The right is always better organized than the left. There always seems to be the shady moneybags, standing anonymously behind the astute political director who guides the outrage and feeds the talking points to the mob with impressively coordinated precision. This is no more democracy than the “blue” and “green” riots in Roman days constituted democracy. It is carefully directed, carefully orchestrated, and usually serves the interests of the ruling class. (more…) Read more
In a letter lamenting human folly, Marsilio Ficino presents many examples, such as when he said, “The magistrates forbid murder, and allow instruments for killing men to be made everywhere.”[1] Ficino points to an obvious fact: as long as we provide the means for sin, such as murder, we should not be surprised such sins occur. Moreover, if we do not properly prepare people to a life of virtue, which includes the practice of prudence, we should not be surprised... Read more
“American readers may be struck by the frequent references to social democracy. Here in the United States, such references are uncommon. When journalists and commentators advocate public expenditure on social objectives, they are more likely to describe themselves – and be described by their critics – as ‘liberals’. But this is confusing…A liberal is someone who opposes interference in the affairs of others: who is tolerant of dissenting attitudes and unconventional behavior. Liberals have historically favored keeping other people out of... Read more
There is a particularly dangerous idea being pushed in the Catholic-right blogosphere that Islam is the Enemy We Fight in the war on terrorism. (Let me hasten to add that Mark Shea is (occasionally, anyway) a notable, and honorable, exception to this.) The political right more generally, especially what I think of as the activist, “tea-party” right, is working very hard to establish this particular narrative as The Story whenever the topic is the “War on Terror.” (I have problems... Read more
Glenn Beck routinely equivocates when dealing with theological issues, and in doing so, misleads many of his adherents. He is a dangerous demagogue because of his misrepresentation of Christian theology and the way people who should know better end up following him and his ideology. One of his criticisms of President Obama is that Obama holds to “liberation theology,” and tell us that Pope Benedict calls liberation theology “demonic.” (more…) Read more
On Monday, he will be going in to the hospital, and will be in there for several weeks, being given a very intensive form of chemotherapy where the doctors will continuously monitor him. Please pray this will work and put him into remission! Thank you. Read more
If this country had a functioning media, they would never let Republicans away with screaming against government debt out of one side of their mouths, and calling for the extension of the Bush tax cuts to the rich out of the other. But we do not have a functioning media and they do get away with it. Remember, the Obama administration has agreed to extend the cuts to all but the top income groups. Extending it further turns out to... Read more
I feel like a kid watching a water-balloon fight. I’m tired of it. Here I go. And I’m not joking. I am being very, very serious. Time to throw some rocks into this water-balloon fight. (more…) Read more
In Scripture, Jesus is many times asked to prove himself to others. That is, they wanted to know whether or not he is the messiah whom Israel expected. Jesus, it would seem, gives different answers to different people, somewhat appearing to contradict himself. For example, when Pharisees and Sadducees came to him, they wanted him to prove himself by showing his power and might. Therefore, they asked Jesus to show them a sign. If he did so, that is, if... Read more
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