Links: Democracy in the church, race and politics, Beethoven's 250th birthday

Links: Democracy in the church, race and politics, Beethoven's 250th birthday 

There is laity and there is laity. Married Deacons with vows of obedience to their parish, of either gender and any gender identity and no promise of continence or celibacy could, along with pastors, elect bishops, who would elect Metropolitans, who elect Patriarchs, who elect the Ecumenical Patriarch at Washington would replicate the democracy of the early Church. Until then, I trust our Cardinal Advisor more than the Nuncio.

There has been much criticism of the recent spate of executions. Whether this is because of the upcoming transition or a policy process at DOJ will be known when the history of this administration is written. There are political theory reasons to execute the dangerous. Theology has no business in this area.

Two districts that did not go as expected is normal variance for 435 districts. Race does have to do with gerrymandering. It will also have an effect on boundaries drawn by non-partisan commissions which respect political boundaries. Class is as important as race - and racial divisions damage class identity among workers.

I would add judges to the list. Most are technocrats, not ideologues. There is also more comity behind the scenes in Congress than the public sees, although they do put on a good show (or a bad one). Schumer, Nadler and Schiff took a dive on impeachment. There was plenty of evidence of a financial trail from Moscow to the Trump Super PAC. It was deliberately left out - mostly because having Pence as President was not seen as an improvement. For all we know, he may have been pulling the strings the entire presidency. This is also something we will not know until the history books are written.

The real lesson history teaches about authoritarianism is that it cannot last, especially when a middle class is created. It will eventually start to grow tired of Communist rule in China. Russia too.

Trump acolytes are desperate enough to want a billionaire to save them. They are also very partisan. A bit of "cultural conservatism" also lurks below the surface. The white working class does not seek government help, at least not the men. The alternative for them is more cooperation rather than more government. Better cash and prizes work where radicalization will not,

We have had working second ladies before. Marilyn Quayle was a high powered lawyer. She likely still is. Hopefully the new team will get the same treatment.