I was having dinner about 18 months ago in D.C. with some friends when they asked me why I care so much about religion, faith and politics. I told them that when both sides stop talking, will not work together and would rather throw mud than praise, there are only two options to bridge the divide. Aside from a giant kegger on the National Mall, sharing of one’s faith, religion and values is the next best step. One of the... Read more
Recently, Professor Zephyr Teachout of Fordham Law, wrote a piece in the NY Times titled “Legalized Bribery,” pointing out the dangers of the current campaign finance system. Teachout primarily emphasizes the ways in which campaign finance has corrupted our institutions and elected officials: “Corruption exists when institutions and officials charged with serving the public serve their own ends. Under current law, campaign contributions are illegal if there is an explicit quid pro quo, and legal if there isn’t. But legal... Read more
Toward the end of President Obama’s sixth State of the Union address last week unexpected applause prompted the President to improvise. After declaring “I have no more campaigns to run,” much to the delight of some Members of Congress, the President grinned, and reminded the audience why: “I know, because I won both of them.” I smiled as my Facebook and Twitter feeds immediately erupted with praise for the President’s quick wit. The Huffington Post labeled it as the “best moment”... Read more
On December 9 2014 despite objections from anti-death penalty activists, a last minute petition to the Supreme Court, and media outcry, the state of Georgia killed Robert Wayne Holsey. Convicted in 1997 for murdering sheriff’s deputy William Robinson, Holsey’s guilt was never in question. And yet, in the weeks and days leading up to his execution, bolstered by severely negligent representation in his first trial and questions regarding his intellectual capabilities, Mr. Holsey’s case garnered significant media attention. Writing for... Read more
At every Christmas Eve service my favorite part is always the final singing of Silent Night. Watching the warm orange and yellow light from the flickering candles one-by-one is a joyous sight as new faces, old faces, and those who have been away the past year are welcomed into one union celebrating the birth of Jesus. My Christmas tradition is spent with my in-laws in rural central Pennsylvania with congregations comprised of many who would not consider themselves progressive or Democrats. But at... Read more
As elections wrap up and Advent begins, I cannot help but to think of the ostensible paradox that the two seasons represent. It is an overlap of one season defined by divisive, partisan spectacle—all inclusive of attack ads, pontification and sentimentality—with a season of waiting, humility, reflection and for many people, togetherness. Amidst a harsh political culture, oddly enough, the season of Advent tends to bring people together. Families, friends and colleagues who cannot be in the same room during... Read more
Last month, Pope Francis announced he’s coming to Philadelphia in September 2015 for the World Meeting of Families. Regardless of religious affiliation, it’s an exciting time for the City of Brotherly Love. Yet despite the elation surrounding the visit, it’s perhaps prudent to understand the struggles Philadelphia faces and how the pope’s visit is a rare opportunity to highlight populist, progressive solutions that can and should be taken to strengthen the family unit and society at large. Philadelphia, like many... Read more
With some time now to properly digest the Mid-Term blue-to-red Election results, I found myself saying that my fellow Democrats didn’t stand for anything this November. There were plenty of issues to be proud of and tout, yet the more the electorate heard about these victories, the less impact they made. The simple question that is every Election Day is “Why?” Why vote for one candidate or party? For the GOP, that answer was opposing the president, and all the... Read more
As a rookie summer intern reporter at a Philadelphia suburban newspaper, I was paid $10 an hour. It was a pretty good wage for being only 19 years old, and a rising college junior. At 19, I only had myself to worry about with supportive parents paying for college, food, room and board. The $10 took care of my needs of my car and the occasional dinner out or movie with my then-girlfriend, now-wife. Still, those paychecks went fast. At... Read more
Faithful Democrats
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In
Prayer doesn’t answer with discrimination
Prayer is a powerful motivator. In heart and mind, one reaches out to God, a higher power, and asks for well wishes, grace, humility, peace and guidance. Prayer is powerful because once an answer is derived, it is believed to be true and a direct answer from an all-knowing spirit or being. But history is littered with stories about horrible deeds and decisions supposedly inspired by the Lord. Last week, the nation received its latest perplexing conservative-leaning hypocritical decision as... Read more