Links for 12/31/2019
Is the pro-Palestinian peace movement in Israel anti-Semitic? Just asking as a Catholic Jew. By the same token, is being pro-native American unpatriotic?
I just tweeted Bob a copy of my study on who owns and owes the debt. I hope he reads his Twitter feed.
Impeachment to reinforce Fox News electoral choices is not impeachable. Cutting off aid to bolster Russia is. The Dems always find a way to go after the wrong thing.
Speaking good or ill on only one side is the bias that has people only watch MSNBC, which I highly recommend. Truth has a liberal bias. Conservatism is Reactionary Lite.
Mayor Pete should run for Governor. No one who can't win at home has no business running for President. See Gore and Trump. Trump's attack on Gold Star families and jingoism are also disqualifying. His overt support for Russia should have as well. Blame the Catholic bishops for making abortion non-negotiable. Without that focus, supporting Trump would not pass the smell test in the Senate.
Theology should instruct the bishops on where they are wrong, especially on explaining Roe. Doing so would be a full-time job. It should not be considered anti-Catholic.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Monday, December 30, 2019
I was right, I was wrong, I was human
I was right, I was wrong, I was human
On the bishops, time wounds all heals. In the end, the problem is structural. Churchill was right about democracy. The Catholic Left is about action, not the Academy. You are looking in the wrong place.
Once GRUdy does his prep walk and starts singing, there will be a rethinking about Putin's agent in the White House.
Bills on late term abortions (which are exceedingly rare) are mostly supported by Catholic teaching on extraordinary measures. Regardless, they are a victory dance, not a policy change. Sanders, Warren and Biden have a two-term issue that Iowans won't ignore. Amy has a month to peak.
Criticism is welcome. Ignoring opposing views is the original sin of the media. Repent.
On the bishops, time wounds all heals. In the end, the problem is structural. Churchill was right about democracy. The Catholic Left is about action, not the Academy. You are looking in the wrong place.
Once GRUdy does his prep walk and starts singing, there will be a rethinking about Putin's agent in the White House.
Bills on late term abortions (which are exceedingly rare) are mostly supported by Catholic teaching on extraordinary measures. Regardless, they are a victory dance, not a policy change. Sanders, Warren and Biden have a two-term issue that Iowans won't ignore. Amy has a month to peak.
Criticism is welcome. Ignoring opposing views is the original sin of the media. Repent.
Friday, December 27, 2019
We are living in an 'in between' time politically
We are living in an 'in between' time politically
Trump loses in a head to head with most anyone. The only age appropriate candidate is Amy Klobuchar. If she ignores abortion or gives an in betweem response, she wins. The Court may settle the question in June regarding June v. Gee.
The current in between time is the wait for Adam Schiff yo bring SDNY personnel to talk about whether GRUdy is working for Putin or Trump. Arrests could even happen. At some point senators will hear from major donors When they do, the question of the trial may be moot.
Trump loses in a head to head with most anyone. The only age appropriate candidate is Amy Klobuchar. If she ignores abortion or gives an in betweem response, she wins. The Court may settle the question in June regarding June v. Gee.
The current in between time is the wait for Adam Schiff yo bring SDNY personnel to talk about whether GRUdy is working for Putin or Trump. Arrests could even happen. At some point senators will hear from major donors When they do, the question of the trial may be moot.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Links for 12/24/19
Links for 12/24/19
As my friend Faith Dane sang in Gypsy, you've gotta have a gimmick. Wine caves are all gimmick. Mine is pointing out that the problem is not money in politics, it's Capitalism. Pete will never say that. Eleven minutes down, four to go.
Automatic purges are how states justify actually processing address changes at the receiving end. They are also a great way to block ballot initiatives. That both sides consider it to be racist and that the GOP does it for that reason is regrettable.
If everyone knows you are lying, you aren't doing it right. Trump has surrounded himself with hapless rookies. He needs party hacks. We know how to lie. Including to the boss.
Broadband was not provided because of Capitalism. Tim Kaine and Midwestern bishops is how Trump won. Even he thought he would lose. He needed hacks, not Russian agents, on his campaign staff. No one with experience will work with him. He is a walking gimmick.
Dying at home is not a problem. Dying alone is sad.
Religious symbols in public are more about than veneration. Another gimmick. So is Christmas in winter and the term Happy Holidays and being offended by the term.
As my friend Faith Dane sang in Gypsy, you've gotta have a gimmick. Wine caves are all gimmick. Mine is pointing out that the problem is not money in politics, it's Capitalism. Pete will never say that. Eleven minutes down, four to go.
Automatic purges are how states justify actually processing address changes at the receiving end. They are also a great way to block ballot initiatives. That both sides consider it to be racist and that the GOP does it for that reason is regrettable.
If everyone knows you are lying, you aren't doing it right. Trump has surrounded himself with hapless rookies. He needs party hacks. We know how to lie. Including to the boss.
Broadband was not provided because of Capitalism. Tim Kaine and Midwestern bishops is how Trump won. Even he thought he would lose. He needed hacks, not Russian agents, on his campaign staff. No one with experience will work with him. He is a walking gimmick.
Dying at home is not a problem. Dying alone is sad.
Religious symbols in public are more about than veneration. Another gimmick. So is Christmas in winter and the term Happy Holidays and being offended by the term.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Democratic candidate race still fluid, but any would be better than Trump
Democratic candidate race still fluid, but any would be better than Trump
It is not that the Democrats are blind on abortion. The are mute in explaining it in constitutional law terms on state power, equal protection and privacy. The take away question is whether a first trimester child should have the right to police power against his mother. Instead, it needs an economic right to a middle class lifestyle, regardless of who it choses to be its parents. The candidate who can speak that way will beat Pence in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Warren, Biden and Sanders have a 2024 problem. Mayor Pete needs to be Governor Pete. Amy can speak Iowa nice. Gabbard is a Russian mole and Steyers, Bloomberg, Yang and Steyer need to run in the GOP. They worship billionaires.
It is not that the Democrats are blind on abortion. The are mute in explaining it in constitutional law terms on state power, equal protection and privacy. The take away question is whether a first trimester child should have the right to police power against his mother. Instead, it needs an economic right to a middle class lifestyle, regardless of who it choses to be its parents. The candidate who can speak that way will beat Pence in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Warren, Biden and Sanders have a 2024 problem. Mayor Pete needs to be Governor Pete. Amy can speak Iowa nice. Gabbard is a Russian mole and Steyers, Bloomberg, Yang and Steyer need to run in the GOP. They worship billionaires.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Pope's steps against sex abuse vindicate maligned Vatican summit
Pope's steps against sex abuse vindicate maligned Vatican summit
Vigano' has no credibility anyway and is safely ignored. It is tragicomic to watch him dance around whether homosexuality exists while accusing others of it. Note to his Grace, unintegrateded asexuals (like himself) are the more likely abusers. The doubters from NCR can be forgiven for expecting less than nothing from the Curia. They do not yet realize that the Curia is being dismantled.
Vigano' has no credibility anyway and is safely ignored. It is tragicomic to watch him dance around whether homosexuality exists while accusing others of it. Note to his Grace, unintegrateded asexuals (like himself) are the more likely abusers. The doubters from NCR can be forgiven for expecting less than nothing from the Curia. They do not yet realize that the Curia is being dismantled.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Links for 12/19/19
Links for 12/19/19
Trump is a short-term problem.
When will the Church give up magicism. We can never know the nature of the Eucharist before it is received. Jesus said my flesh is real food, not my food is real flesh. Find Christ in the poor, not in a Monstrance.
Whatever happened to the Google promise to do no evil?
Bibi is simply Zionism taken to its logical conclusion. So is TFP.
The AMA needs to think long and hard about surprise billing. Many simply will not pay. This is certainly fuel for Medicare for All.
Mayor Pete needs to focus on the Indiana governor's race. No one who can't win their home state should run for nomination.
Trump is a short-term problem.
When will the Church give up magicism. We can never know the nature of the Eucharist before it is received. Jesus said my flesh is real food, not my food is real flesh. Find Christ in the poor, not in a Monstrance.
Whatever happened to the Google promise to do no evil?
Bibi is simply Zionism taken to its logical conclusion. So is TFP.
The AMA needs to think long and hard about surprise billing. Many simply will not pay. This is certainly fuel for Medicare for All.
Mayor Pete needs to focus on the Indiana governor's race. No one who can't win their home state should run for nomination.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Drawing facile US lessons from UK election ignores our differences
Drawing facile US lessons from UK election ignores our differences
Anything from the mouths of neoliberal Clintonites who never met a donor they did not like needs to be taken with a ton of salt. Such comments will eventually lead to two Democratic parties: one with neoliberals and never Trumpers (Democrats) and one with Democrats. No one cares what the Trumpers do. They have become fringe.
Anything from the mouths of neoliberal Clintonites who never met a donor they did not like needs to be taken with a ton of salt. Such comments will eventually lead to two Democratic parties: one with neoliberals and never Trumpers (Democrats) and one with Democrats. No one cares what the Trumpers do. They have become fringe.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Links for 12/17/19
Links for 12/17/19
If Sullivan is decrying identity politics, you know It has gone too far. The LD needed to coalesce with Labor. Their stint with the Tories was unfortunate.
On atheism, people are spiritual and moral, but aren't attached to a shame culture that forces going late to Sunday brunch. They do like socialism, however, or at least the social democracy of Bernie. Paying student loan bills interferes with brunch.
Adding Amash is tokenism. The question we need to ask is whether seeking an endorsement of a standard Fox News means is election meddling or treason. Singing to the choir does not change any minds in the election booth. Follow the money from Russia to GRUdy to Trump. Do so and he will be forced to quit before any trial.
If Sullivan is decrying identity politics, you know It has gone too far. The LD needed to coalesce with Labor. Their stint with the Tories was unfortunate.
On atheism, people are spiritual and moral, but aren't attached to a shame culture that forces going late to Sunday brunch. They do like socialism, however, or at least the social democracy of Bernie. Paying student loan bills interferes with brunch.
Adding Amash is tokenism. The question we need to ask is whether seeking an endorsement of a standard Fox News means is election meddling or treason. Singing to the choir does not change any minds in the election booth. Follow the money from Russia to GRUdy to Trump. Do so and he will be forced to quit before any trial.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Away in a manger, no room at the shopping mall
Away in a manger, no room at the shopping mall
Christmas is an environmental holiday, as it should be. There is a very real need for togetherness and revelry as the nights grow long and cold. It was no place for tending sheep. Christ was born in spring, but celebrating then has too many overtones of reincarnation.
Popular piety is too somber. At least the mariachi have it right. Fireworks at the solstice would be a nice addition to the culture. It is time to be loud and curse the night.
Christmas is also a harvest festival. A year end bonus, instead of a full pantry. There is excess flour, so it is time to turn the first fruits into cookies. Time together at play (and A.A.) rather than work is a very real need. Socks have holes. Ties have coffee stains. The humidor is empty. All need replacing. The old toys are no longer age appropriate. Buy now ones. Mom needs new lingerie. Only a fool gets her pajamas.
Adding Christ to Yule replaces the ritual fires as our source of light, although a trip to Stonehenge or Newgrange is not to be missed either if you can get tickets. Traveling to a Bowl game works too.
Bethlehem of Galilee had a Church if the Nativity closer to reality. It is mostly forgotten. A highway to Haifa runs through the location of the old Sanctuary. We have let ritual bypass reality.
The creche is a made up version of events. There was no cave. Families lived in compounds and the animals lived on the ground floor. Childbirth is ritually unclean and was always done in an unclean place, not a sanitary hospital. Thus was the status of women. (The way to honor Mary is to ordain them).
Christ is about love, not history. Loving is how encounter God, not as a goal but as the present reality. God has no sin. He cannot see it because it is foreign to him, but he can always see us. Calvary was about empathy, not punishment. We are called to the same empathy. It is how we feel the Pressence of God (including exchanging gifts). Giving and experiencing Love are how God is with us, so Merry Christmas!
Christmas is an environmental holiday, as it should be. There is a very real need for togetherness and revelry as the nights grow long and cold. It was no place for tending sheep. Christ was born in spring, but celebrating then has too many overtones of reincarnation.
Popular piety is too somber. At least the mariachi have it right. Fireworks at the solstice would be a nice addition to the culture. It is time to be loud and curse the night.
Christmas is also a harvest festival. A year end bonus, instead of a full pantry. There is excess flour, so it is time to turn the first fruits into cookies. Time together at play (and A.A.) rather than work is a very real need. Socks have holes. Ties have coffee stains. The humidor is empty. All need replacing. The old toys are no longer age appropriate. Buy now ones. Mom needs new lingerie. Only a fool gets her pajamas.
Adding Christ to Yule replaces the ritual fires as our source of light, although a trip to Stonehenge or Newgrange is not to be missed either if you can get tickets. Traveling to a Bowl game works too.
Bethlehem of Galilee had a Church if the Nativity closer to reality. It is mostly forgotten. A highway to Haifa runs through the location of the old Sanctuary. We have let ritual bypass reality.
The creche is a made up version of events. There was no cave. Families lived in compounds and the animals lived on the ground floor. Childbirth is ritually unclean and was always done in an unclean place, not a sanitary hospital. Thus was the status of women. (The way to honor Mary is to ordain them).
Christ is about love, not history. Loving is how encounter God, not as a goal but as the present reality. God has no sin. He cannot see it because it is foreign to him, but he can always see us. Calvary was about empathy, not punishment. We are called to the same empathy. It is how we feel the Pressence of God (including exchanging gifts). Giving and experiencing Love are how God is with us, so Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 13, 2019
Ours is a time of lying: See also, 'The Afghanistan Papers'
Ours is a time of lying: See also, 'The Afghanistan Papers'
It is truth that if we do not learn the lessons of history, we are doomed to repeat them. The Pentagon does justification, not analysis. It is persistent to creativity. Afghanistan should be partitioned and absorbed by neighbors. Western Baluchistan will do better with Iran than in its own. Taziks and Uzbekis too. Let Pakistan have the Pashtun, they deserve it.
Trump came to destroy government. He is doing well. Steyer is showing that billionaires surround themselves with people who will not challenge him. Changing faces does not change the fact that the establishment (including the Church) hates new ideas. The people do not demand better. We have met the enemy.
It is truth that if we do not learn the lessons of history, we are doomed to repeat them. The Pentagon does justification, not analysis. It is persistent to creativity. Afghanistan should be partitioned and absorbed by neighbors. Western Baluchistan will do better with Iran than in its own. Taziks and Uzbekis too. Let Pakistan have the Pashtun, they deserve it.
Trump came to destroy government. He is doing well. Steyer is showing that billionaires surround themselves with people who will not challenge him. Changing faces does not change the fact that the establishment (including the Church) hates new ideas. The people do not demand better. We have met the enemy.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Links for 12/12/19
Links for 12/12/19
Steyer should have run as a Republican. They like billionaires. His idiocy on referendums is disqualifying. If he had competent staff, they would not let him say it. If he cannot hear contrary opinions, he is no better than Trump.
Barr is a sideshow designed to let Trump thinks he is winning. Barr is Redford to Trump's Newman. Cue theme music from The Entertainer.
Linskey followed the Warren story because it is a story on Mayor Pete. The point of the PBS story is why people leave and stay. The elephant in the room is 2024. It will trumpet soon enough. The question is not about who wins in Iowa and New Hamphire, but who loses. Nancy Pelosi is doing the GOP a huge favor. By waiting, they could have brought in SDNY information on treason. By going so quickly, they allow the GOP to have a primary season, rather than having to settle on Pence.
If the monks of St. Anselm wanted veto power over Trustee selection, now is too late to assert it.
Trump is giving the Pro-Birth movement one last dance. The bishops need a new partner.
Steyer should have run as a Republican. They like billionaires. His idiocy on referendums is disqualifying. If he had competent staff, they would not let him say it. If he cannot hear contrary opinions, he is no better than Trump.
Barr is a sideshow designed to let Trump thinks he is winning. Barr is Redford to Trump's Newman. Cue theme music from The Entertainer.
Linskey followed the Warren story because it is a story on Mayor Pete. The point of the PBS story is why people leave and stay. The elephant in the room is 2024. It will trumpet soon enough. The question is not about who wins in Iowa and New Hamphire, but who loses. Nancy Pelosi is doing the GOP a huge favor. By waiting, they could have brought in SDNY information on treason. By going so quickly, they allow the GOP to have a primary season, rather than having to settle on Pence.
If the monks of St. Anselm wanted veto power over Trustee selection, now is too late to assert it.
Trump is giving the Pro-Birth movement one last dance. The bishops need a new partner.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
We should expect better preaching; learn from Archbishop DiNoia
We should expect better preaching; learn from Archbishop DiNoia
Nice antidote to the events of the week. Guadate!
Nice antidote to the events of the week. Guadate!
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Links for 12/10/19
Links for 12/10/19
Louis Brown forgets that before the plan by Heritage/Romney/Obama, the plan from Dole to McCain was catastrophic insurance and health savings accounts, with anything richer taxable as income. The latter is the school solution for economists - although it assumes health care is a normal good. It isn't. More about that later. As bad as that is, Texas is worse because it leaves Medicaid enhancements on the table. Beto for Governor!
Going big on abortion law just in case Roe is retired is not a good strategy, but it only ticks off advocates on the other side. The better strategy is to explain that Roe is going nowhere and forcing the pro-life movement to abandon the GOP and advocate tax supported middle-class income for all children. (and single-payer healthcare).
Gerson is more Christian Democrat than what passes for modern reactionary conservatism. That is more like a College Republican State Convention on Meth. Like Wadsworth.
Louis Brown forgets that before the plan by Heritage/Romney/Obama, the plan from Dole to McCain was catastrophic insurance and health savings accounts, with anything richer taxable as income. The latter is the school solution for economists - although it assumes health care is a normal good. It isn't. More about that later. As bad as that is, Texas is worse because it leaves Medicaid enhancements on the table. Beto for Governor!
Going big on abortion law just in case Roe is retired is not a good strategy, but it only ticks off advocates on the other side. The better strategy is to explain that Roe is going nowhere and forcing the pro-life movement to abandon the GOP and advocate tax supported middle-class income for all children. (and single-payer healthcare).
Gerson is more Christian Democrat than what passes for modern reactionary conservatism. That is more like a College Republican State Convention on Meth. Like Wadsworth.
Monday, December 9, 2019
In New Hampshire, engaged voters revisit the Bretton Woods legacy
In New Hampshire, engaged voters revisit the Bretton Woods legacy
The mid-century prosperity came as the world was rebuilding and tax rates were high. A higher income tax would be much better than a wealth tax to end wage theft by CEOs, so no points for Mayor Pete either. The story of NH may be Bernie and Liz cancelling each other out. If Liz dominates, it's over. Bernie and Joe both have a 2024 problem and Pete's 15 minutes are up soon. Demography may mean destiny in both the primary and the general elections.
The mid-century prosperity came as the world was rebuilding and tax rates were high. A higher income tax would be much better than a wealth tax to end wage theft by CEOs, so no points for Mayor Pete either. The story of NH may be Bernie and Liz cancelling each other out. If Liz dominates, it's over. Bernie and Joe both have a 2024 problem and Pete's 15 minutes are up soon. Demography may mean destiny in both the primary and the general elections.
The dangers of undoing the evolved strength of the papacy
The dangers of undoing the evolved strength of the papacy
The supremacy of the Papacy came in response to Garibaldi. I'll take Garibaldi. I agree that we should not trade Medievalism for reactionary capitalism, but we have more option at the diocesan and parish levels. The Imperial See does fine with autocephalic patriarchies. The Apostolic See can as well (if we need it at all).
The supremacy of the Papacy came in response to Garibaldi. I'll take Garibaldi. I agree that we should not trade Medievalism for reactionary capitalism, but we have more option at the diocesan and parish levels. The Imperial See does fine with autocephalic patriarchies. The Apostolic See can as well (if we need it at all).
Friday, December 6, 2019
It's too soon to beatify Archbishop Sheen anyway
It's too soon to beatify Archbishop Sheen anyway
Sheen was the hero of many of those who are about to join him in Heaven. Canonizing Sheen is canonizing their youth in those halcyon days when the church was respected and everyone knew their place. As for sexual abuse, we all enabled the enablers. In the end, the shame is as much ours as the bishops of the day.
Sheen was the hero of many of those who are about to join him in Heaven. Canonizing Sheen is canonizing their youth in those halcyon days when the church was respected and everyone knew their place. As for sexual abuse, we all enabled the enablers. In the end, the shame is as much ours as the bishops of the day.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Links for 12/5/19
Links for 12/5/19
If Pence is the GOP nominee, abortion will be huge - even as June v. Gee may be the last Supreme Court case on abortion ever. If the Democratic nominee points that out rather than arguing that abortion is a women's rights issue (rights for federal review, not being prosecuted like others who order contract killings and privacy rights not to be investigated for having a D&C), which it actually is - or the right of Catholic Democrats to insist on Dignitatis Humanae in supporting not having a Catholic abortion policy (over and above an economic one to fund families adequately).
Pompeo became a person of interest once his own staff put him at the center of the investigation. Nunes and Mulvaney too. Giuliani is not the President's lawyer - he is the President's handler. Pass it on.
Europe is concerned about our economy because when we go down, they can go down harder. Their fiscal policy is by treaty rather than federated. As the Confederates of the Continental Congress how that worked out. Also, our capitalist owners are also their capitalist owners. Crypto Currency is as popular in Europe as in the U.S. When if falls, we all all go down. Whether the ECB is funding the private equity raid on rental housing bought for pennies (and heavily leveraged) post-2008 will determine how bad the next Depression is on them.
Mayor Mike shows why Mayor Pete should not run either. If he is not smart enough to know that he takes votes away from Biden, he deserves to lose (unless Joe drops out soon). Personally, the smart bet for anyone but Warren is to hope Pence becomes President and wins so that the upcoming Depression is on his watch. Warren is the only candidate with the tools and talent to get us out quickly (by raising taxes on the wealthy and giving more money to everyone else).
Pence has the most to answer for in 2020 (assuming he is not forced out - in which case having Pelosi or Biden as Presumptive President is good for GOP voting). He did not pursue the 25th Amendment, which should have been the obvious play when Comey was fired over Trump corruption and psychopathy.
The opponents of Francis remember the glory (or is it gory) days of 1950's Catholicism. Note to Cardinal Burke - Bing Crosby was acting.
If Pence is the GOP nominee, abortion will be huge - even as June v. Gee may be the last Supreme Court case on abortion ever. If the Democratic nominee points that out rather than arguing that abortion is a women's rights issue (rights for federal review, not being prosecuted like others who order contract killings and privacy rights not to be investigated for having a D&C), which it actually is - or the right of Catholic Democrats to insist on Dignitatis Humanae in supporting not having a Catholic abortion policy (over and above an economic one to fund families adequately).
Pompeo became a person of interest once his own staff put him at the center of the investigation. Nunes and Mulvaney too. Giuliani is not the President's lawyer - he is the President's handler. Pass it on.
Europe is concerned about our economy because when we go down, they can go down harder. Their fiscal policy is by treaty rather than federated. As the Confederates of the Continental Congress how that worked out. Also, our capitalist owners are also their capitalist owners. Crypto Currency is as popular in Europe as in the U.S. When if falls, we all all go down. Whether the ECB is funding the private equity raid on rental housing bought for pennies (and heavily leveraged) post-2008 will determine how bad the next Depression is on them.
Mayor Mike shows why Mayor Pete should not run either. If he is not smart enough to know that he takes votes away from Biden, he deserves to lose (unless Joe drops out soon). Personally, the smart bet for anyone but Warren is to hope Pence becomes President and wins so that the upcoming Depression is on his watch. Warren is the only candidate with the tools and talent to get us out quickly (by raising taxes on the wealthy and giving more money to everyone else).
Pence has the most to answer for in 2020 (assuming he is not forced out - in which case having Pelosi or Biden as Presumptive President is good for GOP voting). He did not pursue the 25th Amendment, which should have been the obvious play when Comey was fired over Trump corruption and psychopathy.
The opponents of Francis remember the glory (or is it gory) days of 1950's Catholicism. Note to Cardinal Burke - Bing Crosby was acting.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Links for 12/3/19
Links for 12/3/19
Pence will try to make it right for PR if he survives. Trump will face massive disclosure to Congress on Monday when the Court affirms US v. Nixon (the case that made Nixon quit). Bolsonaro, like Trump and all fascists, tell Big Lies. It never ends well for them. Robert Barr is the bright, shiny object whose purpose is to let Trump think he is winning until McConnell lowers the boom. Ever watch The Entertainer? Cue music. As for Barr's speech, nobody cares.
Any morality that is not utilitarian is more about group loyalty than truth or love. The abortion debate, on the other had, is about legality, not morality. Few think abortion is a good thing. The question is whether it is possible (or practical) to give the unborn a legal right to the use of police power against their mothers. Anyone who says differently is selling snake oil. Kaveny's method works here too. Dignitatis Humanae applies here too. Cuomo and Biden should site it directly. It may not be what the Council Fathers intended, which is likely why it passed. It still applies.
On Harris, you are the victim of bad timing or blindness on reading the tea leaves. She is already pulling a Biden. At this point, Booker has the same intent. Ironically, Bloomberg and Patrick (who have no chance or desire to be VP) are splitting the anti-Warren vote. There are two camps - Clintonite and Sanders. The question may be settled by whom Pelosi picks as VP (or who Biden picks if Pelosi vacates the Speakership instead of serving out Trump's term. It could be Booker.
The only way the Public Option gets insurance company support is to drop pre-existing condition protections. Capitalism will then lead us to single-payer as the Public Option expands to include everyone who needs insurance. On a national scale, the Option only works if it is subsidized and replaces Medicaid for non-retirees. Retiree and Disability Medicaid should be federalized as Medicare Part E. As for costs, they are always minimized. The question is price.
Pence will try to make it right for PR if he survives. Trump will face massive disclosure to Congress on Monday when the Court affirms US v. Nixon (the case that made Nixon quit). Bolsonaro, like Trump and all fascists, tell Big Lies. It never ends well for them. Robert Barr is the bright, shiny object whose purpose is to let Trump think he is winning until McConnell lowers the boom. Ever watch The Entertainer? Cue music. As for Barr's speech, nobody cares.
Any morality that is not utilitarian is more about group loyalty than truth or love. The abortion debate, on the other had, is about legality, not morality. Few think abortion is a good thing. The question is whether it is possible (or practical) to give the unborn a legal right to the use of police power against their mothers. Anyone who says differently is selling snake oil. Kaveny's method works here too. Dignitatis Humanae applies here too. Cuomo and Biden should site it directly. It may not be what the Council Fathers intended, which is likely why it passed. It still applies.
On Harris, you are the victim of bad timing or blindness on reading the tea leaves. She is already pulling a Biden. At this point, Booker has the same intent. Ironically, Bloomberg and Patrick (who have no chance or desire to be VP) are splitting the anti-Warren vote. There are two camps - Clintonite and Sanders. The question may be settled by whom Pelosi picks as VP (or who Biden picks if Pelosi vacates the Speakership instead of serving out Trump's term. It could be Booker.
The only way the Public Option gets insurance company support is to drop pre-existing condition protections. Capitalism will then lead us to single-payer as the Public Option expands to include everyone who needs insurance. On a national scale, the Option only works if it is subsidized and replaces Medicaid for non-retirees. Retiree and Disability Medicaid should be federalized as Medicare Part E. As for costs, they are always minimized. The question is price.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Book on US religious freedom starts with the Founders but forgets seeds of secularism
Does Waldman cite the influence of Freemasonry and Quakerism on religious tolerance? What about the vocal opposition of the Popes to the concept? There is a reason the Founders and original settlers disliked the Catholic Church. Such an analysis is better explained by the cultural theory of Douglass and Wildavsky than theology.
New book on US religious liberty fails to make a crucial distinction
Lingering bigotry is also sometimes deserved. Religious power, either in society or in Catholic institutions, is hypocrisy, not liberty. Firing teachers who are gay and/or married is likely soon to be illegal and is sour grapes. The Bishops went all in on funding opposition to marriage equality, resisting Obama care and imposing limits on contraception by employees. So was being a part of censorship in the halcyon 1950s or resisting the empowerment of women (and refusing ordination). Hitting back after losing is organizational pathology, not freedom. It is also going all in with the Republicans. It is acting as master rather than servant, which Christ condemned. Bigotry in the Church is answered by resentment from within and in culture. The Bishops had it coming.
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