot easier. Senator Sanders had the right idea there.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Links for 08/05/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/05/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Voting is a social act, not a personal statement, at least until we get proportional representation - which includes all sides. For now, the important thing is beating Trump and there is only one candidate to do so.
My eyes bleed when I read David Duke, so I will take your word for it.
I don't read commentary I cannot comment on. Besides, even without the comments, I can always share to blogger or facebook and comment there (I do anyway) so people can comment on my comments. It beats playing in the street. Of course, I still think that authors should jump into the fray - then we can tell they are also open to learn.
My eyes bleed when I read David Duke, so I will take your word for it.
I don't read commentary I cannot comment on. Besides, even without the comments, I can always share to blogger or facebook and comment there (I do anyway) so people can comment on my comments. It beats playing in the street. Of course, I still think that authors should jump into the fray - then we can tell they are also open to learn.
The state of the race: Democrats and the moral life of our country | National Catholic Reporter
The state of the race: Democrats and the moral life of our country | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: We have a system of public schools and universities older than the Constitution. It's a little late to object. Indeed, widening the funding net so that all schools and universities are covered would be a good thing, except for those that you could call Republican Academies (like Ave Maria University). As for health care, having had my life saved a the NIH Clinical Center, I can assure you that public health care in the United States is a national treasure. Even my personal Medicaid is channeled through decent HMO and I have no complaints, although I wonder what it would be like to see a UPHS doctor all the time.
Hillary's personality is not a problem. People talking about it is - but at least we are talking about Trump too. She has been pursued a right wing conspiracy ever since she helped take down Nixon (when she was dating Clinton, by the way) - and even then, they had big plans. Luckily, they had the ability to see those plans through.
Abortion is not a major flaw for the Democrats except for the extent that they play the game. They have to because of the old guard in their ranks who remember the days before legal abortion - so this will always get lip service. The truth is, however, that they should point out that the GOP and the USCCB have no plays on the issue - although the Democrats would certainly increase the Child Tax Credit to about 12 times its current size. It's the pro-lifers who would object because they would see this as subsidizing sex and abrogating personal responsibility. So who is really pro-life? By the way, there is no gene for being gay. Epigenesis happens in the first trimester at the hormonal level.
I wish Kaine would drop the concience clause approach to abortion and instead explain why abortion in Europe, where rights are not sacrosanct, and America are two different things - and that even a 14 week ban would preserve 90% of abortions. As far as Hyde, it will never survive Single Payer healthcare.
Calling Catholics a swing vote is a real whopper. We are a bell weather because we are large and we represent the public as well as anyone, both left and right. As for libertarianism on abortion and pelvic issues - whenever there is less then the unanimity of Rousseau, the alternative is to either do nothing or have some kind of police state that violates the moral freedom Aquinas explained when he defined free will as the attraction to the good (God) as filtered by the intellect in an imperfect world. The divine right to rule, therefore, is not for kings but for everyone. The Democrats give their weight to the individual while the Republicans give their's to the tyranny of the mob -even a mob led by the local bishops. Luckily, federal judges outrank bishops, even if the Catholic vote swings in state elections.
I agree about poverty, where the Democrats and Republicans are switched on government action, as I stated above. On that issue, the GOP could not be more wrong and the bishops lack of focus on this issue as an issue is shocking.
Hillary's personality is not a problem. People talking about it is - but at least we are talking about Trump too. She has been pursued a right wing conspiracy ever since she helped take down Nixon (when she was dating Clinton, by the way) - and even then, they had big plans. Luckily, they had the ability to see those plans through.
Abortion is not a major flaw for the Democrats except for the extent that they play the game. They have to because of the old guard in their ranks who remember the days before legal abortion - so this will always get lip service. The truth is, however, that they should point out that the GOP and the USCCB have no plays on the issue - although the Democrats would certainly increase the Child Tax Credit to about 12 times its current size. It's the pro-lifers who would object because they would see this as subsidizing sex and abrogating personal responsibility. So who is really pro-life? By the way, there is no gene for being gay. Epigenesis happens in the first trimester at the hormonal level.
I wish Kaine would drop the concience clause approach to abortion and instead explain why abortion in Europe, where rights are not sacrosanct, and America are two different things - and that even a 14 week ban would preserve 90% of abortions. As far as Hyde, it will never survive Single Payer healthcare.
Calling Catholics a swing vote is a real whopper. We are a bell weather because we are large and we represent the public as well as anyone, both left and right. As for libertarianism on abortion and pelvic issues - whenever there is less then the unanimity of Rousseau, the alternative is to either do nothing or have some kind of police state that violates the moral freedom Aquinas explained when he defined free will as the attraction to the good (God) as filtered by the intellect in an imperfect world. The divine right to rule, therefore, is not for kings but for everyone. The Democrats give their weight to the individual while the Republicans give their's to the tyranny of the mob -even a mob led by the local bishops. Luckily, federal judges outrank bishops, even if the Catholic vote swings in state elections.
I agree about poverty, where the Democrats and Republicans are switched on government action, as I stated above. On that issue, the GOP could not be more wrong and the bishops lack of focus on this issue as an issue is shocking.
Welcome to my "New" Blog
I have been noticing for a while that most of my postings have been in reaction to pieces in National Catholic Reporter, mainly by Michael Sean Winters - who was once at America Magazine. The easy responses were choking off the rest of my blog entries at xianleft.blogspot.com, so today I did a mass copy and deleted common records from one or the other blog. I also created a separate blog for Capital Commentary by the Center of Public Justice - which may get me back into reading their stuff as well. Comments on MSW and NCR will continue unabated, but check the Christian Left occassionally for fresh original content. Of course, my comments here are original as well - and should be well worth your time to go back and read. I hope you enjoy it!
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Links for 08/04/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/04/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: If Wuerl was reasonable and discussed the Pope, I suspect that some in the K of C felt tortured. Good.
Trump, Republican and racism would seem redundant as well.
I have never heard of Obama believing that he had any secret religious knowledge, so by definition he is not a gnostic. His daughters might have even become Quakers during their time at Sidwell - and last I heard Sunday services were with his pastor at Camp David - kind of generic Protestant. You would think Steubenville would get these distinctions - however, I suspect that they still have problems with German and Irish Catholics mixing romantically. (If you don't get the reference, I will explain it).
I don't follow Newark. The Archbishop who hosted the Catholic Charities National Gathering in 2001 was a gem, but I don't think that is the current ordinary - who I gather is below ordinary.
Trump, Republican and racism would seem redundant as well.
I have never heard of Obama believing that he had any secret religious knowledge, so by definition he is not a gnostic. His daughters might have even become Quakers during their time at Sidwell - and last I heard Sunday services were with his pastor at Camp David - kind of generic Protestant. You would think Steubenville would get these distinctions - however, I suspect that they still have problems with German and Irish Catholics mixing romantically. (If you don't get the reference, I will explain it).
I don't follow Newark. The Archbishop who hosted the Catholic Charities National Gathering in 2001 was a gem, but I don't think that is the current ordinary - who I gather is below ordinary.
The state of the race: Republicans and the moral life of our country | National Catholic Reporter
The state of the race: Republicans and the moral life of our country | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Unless Anderson was a young intern when he worked for Helms, he is responsible for the sins of the mentor - which makes him fit for the Trump campaign but spreads that taint to the Knights, which have become a right wing organization, closed to many thinking liberal Catholics. As for abortion, it cannot be the prime issue because it is not an issue at all. Name five things the pro-life movement can do (or has done) in the last five years that have not been considered unconstitutional - or the five justices who will change that. I find no actions and one, maybe two, justices - and one of these is retiring (Thomas - the other is Alito and he is squishy on overturning Roe).
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Links for 08/03/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/03/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It looks like whatever was the matter with Kansas is being fixed, with the idiots being shown the door.
With the way things are going in the GOP, Trump's spokesperson may as well blame Bush, since Bush & Co. seem set to go after Trump,. Of course, not sure if the party faithful will sit still for a coup, there are a lot of wingnuts on his side who would resent it.
Catholics are not going to support attacking NARAL. Quite a few Catholics support their position, even if they would never have an abortion. Any state that can prohibit abortion can mandate it, just ask the Chinese. As for immigration, I note we have some legalists on this list. Let me be clear - the law is an ass and there is no moral argument against a path for citizenship. None. Indeed, there is a strong moral argument to provide one. Of course, if there are people who can't separate morals from law, I can't help them.
Yes, Edward Longshanks did lots of bad things, but he is still the last Plantagenet king I am descended from (although I have Tudor and Stewart relations). That fact makes about as much sense as linking saving a puppy to drowning Jews (I also have a few of those in my family tree), almost 1000 years ago. Apparantly, Grandpa Ed had some of the same views on immigration as Trump.
With the way things are going in the GOP, Trump's spokesperson may as well blame Bush, since Bush & Co. seem set to go after Trump,. Of course, not sure if the party faithful will sit still for a coup, there are a lot of wingnuts on his side who would resent it.
Catholics are not going to support attacking NARAL. Quite a few Catholics support their position, even if they would never have an abortion. Any state that can prohibit abortion can mandate it, just ask the Chinese. As for immigration, I note we have some legalists on this list. Let me be clear - the law is an ass and there is no moral argument against a path for citizenship. None. Indeed, there is a strong moral argument to provide one. Of course, if there are people who can't separate morals from law, I can't help them.
Yes, Edward Longshanks did lots of bad things, but he is still the last Plantagenet king I am descended from (although I have Tudor and Stewart relations). That fact makes about as much sense as linking saving a puppy to drowning Jews (I also have a few of those in my family tree), almost 1000 years ago. Apparantly, Grandpa Ed had some of the same views on immigration as Trump.
The state of the race: The Democrats | National Catholic Reporter
The state of the race: The Democrats | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: She is considered untrustworthy because the meme that Fox News puts out is that she can't be trusted. People assume that if there is an investigation, something must be wrong. Not so fast. The GOP does not like her. They have not liked her since she helped go after Nixon, who like Trump was totally unworthy of trust. I still trust that the starting point for her Electoral Vote totals was what Obama got in 2012 - and a bad debate performance by Trump (or Trump opting out) may increase her margins. There is only one thing I fear for her time in the White House. Bill asserting himself. If he backs off, she should have a good term - although age may prevent a second.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Knights of Columbus leader: Catholics cannot vote for abortion advocates | National Catholic Reporter
Knights of Columbus leader: Catholics cannot vote for abortion advocates | National Catholic Reporter by David Gibson, CNS. MGB: Abortion is not an electoral issue. It has been constitutionalized - it is above all state legislatures and the national legislative compromise possible would enshrine the status quo. Abortion is an opportunistic issue for the Republicans and those Catholics that support them. Everyone knows that this is the dominent meme on this issue and has been since 2008. K of C can't be trusted for anything if it keeps harping on this. Congratulations for ruining a service opportunity for more than hald of Catholic men.
Links for 08/02/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/02/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: If the Democrats internal polling shows what my anecdotal evidence shows about working class black men (who really don't like losing jobs to Latinos), then this could be a bumpy ride.
All this talk about the GOP soul will go away if Trump wins. The GOP is perfectly willing to follow an authoritarian, as they followed Nixon.
I would prefer a candidate that is fluent in the Catholic worker movement or even Jewish secular socialism, but I will take a Methodist. My mother was raised Methodist before she became Catholic, although her father was raised in the Disciples of Christ. Original sin is an interesting debating point - mostly overcome by findings in anthropology (there were things Augustine did not know). What matters is where she has taken action - and in that she could be confused with a Catholic worker.
All this talk about the GOP soul will go away if Trump wins. The GOP is perfectly willing to follow an authoritarian, as they followed Nixon.
I would prefer a candidate that is fluent in the Catholic worker movement or even Jewish secular socialism, but I will take a Methodist. My mother was raised Methodist before she became Catholic, although her father was raised in the Disciples of Christ. Original sin is an interesting debating point - mostly overcome by findings in anthropology (there were things Augustine did not know). What matters is where she has taken action - and in that she could be confused with a Catholic worker.
The State of the race: The GOP | National Catholic Reporter
The State of the race: The GOP | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Correct on Fox, not so much about the polling. The polls are suspect because they adjust for demographics. If the adjustment for the number of people who still call themselves Republicans is off, the Trump numbers will be over reported. What is more interesting than the older white male working class vote is the black male working class vote. I have come across several such voters who think Trump is going to win. That may be why certain counties are going for Trump that went for Obama - in which case its a different game than we think it is.
Links for 08/01/16 | National Catholic Reporter
Links for 08/01/16 | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: The key feature from the black church was not their blackness, but their righteousness, although the author did not say it. It hung in the air.
The Christian Left is riding high in the Democratic Party - again -because of righteousness, not the self righteousness of the Christian Right (and the bishops).
Any poll with last week's numbers is off. Some counties may go for Trump - although we will see after the debates - or after Trump opts out of them. The real starting point for the election is 330 electoral votes. That is almost impossible for Trump to put a dent in.
The Christian Left is riding high in the Democratic Party - again -because of righteousness, not the self righteousness of the Christian Right (and the bishops).
Any poll with last week's numbers is off. Some counties may go for Trump - although we will see after the debates - or after Trump opts out of them. The real starting point for the election is 330 electoral votes. That is almost impossible for Trump to put a dent in.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Pope Francis at World Youth Day | National Catholic Reporter
Pope Francis at World Youth Day | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: This Pope is as much spiritual director as religious leader. He offers and example of all priests - the example of the Gospel. It is sad that some find this confusing (or, as they won't admit, radical, which is why the Bible spent so much time untranslated). Hopefully, Francis softened the hard hearts of the Polish bishops - although I suspect that this is a long term project.
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