More Famous Than the Beatles?

Stephen Colbert to Pope Francis: We can’t fix wealth inequality until we get money out of politics

BETHANIA PALMA MARKUS

Rawstory.com featured an interview with Stephen Colbert on the eve of Pope Francis' visit to the United States. I have a few comments on it.

interviewer Sebastian Gomes called Colbert “the most famous Catholic in America.” Colbert handled it well, replying, “Sure, I’ll tell Timothy Dolan you said so.” 

He probably is with the same demographic who considered John Stewart the most trusted newsman in America. Oy!

And again, for the Jon Stewart generation, they've learned that 'the personal is political, so of course the most important thing to as a public Catholic is about the US politics surrounding the pope's visit.

“Gomes asked Colbert what he thinks the message is that Congress most needs to hear when Pope Francis addresses a joint session.

“The corrupting influence of money in politics because it reinforces not looking out for the poorest or the least of my brothers,” Colbert responded. “I think that’s the one they need to hear the most because until you can control the money you won’t control the message of Congress, and so you won’t get action from Congress that looks out for average people.”

True enough. But overturning Citizens United or trying to create some sort of campaign financing scheme or a limit to what can be spent on politics in order to solve the influence problem is a fool’s errand. That sort of War on Money in Politics has as much chance of success as the War on Drugs has had. Let’s take a quick look at where the big money is in Washington:

From Opensecrets.org:

House

Financial activity for all House candidates, 2013-2014

Democrats: $450,776,626

Republicans: $585,606,851

Senate

Financial activity for all Senate candidates, 2013-2014

Democrats: $285,218,602

Republicans: $315,898,295

That adds up to: $1,637,500,374

In 2013-2014, the Congress spent about $7,000,000,000,000

Which is 4275 times as much as lobbyists spent on Congress.

Get Congress out of the big money and you will get the big money out of Congress.

He also discussed the need to prevent religion from being associated with a political party.

“It’s perceived of in the United States that the right is the more Christian party,” Colbert said. “But in any given election, if the right doesn’t do well, well did Christ not do well? You’ve poured that infection of competition into the eternal world of the Gospel.”

I’ve only watched to the 2:00 mark, but this is another opportunity to wonder if Stephen has a problem with the Episcopal Church or the Church of Christ who seem more concerned with supporting the most popular current cultural fads and Left wing politics than they are about God.

Thinking and speaking clearly

A Kind of, Sort of Eulogy for the Declarative Sentence

Speak, Dammit!

Say what you mean. Clearly and concisely. My personal pet peeve at the moment is using "feel" in lieu of "think"; as in "I feel like that's sky blue."

We are still allowed to think, to admit that we do think, and say what we think. Telling someone what you sort of feel really doesn't provide any particularly useful information. "I sort of feel like that paint is sky blue." How about 'that paint is sky blue.'?

20 cognitive biases that screw up your decisions

Think, Dammit!

And then speak clearly.

Perspective…

Pope wears cross of slain Iraqi priest

Back to the Future with the new Know Nothing Party

A country without churches

By Dominic Bouck September 18

Dominic Bouck, O.P., is a Dominican brother of the Province of St. Joseph.

That the WaPo is even hosting an extended discussion of the question of tax exemption for churches is an indication that the church exemption's days are numbered - at least for denominations that don't toe the line.

"After the Obergefell decision, Time magazine writer Mark Oppenheimer was quick to declare that the state should “abolish, or greatly diminish” property tax exemptions for churches that “dissent from settled public policy on matters of race or sexuality.”

"Punishing “dissent” seems a strange new role for the American government. In the mid-twentieth century, the Catholic church was a leading advocate against anti-miscegenation laws. The church was able to take a stand contrary to the state on marriage and not be penalized for it, a position now almost unquestionably supported by Americans. And despite the confidence of those like Oppenheimer, the dissenters aren’t even a minority in the more recent marriage controversy. Most Americans favor religious liberty, and a plurality oppose Obergefell."

Even that relatively meek and respectful opposition is unacceptable to Oppenheimer and the new Know Nothings who cannot have any power outside of their control.

"By prohibiting faith-based conscientious objection, institutions will be limited in their ability to speak independently without fear of punishment, and some of the largest charities in America will be shuttered."

Again, the loss of the charitable contributions of church-based organizations, like Catholic Charities and Catholic non-profit hospitals and Catholic schools in poor neighborhoods, isn't as important to Oppenheimer and his ilk as silencing any voices of conscientious objection to the Progressive project and the all powerful state that will enforce its diktat.

Seamless but faded garment of life

Chicago archdiocese appoints Commonwealeditor as new director of media

By Mary Rezac

"Gallicho is a Chicago native and currently serves as an associate editor of Commonweal, an independent, lay-run Catholic journal. He has also been published in America, the National Catholic Reporter, The Tablet, El Ciervo, Religion Dispatches, Religion News Service, The New York Observer, The New York Times, and elsewhere."

Uh oh. Those aren’t on my go-to list for orthodox Catholic news and commentary.

"Since his appointment to the Chicago archdiocese, Archbishop Cupich has taken steps to distance himself from Cardinal George, and to instead align himself with Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who preceded Cardinal George as leader of the third-largest archdiocese in the nation.

"For example, in an August column on the Planned Parenthood videos released by the Center for Medical Progress, Archbishop Cupich referred to the “consistent ethic of life,” a phrase coined by Cardinal Bernardin and popularly known as the “seamless garment” understanding of faith's role in the public square."

“While commerce in the remains of defenseless children is particularly repulsive, we should be no less appalled by the indifference toward the thousands of people who die daily for lack of decent medical care; who are denied rights by a broken immigration system and by racism; who suffer in hunger, joblessness and want; who pay the price of violence in gun-saturated neighborhoods; or who are executed by the state in the name of justice.”

Hard to accept a ‘but.... monkey’, even from an archbishop.

Flesh Markets

http://www.lifenews.com/2015/09/18/house-votes-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-after-it-sells-body-parts-from-aborted-babies/

House Votes to De-Fund Planned Parenthood After it Sells Body Parts From Aborted Babies

Steven Ertelt

So, the Democrats are nearly unanimous in their defense of commerce in baby body parts.

Pure Wind

US government says it will now use the term 'sexual rights'

By CARA ANNA

Associated Press

See: George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language”

http://georgeorwellnovels.com/essays/politics-and-the-english-language/

From which I provide excerpts here for your convenience:

A man may take to drink because he feels himself to be a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks. It is rather the same thing that is happening to the English language. It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.

In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defense of the indefensible. Things like the continuance of British rule in India, the Russian purges and deportations, the dropping of the atom bombs on Japan, can indeed be defended, but only by arguments which are too brutal for most people to face, and which do not square with the professed aims of political parties. Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness.

But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation, even among people who should and do know better. The debased language that I have been discussing is in some ways very convenient.

Political language — and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists — is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.

I put together these stories and comments before Pope Francis arrived in the US. Unfortunately, I progcrastinated

I put together these stories and comments before Pope Francis arrived in the US. Unfortunately, I progcrastinated, and missed my chance to appear smart to all of my readers (me).

But, here they are anyway, because that's just the way my brain works. And now, with the prescience of hind-sight, I can comment on how the press really screwed this up. But I recommend you read the Get Religion blog, or maybe Media Research Center. They do this for a living and know what they are talking about. I talk to myself over the internet.

Obama's queer guest list. It seems now, after the fact, to have been a tempest in a teacup about nothing. I suppose the fringe groups represented by the radicals who were invited – and the red-meat conservative commentators who decried the invites – go 15 minutes of fame. Other than that, a big fizzle. Did anyone expect a knock-down drag-out between a drag queen and a sister or a pontificating pufter and a bishop? Never going to happen. And it didn't this time.

17 Sep 15

White House Invites Several Opponents of Catholic Teaching to Greet Pope Francis

http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/09/16/white-house-invites-trio-catholic-dissenters-greet-pope-francis/

“In a stunning show of political indecorum, Obama has invited a series of individuals who publicly flout Catholic teaching, including a pro-abortion religious sister, a transgender woman and the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, along with at least two Catholic gay activists.”

Gays, Transgenders, 'Nun on the Bus' Invited to White House Pope Francis Reception

By Mark Judge

http://www.cnsnews.com/blog/mark-judge/gays-transgenders-nun-bus-invited-white-house-pope-francis-reception

"A few months ago I received an invitation from the White House to attend the reception for Pope Francis," Taylor told CNS News. "I was told I could bring several friends with me." Taylor chose five additional people to go with him. He would also "rather not say" which White House staffer made the offer. “I’m very happy to meet my brother in Christ, Pope Francis,” he said. “I’m glad we can bring some LGBT representation to the event.”

“Additionally there is Sister Simone Campbell, the Executive Director of NETWORK, which describes itself as “a national Catholic social justice lobby.” Sister Campbell is attending two events – the White House reception and Pope Francis’ address to Congress September 24. In 2010 Campbell wrote a letter in support of health care reform, otherwise known as Obamacare. In 2012 she helped organize the “Nuns on the Bus” a tour by Catholic nuns to protest the budget of then-Republican Senator Paul Ryan. When asked her opinion about making abortion illegal at the time, Campbell replied, "That's beyond my pay grade. I don't know." She is the author of the book "A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community."

Sister Campbell’s invitation to the events came from Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

GLAAD set to join LGBT Catholic leaders at White House reception for Pope Francis

http://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-set-join-lgbt-catholic-leaders-white-house-reception-pope-francis

By Ross Murray

“The White House has extended an invitation for GLAAD and LGBT Catholic leaders to attend the White House reception for Pope Francis. GLAAD's CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis and Director of Programs Ross Murray will be representing the organization at the ceremony which will welcome Pope Francis before he and President Obama meet privately.

“GLAAD used the invitation to invite Nicholas Coppola, who wrote a Change.org petition asking Pope Francis to meet with LGBT Catholics during his upcoming visit to the U.S. GLAAD worked with Nicholas, a devoted Catholic, out gay man, and prolific LGBT advocate’

“Also joining Ross and Nicholas, will be Sister Jeannine Gramick, the co-founder, and Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a ministry of advocacy and justice for LGBT Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger Christian and civil communities. Jeannine and Francis were two of 28 leaders of Catholic, Latino, and LGBT organizations that signed and sent a letter to the Pope urging him to meet with LGBT Catholics.”

Pope Francis, I'd like you to meet a pro-choice nun, a gay bishop and a transgender woman - the very eclectic guests at White House reception next week

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3238538/Pope-Francis-d-like-meet-pro-choice-nun-gay-bishop-transgender-woman-eclectic-guests-White-house-reception-week.html#ixzz3m0w82i7W

Obamas to Host Pope Francis at White House Sept. 23

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/03/26/obamas-to-host-pope-francis-at-white-house-sept-23/

March 26, 2015 10:46 AM

So, they’ve been planning this for a while. One of the articles noted that about 1000 people were invited to the reception. I can’t wait to see the demographics of the attendees. I’m guessing Fr. Pavone wasn’t invited. Barbara Boxer invited one of the heretical sisters, so maybe some number of invites are provided to congress people. So we’ll see.

https://investmentwatchblog.com/the-white-house-guest-list-for-pope-francis-visit-its-a-doozey-sounds-like-an-invitation-from-herod-and-the-roman-empire/

Or Sodom, perhaps.

Avoid the Spin During Pope’s Visit

Bishop Paprocki, Al Kresta and Teresa Tomeo weigh in.

http://www.pattimaguirearmstrong.com/2015/09/avoid-spin-during-popes-visit.html

We all could have done well by taking this advice. Avoid the spin. The pope spoke several times and his own words are available readily on line. I've read what he said to Congress, and lo, he didn't stick to liberal or conservative talking points. He preached the Gospel and the unchanging Catholic faith.

https://howthehelldidienduphere.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/pope-gop-and-dems-john-cole-the-scranton-times-tribune.jpg

These comments from a non-Catholic, politically liberal blogger give some idea, I think, of what the pope intended in his visit and shed light on his entire pastoral approach.

https://howthehelldidienduphere.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/welcome-pope-francis/

“I am discovering that there are some things I agree with the Pope on (income inequality, immigration, climate change, and poverty issues) and many things I do not (his opposition to same-sex marriage, women priests, married priests, divorce, birth control and abortion in extenuating circumstances).  But I think the reason I’m drawn to him is because of his love for humanity, his humility, his compassion, and his acts of forgiveness.  And I love his kindness.  I like that he is trying to emulate the life of Christ, and even though we don’t agree on some things, at least we can met on the human ground of love, humility, compassion, and forgiveness.  Just think how much better the world would be if we all could start there.  Maybe he will help us. Welcome to America, Pope Francis! “

This is my favorite Pope Francis visit cartoon so far:

https://apprentice2jesus.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/pope-and-jesus.jpg

Beautiful Women

Down teen and bionic model walk at NY fashion week

The commentators on this article point out, cynically but no doubt astutely, that the inclusion of these young women, one with Downs Syndrome and the other with a prosthetic limb, is almost certainly a cynical publicity stunt. I become increasingly unable to underestimate the depths to which the human soul can descend.

But the women themselves, Madeline Stuart and Rebekah Marine are extremely positive about themselves. They see their participation on the runway at NY Fashion Week as a great opportunity for themselves and for others who don't fit the typical mold. Good for them.

And perhaps, the presence of two good souls will do some good for the jaded souls pervading the fashion industry. For instance, can there be any doubt that nearly 100% of the NY fashion show participants would agree with the statement: a woman should obtain an abortion if a pre-natal diagnosis indicated her fetus would be born with Downs or with a deformed limb.

Will they still feel that way after getting to know these two outstanding women?

....and I'm HAPPY!!!!

From the Daily Caller:

Study Finds Happiest Parents Have Four or More Kids

Leah Jessen

Proof that God exists and the Bible is true:

Dr. Bronwyn Harman, of the psychology and social science school at Australia’s Edith Cowan University, spent five years studying what types of families are most content. 

“Her research points out that parental happiness relates to how much effort has been put into growing the family.

 "“What is important for kids are things like consistency, boundaries and [to] know that they are loved, no matter what,” Harman tells ABC Australia.

 "Prior to the study, Harman thought parents with more children would be less happy.

 Though larger families may have more chaos and expenses than a smaller family, Harman’s research shows that these issues are balanced by the amount of joy received from having more children.

 "Her findings show that children who grow up in large families learn independence at a young age and always have someone to play with.”

Completely counter-intuitive. Entirely at odds with the modern, Western way of thinking and behaving. But, empirically true to those of us who have had the blessings of large families.

And completely in line with Scripture and true human nature.

Psalm 127:3 Fatherhood itself is the Lord’s gift, the fruitful womb is a reward that comes from him.4 Crown of thy youth, children are like arrows in a warrior’s hand. 5 Happy, whose quiver is well filled with these; their cause will not be set aside when they plead against their enemies at the gate.