While I go through the new Encyclical, here is some food for thought:
http://web.archive.org/web/20041012004931/http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Speeches/1780BurkeBristol.htm
While it is (surprisingly) difficult to locate on the Internet, Burke's Speech to the Electors of Bristol in 1780 shows the true difference between a politician and a statesman. Could you imagine any modern politician giving a speech like this to his/her constituents?
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
New Encyclical
Pope Benedict XVI has issued a new encyclical: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.html "Caritas in Veritate" or "Charity in Truth." It is some heavy reading, to say the least, but I will post my commentary as I get a chance to go through it. There are some statements on global economic involvement and the UN, which are sure to stir up some controversy in the coming weeks. For a brief summary of the Encyclical, you may look here: http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/c2_en.htm
One thing that is particularly striking, is that Benedict XVI seems to have abandoned the use of the "Royal We," which he had used in his previous letters (i.e., he states "my pontificate," as opposed to the traditional "our pontificate," refers to "my predecessor," rather than "our predecessor," etc.). I wonder if this is a translation error, or if he has, in fact, changed his style of presentation?
One thing that is particularly striking, is that Benedict XVI seems to have abandoned the use of the "Royal We," which he had used in his previous letters (i.e., he states "my pontificate," as opposed to the traditional "our pontificate," refers to "my predecessor," rather than "our predecessor," etc.). I wonder if this is a translation error, or if he has, in fact, changed his style of presentation?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
New Blog Layout
In case you didn't notice, I have added photos to the top "title bar" of the blog. Since I realize not everyone may recognize the photographs, they are: My local Catholic Church, Edmund Burke (father of anglo-American conservatism), and Pope Leo XIII (author of the Encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which forms the basis of Catholic Social Teaching).
An Absolute OUTRAGE!
"Rogue priest asks clergy to push Knights from parishes, exploit insurance policies"
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16441
This "Priest" ought to be defrocked!
(BTW, if you check out "Fr." Farrow's blog now, he has changed the entry in quetsion. See http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=5401203#post5401203)
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16441
This "Priest" ought to be defrocked!
(BTW, if you check out "Fr." Farrow's blog now, he has changed the entry in quetsion. See http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=5401203#post5401203)
First Congressional District - more updates
A few weeks ago, another challenger has emerged for Vaughn Ward in the First Congressional District Primary Race - Ken Roberts, a state legislator from Donnelly (a small town around the Cascade/McCall area).
At this point, Roberts' main disadvantage is that he is an unknown - I, personally, never heard of him until now. There's also talk that he is the man backed by the Ron Paul/libertarian wing of the Party, which is a mixed bag, depending on where you go and to whom you talk.
Looking at his vote-smart bio from his last campaign, http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=32883, he seems pretty active in his local Baptist church, which is sure to help among social conservatives. However, otherwise, his voting record, http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=32883, doesn't seem to shed much light on his positions on the "hot-button" issues voters are interested in, and his refusal to fill out the Vote Smart questionnaire is also somewhat troubling, http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=32883. Furthermore, he side-stepped some important issues in his reponses to the Gem State Voter Guide questionnaire as well: http://www.gemstatevoterguide.com/2008generalraces.asp?raceid=32&racetype=2. Basically, he answers the "safe" questions, laying out a run-of-the-mill Idaho conservative platform, but avoids answering those which could hurt his popularity with one wing or another of the party, which is also cause for concern. See also his answers to the 2000 Vote-Smart questionnaire on the link cited above (tax internet sales, but eliminate, not just reduce but eliminate welfare assistance?? Also note what he didn't answer then, as well).
In sum, Roberts may be a fine, conservative fellow, but the information available about him on the internet, where most voters do their research nowadays (that is, those few voters who do research their candidates) is sketchy, at best. Also, from what I've been able to find, he has not even bothered to set up a website.
Ward, on the other hand, has run a smart campaign, and has made a point of visiting North Idaho on several occasions which, again, is always a plus. His military credentials should also gain him support in this generally conservative district, but, first and foremost, he is a talented speaker and very approachable. He's not the gruff, outspoken ideologue that Sali was, but he is not a "back-slapping used car salesman" either. He's got that smooth, persuasive demeanour about him that has, so far, been lacking in First District Republicans in the past decade or so, and just may be the one who, if elected, could lend some credibility and influence to the Idaho delegation after he has been in office a few terms. Most importantly, I think he is the most likely out of the two to beat Minnick in the general election.
Who do I choose? I'm sure it's obvious from the rest of my post that I am currently leaning toward Ward. However, I will not have made up my mind completely until after the next couple of rounds of Lincoln Days, when I have had a chance to hear, and speak to, the different candidates. Hope everyone's had a happy Independence Day!
At this point, Roberts' main disadvantage is that he is an unknown - I, personally, never heard of him until now. There's also talk that he is the man backed by the Ron Paul/libertarian wing of the Party, which is a mixed bag, depending on where you go and to whom you talk.
Looking at his vote-smart bio from his last campaign, http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=32883, he seems pretty active in his local Baptist church, which is sure to help among social conservatives. However, otherwise, his voting record, http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=32883, doesn't seem to shed much light on his positions on the "hot-button" issues voters are interested in, and his refusal to fill out the Vote Smart questionnaire is also somewhat troubling, http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=32883. Furthermore, he side-stepped some important issues in his reponses to the Gem State Voter Guide questionnaire as well: http://www.gemstatevoterguide.com/2008generalraces.asp?raceid=32&racetype=2. Basically, he answers the "safe" questions, laying out a run-of-the-mill Idaho conservative platform, but avoids answering those which could hurt his popularity with one wing or another of the party, which is also cause for concern. See also his answers to the 2000 Vote-Smart questionnaire on the link cited above (tax internet sales, but eliminate, not just reduce but eliminate welfare assistance?? Also note what he didn't answer then, as well).
In sum, Roberts may be a fine, conservative fellow, but the information available about him on the internet, where most voters do their research nowadays (that is, those few voters who do research their candidates) is sketchy, at best. Also, from what I've been able to find, he has not even bothered to set up a website.
Ward, on the other hand, has run a smart campaign, and has made a point of visiting North Idaho on several occasions which, again, is always a plus. His military credentials should also gain him support in this generally conservative district, but, first and foremost, he is a talented speaker and very approachable. He's not the gruff, outspoken ideologue that Sali was, but he is not a "back-slapping used car salesman" either. He's got that smooth, persuasive demeanour about him that has, so far, been lacking in First District Republicans in the past decade or so, and just may be the one who, if elected, could lend some credibility and influence to the Idaho delegation after he has been in office a few terms. Most importantly, I think he is the most likely out of the two to beat Minnick in the general election.
Who do I choose? I'm sure it's obvious from the rest of my post that I am currently leaning toward Ward. However, I will not have made up my mind completely until after the next couple of rounds of Lincoln Days, when I have had a chance to hear, and speak to, the different candidates. Hope everyone's had a happy Independence Day!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
It's been a while...
It's been a while since I've had a chance to post on here. So much as happened, and June seems to have zoomed by. Since the last post, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Billy Mays have died; the Governor of South Carolina has proved himself to be what seems to be yet another embarassment and disgrace to the Republican Party; Iran has erupted in protest over disputed election results, and, I'm sure, many other things I cannot think of at the moment.
Regaring the first item: Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
On the second - Sanford must go! Not only did he disgrace his office and his party, and cause further damage to a party already in disarray, he abandoned his post as Governor to take a trip to South America for 5 days, for his own sexual pleasure. This is unforgivable for a chief executive, and he must either resign or be subject to impeachment proceedings. If I were a South Carolina resident, I would immediately be contacting my State Legislator and Gov. Sanford's office expressing this sentiment.
On Iran, we are doing the right thing by not getting directly involved - we need to root quietly for the opposition, while not meddling in the affairs of a sovereign nation. Deal with Ahmenijidad (or however the heck you spell his name) if he poses a direct threat to the U.S., but, otherwise, it's none of our business how he governs Iran. Don't get me wrong, I feel for the Iranian people, but we need to stop being the world's policeman, and allow dissident groups in oppressive regimes to overthrow said regimes if they gain the strength to do so.
This, of course, is just my quick summary on my take of what's going on in the world at the moment. I will try to post some more in depth commentary as my time allows.
Have a happy Independence Day holiday!
Regaring the first item: Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
On the second - Sanford must go! Not only did he disgrace his office and his party, and cause further damage to a party already in disarray, he abandoned his post as Governor to take a trip to South America for 5 days, for his own sexual pleasure. This is unforgivable for a chief executive, and he must either resign or be subject to impeachment proceedings. If I were a South Carolina resident, I would immediately be contacting my State Legislator and Gov. Sanford's office expressing this sentiment.
On Iran, we are doing the right thing by not getting directly involved - we need to root quietly for the opposition, while not meddling in the affairs of a sovereign nation. Deal with Ahmenijidad (or however the heck you spell his name) if he poses a direct threat to the U.S., but, otherwise, it's none of our business how he governs Iran. Don't get me wrong, I feel for the Iranian people, but we need to stop being the world's policeman, and allow dissident groups in oppressive regimes to overthrow said regimes if they gain the strength to do so.
This, of course, is just my quick summary on my take of what's going on in the world at the moment. I will try to post some more in depth commentary as my time allows.
Have a happy Independence Day holiday!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Update on Aftermath of Tiller Murder
As I predicted, Tiller is being called a "Martyr:" http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/02/slain-abortionist-mourned-as-saint-martyr/
The statements quoted in this article, quite frankly, border on sacriledge. It's one thing to be "personally opposed" but, for whatever reason, support legal abortion, or, a-la Clinton, want abortion to be "safe, legal, and rare," which is the standard, mainstream liberal line. But, for anyone, let alone clergy, to say or imply that abortion is a good thing, goes way beyond the pale.
It used to be, while liberals and conservatives differed on whether abortion should be legal, or whether Roe v. Wade was correctly decided, one thing we all could agree on was that we want to minimize the number of abortions. Liberals thought more social programs for single parents, and better adoption regulations, etc., were the way to do this; conservatives thought legislation limiting, regulating, or banning abortions was the best way to achieve this goal; while many others (Christian (small-d) democrats) thought a two-pronged approach incorporating both solutions would best reduce abortions. However, the goal was the same: reduce abortions. To lionize Tiller as a "Saint" and a "martyr" is just - incredible.
The statements quoted in this article, quite frankly, border on sacriledge. It's one thing to be "personally opposed" but, for whatever reason, support legal abortion, or, a-la Clinton, want abortion to be "safe, legal, and rare," which is the standard, mainstream liberal line. But, for anyone, let alone clergy, to say or imply that abortion is a good thing, goes way beyond the pale.
It used to be, while liberals and conservatives differed on whether abortion should be legal, or whether Roe v. Wade was correctly decided, one thing we all could agree on was that we want to minimize the number of abortions. Liberals thought more social programs for single parents, and better adoption regulations, etc., were the way to do this; conservatives thought legislation limiting, regulating, or banning abortions was the best way to achieve this goal; while many others (Christian (small-d) democrats) thought a two-pronged approach incorporating both solutions would best reduce abortions. However, the goal was the same: reduce abortions. To lionize Tiller as a "Saint" and a "martyr" is just - incredible.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Dr. George Tiller Killed
Just heard that Dr. George Tiller, the infamous Kansas Abortionist, was murdered this past Sunday morning: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/31/AR2009053101181.html?hpid=sec-nation. Barack Obama, apparently, is "shocked and outraged."
Certainly, as bad as Tiller's actions were, murder is murder - "do no evil that good may come." As tempting as it may be to envision him facing eternal fire for the many innocent lives he took, as Christians it is our duty to hope and pray that, in his last moments (unlikely as it may be), he repented and saw the wrong in what he was doing.
Regarding the effect on the pro-life movement as whole, this is a very troubling development. Dealing with an administration that views pro-lifers as suspect anyway, this could lead to greater restrictions on free speech and abortion protests, as well as giving the pro-abortion movement a martyr around whom to rally in order to advance their agenda (FOCA?). Fortunately, pro-life groups were quick to condemn the killing. However, I fear that will not be enough for the abortion lobby which holds sway over the current administration (including Tiller's ally, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius).
Certainly, as bad as Tiller's actions were, murder is murder - "do no evil that good may come." As tempting as it may be to envision him facing eternal fire for the many innocent lives he took, as Christians it is our duty to hope and pray that, in his last moments (unlikely as it may be), he repented and saw the wrong in what he was doing.
Regarding the effect on the pro-life movement as whole, this is a very troubling development. Dealing with an administration that views pro-lifers as suspect anyway, this could lead to greater restrictions on free speech and abortion protests, as well as giving the pro-abortion movement a martyr around whom to rally in order to advance their agenda (FOCA?). Fortunately, pro-life groups were quick to condemn the killing. However, I fear that will not be enough for the abortion lobby which holds sway over the current administration (including Tiller's ally, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius).
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day
Just a little something to think about for Memorial Day weekend:
They set a marble tomb above my shattered self, seeking to do me honor thus, to recompense the searing days, the crawling nights I died in. "He lies here deep," the graven letters say, "He lies here deep, unknown to all save God."
O, sweet it is, they say. O, sweet it is to die the battle death.
Yes. It is sweet.
As gall is sweet and wormwood, so is death.
I died.
I felt the bitter fire, the cleaving steel, the pain.
I am content.
Yet I am weary in my sentiments.
The sleep of death is not so very deep.
Lately, the spring has come and yesterday a tiny root of some green thing has split the stones apart wherein I lie.
Its tender, questing fingers seek my hand - as mine sought flowers on some yesterday forgot.
Above my head, the hushed clang of arms, the measured tread of sentinels that guard my bed, forbid me sleep.
My face is dim in Eternity now.
But, once, you knew me.
Perhaps you wept to hear that Sergeant Death had spoke my name.
Is it you that I hear through the dust, O, my brother?
Is it your little song that I hear, O, my mother?
I, in my tomb of marble? I, in my tomb of stone?
I am the Chief of them all.
I am the Chief of the Dead.
I died.
And, dying, became a mystery.
To every mother, her son.
To every brother, his brother.
To every soldier, his comrade.
I, the Chief of the Dead.
I was content to lie here, masked in uncertainty, having the homage of all of you here in my marble tomb.
I was content, I say.
Yet now spring comes again as I saw it once before that day I died.
Is it your hand that rests on the stone, O, my sister?
Is it your tear - that falls on the stone, O, my wife?
I hear the trumpets now.
The volleys sound.
The sabers flash against a sun I may not know.
I may not rise.
I have my duty. Here. Alone.
I, in my tomb of marble.
I, in my tomb of stone.
I am the Chief of them all.
I am the Chief of the Dead.
From "In the House Where I Was Born," by Wyllis Cooper.
They set a marble tomb above my shattered self, seeking to do me honor thus, to recompense the searing days, the crawling nights I died in. "He lies here deep," the graven letters say, "He lies here deep, unknown to all save God."
O, sweet it is, they say. O, sweet it is to die the battle death.
Yes. It is sweet.
As gall is sweet and wormwood, so is death.
I died.
I felt the bitter fire, the cleaving steel, the pain.
I am content.
Yet I am weary in my sentiments.
The sleep of death is not so very deep.
Lately, the spring has come and yesterday a tiny root of some green thing has split the stones apart wherein I lie.
Its tender, questing fingers seek my hand - as mine sought flowers on some yesterday forgot.
Above my head, the hushed clang of arms, the measured tread of sentinels that guard my bed, forbid me sleep.
My face is dim in Eternity now.
But, once, you knew me.
Perhaps you wept to hear that Sergeant Death had spoke my name.
Is it you that I hear through the dust, O, my brother?
Is it your little song that I hear, O, my mother?
I, in my tomb of marble? I, in my tomb of stone?
I am the Chief of them all.
I am the Chief of the Dead.
I died.
And, dying, became a mystery.
To every mother, her son.
To every brother, his brother.
To every soldier, his comrade.
I, the Chief of the Dead.
I was content to lie here, masked in uncertainty, having the homage of all of you here in my marble tomb.
I was content, I say.
Yet now spring comes again as I saw it once before that day I died.
Is it your hand that rests on the stone, O, my sister?
Is it your tear - that falls on the stone, O, my wife?
I hear the trumpets now.
The volleys sound.
The sabers flash against a sun I may not know.
I may not rise.
I have my duty. Here. Alone.
I, in my tomb of marble.
I, in my tomb of stone.
I am the Chief of them all.
I am the Chief of the Dead.
From "In the House Where I Was Born," by Wyllis Cooper.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Christian Democracy Movement Update
It appears that there is a new attempt to organize a Christian Democracy movement in the United States: http://www.commoncenter.us/. This site shares many similarities to the old CDU page, the Web Archive of which I posted in an earlier post, which leads me to suspect that many of the same people are giving it another shot under a new name. [Edit - indeed, Chris Erickson, the man behind the CDU meetup and the first CDU website is the driving force behind the new Common Center site. Glad he hasn't given up. Keep up the good work!]
The website is still somewhat skeletal - most of the links just lead to pages with templates on them, but I encourage those (few, if any) who are reading this to support the effort. I will add the new site to my Links section, and occasionally post on their progress.
The website is still somewhat skeletal - most of the links just lead to pages with templates on them, but I encourage those (few, if any) who are reading this to support the effort. I will add the new site to my Links section, and occasionally post on their progress.
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