Courts, Judges, Lawyers, et al.

Note: Yesterday I wrote an earlier version of this post, but suddenly it disappeared. I know not why -- likely something stupid done by yours truly. So I've tried to duplicate below what I had written earlier.

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Okay, let me begin by apologizing to any lawyers who might read this. In truth I really don’t care much for the legal profession, despite the number of lawyers I count among my friends. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy spending time with my attorney friends and talking over all that’s interesting, until they inevitably slide down into the legal stuff and get all lawyerly on me. Then I want to throw up, and thank God that I never had a hankering to go to law school. Fortunately, friendship usually trumps the churning in my stomach and life goes on.

I bring this up today because of the news of the Supreme Court’s decision on President Trump’s use of tariffs. I couldn’t help but recall the nasty comment about lawyers from Henry IV, Part 2. There Shakespeare put words into the mouth of an unsavory character, Dick the Butcher, who supported Jack Cade. Cade, a lawless rebel and likely anarchist, not only disliked laws, but also all those who enacted them or passed judgments based on them. Jack's really an early predecessor of today's leftists, who share most of his beliefs.

For Shakespeare, Dick's words were obvious satire, and did not reflect the bard's beliefs. And yet, they've become immortal and no doubt have been inwardly enjoyed by many normally law-abiding folks who have been ill-used by lawyers. Dick's statement:

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."

 ...certainly not a very Christian sentiment, but we have no evidence that either Dick or Jack were practicing Christians. And as an ordained permanent deacon in the Church, I will neither applaud nor tolerate such a vile wish. I desire nobody's death and pray only for the salvation of all. 

But Shakespeare's brief comment certainly struck a chord with a lot of people over the centuries, something we cannot appreciate if we lack a sense of humor. Yes, indeed, Dick the Butcher's words have generated quite a few laughs, even from lawyers. 

I mention this because of something I heard on a local talk show yesterday as I was driving to the store. Addressing the tariff decision by the Supreme Court a caller said, "I have only one comment. Let's kill all the lawyers," and then hung up. The host and I both chuckled.

For those of you who read only this blog -- which would be very sad -- the U. S. Supreme Court, in a 6 to 3 decision, declared that President Trump's broad-based use of tariffs was not permitted by the legislation upon which he based his authority. The Court agreed that the law allows the president to "regulate" trade, but stated that such regulation does not include across-the-board tariffs, an authority granted only to Congress by the Constitution. There are other complications, for example, the law's understanding of what constitutes an emergency, and lots of other legal stuff that most citizens, including me, neither care about nor understand.

My problem with the Court's decision involves its unwillingness (or sheer inability) to address the consequences of the decision. Of course, three justices, all Trump-deranged liberals, inevitably go against the president on any major decision. But such political hacks are hardly true justices. (Just listen to Justice Katanji Brown Jackson or read her decisions...it's painful.) The Court actually prides itself on ignoring the consequences of its decisions, regardless of its effect on the economy or foreign relations. I suppose if a decision increased the probability of nuclear war, they'd congratulate themselves.

Anyway, the dissenting comments by Justices Kavanaugh, Alito, and Thomas are worth reading and, at least to me, display a clearer and wiser understanding of the issue. As for the others, please do not join Dick the Butcher and wish them dead. Our justices have already received enough death threats from those on the far left who, because they are unable to defend their beliefs, just prefer to kill their opponents. Far better to pray for them all, asking God to teach them the difference between law and justice. Pray, too, that they come to understand the importance of the Judeo-Christian foundational moral values upon which our nation came into being and sustain it still.

God's peace and justice.

Pols and Celebs

I’m always amazed, although I suppose I shouldn’t be, when politicians and celebrities say absolutely stupid things. Both of these groups of self-proclaimed elites experienced a collective meltdown over the U. S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The court ruled that the Constitution does not include a right to abortion and consequently returned abortion laws to state legislatures. I've decided to share a few of these luminaries’ openly expressed thoughts relating to abortion and other issues. Even though I certainly could add extensive comments to each of these quotes, I will resist and, other than some brief introductory words, let these folks speak for themselves. Here goes…

Vice President Kamala Harris explains why abortion rights are fundamentally American:

"Don't hear, 'It can't be done.' Don't hear, 'Nobody like you has done this before.' I like to say, 'I eat no for breakfast.'...What essentially has happened is the statement has been made that the government has a right to come in your home and tell you, as a woman and as a family, what you should do with your body...We have to recognize we're a nation that was founded on certain principles that are -- that are grounded in the concept of freedom and liberty."

And our Vice President is also a lawyer?

Then there’s the always edgy Bette Midler, who was obviously upset about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions. She tweeted a meme purporting to be a photo of the enrobed wife of Justice Clarence Thomas as if Ginni Thomas were hiding behind a mask of the Justice. Ah, yes, she, the white wife, must obviously be the real power behind the Uncle Tom throne. Racist? You can decide:

An English pop star, Lily Allen, who apparently just had an abortion, explained in rather vulgar language why the vast majority of women choose abortion. I will try to cleverly disguise her most explicit language:

"I wish people would stop posting examples of exceptional reasons for having abortions [Note: by this, Ms. Allen meant rape, incest, etc.].  Most people I know, myself included, just didn't want to have a f***ing baby. And that is reason enough! We don't have to justify it. It shouldn't have to be said, and I think examples just play into the hands of the baddies."

From the White House we hear from Brian Deese, the National Economic Council Director, as he explains that the public will just have to grin and bear it when it comes to higher prices for fuel and food. The government, you see, has more important long-term concerns than the common financial concerns of struggling citizens. In the Director’s words:

"What you heard from the president today was about the stakes. This is about the future of the liberal world order, and we have to stand firm."

Ah, yes, the “liberal world order” which no leftist dares define publicly for fear the peasants would rise up armed with torches and pitchforks -- of course those are about the only weapons the Biden administration would want civilians to possess. I suspect Director Deese regrets his slip of the tongue, a rare instance in which someone in the Biden White House actually spoke the truth.

Another potty-mouth politician, the lovely Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago, has decided that we must clean up our public discourse and generate more Kumbaya moments that will bring us all together. In a news conference on Monday, following the tragic shootings in Highland Park, Illinois, the mayor said:

"What it feels like is happening in this moment in our democracy is people are losing respect for the institutions of our democracy...The toxicity in our public discourse is a thing I think we should all be concerned about...We have got to focus on what brings us together and not what tears us apart, and we've got to get back to respect for each other and respect for community. And that's the thing, I think, that concerns me the most over the arc of the last two years."

Respect for our institutions, for each other, for community, getting rid of toxicity, bringing us together...how absolutely wonderful!

Of course, in May this same mayor urged a "call to arms" to attack those who don't accept her woke creed. Perhaps the hundreds of murders in Chicago are just part of this armed ongoing war against whatever. And just last week, unhappy with Justice Clarence Thomas, the detoxified mayor of Chicago publicly screamed, "F*** Clarence Thomas" at a rally. Later she attacked those who objected to her language, and added, without apology, "I said what I said." Yes, indeed, a lovely woman, and quite the lady.

I am particularly distressed by this final example because it relates to the United States Navy. As a retired Navy Captain I wore the uniform for 30 years and truly enjoyed a wondrous career as a Regular Navy and Naval Reserve officer. As a military organization, a fighting force, the Navy always focused on its ability to defend the country while not sweating the political correctness that infects many other elements of our society. In other words, the Navy was never very “woke” — at least until now. Captain Dave Hecht is a public affairs officer who works for the Chief of Naval Personnel. In an email to the American Military News, Hecht was all aflutter about the possibility that Navy personnel might use inappropriate pronouns. The Navy, after instituting its new policies, will have to punish violators. Here’s just a little of what Hecht had to say:

“Intentional misuse of transgender service member pronouns is inappropriate and inconsistent with the Navy zero tolerance policy on harassment…Violations of regulation or law, to include failure to comply with the UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice], may be punishable by administrative or judicial action…[The Navy] appreciates that pronouns are a part of individual identity.” Hecht went on to say that both civilian and uniformed Navy members are expected to use appropriate rank or title, pronounce names correctly, and use “an individual’s pronouns consistent with their gender marker in DEERS or as reflected in an exception to policy (ETP) for that individual.” [DEERS is a personnel database containing information on active-duty, reserve, and retired service members and their families.] Captain Hecht went on for quite some time, even waxing eloquently about a training video that teaches Navy personnel on the proper use of gender pronouns and inclusive language.

Your tax dollars at work, folks. Don't you just love the idea of putting our nation's defense, and our lives, in the capable hands of people concerned about what pronoun others use when speaking to them?

God help our country.

D is for Democrat…and Death

I haven't posted anything about the recent Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade -- not because of a lack of interest...far from it. We simply had a few health crises to deal with in our normally peaceful home. Diane fell and broke her wrist, and last Thursday, the same day the court released its decision, she underwent some rather complex surgery that includes screws and metal plates. She came through it all very well and we hope she's on a fast track to full recovery. This morning she had a post-op appointment and initial therapy session, and all was good, so God be praised! I'm happy and thankful. On Friday, I underwent some oral surgery which left me grumbling about the resulting pain until Diane pointed to her wrist. Yep, she has it far worse than I, so the state of our relative suffering is now clearly understood, making me the primary caregiver. Please pray that the quality of my cooking doesn't add malnutrition to her problems.

Anyway, here a few thoughts about the current chaos. I try not to get too political on this blog, at least not too often, but in today’s world few issues are purely political since most also encompass faith and morality. A perfect example is the United States Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday to overturn its earlier (1973) Roe v. Wade decision. The chaos in the streets, the violent attacks on pro-life centers, and the scurrilous claims and offensive comments by politicians, members of the mainstream media, Hollywood celebrities, and the professional pro-abortion crowd...well, it all typifies the ironic lack of choice desired by those who insist on labeling themselves "pro-choice." 

I am, of course, pleased and thankful about the decision, but I'm also disgusted with the hypocrisy, lies, and hatred we’ve had to witness these past few days. In truth, we’ve witnessed all of this for weeks, ever since the leak of the draft majority opinion and the resulting intimidation and threats aimed at the Court’s justices. So…what are we to make of it all?

First of all, the Court's decision did not ban abortion in the United States. It merely stated that the Constitution does not include a "right" to abortion. The earlier 1973 decision was based on a Constitutionally non-existent right to privacy invented by the earlier court; therefore, the current Court ruled that, when it comes to abortion or anything else not specifically included in the Constitution, the 10th Amendment holds; that is: 

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Constitutionally, therefore, the Court considered abortion a state issue, and the people of each state can decide on its legality. This, of course, really upsets the pro-abortion folks because they know if will lead to open debate in state legislatures and the public revelation of the truth about abortion. It will lead people to understand the inherent violence of abortion, a horrendous, barbarous act that destroys the lives of the most innocent among us. So long as Roe v. Wade was considered "law," abortion became an issue that could be pushed aside: "It's been decided; there's no need for further discussion." But now, the discussion, and the truth, will enter the public square and I believe the inherent goodness of most Americans will become evident. We shall see. 

Sadly, though, the Democrat Party is almost exclusively pro-abortion. They have become the party of both death and racism. How many people know that the leading cause of death among Black Americans is abortion. Why? Because Planned Parenthood, an organization that financially supports so many Democrat politicians, was formed by Margaret Sanger, a racist who wanted to eliminate the "lesser races." Why do you think so many Planned Parenthood "clinics" are located in minority communities? And how many Americans realize that it was the Democrats who were the party of slavery? Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Republicans were far more united than Democrats in support of civil rights legislation, while many Democrats voted in opposition. You won't hear that taught in our "woke" public schools.

For the past few days, in advance of the November elections, the Democrats have been trying to shift focus from inflation to abortion, hoping the people will forget about the nation's crumbling economy, climb aboard their sinking ship, and vote instead based on their support for abortion "rights." Yesterday I saw the results of a poll asking Americans what their #1 issue would be in the ballot box. 28% said abortion, while 60% said inflation. The news commentator believed abortion would, however, climb and eventually become the major issue. Of course, he assumed those 28% were all pro-choice. I disagree. For example, I and most of my pro-life friends have always given priority to abortion. For over forty years, I've considered abortion my #1 concern when it comes to voting. Indeed, I have never voted for a pro-choice politician, and actually voted for several Democrats because they were pro-life, and their Republican opponents were not. And I've been a registered Republican since I came of age. 

I may be wrong, but I believe the pro-abortion position will show itself as a big loser politically, especially if the radicals continue to demonstrate their terroristic tendencies. America is a nation of hard workers and entrepreneurs and creators and innovators. We are a nation of builders; a nation that strives to build up, and not tear down. We are a God-fearing nation, not one that tries to cast God out of the public square. We are also a nation of life-givers, live-savers, and life-believers, not a nation of life-destroyers. Too many of our politicians, self-isolated in their D.C. cocoon, simply don't understand this. Perhaps they'll come to appreciate it in November.

In the meantime, sisters and brothers, pray for life and let the world know it!

Our Times

We certainly live in strange times. So many today seem to have lost the ability to engage in logical, rational thought based on real truth. Instead, they have allowed their little worlds to become politicized, making everything else, including truth, subordinate to politics. Here are just a couple of news stories that recently caught my attention:

A "Die-in" at Amazon. Apparently quite few Amazon employees believe the company that pays them isn't sufficiently "woke." These employees are upset that the book-selling side of the company, whose business is ostensibly focused on satisfying its customers demand for books, dares to sell books these employees believe are "transphobic." 

About 30 of these employees, therefore, staged what they called a "die-in" at Amazon's corporate headquarters in Seattle. Based on the photos published online, the protesting employees covered their bodies with colorful sheets that symbolized Amazon's attempt to "rainbow-wash" its corporate image. They did all this on the sidewalk since lying down in the street might actually result in death. As a result of this wise decision, most of the employees managed to survive the die-in.

Of course, the truth is, there's no such thing as a "transexual" since biologically a person's sex cannot be changed. Surgery just alters the person's surface, but he or she remains what they were at birth. Just check their DNA or count their X chromosomes. Every woman carries a double dose of X chromosome, while men carry one X and a Y.  The desire to change one's sex, regardless of the direction, is nothing more than a psychological aberration. It's all very sad to see so many today caught up in this lie, but God doesn't make mistakes. He is "the way, the truth, and the life." And we should never forget that in the Nicene Creed we profess our belief that the Holy Spirit is the "Lord and giver of life." Yes, indeed, God gives life and defines it, not us. If you don't believe that, you don't believe in God.

Amazon will certainly reassure the world, its shareholders, and even its employees that they remain committed to the LGBTQA+ agenda. All the corporate movers and shakers claim to take this weird, ever-expanding concatenation of letters seriously, but we all suspect they really care little about any of these issues. Most large corporations simply want to avoid the backlash from the woke media and the highly vocal true believers. I expect Amazon will continue selling the books its customers want to buy, although they will no doubt donate big bucks to "appropriate" causes and highlight books supported by the company's "woke police" even though few people actually buy them.

Georgetown Relents...a Little. Okay, honesty up-front: I attended Georgetown University (its School of Foreign Service) for one year in 1962-63. I'll admit it was a fun year and I managed to slide through with a B average. I found I could achieve that comfortable level of academic excellence with only minimal effort. I just read everything I was told to read and apparently recalled enough to do okay on exams. A few weeks after the end of that Georgetown year I reported to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis for four far more challenging years. Believe me, the Naval Academy wasn't nearly as much fun. 

Of course, back in the early 60s Georgetown seemed very Catholic and very traditional in its approach to both education and campus life. Back then many Jesuits actually acted like members of the Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, an order that pledged special obedience to the Pope. Anyway, Georgetown has changed. I receive a quarterly copy of the university's alumni magazine, but reading the latest issue, one would be challenged to find evidence of the school's Catholic foundation. 

Anyway, I came across an online article announcing that Georgetown had reinstated Ilya Shapiro, a senior lecturer at Georgetown's Law Center and the executive director of its Center for the Constitution. What happened? Well, several months ago, the university put Shapiro on administrative leave because some folks were unhappy with his tweets about President Biden's Supreme Court choice. It seems the conservative Shapiro thought, rightly I believe, that the president's decision to limit his pool of qualified candidates to black women was a poor decision that likely ensured the best qualified person would be overlooked. For this Shapiro was removed.

After a four-month investigation, the school concluded that Shapiro wasn't an employee when the tweets were written, so he should be reinstated. In Shapiro's words, "What I achieved was a technical victory but one that still shows the value in standing up for free speech in the face of cancellation...It was an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone except perhaps the instigators of the Twitter mob that launched this tempest...I found out who my friends are, even if I would've preferred not to have had the need to know."

And all of this happened even though Georgetown has an explicit Speech and Expression policy stating the "University is committed to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate in all matters, and the untrammeled verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas." Yeah...right.

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Nancy and Her Archbishop. I was going to include a few words about Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, but I've run out of time. Let me congratulate the growing number of U.S. bishops who have openly expressed support for the Archbishop. At the same time I wonder why all our other bishops haven't joined them. If I have time tomorrow, maybe I'll post a few words about it. 

Thank God for WHAT?

Let me begin simply by repeating the chant of a large collection of pro-abortion screamers who were trying to disrupt worshippers at a Catholic church: 

"Thank God for abortion!" 

Yes, indeed, that's what they shouted at anyone and everyone within earshot. Of course, for someone who actually believes in God, such a chant is pure blasphemy, since it attributes an intrinsic evil to God. I have, however, become convinced that pro-abortion fanatics, and this also includes most of today's Democrat Party politicians, really don't believe in God. Oh, they talk about God as their biggest supporter, they attend church services and take advantage of the photo-ops, and they always refer to themselves as "devout." But it's all just talk, just smoke and mirrors...you know, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain." 

The pro-abortion pols who claim to be Catholic apparently have no problem discarding Church magisterial teaching when it seems politically expedient to do so. We are left to conclude that they have raised their personal beliefs above the Word of God and the Church's deposit of faith. In other words, they have replaced the Living God with themselves, a bunch of little god wannabes. This is the great temptation to which those who crave power always fall prey: to become a god. 

Our Vice President, too, joined in the cacophony and in a recent speech repeatedly screamed, "How dare they!" She was all upset that any Supreme Court Justice, or any legislator, would try to prevent a woman from doing whatever she wanted to her body. Kamala Harris conveniently failed to mention that there's another body involved, and that the woman's decision to abort brings about this innocent person's violent death. Her near frenzied support of abortion is difficult to understand since she is a black woman and abortion providers have specifically targeted minority women. In truth the population of black Americans would be double its current numbers if abortion had not been legalized by the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision. Any black American who supports abortion is grossly ignorant, a pure Leftist ideologue, or just suicidal...or, more accurately, self-genocidal. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I believe the Left has made a crucial error by reacting as they have to the illegal leak of the court's draft majority opinion. All they have done is released the crazies who will show the rest of the country what complete weirdos the abortion-loving fanatics really are. I realize I will be criticized for labeling them, but I've always believed that telling the truth is a charitable act and should not be avoided when to do so would lead others to sin. Just check out these photos of current protests.

Yep, these folks will certainly convince all those average Americans to join the next pro-abortion protest in their quiet neighborhoods...yeah, right.

Lest we get distracted by all the weirdness in the streets, let's keep one thing in mind: abortion is the work of Satan and those who support abortion are joining in his evil work. Of course, ultimately, they will fail. They just don't know it. Pray for them.

And to alter that ugly chant slightly, let me quote the Catholic poet, Joyce Kilmer:

"Thank God for God."

Kill the Babies Or Else…

President Biden and his increasingly far-left regime, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and most Democrat politicians have all proven one thing: they hate children. Why else would anyone actively promote the slaughter of unborn children and strive to stop any attempts to limit abortions? Remember, back in 2011, when President Obama threatened to cut off all Medicaid and related funding to Indiana when the state legislature and governor passed legislation to stop state funding of Planned Parenthood? Just think about that. If you don’t kill the unborn, Obama declared, we will cut medical funds to the poor. How nice...

Today is no different. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to overturn the Texan law that severely limits abortion in the state, Joe Biden has pledged a “whole of government” response. He has called on his evil but feckless attorney general, Merrick Garland, to “protect abortion rights” of all Americans by applying the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra also chimed in saying, “…we are telling doctors and others involved in the provision of abortion care, that we have your back.” 

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, reminds us that “There are no lengths the Biden administration won’t go to in their drive to prop up the abortion industry and impose abortion on demand up to birth nationwide, on a public that resoundingly rejects their agenda.” But note the change in the pro-abortion forces’ language. Once they wouldn’t utter the word, “abortion,” but instead used such euphemistic phrases as “reproductive health.” But no longer. Now they openly declare their intention to support “abortion rights” and “abortion care.” I find the latter particularly disgusting. For whom are they providing “care”? Certainly not the unborn child who is torn apart during this “safe procedure.”

\What disturbs me most, however, is the cowardice of our bishops. Few seem willing to openly and consistently confront the Catholic politicians who support abortion. There are, of course, exceptions and Nancy Pelosi’s bishop, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, has been a true stalwart. The archbishop recently stated, “A conversion of heart of the majority of our Congressional representatives is needed on this issue, beginning with the leader of the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi.” He then continued with more than mere words, but called for spiritual action on the part of the faithful: “I am therefore inviting all Catholics to join a massive and visible campaign of prayer and fasting for Speaker Pelosi: commit to praying one rosary a week and fasting on Fridays for her conversion of heart.” I intend to join Archbishop Cordileone and in my own small way, ask all those who read this blog to do the same. 

Another disturbing event, related to the slaughter of these modern day innocents, took place just the other day when Nancy Pelosi visited the Vatican on October 8. How ironic that this was the feast day of St. Simeon, who greeted the newborn infant Jesus when He was presented in the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph. How many infants have never been presented in a church for Baptism, thanks to the child-hatred of Nancy Pelosi. 

More disturbing, however, was the reception the Vatican gave Pelosi. The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development stated, “We welcome Speaker Pelosi from the U.S. House of Representative. We talked about caring for the environment, in the light of [Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical] Laudato si, migration issues, human rights, health in times of pandemic, and the work of the Vatican COVID Commission.” Note the one subject that apparently went undiscussed: abortion. Apparently the "human development" of the unborn does not merit any attention. This was especially troublesome given that Pelosi, along with the president, is among the most prominent Catholic politicians and has done all in her power to advance and encourage abortions in the U.S. 

Pope Francis and the Pelosis

Pelosi and her husband also had a private audience with Pope Francis, but the Vatican had no comment about any subjects discussed during their meeting. One can only hope the Holy Father explained Church teaching to this self-proclaimed “devout Catholic” who seems to consider herself holier and smarter than the Church. One wonders what Archbishop Cordileone thought of her Vatican visit.

Brothers and sisters, pray for the unborn, pray for those who seek and perform abortions, pray for those politicians who further the culture of death, and join the Archbishop of San Francisco by praying the Rosary and Fasting every Friday for the conversion of all.

Oh, Yes, It’s Still All About Abortion

You might think that the key issue of our time centers on COVID, or Afghanistan, or China, or Russia, or immigration, or inflation, or taxation, or any of a dozen other issues…and you’d be wrong. There is really only one issue that definitively separates people politically, morally, and, yes, religiously: abortion. 

Not too many years ago, party politics was not divided on abortion. Many Democrats were openly pro-life, and consistently voted against legislation supporting abortion. And, yes, one also encountered Republicans who were openly “pro-choice” and voted accordingly. Things have certainly changed. Today’s Democrat Party universally supports abortion. To be a pro-life Democrat, an extremely rare breed of politician, is to be condemned by the party’s state and national leadership, to receive no party funding — really, to be cancelled by the party, to be purged. 

Last week the state of Texas banned abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, and the Supreme Court of the United States let it stand. The response from the left has been both predictable and horrendous. AOC was, of course, among the most predictable, as were the nation’s most prominent Catholic politicians, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden. 

AOC — or as she’s sometimes called, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) -- was furious with those she labeled "Christian extremists." Her exact words: "Christian extremists are passing forced birth laws to intimidate and cut off abortion services – including for victims of rape, incest, and child abuse. While we fight back, know you still have options. Pills can be mailed to your home discreetly.” 

I guess “Christian extremists” is the new code word for faithful Catholics and pro-life Evangelicals, who actually represent a significant hunk of the nation’s population. In fact, I suspect they far outnumber the dwindling number of Americans who favor abortion under all circumstances. But for AOC everything is political; she has no moral foundation and seemingly is unable to discern either good or evil. 

Then we have the “devout Catholics” in powerful political positions. For example, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was almost apoplectic in her anger at both Texas and the Supreme Court. Check out her tweets:

“SCOTUS’s failure to block SB8 [the Texas law] has delivered catastrophe to women in Texas. This radical law is an all out effort to erase the rights and protections of Roe v Wade.”

She then added: "every woman, everywhere has the constitutional and moral right to basic reproductive hearth care. We will fight SB8 and all immoral and dangerous attacks on women's health and freedoms with all our strength."

Note her description of abortion as a "moral right" and her claim that any attacks on abortion are "immoral and dangerous." How despicable a charge from someone who just loves to describe herself as a "devout Catholic." She clearly demonstrates a complete lack of moral understanding. Sadly, Pelosi isn't alone here, but is joined by every other Catholic Democrat politician in Washington, including our president. (If anyone knows of a pro-life Catholic Democrat in either house of Congress, please let me know.)

What did President Biden have to say on the subject? His comments are also as predictable and despicable as the others. For a man who just a few years ago openly proclaimed that human life begins at conception, Joe Biden has certainly changed his mind. He called the Texas law "an unprecedented assault on a woman's constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for almost fifty years." He went on to say, "The most pernicious thing about the Texas law, it sort of creates a vigilante system," and then added, "It just seems -- I know this sounds ridiculous -- it's almost un-American, what we're talking about." Yes, Mr. President, it does sound ridiculous, as does so much of what you say.

The president, the speaker, AOC, and all the rest have been joined, perhaps not surprisingly, by the Satanic Temple in the fight against the Texas Law. On September 5th the Temple spokesman, Lucien Greaves (photo below) released the following statement on the Temple's letter to the FDA asking for support of their "abortion rituals."

“I am sure Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — who famously spends a good deal of his time composing press releases about Religious Liberty issues in other states — will be proud to see that Texas’s robust Religious Liberty laws, which he so vociferously champions, will prevent future Abortion Rituals from being interrupted by superfluous government restrictions meant only to shame and harass those seeking an abortion.

“The battle for abortion rights is largely a battle of competing religious viewpoints, and our viewpoint that the nonviable fetus is part of the impregnated host is fortunately protected under Religious Liberty laws.”

Isn’t it interesting how the Satanists call a woman, who is the mother of an unborn child, an “impregnated host.” In truth, it sounds like one of the latest euphemisms that have rolled out of the CDC. Personally, I have always believed abortion is Satan’s work, that which he devotes most of the limited time that remains for him and his legions of demons. He apparently has plenty of helpers to further his nefarious work.

Others on the left describe the horrors that will surely afflict us because of the Texas law. In a Newsweek Twitter thread, one pro-abortion reader feared the consequences of the likely survival of so many disabled babies: "You can't screen for Down syndrome before about 10 weeks, and something like 80% of Down syndrome fetuses are aborted. If red states ban abortion, we could see a world where they have five times as many children with Down syndrome, and similar numbers for other disabilities." He went on to fret the reaction of the world's progressive nations if we don't kill these unwanted children in the womb. Can you just imagine how embarrassing that will be?

Beautiful Down Syndrome Twins

Of course, this man might have been influenced by those who blazed that horrendous trail decades ago. As Princeton Professor Robert P. George reminds us, "Sometimes it's worth remembering that what became known as the Holocaust did not begin with the murder of Jews, or Slavs, or Romani. It began with the killing of the disabled and cognitively impaired. They were regarded as 'useless eaters' and declared 'Lebensunwertes Leben' [lives unworthy of life]." Of course, millions of Jews came later.

And they call us pro-lifers, “fascists.” Remarkable isn’t? But the left always accuses its enemies of its own greatest sins.

In addition to the Texas legislature and governor, an archbishop has also stepped out in courage. In an Washington Post op-ed, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone supported the Texas law and publicly chastised President Biden and Nancy Pelosi by declaring that Catholics cannot support abortion. In Archbishop  Cordileone's words: "You cannot be a good Catholic and support expanding a government-approved right to kill innocent human beings...This is hardly inappropriate for a pastor to say. If anything, Catholic political leaders' response to the situation in Texas highlights the need for us to say it all the louder." He went on to suggest that excommunication of Catholic leaders who publicly support abortion must be considered.

Brothers and sisters, pray for our country. We need the saving, merciful power of God.

Bye, Bye Intercollegiate Sports

For years I’ve been a voice crying in the wilderness, unheard by anyone who really cares. What have I been crying about? Intercollegiate athletics. I’ve long believed its time has passed. And it’s all because of one thing: MONEY…and lots of it. Because billions of dollars drive college sports — money that fills the coffers of our colleges and universities, the NCAA, and big media — the entire system of American higher education has been corrupted. Too many so-called student athletes, particularly those involved in the major, cash-generating sports, never graduate, and probably should never have been admitted by their respective schools. But the money’s good, and if the athlete is really talented, but academically challenged, they’ll find a way to ensure he remains a “student” until his eligibility ends. (NCAA vs. Federal graduation rate statistics are quite different. See this article for more info: NCAA Graduation Rates Low.)

Another pile of money comes from alumni who want their football or basketball or whatever teams to win, and are willing to pay for those wins through season tickets, booster clubs, and under the table gifts. But for schools with the most competitive teams, perhaps the real windfall comes from the media who spend the real big bucks to air all those games on TV and the Internet. Yes, indeed, lots of people are throwing lots of money around to keep intercollegiate sports going strong. Of course, the NFL and NBA just love the idea of colleges functioning as free minor leagues. Such a deal! And none of this even considers the billions involved in another principled, incorruptible industry: sports betting.

Now, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, has opened the door for athletes to receive limited compensation. The next case, which relates to compensation from endorsements, will probably result in a similar decision. Eventually, and probably quite soon, I expect further decisions that will enable athletes to be paid salaries, just as professionals are paid. This seems to be a court that, despite its internal philosophical differences, really dislikes monopolies and antitrust violations. 

Yes, the door has been opened, but for the NCAA it just might be the exit door. If athletes can receive endorsements and even be paid, they’ll also have agents, sparking growth in another sleazy industry. Once schools have to pay football and basketball players, do you really think the cross-country runners or the members of the swim team won’t demand equal treatment? I can hear it how: “Equity, equity, equity…” That should prove to be an interesting court case. And what constitutes a fair salary? If a particularly good senior quarterback can expect annual compensation and signing bonuses in the tens of millions from an NFL team even before he leaves school, what do you think he’ll want from his college or university? I don’t think a $15/hour minimum wage will satisfy him.

It will be interesting to see how many small, and perhaps some not so small, colleges will abandon intercollegiate athletics because of increased costs. Maybe it’s time for institutions of higher education to devote all their energy to actually educating people. Oh, wait…they stopped doing that years ago.

The Adult in the Room

Have you been watching the confirmation hearings conducted by the Senate’s Judiciary Committee? If you haven’t you should watch them today. You will see something truly remarkable. You will see how a wise, caring, patient adult handles a collection of spoiled, ignorant, petulant children. One woman, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, perhaps the most qualified nominee for the Supreme Court in my lifetime, responds to the foolishness of her interrogators with grace and wisdom and truth. I suppose we should expect this from a woman who, along with her husband, is raising seven children. And what a joy it was to see her children seated behind her in that senate hearing room, supporting their mother with their presence, and doing so with far more poise than that displayed by many of the senators.

I suspect the Democrat members of the committee hope their constituents are not watching the hearings, because compared to the nominee, they looked very silly indeed. Each of the Democrats began with a long, highly politicized statement which was read from papers prepared by staffers. Each then asked one inappropriate or irrelevant question after another, which also had to be read from notes because the Senator didn’t seem to know what kind of questions he or she should ask someone nominated to be a Justice on the Supreme Court. 

The most telling moment of yesterday’s hearing occurred when Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) asked Judge Barrett to hold up the notepad on the table in front of her. She held up a small pad of paper, completely blank, embossed at the top of each page with the words, “United States Senate” — a fitting souvenir of her visit to that august body. Yes, unlike the senatorial inquisitors who were supported by stacks of papers written by others, she had no need of notes because she knows of what she speaks. The appropriately blank U.S. Senate pad perhaps tells us too much about the Senate itself. 

 

Judge Barrett is also a faithful, loving Christian, who no doubt accepts the Word and promise of Jesus Christ:

"When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” [Lk 12:11-12].

Interestingly, the Democrat Senators who obviously despise Judge Barrett, asked almost nothing about her qualifications, preferring instead to paint her as a political operative, as a conservative who will simply do the bidding of President Trump. Their questions -- when they actually got around to asking a question -- were focused on political issues, and rarely dealt with the role of a Supreme Court Justice.

Because she is such a remarkable and accomplished woman, and because she is a woman of faith, the Democrats have been forced to avoid the kind of public, personal attacks usually inflicted on nominees. For that they must rely on their media surrogates. One thing we know for certain, the Democrat Party has become the party of anti-Catholicism. No longer discretely covert, they now openly ridicule any Catholic who actually believes in the teachings of the Church. Of course, the same applies to any Christian who accepts the teachings of Jesus Christ and lives them.

God bless Judge Barrett.

It's All About Abortion

“Right is right, even if nobody does it. Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is wrong about it.” - G. K. Chesterton

For years, no for decades, I've maintained that the ideological left can be identified by one overriding issue: abortion. Earlier this week Senator Chuck "Live-Shot" Schumer (D-NY) offered evidence of this when he publicly threatened two Supreme Court justices if they dared to decide cases on the pro-life side. His words:

"I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price! You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions."

Later, after a whirlwind of criticism, and oblivious to what he actually said, the senator stated that he was addressing congressional Republicans, not the justices. Yeah, right! Read your own words, Senator.

Schumer Ranting at the Supreme Court

Schumer, of course, is right in line with his party, which permits no deviation when it comes to abortion. Just look at the lineup of Democrat presidential candidates; that is, the earlier lineup of twenty-plus wannabes. Except when they attacked President Trump because he doesn't support so-called "women's reproductive rights," the entire gaggle of candidates rarely mentioned abortion during their debates, and for good reason. It is one issue on which they all agreed, so why stir the pot? They realized, too, that public support for abortion is dropping. There's no need to remind the voters that every single one of them supports the wholesale slaughter of innocents. 

And did you notice that sign raised high right beside Schumer? "Protecting Abortion Access is a Catholic Value"

It's truly a remarkable statement since Catholic magisterial teaching on abortion has never varied. The Church has consistently labeled abortion an "intrinsic evil." In other words, it is always evil. But the Church's teaching has little effect on the mainstream media "theologians." As one talking head stated, "Many Catholics don't accept the Church's teaching on abortion, so that teaching certainly isn't unanimous." Uh, sorry, but as Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, "The truth is not determined by majority vote." Yes, indeed, the truth is the truth, and the truth is what the Church's magisterium teaches.

My opinion on all this? Abortion is Satan's doing, and those who support it are joining him in this work, some knowingly, most unknowingly. Like the communists, Satan too needs and attracts useful idiots.

If I were Senator Schumer, I'd be worried about a different whirlwind, like the one prophesied by Isaiah:

"For see, the Lord will come in fire, his chariots like the whirlwind; to wreak his anger in burning rage and his rebuke in fiery flames" [Is 66:14]

...another good reason to be pro-life.

The Absent Republicans

As you may have noticed, if you read this blog, I am by no means a fan of Donald Trump. But I cannot imagine a worse scenario for our nation than the election of Hilary Clinton. For no other reason than the makeup of the Supreme Court, it is critical that she be kept out of the Oval Office. I am, therefore, appalled that so many notable Republicans have not only refused to attend their party's national convention, but that some have actually declared they will not vote for the party's candidate. Whom do they think their lack of support will benefit?

A few moments ago, former New Hampshire Governor John Sununu, during an interview with Fox News anchor Stuart Varney, in effect said that Trump must pay more attention to these reluctant Republicans (including, by the way, Sununu himself) who are important figures in the party and the government. Governor Sununu thought Trump should have scratched the speeches by family members and replaced them with speeches by a few of these reluctant non-supporters. He went on to suggest there was far too much family focus at the convention. Actually, the speeches by Trump's wife and son made me a bit more inclined to like the man himself. But the irony, apparently lost on Sununu, was his claim that he couldn't attend the convention because he was campaigning for his son, who is running for governor of New Hampshire. Remarkable isn't it?

Anyhow, my first reaction, and that of Dear Diane, to Sununu's comments was, "Who does this man think he is?" We the people are the important ones here, not those who are elected by the people to do the people's business. The people are sovereign in these United States of America. Politicians are servants of the people, or at least they should be, and the only thing that should motivate them is the good of the people, the good of the nation. If their little noses are out of joint because they lost an election or were treated in a less than friendly way by another politician...well, too bad. As we used to say in Naval aviation: suck it up and fly the mission. That's what you're paid to do. I suggest our reluctant Republicans do the same.

Enough! This is why I despise politics today.
____________________

A timely postscript for those Christians who are considering a vote for Hilary Clinton. The readings for today's Mass include the opening verses of the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah:

The word of the LORD came to me: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you" [Jer 1:4-5].

This reading was followed by a selection from Psalm 71 which included:

You are my hope, Lord; my trust, GOD, from my youth. On you I have depended since birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers" [Ps 71:5-6].

Yes, before we were formed in the womb, we were known and loved by God. And in our nation we have slaughtered well over 50,000,0000 infants in the womb, all known and loved by God. This is why, above all else, this election is so critical.

Pray for our nation.

Who's Suing the Obama Administration?

Unless you've spent the last few months on one of Jupiter's moons, you've at least heard of the now notorious Obama-care mandate issued by the current administration's Department of Health and Human Services. This mandate requires all religious-based institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other charitable organizations, to provide employee health insurance that includes coverage for contraception, sterilization and abortifacients, even though this coverage would force such institutions to violate their religious beliefs.

It's hard to imagine a more direct attack on the religious freedom guaranteed by our Constitution's First Amendment. The mainstream media, however, following the lead of President Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, have attempted to spin the coverage into a controversy over contraception. It's not about religious freedom, we're told. No, it's just another example of the "war on women" being waged by all those reactionary Catholics and Evangelicals.

Our religious freedom will be decided by these 9 justices

The administration is trying mightily to keep the truth of this mandate from the American people, at least until after the election. They believe they have public opinion on their side when it comes to contraception, but religious freedom? That might be far more problematic. The churches, however, especially the Catholic Church, just won't go away and are taking the only action available to them: they're suing the administration in federal court. Ultimately -- and we can only hope that this will occur sooner rather than later -- the issue will be resolved by the nine justices of the U. S. Supreme Court.

But who exactly are the plaintiffs in these lawsuits? Most are Catholic entities and include dioceses, educational institutions, charitable and healthcare organizations, as well as businesses; and the list continues to lengthen almost daily. Interestingly, there are a growing number of Evangelical Protestant institutions and businesses among the plaintiffs. You will note that eight states attorneys general have also joined the suit. 

The following is a current list of plaintiffs. You can find information on the state of each of the lawsuits here.

Aquinas College (TN)
Archbishop Carroll High School (DC)
ArchCare (NY)
Archdiocese of Atlanta (GA)
Archdiocese of New York (NY)
Archdiocese of St. Louis (MO)
Archdiocese of Washington (DC)
Autocam Corporation (MI)
Autocam Medical, LLC (MI)
Ave Maria University (FL)
Belmont Abbey College (NC)
Biola University (IN)
Catholic Cemeteries Association of Diocese of Pittsburgh (PA)
Catholic Charities of Atlanta (GA)
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (IL)
Catholic Charities of D.C. (DC)
Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend (IN)
Catholic Charities of Jackson (MS)
Catholic Charities of Joliet (IL)
Catholic Charities of Diocese of Pittsburgh (PA)
Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre (NY)
Catholic Charities of Springfield (IL)
Catholic Charities of St. Louis (MO)
Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc, (TN)
Catholic Health Services of Long Island (NY)
Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America (NE)
Catholic Social & Community Services Inc. (MS)
Catholic Social Service (NE)
Catholic University of America (DC)
Christ the King Catholic School (GA)
College of the Ozarks (MO)
Colorado Christian University (CO)
Consortium of Catholic Academies (DC)
De l’Epee Deaf Center Inc. (MS)
Diocese of Biloxi (MS)
Diocese of Dallas (TX)
Diocese of Erie (PA)
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (IN)
Diocese of Fort Worth (TX)
Diocese of Jackson (MS)
Diocese of Joliet (IL)
Diocese of Nashville (TN)
Diocese of Peoria (IL)
Diocese of Pittsburgh (PA)
Diocese of Rockville Centre (NY)
Diocese of Savannah (GA)
Diocese of Springfield (IL)
East Texas Baptist University (TX)
Eternal Word Television Network (AL)
Father Ryan High School (TN)
Franciscan Alliance (IN)
Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH)
Geneva College (PA)
Grace College and Seminary (IN)
Hercules Industries, Inc. (CO)
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (OK)
Houston Baptist University (TX)
Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. (IL)
Legatus - Catholic Business Association (MI)
Louisiana Baptist College (LA)
Mary, Queen of Angels, Inc. (TN)
Michigan Catholic Conference - supports 7 dioceses (MI)
O’Brien Industrial Holdings, LLC (MO)
Our Sunday Visitor (IN)
Pius X Catholic High School (NE)
Pope John Paul II High School (TN)
Priests for Life (NY)
Prince of Peace Center (PA)
Resurrection Catholic School (MS)
Sacred Heart Catholic School (MS)Seneca Hardwood Lumber Company (PA)
St. Anne Home (IN)
St. Dominic Health Services (MS)
St. Joseph's Catholic School (MS)
St. Martin Center (PA)
St. Mary Villa, Inc. (TN)
State of Alabama (AL)
State of Florida (FL)
State of Michigan (MI)
State of Nebraska (NE)

State of Ohio (OH)
State of Oklahoma (OK)
State of South Carolina (SC)
State of Texas (TX)
Triune Health Group (IL)
Tyndale House Publishers (IL)
University of Notre Dame (IN)
University of St. Francis (IN)
Vicksburg Catholic School (MS)
Villa Maria Manor, Inc. (TN)
Weingartz Supply Company (MI)
Wheaton College (IL)

Quite a list! One sad observation: not one of the  28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States are listed among the plaintiffs.

Vote responsibly on November 6.

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