A very interesting column written by Marco Martinez, a former gang member and a Marine who helped bring down Saddam. His biographical book is Hard Corps: From Gangster to Marine Hero, and here he writes about what he saw in Iraq, and why he supports the war: Violence isn’t senseless. Senseless violence is senseless. And I should know. Before being awarded the Navy Cross and having the privilege of becoming a Marine, I was a gang member. Sometimes it takes... Read more
H/T Happy Catholic. and You Should Play the Guitar You’re very independent – both in spirit and in the way you learn. You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed. You’re not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson – or do things by the book. It’s more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you. Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of... Read more
Really – if Mrs. Clinton gets in, it’s 8 more years of polarized hate, further balkanization of the nation, further demonization of Americans vs Americans. 8 more years of this. Really, it can’t be Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. I don’t think we can survive it. Read more
She’s one of my favorites, and she, like Teresa of Calcutta endured her dark night. Deacon Tony writes about Therese and Deacon Greg relates a story about the businessman and the nun. Read more
I’m so far behind on paying work and email, so let’s just fly though some interesting/urgent stories, shall we? Counterpunch, a magazine of the left, is very uncomfortable with Hillary Clinton’s fundraising improprieties involving Norman Hsu, (among others) and this is refreshing. Says writer Al Giordana: Although very potentially harmful to Clinton’s ambitions, the increasing scrutiny on those that provide and raise the millions required to win election to national office is long overdue and should be cleansing for democracy.... Read more
[Jesus] then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity–greedy, dishonest, adulterous–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay... Read more
There is an old saying from the Irish: “you come in with the face God gave you and you go out with the face you’ve earned.” Brits at their Best has an interesting take on that and on heroes. Also speaking of heroes, but a bit off the beaten trail, a few days ago I linked to Deacon Greg’s outstanding homily, part of which was based on his reading of Archbishop Chaput’s recent talk to a gathering of Christian men.... Read more
I have to admit, I had difficulty participating in this poll by Right Wing News. I had such a hard time naming 12 people on the right (or the perceived right) that I almost didn’t take part. But “right” was interpreted pretty broadly: …anybody on the right or generally perceived to be on the right that they liked: Republican, Conservative, Libertarian, politician, preacher, blogger, columnist, radio host, Even with that I had difficulty. I think I’m just not good at... Read more
Deacon Greg has posted a humdinger of a homily over at his place. From his wife offering lamb (lamb!) to a homeless person to the good Deacon’s own awareness of all the times he has stepped over a sleeping Jesus, to Archbishop Chaput’s rousing talk to a men’s group, this is a homily you want to read. God gives. Go read it, I promise you’ll like it. Read more
I’m convinced of it. But losing a beloved pet is never easy. Jeanette has lost her good friend Silky. If you understand what it’s like, please drop by and commiserate. Read more
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