As noted below, Dan Maguire, a teacher at Marquette University, has authored a pamphlet which was distributed to Congress on the question of Homosex "Marriage."
There are a number of ways in which Dan lies in this pamphlet--so many, in fact, that we now refer to Maguire as "Whopper" Dan. As an example of lies-by-Ommission, lies-by-Commission, lies-by-Insinuation, and lies-by-Arrogation of authority, this document is above average.
As an example of undergraduate writing skills, the document is just average, if that.
As an example of Catholic thinking, it gets an "F."
Let's start at the beginning, shall we? Whopper entitles his fantasy "A Catholic Defense of Same-Sex Marriage." That's Whopper # 1, and it's a biggie. Dan Maguire has no authority to refer to his work as "Catholic," not the least because the adjective "Catholic" may ONLY be applied if a Bishop says so. Then it is demarcated by a duly-granted imprimatur (it may be printed). For those of you who are not Catholic (or have forgotten,) BISHOPS (not theologians) are, by virtue of their office, teachers of the Faith. Others may teach the Faith, but this is with the implied or explicit approval of the Bishop. However, no one may use the adjective "Catholic" to describe their writings or activities without the express approval of a Bishop.
Maguire next describes himself as "..a Catholic Theologian..." which is most likely Whopper #2. While I am not personally acquainted with Maguire's Canonical status in the Church, (e.g., whether he was dispensed from his priestly vows before his first marriage; whether his first marriage was annulled prior to his second), the Archbishop of Milwaukee has issued an email to all pastors in the Archdiocese which declared Whopper Dan a persona non grata in all Parishes--he is not allowed to present speeches in any of them. That fact should tell you something.
In the first graf, Maguire states "The Catholic Church is beginning to rediscover what it once knew; that not all persons are heterosexual..." This is clearly Whopper #3. The Catholic Church has known from earliest times that there are homosexuals--one only has to read Paul's letter condemning "sexual perverts" (i.e., practicing homosexuals) to know that.
STILL in the first graf, Maguire claims that "...[the Church] even had liturgies to celebrate same-sex unions." Whopper #4. His "evidence" is based on a book by someone named Boswell, and the short-story refutation of that work is referenced here. There were, and still are, same-sex friendships which are NOT sexual--the Church blessed those.
First graf again: "...this is the way God made us and we have no right to criticize God." Whopper #5. Maguire would have us believe that criticism of homosexual activity is identical to criticizing homosexuals and that THAT is identical to criticizing God. It's an argument that even Whopper Dan should not accept in an undergraduate's paper.
In the second graf, Dan compares human activity to that of animals by telling us that animals act out homosexual conduct. I'll leave it to Dan to tell us which animal family he belongs to, but Church teaching, based on the Jewish scripture, tells us that men were created "in the image and likeness of God," separately from animals. Whopper #6. In the same graf, Dan-o tries to screw with logic again by declaring that same-sex "attraction" is a "fact" of God's creation, and then cites Acts to propose that we cannot call this "unclean." Whopper #7. In fact, no one calls same-sex attraction "unclean." It is, however, a grave disorder.
He then attempts to conflate "racism" with "heterosexism," and "sexism." Yah, he has a point; it is immoral to judge an individual based on their color, sex, or orientation. But it is NOT immoral to judge one's acts. Big dif.
But he can't write a graf without a Whopper, so here's Whopper #8: "If homosexual persons live out their reality and enter into...relationships full of love and fidelity, we condemn them." Wrong. If they are acting out--committing the grave sin of homosexual activity--then we judge those acts and form an opinion of the individuals accordingly.
Next graf, another one: citing Guindon's approval of 'Christians accepting homosexuals as...brothers and sisters...(a good thing) " he then moves on to cite Mary Hunt (a notorious dissenter) who asks "What could be wrong with...sexual relationships between...male or female partners?" Whopper #9. Again, Maguire conflates persons and actions. Even a 5-year-old knows the difference.
Next Maguire re-defines marriage the way the homosexual lobby wants: "Marriage can be defined as the unique and special form of committed friendship between sexually attrracted persons." Whopper #10 with reservations. Yes, it COULD be defined that way, but has not been in recorded human history. By the way, under Whopper Dan's "definition," something longer than a 2-night stand could also be "marriage."
In the same graf, Maguire asserts the usual red herring--that heterosexual marriages are not necessarily Happily Ever After stories. The best response to that is: So What? Heterosexual marriage does not involve acts which are contra naturam. And as was pointed out in a European study, homosexual "marriage" over there is even less 'permanent' and 'monogamous' than hetero.
Still citing Hunt (which is like citing Luther about fine points of musical theory,) Maguire endorses her absolutely vapid objection that "...homosexuals would have only six sacraments, while all other Catholics have seven." Heh. A two-fer Whopper (11 & 12), and telling. Hunt happens to be a "Wimmin's ordination" fantacist. In reality, female Catholics are NOT eligible for 7 sacraments--it is impossible for them to be (validly) ordained. By the way, no one has a right to ANY sacrament, which is how she manages to hand Dan-o two whoppers.
Maguire then proposes to dismantle opposing arguments, calling them "Objections."
Objection #1: The Bible says all homosexual activity is evil and sinful.
Response: "First of all, this is true." (Good; but all the rest is poppycock, to be polite.) Maguire cites Biblical verses which condone slavery and proscribe eating shellfish, and from these examples wants us to believe that all Biblical injunctions are, ah, time-conditional. Whopper #13. "When we come to the biblical texts on homosexuality we see right away that we could never treat them as rules for our day." (My emphasis.) Don't take MY word for it--recall that Maguire presents this as a "Catholic" response, then read John Paul II:
This reduction misunderstands the moral meaning of the body and of kinds of behaviour involving it (cf. 1 Cor 6:19). Saint Paul declares that "the immoral, idolaters, adulterers, sexual perverts, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers" are excluded from the Kingdom of God (cf. 1 Cor 6:9). Note well: John Paul II did NOT object to Paul's teaching on "sexual perverts (homosexuals.) This tells us that John Paul II, who WAS vested with the highest Teaching Authority of the Church, agrees with Paul's statement. (Veritatis Splendor 49)
In the same "response" Maguire deliberately mis-interprets the Pauline injunction that 'wives should submit themselves to their husbands,' which constitutes Whopper #14, and goes on to FURTHER state that the Church constructed the "submit" text as some sort of bondage/slavery thing, and that only by correctly interpreting Paul's Galatians text stating that "all...are one in Christ Jesus," did the Church save women from fates worse than death.
Good grief.
Whopper #15 arrives when Maguire falsely claims that "The Church today condemns the death penalty." Not true. The Church vigorously objects to imposing the death penalty, but does not condemn it.
Whopper #16 follows closely on the heels of that one, when Maguire states that "...there are many moral questions that are not answered in the Bible. Homosexuality is one of them." Maguire kind of hopes that the reader will confuse "homosexuality" with "homosexual activity."
Whopper #17: "...Catholic and other Christian and Jewish theologians defend same-sex marriages today." A few, perhaps--one can count the "Catholic" defenders of SSM on both hands, and it is risky to use the term "Catholic" when citing these folks.
Objection #2: The Catholic hierarchy condemns all homosexual sex.
Response: That is true.
Dan-o even goes on to cite Cdl. Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI): "Respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions."
Were Whopper Dan to leave it there, he might crawl back into the good graces of Abp. Dolan. But NOOOOOO!
Whopper #18: "In Catholicism there are three sources of truth (or magisteria)...the Hierarchy, the theologians, and the wisdom and experience of the laity..." Wrong, Whopper. The Magisterium is based on two sources: Scripture, and Tradition. "The Magisterium, or teaching authority, is vested in the Bishops, as successors of the Apostles, under the Roman Pontiff...also vested in the Pope, as Vicar of Christ and visible head of the Roman Catholic Church." (Pocket Catholic Dictionary, Hardon, S.J., Image Books) Theologians, Dan-o, are nice, but not really necessary--only the Bishops are teachers, and the Magisterium's sources of truth are Scripture and Tradtion. Period. Finis.
Whopper #19: Maguire speaks of the current controversy over using rubbers to prevent AIDS in married couples, and says "Catholic theology...does not hold that view [which condemns the practice.] As a matter of fact, Whopper, the issue was settled with no changes despite the best efforts of Cdl. Martini, who recently "retired."
Whopper #20: "In and old Catholic teaching called Probabilism we find... [that] ...when there is debate on a moral issue...where there are good reasons and good authorities on both sides of the debate, Catholics are free to make up their own minds."
Except in the cases of sins (like homosexual activity) which are intrinsically evil. There's no debate about those sins, Dan-o, except in a few fevered minds.
Probabilism is the moral system which holds that, when there is question solely of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of an action, it is permissible to follow a solidly probable opinion in favour of liberty even though the opposing view is more probable.
When a prohibiting law is certain, [as in the case of homosexual acts] the subjects of the law are bound to abstain from performing the action which the law forbids, unless they are excused by one of the ordinary exempting causes. (Catholic Encyclopedia)
We've only covered about 2/3rds of Whopper Dan's text, and have not covered that very thoroughly. Others, far more erudite, may cover this Pack of Lies more thoroughly.
But let's see what John Paul II had to say on the real issue here, which is the Natural Law and its relationship to truth, moral actions and judgments. As I have argued before, the question of Homosexual "Marriage" is intrinsically tied to natural law, and much of what JPII wrote on that topic is germane to the "arguments" of Whopper Dan and his cohort--however many that may actually be.
It has happened therefore that reason, rather than voicing the human orientation towards truth, has wilted under the weight of so much knowledge and little by little has lost the capacity to lift its gaze to the heights, not daring to rise to the truth of being. (Fides et Ratio 5)
Sacred Scripture indicates with remarkably clear cues how deeply related are the knowledge conferred by faith and the knowledge conferred by reason; F&R 16
What is distinctive in the biblical text is the conviction that there is a profound and indissoluble unity between the knowledge of reason and the knowledge of faith. The world and all that happens within it, including history and the fate of peoples, are realities to be observed, analysed and assessed with all the resources of reason, but without faith ever being foreign to the process. (Ibid)
At the same time, however, within the context of the theological debates which followed the Council, there have developed certain interpretations of Christian morality which are not consistent with "sound teaching" (2 Tm 4:3). (Veritatis Splendor 29)
Certain currents of modern thought have gone so far as to exalt freedom to such an extent that it becomes an absolute, which would then be the source of values. VS 32
To the affirmation that one has a duty to follow one's conscience is unduly added the affirmation that one's moral judgment is true merely by the fact that it has its origin in the conscience. But in this way the inescapable claims of truth disappear, yielding their place to a criterion of sincerity, authenticity and "being at peace with oneself", so much so that some have come to adopt a radically subjectivistic conception of moral judgment. Ibid
Certain tendencies in contemporary moral theology, under the influence of the currents of subjectivism and individualism just mentioned, involve novel interpretations of the relationship of freedom to the moral law, human nature and conscience, and propose novel criteria for the moral evaluation of acts. Despite their variety, these tendencies are at one in lessening or even denying the dependence of freedom on truth. VS 34
...some present-day cultural tendencies have given rise to several currents of thought in ethics which centre upon an alleged conflict between freedom and law. These doctrines would grant to individuals or social groups the right to determine what is good or evil. Human freedom would thus be able to "create values" and would enjoy a primacy over truth, to the point that truth itself would be considered a creation of freedom. Freedom would thus lay claim to a moral autonomy which would actually amount to an absolute sovereignty. VS 35 [This is the principal philosophical objection to the attempt to make "positive law" abrogate or derogate Natural Law.]
Indeed, as we have seen, the natural law "is nothing other than the light of understanding infused in us by God, whereby we understand what must be done and what must be avoided. God gave this light and this law to man at creation".71 The rightful autonomy of the practical reason means that man possesses in himself his own law, received from the Creator.
Nevertheless, the autonomy of reason cannot mean that reason itself creates values and moral norms.72 Were this autonomy to imply a denial of the participation of the practical reason in the wisdom of the divine Creator and Lawgiver, or were it to suggest a freedom which creates moral norms, on the basis of historical contingencies or the diversity of societies and cultures, this sort of alleged autonomy would contradict the Church's teaching on the truth about man.73 It would be the death of true freedom: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die" (Gen 2:17). VS 40 [This is the response to Whopper's "today it's different" line...]
The natural law enters here as the human expression of God's eternal law. Saint Thomas writes: "Among all others, the rational creature is subject to divine providence in the most excellent way, insofar as it partakes of a share of providence, being provident both for itself and for others. Thus it has a share of the Eternal Reason, whereby it has a natural inclination to its proper act and end. This participation of the eternal law in the rational creature is called natural law" VS 43
In this context, objections of physicalism and naturalism have been leveled against the traditional conception of the natural law, which is accused of presenting as moral laws what are in themselves mere biological laws. Consequently, in too superficial a way, a permanent and unchanging character would be attributed to certain kinds of human behaviour, and, on the basis of this, an attempt would be made to formulate universally valid moral norms.
According to certain theologians, this kind of "biologistic or naturalistic argumentation" would even be present in certain documents of the Church's Magisterium, particularly those dealing with the area of sexual and conjugal ethics. It was, they maintain, on the basis of a naturalistic understanding of the sexual act that contraception, direct sterilization, autoeroticism, pre-marital sexual relations, homosexual relations and artificial insemination were condemned as morally unacceptable. In the opinion of these same theologians, a morally negative evaluation of such acts fails to take into adequate consideration both man's character as a rational and free being and the cultural conditioning of all moral norms. In their view, man, as a rational being, not only can but actually must freely determine the meaning of his behaviour. This process of "determining the meaning" would obviously have to take into account the many limitations of the human being, as existing in a body and in history. Furthermore, it would have to take into consideration the behavioural models and the meanings which the latter acquire in any given culture. Above all, it would have to respect the fundamental commandment of love of God and neighbour. Still, they continue, God made man as a rationally free being; he left him "in the power of his own counsel" and he expects him to shape his life in a personal and rational way. Love of neighbour would mean above all and even exclusively respect for his freedom to make his own decisions. The workings of typically human behaviour, as well as the so-called "natural inclinations", would establish at the most so they say--a general orientation towards correct behaviour, but they cannot determine the moral assessment of individual human acts, so complex from the viewpoint of situations. VS 47
A freedom which claims to be absolute ends up treating the human body as a raw datum, devoid of any meaning and moral values until freedom has shaped it in accordance with its design. Consequently, human nature and the body appear as presuppositions or preambles, materially necessary for freedom to make its choice, yet extrinsic to the person, the subject and the human act. Their functions would not be able to constitute reference points for moral decisions, because the finalities of these inclinations would be merely physical goods, called by some "pre-moral". [In the instant case, the obvious "functions' of genitalia--insemination and reception--generation and nurturing--fatherhood and motherhood--are replaced by actions which cannot be described here and which are obviously NOT 'what the tools are for." Like using a violin to pound nails--it's unnatural.]
This moral theory does not correspond to the truth about man and his freedom. VS 48
A doctrine which dissociates the moral act from the bodily dimensions of its exercise is contrary to the teaching of Scripture and Tradition. Such a doctrine revives, in new forms, certain ancient errors which have always been opposed by the Church, inasmuch as they reduce the human person to a "spiritual" and purely formal freedom. This reduction misunderstands the moral meaning of the body and of kinds of behaviour involving it (cf. 1 Cor 6:19). Saint Paul declares that "the immoral, idolaters, adulterers, sexual perverts, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers" are excluded from the Kingdom of God (cf. 1 Cor 6:9). VS 49
The natural law thus understood does not allow for any division between freedom and nature. Indeed, these two realities are harmoniously bound together, and each is intimately linked to the other. VS 50
...some authors have proposed a kind of double status of moral truth. Beyond the doctrinal and abstract level, one would have to acknowledge the priority of a certain more concrete existential consideration. The latter, by taking account of circumstances and the situation, could legitimately be the basis of certain exceptions to the general rule and thus permit one to do in practice and in good conscience what is qualified as intrinsically evil by the moral law. A separation, or even an opposition, is thus established in some cases between the teaching of the precept, which is valid in general, and the norm of the individual conscience, which would in fact make the final decision about what is good and what is evil. On this basis, an attempt is made to legitimize so-called "pastoral" solutions contrary to the teaching of the Magisterium, and to justify a "creative" hermeneutic according to which the moral conscience is in no way obliged, in every case, by a particular negative precept. VS 56
In any event, it is always from the truth that the dignity of conscience derives. In the case of the correct conscience, it is a question of the objective truth received by man; in the case of the erroneous conscience, it is a question of what man, mistakenly, subjectively considers to be true. It is never acceptable to confuse a "subjective" error about moral good with the "objective" truth rationally proposed to man in virtue of his end, or to make the moral value of an act performed with a true and correct conscience equivalent to the moral value of an act performed by following the judgment of an erroneous conscience.108 It is possible that the evil done as the result of invincible ignorance or a non-culpable error of judgment may not be imputable to the agent; but even in this case it does not cease to be an evil, a disorder in relation to the truth about the good. VS 63
The teleological ethical theories (proportionalism, consequentialism), while acknowledging that moral values are indicated by reason and by Revelation, maintain that it is never possible to formulate an absolute prohibition of particular kinds of behaviour which would be in conflict, in every circumstance and in every culture, with those values. ...The moral specificity of acts, that is their goodness or evil, would be determined exclusively by the faithfulness of the person to the highest values of charity and prudence, without this faithfulness necessarily being incompatible with choices contrary to certain particular moral precepts. Even when grave matter is concerned, these precepts should be considered as operative norms which are always relative and open to exceptions.
...In this view, deliberate consent to certain kinds of behaviour
declared illicit by traditional moral theology would not imply an objective moral evil. VS 75
These theories cannot claim to be grounded in the Catholic moral tradition. [Sorry, WhopperDan] Although the latter did witness the development of a casuistry which tried to assess the best ways to achieve the good in certain concrete situations, it is nonetheless true that this casuistry concerned only cases in which the law was uncertain, and thus the absolute validity of negative moral precepts, which oblige without exception, was not called into question. [So much for adducing "Probabilism" to THIS question.] The faithful are obliged to acknowledge and respect the specific moral precepts declared and taught by the Church in the name of God, the Creator and Lord. VS 76
Christian ethics, which pays particular attention to the moral object, does not refuse to consider the inner "teleology" of acting, inasmuch as it is directed to promoting the true good of the person; but it recognizes that it is really pursued only when the essential elements of human nature are respected. VS 78
In teaching the existence of intrinsically evil acts, the Church accepts the teaching of Sacred Scripture. The Apostle Paul emphatically states: "Do not be deceived: neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the Kingdom of God" VS 81
But acts whose object is "not capable of being ordered" to God and "unworthy of the human person" are always and in every case in conflict with that good. Consequently, respect for norms which prohibit such acts and oblige semper et pro semper, that is, without any exception, not only does not inhibit a good intention, but actually represents its basic expression. VS 82
Return to the truth, Dan. Accept the teaching of the Pope. Then you may claim to be a "Catholic" theologian.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
SWIFT: Not News, Either
The Counterterrorism Blog makes the point that monitoring large international transactions for purposes of tracking terrorist financing is not exactly news:
But reports on US monitoring of SWIFT transactions have been out there for some time. The information was fairly well known by terrorism financing experts back in 2002.
The information was incorporated in our report to the UN Security Council in December 2002. That report is still available on the UN Website. Paragraph 31 of the report states:
“The settlement of international transactions is usually handled through correspondent banking relationships or large-value message and payment systems, such as the SWIFT, Fedwire or CHIPS systems in the United States of America. Such international clearance centres are critical to processing international banking transactions and are rich with payment information. The United States has begun to apply new monitoring techniques to spot and verify suspicious transactions. The Group recommends the adoption of similar mechanisms by other countries.”
The fact is that there is really very little privacy today when it comes to the international transfer of funds. That is why criminal networks, money launderers and terrorist groups have increasingly turned to Hawalas and cash couriers for such transactions.
The NY/LASlimes' handling of the material, of course, is a different matter. They were asked NOT to publish the information, but did so anyway. While the information was known beforehand, their defiance of national security interests is telling.
But reports on US monitoring of SWIFT transactions have been out there for some time. The information was fairly well known by terrorism financing experts back in 2002.
The information was incorporated in our report to the UN Security Council in December 2002. That report is still available on the UN Website. Paragraph 31 of the report states:
“The settlement of international transactions is usually handled through correspondent banking relationships or large-value message and payment systems, such as the SWIFT, Fedwire or CHIPS systems in the United States of America. Such international clearance centres are critical to processing international banking transactions and are rich with payment information. The United States has begun to apply new monitoring techniques to spot and verify suspicious transactions. The Group recommends the adoption of similar mechanisms by other countries.”
The fact is that there is really very little privacy today when it comes to the international transfer of funds. That is why criminal networks, money launderers and terrorist groups have increasingly turned to Hawalas and cash couriers for such transactions.
The NY/LASlimes' handling of the material, of course, is a different matter. They were asked NOT to publish the information, but did so anyway. While the information was known beforehand, their defiance of national security interests is telling.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Jessica Nails It--Again
Heh.
Sprightly, earnest, and curious, Jessica asks:
If the media are so outraged over any terrorist tracking programs that infringe on the privacy of average Americans in any way, shape, or form, why do they advocate searching little blue-haired ladies at airport metal detectors?
...as she cocks her head to one side and fixes the innocent stare on the ACLU twit...
Good one.
Sprightly, earnest, and curious, Jessica asks:
If the media are so outraged over any terrorist tracking programs that infringe on the privacy of average Americans in any way, shape, or form, why do they advocate searching little blue-haired ladies at airport metal detectors?
...as she cocks her head to one side and fixes the innocent stare on the ACLU twit...
Good one.
"Whopper" Dan Maguire's "Scholarship"
As a public service, here's the REAL story behind "Church-approved ceremonies [uniting] 'gay/lesbian' couples" which "Whopper" Dan Maguire mentions in his pack-of-lies for Congress:
Reviewing a book in First Things which makes the same claim as does Whopper Dan (Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe. By John Boswell. Villard Books), Robin Young has a few salient points:
...There our host, Archbishop Dionysius Behnam Jajaweh, remarked that since we had survived the rigors of Syria and Eastern Turkey in amicable good humor, we two women must be good friends indeed. Would we like to be joined as sisters the next morning after the bishop's Sunday liturgy in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? Intrigued, we agreed, and on a Sunday in late June of 1985, we followed the bishop and a monk through the Old City to a side chapel in the Holy Sepulchre where, according to the Syrian Orthodox, lies the actual tomb of Jesus. After the liturgy, the bishop had us join our right hands together and he wrapped them in a portion of his garment. He pronounced a series of prayers over us, told us that we were united as sisters, and admonished us not to quarrel. Ours was a sisterhood stronger than blood, confirmed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he said, and since it was a spiritual union, it would last beyond the grave
...If this were all that Professor Boswell [or in the instant case, Whopper Dan] were claiming to have "discovered," neither I nor anyone else would be likely to dispute his findings. It seems reasonable to assume that ceremonies like the one Susan Ashbrook Harvey and I went through continue to take place in those eastern churches that preserve the rite of adoption (adelphopoiesis) for friends. In fact, scholars of the liturgy have known for years of these rituals.
...I will say flatly that neither Boswell's reconstruction of them nor his method of argumentation can possibly support the interpretation he proposes. First, it is highly implausible that homosexual unions either in antiquity or in the Middle Ages would have been blessed by a religion that promoted ascetic devotion to the kingdom of God rather than that condition which contemporary Americans understand as the healthy expression of erotic drives.
But even more disturbing than its implausible assumption is the book's promotion of a contemporary cause, i.e., homosexual marriage, through the invention of precedent. [This "invention of precedent" is not unknown in the Church. "Liturgists" have done it for years.]Even the most cursory examination of Boswell's documentation exposes the way he has struggled to force a group of documents to conform to his conclusions. Despite its facade of scholarship, the book is studded with unwarranted a priori assumptions, with arguments from silence, and with dubious, or in some cases outrageously false, translations of critical terms. And Boswell's insouciance about historical accuracy would be unacceptable in an undergraduate paper.
But hey, it works for Whopper Dan...
The rest of the review is here.
"...a priori assumptions...outrageously false translations...unacceptable in an undergraduate paper..."
You wonder if Ms. Uihlein knows what she PAID MONEY for, eh?
Reviewing a book in First Things which makes the same claim as does Whopper Dan (Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe. By John Boswell. Villard Books), Robin Young has a few salient points:
...There our host, Archbishop Dionysius Behnam Jajaweh, remarked that since we had survived the rigors of Syria and Eastern Turkey in amicable good humor, we two women must be good friends indeed. Would we like to be joined as sisters the next morning after the bishop's Sunday liturgy in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? Intrigued, we agreed, and on a Sunday in late June of 1985, we followed the bishop and a monk through the Old City to a side chapel in the Holy Sepulchre where, according to the Syrian Orthodox, lies the actual tomb of Jesus. After the liturgy, the bishop had us join our right hands together and he wrapped them in a portion of his garment. He pronounced a series of prayers over us, told us that we were united as sisters, and admonished us not to quarrel. Ours was a sisterhood stronger than blood, confirmed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he said, and since it was a spiritual union, it would last beyond the grave
...If this were all that Professor Boswell [or in the instant case, Whopper Dan] were claiming to have "discovered," neither I nor anyone else would be likely to dispute his findings. It seems reasonable to assume that ceremonies like the one Susan Ashbrook Harvey and I went through continue to take place in those eastern churches that preserve the rite of adoption (adelphopoiesis) for friends. In fact, scholars of the liturgy have known for years of these rituals.
...I will say flatly that neither Boswell's reconstruction of them nor his method of argumentation can possibly support the interpretation he proposes. First, it is highly implausible that homosexual unions either in antiquity or in the Middle Ages would have been blessed by a religion that promoted ascetic devotion to the kingdom of God rather than that condition which contemporary Americans understand as the healthy expression of erotic drives.
But even more disturbing than its implausible assumption is the book's promotion of a contemporary cause, i.e., homosexual marriage, through the invention of precedent. [This "invention of precedent" is not unknown in the Church. "Liturgists" have done it for years.]Even the most cursory examination of Boswell's documentation exposes the way he has struggled to force a group of documents to conform to his conclusions. Despite its facade of scholarship, the book is studded with unwarranted a priori assumptions, with arguments from silence, and with dubious, or in some cases outrageously false, translations of critical terms. And Boswell's insouciance about historical accuracy would be unacceptable in an undergraduate paper.
But hey, it works for Whopper Dan...
The rest of the review is here.
"...a priori assumptions...outrageously false translations...unacceptable in an undergraduate paper..."
You wonder if Ms. Uihlein knows what she PAID MONEY for, eh?
Dan Maguire: Cancer
Below we noted that Dan Maguire, ex-priest and heretic who teaches "theology" at Marquette University, authored a pack of lies sent to each Congressman. In this pack of lies, Maguire attempts to make the case that Homosex "marriage" is a grand old tradition, sometimes approved by the Church.
Well, that's not a surprise to anyone who knows Maguire's history. The surprise and disappointment is that Marquette University insists on retaining this jackass on its payroll.
Apparently Dan Maguire has sold his soul to some very influential friends:
Board of Directors [Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin]
Elected Members
Stephen Adams, Andria De Toro Balda, John Bigler, Portia Brazil, Geraldine Bruno, Maggi Cage,
Karen Campbell, Dennis Christensen,MD, Jane Delzer, Bela Roongta Eitel, Heidi Fields, Enrique Figueroa, Colleen Fitzgerald, Caroline Fribance, Judith Hartig-Osanka, Joanne Huelsman, Leigh Meier, Donna Luebke, Karen Musser, Kathie Zieve Norman, [Chair], Will Olive, [Treasurer], Carmen Pitre, Sheila Reynolds, Azara Sanatiago-Rivera, Jay Schamberg, MD, Tia Torhorst, Martha Vukelich-Austin, [Secretary], Julie Worlzala.
Ex-officio
La Don Love, Scott Spear, MD, Anna Windsor, MD
Honorary
Chris Abele, Sara Aster, Barbara Brumder, Donald Buzard, William Chester, Jr., Linda Davis, Joan Hardy, D. Winthrop Hass, Bonnie Bockl Joseph, Bea Kabler, Jane Kaiser, Daniel Maguire, Linda Mellowes, Edie Brengel Radtke, Robert Slater, Lois Smith, Polly Van Dyke, William Willis
The link above is to Planned Parenthood's 70th anniversary dinner program here. Pictures of the event show BagManJim Doyle sucking up to Dan Maguire and Alex Sanger (related to the racist, Margaret Sanger) curiously interposed with a picture of Willie Davis, a former Green Bay Packer (and beer distributor whose main line was Schlitz.) By no co-incidence, Ms. Lynde Uihlein (a Schlitz brewing heiress) was also pictured...
Maguire made some remarks:
The audience also enjoyed the erudite, insightful and often hilarious remarks of the evening’s master of ceremonies, Professor Dan Maguire, Milwaukee’s own Catholic theologian who has written extensively about a woman’s sacred right to manage her own body and life. “These 70
years of Planned Parenthood have been an epic profile in courage,” said Maguire. “Family planning in theocratic America is dangerous." (Apparently Maguire did not credit his co-author, the Father of Lies)
Follow the money, folks:
Jim Stewart, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, presented the 2005
Margaret Miller Award, PPWI’s highest honor, to Lynde Uihlein. “Lynde is a great friend and champion of women’s health…
And, of course, a low-level bought-and-sold "Catholic" comic:
Milwaukee Comedian John McGivern treated the audience to his memories of growing up in a working class Catholic neighborhood. John’s performance was in honor of a friend he had in his youth who became pregnant at the age of 19 and was in a bad relationship. Her friends told her they would help her and took her to Planned Parenthood. Twenty some years later, she says she has a family—two daughters and a husband—because of Planned Parenthood.
The woman has a husband and two children "because of Planned Parenthood"? Really! Did PP officiate at the wedding?
Well, Dan, you have your friends.
Will Marquette University grow a backbone?
Well, that's not a surprise to anyone who knows Maguire's history. The surprise and disappointment is that Marquette University insists on retaining this jackass on its payroll.
Apparently Dan Maguire has sold his soul to some very influential friends:
Board of Directors [Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin]
Elected Members
Stephen Adams, Andria De Toro Balda, John Bigler, Portia Brazil, Geraldine Bruno, Maggi Cage,
Karen Campbell, Dennis Christensen,MD, Jane Delzer, Bela Roongta Eitel, Heidi Fields, Enrique Figueroa, Colleen Fitzgerald, Caroline Fribance, Judith Hartig-Osanka, Joanne Huelsman, Leigh Meier, Donna Luebke, Karen Musser, Kathie Zieve Norman, [Chair], Will Olive, [Treasurer], Carmen Pitre, Sheila Reynolds, Azara Sanatiago-Rivera, Jay Schamberg, MD, Tia Torhorst, Martha Vukelich-Austin, [Secretary], Julie Worlzala.
Ex-officio
La Don Love, Scott Spear, MD, Anna Windsor, MD
Honorary
Chris Abele, Sara Aster, Barbara Brumder, Donald Buzard, William Chester, Jr., Linda Davis, Joan Hardy, D. Winthrop Hass, Bonnie Bockl Joseph, Bea Kabler, Jane Kaiser, Daniel Maguire, Linda Mellowes, Edie Brengel Radtke, Robert Slater, Lois Smith, Polly Van Dyke, William Willis
The link above is to Planned Parenthood's 70th anniversary dinner program here. Pictures of the event show BagManJim Doyle sucking up to Dan Maguire and Alex Sanger (related to the racist, Margaret Sanger) curiously interposed with a picture of Willie Davis, a former Green Bay Packer (and beer distributor whose main line was Schlitz.) By no co-incidence, Ms. Lynde Uihlein (a Schlitz brewing heiress) was also pictured...
Maguire made some remarks:
The audience also enjoyed the erudite, insightful and often hilarious remarks of the evening’s master of ceremonies, Professor Dan Maguire, Milwaukee’s own Catholic theologian who has written extensively about a woman’s sacred right to manage her own body and life. “These 70
years of Planned Parenthood have been an epic profile in courage,” said Maguire. “Family planning in theocratic America is dangerous." (Apparently Maguire did not credit his co-author, the Father of Lies)
Follow the money, folks:
Jim Stewart, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, presented the 2005
Margaret Miller Award, PPWI’s highest honor, to Lynde Uihlein. “Lynde is a great friend and champion of women’s health…
And, of course, a low-level bought-and-sold "Catholic" comic:
Milwaukee Comedian John McGivern treated the audience to his memories of growing up in a working class Catholic neighborhood. John’s performance was in honor of a friend he had in his youth who became pregnant at the age of 19 and was in a bad relationship. Her friends told her they would help her and took her to Planned Parenthood. Twenty some years later, she says she has a family—two daughters and a husband—because of Planned Parenthood.
The woman has a husband and two children "because of Planned Parenthood"? Really! Did PP officiate at the wedding?
Well, Dan, you have your friends.
Will Marquette University grow a backbone?
Shock! Surprise! JS Editorial Is Lies!
Many of you think that JS editorials are written on a different planet and beamed down.
You're right.
Aided and abetted by the media "elite," anti-gun groups continue to attack NRA's efforts to protect confidential law enforcement data from abuse in court. Over the past several years, amendments to appropriations bills for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) have contained provisions to prevent access to firearm trace data and firearm dealers' records, except for legitimate criminal investigations. H.R. 5005, the "Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act," introduced by Representative Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), includes language to strengthen those limits and make them permanent.
Right on schedule, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and New York Times editorials erroneously claimed H.R. 5005 would (as the Journal Sentinel put it) "throw behind bars cops who shared that information with officers from other jurisdictions." New York City's anti-gun mayor, Michael Bloomberg (R), floated the same argument in his March testimony before the House Crime subcommittee. Bloomberg claimed that under H.R. 5005, the NYPD wouldn't be able to get trace information on guns sold in New Jersey.
Once again, the mayor and his anti-gun media cronies are wrong. Under H.R. 5005, if information on a gun sold in New Jersey is relevant to investigating a crime in New York, there's no reason it couldn't be disclosed to a New York agency.
H.R. 5005 doesn't create any new crimes for police officers or anyone else; it simply blocks anti-gun governments from trolling through nationwide data to support reckless and politically motivated lawsuits against the firearm industry--the very type of suits enactment of the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" was intended to stop. In doing so, it protects gun owners' privacy, the integrity of investigations, and the safety of law enforcement officers. That's why both the Fraternal Order of Police and BATFE have supported the appropriations amendments on this issue over the past several years.
(Source: NRA/ILA Newsletter Vol 13 #25, 6/23/06)
This distortion (really, it's a lie) is parallel to Cdl. Mahony's lie about the House's immigration-bill language.
Both the JS editors and Cdl. Mahony hope that you don't read the actual texts in question. That way, their distortions and manipulations will seem real.
Suppose it's just a co-incidence that Mayor Tommy was in NYC meeting with Bloomberg--and both the NYSlimes and the JS wrote these pieces of fiction? Hmmmmmm?
You're right.
Aided and abetted by the media "elite," anti-gun groups continue to attack NRA's efforts to protect confidential law enforcement data from abuse in court. Over the past several years, amendments to appropriations bills for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) have contained provisions to prevent access to firearm trace data and firearm dealers' records, except for legitimate criminal investigations. H.R. 5005, the "Firearms Corrections and Improvements Act," introduced by Representative Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), includes language to strengthen those limits and make them permanent.
Right on schedule, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and New York Times editorials erroneously claimed H.R. 5005 would (as the Journal Sentinel put it) "throw behind bars cops who shared that information with officers from other jurisdictions." New York City's anti-gun mayor, Michael Bloomberg (R), floated the same argument in his March testimony before the House Crime subcommittee. Bloomberg claimed that under H.R. 5005, the NYPD wouldn't be able to get trace information on guns sold in New Jersey.
Once again, the mayor and his anti-gun media cronies are wrong. Under H.R. 5005, if information on a gun sold in New Jersey is relevant to investigating a crime in New York, there's no reason it couldn't be disclosed to a New York agency.
H.R. 5005 doesn't create any new crimes for police officers or anyone else; it simply blocks anti-gun governments from trolling through nationwide data to support reckless and politically motivated lawsuits against the firearm industry--the very type of suits enactment of the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" was intended to stop. In doing so, it protects gun owners' privacy, the integrity of investigations, and the safety of law enforcement officers. That's why both the Fraternal Order of Police and BATFE have supported the appropriations amendments on this issue over the past several years.
(Source: NRA/ILA Newsletter Vol 13 #25, 6/23/06)
This distortion (really, it's a lie) is parallel to Cdl. Mahony's lie about the House's immigration-bill language.
Both the JS editors and Cdl. Mahony hope that you don't read the actual texts in question. That way, their distortions and manipulations will seem real.
Suppose it's just a co-incidence that Mayor Tommy was in NYC meeting with Bloomberg--and both the NYSlimes and the JS wrote these pieces of fiction? Hmmmmmm?
By Any Measure, Wisconsin Taxes are HIGH
You could buy BagManJim's story about Wisconsin's tax burden being 14th in the country.
OR you could read the numbers which make Wisconsin 3rd in the country.
OR maybe we're #6.
Madison-based Wistax, as [Wisconsin Taxpayers' Alliance] calls itself, compiled its main ranking by tabulating the tax revenue collected by all state and local taxing bodies - which encompass revenue for property, income, gasoline, cigarette and retail sales taxes - and dividing it by the state's total personal income, including wages, salaries, dividends, interest and certain other income. Wistax said it looked at all tax levies except those from federal authorities, which apply uniformly to all states.
Under that reckoning, Wisconsin collects 12.2% of the state's income in taxes, compared with the national average of 11%.
New York had the highest state and local taxes by that measure, at 14.7%, followed by Wyoming (13.9%), Maine (13.4%), Hawaii (12.6%) and Vermont (also 12.2%, but hundredths of a point ahead of Wisconsin), the group said. Among neighboring states, Wisconsin was higher than Minnesota (11.2% of income, 16th highest); Illinois (10.6%, 30th); and Michigan (10.5%; 33rd). Alabama (8.9%) had the lowest "tax take."
BagMan's story comes from this guy:
Andrew Reschovsky, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also broke out the census numbers and showed Wisconsin ranks No. 14 nationally. His calculations, however, included other government fees and service charges that each state assesses in addition to the revenue that state and local authorities collect through taxes.
"In Wisconsin, we have made a choice to finance government by relying more heavily on taxes and less heavily on fees and charges than the average state," Reschovsky said.
"Thus, university tuition is relatively low in Wisconsin, automobile license and registration fees are much lower than in many other states, and we don't charge tolls on our highways."
Of course, it's possible that residents of other States can avoid "other government fees..." such as tolls, by not driving on toll roads.
Wistax has traditionally compared Wisconsin's average per-capita INCOME with that of other States; this sharpens the focus of the tax burden. A few years ago, it was the case that Wisconsin's per-cap income was about 85% of the national average.
With taxes running about 110% of the national average, the pain is serious.
OR you could read the numbers which make Wisconsin 3rd in the country.
OR maybe we're #6.
Madison-based Wistax, as [Wisconsin Taxpayers' Alliance] calls itself, compiled its main ranking by tabulating the tax revenue collected by all state and local taxing bodies - which encompass revenue for property, income, gasoline, cigarette and retail sales taxes - and dividing it by the state's total personal income, including wages, salaries, dividends, interest and certain other income. Wistax said it looked at all tax levies except those from federal authorities, which apply uniformly to all states.
Under that reckoning, Wisconsin collects 12.2% of the state's income in taxes, compared with the national average of 11%.
New York had the highest state and local taxes by that measure, at 14.7%, followed by Wyoming (13.9%), Maine (13.4%), Hawaii (12.6%) and Vermont (also 12.2%, but hundredths of a point ahead of Wisconsin), the group said. Among neighboring states, Wisconsin was higher than Minnesota (11.2% of income, 16th highest); Illinois (10.6%, 30th); and Michigan (10.5%; 33rd). Alabama (8.9%) had the lowest "tax take."
BagMan's story comes from this guy:
Andrew Reschovsky, an economics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also broke out the census numbers and showed Wisconsin ranks No. 14 nationally. His calculations, however, included other government fees and service charges that each state assesses in addition to the revenue that state and local authorities collect through taxes.
"In Wisconsin, we have made a choice to finance government by relying more heavily on taxes and less heavily on fees and charges than the average state," Reschovsky said.
"Thus, university tuition is relatively low in Wisconsin, automobile license and registration fees are much lower than in many other states, and we don't charge tolls on our highways."
Of course, it's possible that residents of other States can avoid "other government fees..." such as tolls, by not driving on toll roads.
Wistax has traditionally compared Wisconsin's average per-capita INCOME with that of other States; this sharpens the focus of the tax burden. A few years ago, it was the case that Wisconsin's per-cap income was about 85% of the national average.
With taxes running about 110% of the national average, the pain is serious.
Feds to Wisconsin Election Board: FIX IT!!
The Wisconsin Elections Board, attempting to save BagManJim's next election try, voted to defy Federal law at its latest meeting:
...the State Elections Board on Friday refused to back down from its earlier decision to allow people to register to vote on election day by providing part of their Social Security number if they cannot or will not produce their driver's license number.
...the U.S. Department of Justice reviewed the board's May 17 decision to permit people to register at the polls on election day using the last four digits of their Social Security numbers if they did not have their valid driver's licenses with them or if they did not remember the numbers.
In a letter to Kevin Kennedy, executive director of the Elections Board, John Tanner, chief of the voting section of the Department of Justice, said the provision to allow registration using the last four digits of Social Security numbers by people who possess valid driver's licenses is clearly a violation of the requirements of the Help America Vote Act.
Tanner said federal statutes require a driver's license number for everyone registering to vote on election day who possesses a valid driver's license.
People who have not been issued a valid driver's license may use the last four digits of their Social Security number to register. Anyone without a driver's license or a Social Security number will be issued a special state identification number.
"In essence, we gather that the Elections Board believes that state legislation that was enacted to implement HAVA can nonetheless be read to eviscerate the clear and superior requirements of that federal statute," the letter says, noting the agency's power to initiate litigation to ensure compliance with the law.
The REAL laugher is the JSOnline's headline and sub-head on the story:
Board sticks with voting policy
GOP-controlled panel to review decision on voting requirement
Another suggestion:
Board defies Federal Law
Democrats vote to authorize election fraud
Seems to me that's a more accurate header/sub, eh?
...the State Elections Board on Friday refused to back down from its earlier decision to allow people to register to vote on election day by providing part of their Social Security number if they cannot or will not produce their driver's license number.
...the U.S. Department of Justice reviewed the board's May 17 decision to permit people to register at the polls on election day using the last four digits of their Social Security numbers if they did not have their valid driver's licenses with them or if they did not remember the numbers.
In a letter to Kevin Kennedy, executive director of the Elections Board, John Tanner, chief of the voting section of the Department of Justice, said the provision to allow registration using the last four digits of Social Security numbers by people who possess valid driver's licenses is clearly a violation of the requirements of the Help America Vote Act.
Tanner said federal statutes require a driver's license number for everyone registering to vote on election day who possesses a valid driver's license.
People who have not been issued a valid driver's license may use the last four digits of their Social Security number to register. Anyone without a driver's license or a Social Security number will be issued a special state identification number.
"In essence, we gather that the Elections Board believes that state legislation that was enacted to implement HAVA can nonetheless be read to eviscerate the clear and superior requirements of that federal statute," the letter says, noting the agency's power to initiate litigation to ensure compliance with the law.
The REAL laugher is the JSOnline's headline and sub-head on the story:
Board sticks with voting policy
GOP-controlled panel to review decision on voting requirement
Another suggestion:
Board defies Federal Law
Democrats vote to authorize election fraud
Seems to me that's a more accurate header/sub, eh?
Friday, June 23, 2006
Maguire Lies to Congress--With Link to "Whopper"Dan's Text
Dan Maguire, a strange but not wonderful creature, now inflicts his heresies on the US Congress:
Dr. Daniel Maguire, professor of theology at Marquette University, A Jesuit university in Milwaukee, is at it again. The frequent defender of legalized abortion and euthanasia is now lobbying Congress, claiming that same-sex marriage is compatible with Catholic teaching. As part of a project of the Brico Fund, Maguire has authored a pamphlet called “A Catholic Defense of Same-Sex Marriage,” which has been sent to every Congressman’s office on Capitol Hill. The cover letter says, “There are two views on [same-sex marriage] in traditional Catholic theology, one in favor, one opposed. Both have equal standing.” Yes, he really claims that.
See, in Maguire’s theological view, there is no such thing as Sacred Tradition nor there is a teaching authority known as the Magisterium of the Church. What really counts is that theologians, like himself, can come up with inane theories based on tortured readings of Scripture, historical texts, and completely made-up histories.
He then lists common objections, such as “The Bible says all homosexual activity is evil and sinful” and “The Catholic hierarchy condemns all homosexual sex,” with responses that boil down to “ignore these authorities and accept my interpretation of the facts.” It would be easy to dismiss Maguire as a heterodox crank, but the reality is that those looking for a reason to declare their dissent from solid Catholic teaching [will find it here.]
Somebody called "The Brico Fund" paid for this crap--and whaddya know? Other beneficiaries of the Fund include: the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network; ACLU of Wisconsin; NARAL Pro-Choice America; Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. ("Brico Fund" used to be the Lynde Uihlein Foundation. Think of that the next time you quaff an Old Milwaukee--or Schlitz Beer.)
For THIS crap Fr. Marquette camped out in Wisconsin? I doubt it.
HT: Bettnet
Dr. Daniel Maguire, professor of theology at Marquette University, A Jesuit university in Milwaukee, is at it again. The frequent defender of legalized abortion and euthanasia is now lobbying Congress, claiming that same-sex marriage is compatible with Catholic teaching. As part of a project of the Brico Fund, Maguire has authored a pamphlet called “A Catholic Defense of Same-Sex Marriage,” which has been sent to every Congressman’s office on Capitol Hill. The cover letter says, “There are two views on [same-sex marriage] in traditional Catholic theology, one in favor, one opposed. Both have equal standing.” Yes, he really claims that.
See, in Maguire’s theological view, there is no such thing as Sacred Tradition nor there is a teaching authority known as the Magisterium of the Church. What really counts is that theologians, like himself, can come up with inane theories based on tortured readings of Scripture, historical texts, and completely made-up histories.
He then lists common objections, such as “The Bible says all homosexual activity is evil and sinful” and “The Catholic hierarchy condemns all homosexual sex,” with responses that boil down to “ignore these authorities and accept my interpretation of the facts.” It would be easy to dismiss Maguire as a heterodox crank, but the reality is that those looking for a reason to declare their dissent from solid Catholic teaching [will find it here.]
Somebody called "The Brico Fund" paid for this crap--and whaddya know? Other beneficiaries of the Fund include: the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network; ACLU of Wisconsin; NARAL Pro-Choice America; Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. ("Brico Fund" used to be the Lynde Uihlein Foundation. Think of that the next time you quaff an Old Milwaukee--or Schlitz Beer.)
For THIS crap Fr. Marquette camped out in Wisconsin? I doubt it.
HT: Bettnet
Company Policy Manual--Do YOU Work Here?
Dress Code It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise. If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise. If you dress just right, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a raise.
Sick Days We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Personal Days Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Bereavement Leave This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders category". Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
HT: Anniston Star via ShopFloor
Sick Days We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
Personal Days Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.
Bereavement Leave This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or co-workers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.
Toilet Use Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open, and a picture will be taken. After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the "Chronic Offenders category". Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sanctioned under the company's mental health policy.
Lunch Break Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more, so that they can look healthy. Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim-Fast.
HT: Anniston Star via ShopFloor
NYSlimes: Enemy of This Republic
The NYTimes' history of arrogance was looking a bit anemic--there were no major Communist regimes to support in the last several years (other than Red China.) So Pinch Sulzberger is hitting for the fences, with the opposing team being the United States of America's Bush Administration.
A few months ago, the Slimes published its stories about "domestic spying" which wasn't exactly "domestic," nor was it exactly "spying." But that wasn't the point, after all.
NOW the Slimes, against the expressed and vigorous entreaties of the Administration, has published another story which will cripple intelligence-gathering in the War on Terror.
...like the NSA phone taps this program simply monitors wire and financial transfers from a Belgian clearinghouse (Swift) that is a nerve center for billions of dollars worth of international financial transactions. Counter-terrorism officials say that it has been a valuable tool in fighting the war on terror and identifying previously unknown terrorists, as well as bolstering cases against others.
...data has provided clues to terror money trails and ties between possible terrorists and organizations financing them, the officials said. In some instances, they said, the program has pointed them to new suspects, while in others it has buttressed cases already under investigation.
Among the successes was the capture of a Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, better known as Hambali, believed to be the mastermind of the 2002 bombing of a Bali resort, several officials said. The Swift data identified a previously unknown figure in Southeast Asia who had financial dealings with a person suspected of being a member of Al Qaeda; that link helped locate Hambali in Thailand in 2003, they said.
The most galling part is that both Republicans and Democrats specifically asked the NYT not to publish the story because of the nature and success of the program. Did the Times care? Of course not.
Ankle Biting Pundits has the rest here.
A few months ago, the Slimes published its stories about "domestic spying" which wasn't exactly "domestic," nor was it exactly "spying." But that wasn't the point, after all.
NOW the Slimes, against the expressed and vigorous entreaties of the Administration, has published another story which will cripple intelligence-gathering in the War on Terror.
...like the NSA phone taps this program simply monitors wire and financial transfers from a Belgian clearinghouse (Swift) that is a nerve center for billions of dollars worth of international financial transactions. Counter-terrorism officials say that it has been a valuable tool in fighting the war on terror and identifying previously unknown terrorists, as well as bolstering cases against others.
...data has provided clues to terror money trails and ties between possible terrorists and organizations financing them, the officials said. In some instances, they said, the program has pointed them to new suspects, while in others it has buttressed cases already under investigation.
Among the successes was the capture of a Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, better known as Hambali, believed to be the mastermind of the 2002 bombing of a Bali resort, several officials said. The Swift data identified a previously unknown figure in Southeast Asia who had financial dealings with a person suspected of being a member of Al Qaeda; that link helped locate Hambali in Thailand in 2003, they said.
The most galling part is that both Republicans and Democrats specifically asked the NYT not to publish the story because of the nature and success of the program. Did the Times care? Of course not.
Ankle Biting Pundits has the rest here.
Hastert: Not the Emperor He Thought He Was
We've commented a lot recently about Dennis Hastert's imperialistic attitude, which has (inter alia) had him crossing swords with GWB over the Porter Goss dumping, and delaying the Immigration Reform Act through "hearings."
Now it seems that Mr. Hastert faces another small problem with genuine conservatives and Democratic advocates of good government; the renewal of the Voting Rights Act.
From the Spectator blogsite:
What is at issue NOW, though, is the IMpermanent Section Five of the act, which never was supposed to last beyond about a decade and instead has been in place for some 40 years -- and now is threatened to be renewed for years more. The most important part of Section Five requires that southern states and a few other scattered counties receive "preclearance" from the Justice Department for ANY change in voting procedures, even ones as small as moving a polling location from, say, a high school gymnasium to the same school's cafeteria. The idea is that these southern states are guilty of racist intent until they prove themselves innocent...
...Meanwhile, some provisions in the pending legislation would mandate bilingual ballots in many places. Intelligent people have written volumes about why doing official government business in languages other than English is a big mistake, so I won't belabor the point -- other than to say that those provisions are particularly disturbing, and rightly so,
...Although the Post (predictably) said only that "some Republicans" in several southern states complain about the unfairness of singling out only certain states for the provisions at issue, the fact is that the respected opposition to most of Section Five is bipartisan and biracial. For instance, Thurbert Baker, the black, Democratic Attorney General of Georgia, is on record in court filings as being opposed to much of Section Five
Mr. Hastert, perhaps you need a hearing aid.
Now it seems that Mr. Hastert faces another small problem with genuine conservatives and Democratic advocates of good government; the renewal of the Voting Rights Act.
From the Spectator blogsite:
What is at issue NOW, though, is the IMpermanent Section Five of the act, which never was supposed to last beyond about a decade and instead has been in place for some 40 years -- and now is threatened to be renewed for years more. The most important part of Section Five requires that southern states and a few other scattered counties receive "preclearance" from the Justice Department for ANY change in voting procedures, even ones as small as moving a polling location from, say, a high school gymnasium to the same school's cafeteria. The idea is that these southern states are guilty of racist intent until they prove themselves innocent...
...Meanwhile, some provisions in the pending legislation would mandate bilingual ballots in many places. Intelligent people have written volumes about why doing official government business in languages other than English is a big mistake, so I won't belabor the point -- other than to say that those provisions are particularly disturbing, and rightly so,
...Although the Post (predictably) said only that "some Republicans" in several southern states complain about the unfairness of singling out only certain states for the provisions at issue, the fact is that the respected opposition to most of Section Five is bipartisan and biracial. For instance, Thurbert Baker, the black, Democratic Attorney General of Georgia, is on record in court filings as being opposed to much of Section Five
Mr. Hastert, perhaps you need a hearing aid.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The Problem with PC
(Then-) Cardinal Jos. Ratzinger:
Political correctness…seeks to establish the domain of a single way of thinking and speaking. Its relativism creates the illusion that it has reached greater heights than the loftiest philosophical achievements of the past. It prescribes itself as the only way to think and speak - if, that is, one wishes to stay in fashion. Being faithful to traditional values and the knowledge that upholds them is labeled intolerance, and relativism becomes the required norm. I think it is vital that we oppose this imposition of a new pseudo-enlightenment, which threatens freedom of thought as well as freedom of religion. In Sweden, a preacher who had presented the Biblical teachings on the question of homosexuality received a prison sentence. This is just one sign of the gains that have been made by relativism as a kind of new ‘denomination’ that places restrictions on religious convictions and seeks to subordinate all religions to the super-dogma of relativism
In other words, there is no such thing as truth.
HT: Sacramentum Vitae
Political correctness…seeks to establish the domain of a single way of thinking and speaking. Its relativism creates the illusion that it has reached greater heights than the loftiest philosophical achievements of the past. It prescribes itself as the only way to think and speak - if, that is, one wishes to stay in fashion. Being faithful to traditional values and the knowledge that upholds them is labeled intolerance, and relativism becomes the required norm. I think it is vital that we oppose this imposition of a new pseudo-enlightenment, which threatens freedom of thought as well as freedom of religion. In Sweden, a preacher who had presented the Biblical teachings on the question of homosexuality received a prison sentence. This is just one sign of the gains that have been made by relativism as a kind of new ‘denomination’ that places restrictions on religious convictions and seeks to subordinate all religions to the super-dogma of relativism
In other words, there is no such thing as truth.
HT: Sacramentum Vitae
NeoCon-Tastic Returns to Life
After a lengthy absence from blogging, Neo seems to have revived himself--in MILWAUKEE, of all places--and is posting again.
Not likely to become a member of the BirdWatcher's Society soon, either.
Not likely to become a member of the BirdWatcher's Society soon, either.
What Did Coulter ACTUALLY Write?
Not too surprising to find out that there's more to the Coulter "quote" than the MSM found:
The 9/11 Commission was a scam and a fraud, the sole purpose of which was to cover up the disasters of the Clinton administration and distract the nation's leaders during wartime. Not only did the Jersey Girls claim credit for this Clinton whitewash machine, they spent most of the hearings denouncing the Bush administration for not stopping the 9/11 attacks from the weak position handed it by the Clinton administration."
The gist of what Kristen Breitweiser, Lorie Van Auken, Mindy Kleinberg and Patty Casazza claimed was that an August 2001 Presidential Daily Briefing should have alerted Bush to order immediate action to prevent 9/11.
..."Mostly the witches of East Brunswick wanted George Bush to apologize for not being Bill Clinton," was her take on the Jersey Girls, but "the rest of the nation was more interested in knowing why the FBI was prevented from being given intelligence about 9/11 terrorists here in the United States more than a year before the attack..."
The answer - well-known by now - is that Clinton's deputy attorney general, Jamie Gorelick, "had specifically prohibited intelligence agents from telling law enforcement agents about suspected terrorists in the country."
Does "Able Danger" ring a bell?
So now we know what Ann ACTUALLY wrote--and why the MSM/Clinton-News-Network(s) don't quote the entire passage.
HT: Newsbusters and Al Caruba
The 9/11 Commission was a scam and a fraud, the sole purpose of which was to cover up the disasters of the Clinton administration and distract the nation's leaders during wartime. Not only did the Jersey Girls claim credit for this Clinton whitewash machine, they spent most of the hearings denouncing the Bush administration for not stopping the 9/11 attacks from the weak position handed it by the Clinton administration."
The gist of what Kristen Breitweiser, Lorie Van Auken, Mindy Kleinberg and Patty Casazza claimed was that an August 2001 Presidential Daily Briefing should have alerted Bush to order immediate action to prevent 9/11.
..."Mostly the witches of East Brunswick wanted George Bush to apologize for not being Bill Clinton," was her take on the Jersey Girls, but "the rest of the nation was more interested in knowing why the FBI was prevented from being given intelligence about 9/11 terrorists here in the United States more than a year before the attack..."
The answer - well-known by now - is that Clinton's deputy attorney general, Jamie Gorelick, "had specifically prohibited intelligence agents from telling law enforcement agents about suspected terrorists in the country."
Does "Able Danger" ring a bell?
So now we know what Ann ACTUALLY wrote--and why the MSM/Clinton-News-Network(s) don't quote the entire passage.
HT: Newsbusters and Al Caruba
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
WMDs, Lots, in Iraq: Intelligence
Yah, in the car, listening to Cong. Curt Weldon with Savage.
Seems that Weldon forced the release of some Intel documents which state that yes, indeed, our pal Saddam DID have WMD's--rockets equipped to toss chemicals--sarin or mustard gas.
Sure enough, here's the article:
The U.S. has located some 500 chemical weapons in Iraq since 2003 with more likely to be found, according to two Republican members of Congress trumpeting a newly declassified portion of a government report.
"We have found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, chemical weapons," Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., said at an afternoon news conference.
Santorum read from a declassified portion of a report by the National Ground Intelligence Center, a Defense Department intelligence unit, which noted: "Since 2003, coalition forces have recovered approximately 500 weapons munitions which contain degraded mustard or sarin nerve agent. Despite many efforts to locate and destroy Iraq's pre-Gulf War chemical munitions, filled and unfilled pre-Gulf War chemical munitions are assessed to still exist."
Now for the most interesting question:
"Probably more important is why has the administration not made this public beforehand," retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerny said of the report. "I think the fact is that the Russians moved large stocks [of WMDs] out in the fall of 2002. ... They went into three locations into Syria, in one location in the Bekaa Valley. If you get in there and if you found those weapons and found the precursors, the fingerprints would go back to Russia, China and France. Now those are the three countries that had the most conventional weapons sales to Saddam Hussein. ... I believe they were complicit. So I don't think the administration wants to trash three of the five members of the [U.N.] Security Council."
Our Friends: PRChina and France! Say it isn't SO!!!
Seems that Weldon forced the release of some Intel documents which state that yes, indeed, our pal Saddam DID have WMD's--rockets equipped to toss chemicals--sarin or mustard gas.
Sure enough, here's the article:
The U.S. has located some 500 chemical weapons in Iraq since 2003 with more likely to be found, according to two Republican members of Congress trumpeting a newly declassified portion of a government report.
"We have found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, chemical weapons," Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., said at an afternoon news conference.
Santorum read from a declassified portion of a report by the National Ground Intelligence Center, a Defense Department intelligence unit, which noted: "Since 2003, coalition forces have recovered approximately 500 weapons munitions which contain degraded mustard or sarin nerve agent. Despite many efforts to locate and destroy Iraq's pre-Gulf War chemical munitions, filled and unfilled pre-Gulf War chemical munitions are assessed to still exist."
Now for the most interesting question:
"Probably more important is why has the administration not made this public beforehand," retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom McInerny said of the report. "I think the fact is that the Russians moved large stocks [of WMDs] out in the fall of 2002. ... They went into three locations into Syria, in one location in the Bekaa Valley. If you get in there and if you found those weapons and found the precursors, the fingerprints would go back to Russia, China and France. Now those are the three countries that had the most conventional weapons sales to Saddam Hussein. ... I believe they were complicit. So I don't think the administration wants to trash three of the five members of the [U.N.] Security Council."
Our Friends: PRChina and France! Say it isn't SO!!!
Jack Murtha's Feet--Is It Clay, or Is It Money?
"St." Jack Murtha, who has no problem whatsoever with absurd troop-redeployments, may have some problems a LOT closer to home:
Last June, the Los Angeles Times reported how the ranking member on the defense appropriations subcommittee has a brother, Robert Murtha, whose lobbying firm represents 10 companies that received more than $20 million from last year's defense spending bill. "Clients of the lobbying firm KSA Consulting -- whose top officials also include former congressional aide Carmen V. Scialabba, who worked for Rep. Murtha as a congressional aide for 27 years -- received a total of $20.8 million from the bill," the L.A. Times reported
[A Roll Call article from 2004] also reported how Mr. Murtha has been behind millions of dollars worth of earmarks in defense appropriations bills that went to companies owned by the children of fellow Pennsylvania Democrat, Rep. Paul Kanjorski. Meanwhile, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan campaign-finance watchdog group, lists Mr. Murtha as the top recipient of defense industry dollars in the current 2006 election cycle.
Almost sounds like there could be a pattern here...
Last June, the Los Angeles Times reported how the ranking member on the defense appropriations subcommittee has a brother, Robert Murtha, whose lobbying firm represents 10 companies that received more than $20 million from last year's defense spending bill. "Clients of the lobbying firm KSA Consulting -- whose top officials also include former congressional aide Carmen V. Scialabba, who worked for Rep. Murtha as a congressional aide for 27 years -- received a total of $20.8 million from the bill," the L.A. Times reported
[A Roll Call article from 2004] also reported how Mr. Murtha has been behind millions of dollars worth of earmarks in defense appropriations bills that went to companies owned by the children of fellow Pennsylvania Democrat, Rep. Paul Kanjorski. Meanwhile, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan campaign-finance watchdog group, lists Mr. Murtha as the top recipient of defense industry dollars in the current 2006 election cycle.
Almost sounds like there could be a pattern here...
John Paul II on Immigration--Complete Text
Since there is a great deal of confusion about the "Catholic position" on immigration, this is the complete text of JPII's address on World Immigration Day, 1995. Although this brief address is not a comprehensive restatement of the Church's entire teaching on the topic, the general principles will certainly emerge as you read this.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. The phenomenon of migration with its complex problems challenges the international community and individual States today more than ever. The latter generally tend to intervene by tightening migration laws and reinforcing border control systems.
Thus migration loses that dimension of economic, social and cultural development which it had in the past. In fact, there is less and less talk of the situation of "emigrants" in their countries of origin, and more and more of "immigrants", with respect to the problems they create in the countries where they settle.
Migration is assuming the features of a social emergency, above all because of the increase in illegal migrants which, despite the current restrictions, it seems impossible to halt.
Illegal immigration has always existed: it has frequently been tolerated because it promotes a reserve of personnel to draw on as legal migrants gradually move up the social ladder and find stable employment.
2. Today the phenomenon of illegal migrants has assumed considerable proportions, both because the supply of foreign labor is becoming excessive in comparison to the needs of the economy, which already has difficulty in absorbing its domestic workers, and because of the spread of forced migration. The necessary prudence required to deal with so delicate a matter cannot become one of reticence or exclusivity, because thousands would suffer the consequences as victims of situations that seem destined to deteriorate instead of being resolved. His irregular legal status cannot allow the migrant to lose his dignity, since he is endowed with inalienable rights, which can neither be violated nor ignored.
Illegal immigration should be prevented, but it is also essential to combat vigorously the criminal activities which exploit illegal immigrants. The most appropriate choice, which will yield consistent and long-lasting results is that of international cooperation which aims to foster political stability and to eliminate underdevelopment. The present economic and social imbalance, which to a large extent encourages the migratory flow, should not be seen as something inevitable, but as a challenge to the human race's sense of responsibility.
3. The Church considers the problem of illegal migrants from the standpoint of Christ, who died to gather together the dispersed children of God (cf. Jn 11:52), to rehabilitate the marginalized and to bring close those who are distant; in order to integrate all within a communion that is not based on ethnic, cultural or social membership, but on the common justice. "God shows no partiality, but in every nation one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35).
The Church acts in continuity with Christ's mission. In particular, she asks herself how to meet the needs, while respecting the law, of those persons who are not allowed to remain in a national territory. She also asks what the right to emigrate is worth without the corresponding right to immigrate.
She tackles the problem of how to involve in this work of solidarity those Christian communities frequently infected by a public opinion that is often hostile to immigrants.
The first way to help these people is to listen to them in order to become acquainted with their situation, and, whatever their legal status with regard to State law, to provide them with the necessary means of subsistence.
Thus it is important to help illegal migrants to complete the necessary administrative papers to obtain a residence permit.
Social and charitable institutions can make contact with the authorities in order to seek appropriate, lawful solutions to various cases. This kind of effort should be made especially on behalf of those who, after a long stay, are so deeply rooted in the local society that returning to their country of origin would be tantamount to a form of reverse emigration, with serious consequences particularly for the children.
4. When no solution is foreseen, these same institutions should direct those they are helping, perhaps also providing them with material assistance, either to seek acceptance in other countries, or to return to their own country.
In the search for a solution to the problem of migration in general and illegal migrants in particular, the attitude of the host society has an important role to play. In this perspective, it is very important that public opinion be properly informed about the true situation in the migrants' country of origin, about the tragedies involving them and the possible risks of returning. The poverty and misfortune with which immigrants are stricken are yet another reason for coming generously to their aid.
It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations.
Due to the considerable proportions reached by the illegal migrant phenomenon, legislation in all the countries involved should be brought into harmony, also for a more equitable distribution of the burdens of a balanced solution. It is necessary to avoid recourse to the use of administrative regulations, meant to restrict the criterion of family membership, which result in unjustifiably forcing into an illegal situation people whose right to live with their family cannot be denied by any law.
Adequate protection should be guaranteed to those who, although they have fled from their countries for reasons unforeseen by international conventions, could indeed be seriously risking their life were they obliged to return to their homeland.
5. I urge the particular Churches to encourage reflection, to issue directives and to provide information to help pastoral and social workers to act with discernment in so delicate and complex a matter.
When an understanding of the problem is conditioned by prejudice and xenophobic attitudes, the Church must not fail to speak up for brotherhood and to accompany it with acts testifying to the primacy of charity.
The prominence assumed by the welfare aspects of their precarious situation should not mean that less attention is paid to the fact that there are often Catholic Christians among the illegal migrants who, in the name of the same faith, often seek pastors of souls and places where they can pray, listen to God's word and celebrate the Lord's mysteries. Dioceses have the duty to meet these needs.
In the Church no one is a stranger, and the Church is not foreign to anyone, anywhere. As a sacrament of unity and thus a sign and a binding force for the whole human race, the Church is the place where illegal immigrants are also recognized and accepted as brothers and sisters. It is the task of the various Dioceses actively to ensure that these people, who are obliged to live outside the safety net of civil society, may find a sense of brotherhood in the Christian community.
Solidarity means taking responsibility for those in trouble. For Christians, the migrant is not merely an individual to be respected in accordance with the norms established by law, but a person whose presence challenges them and whose needs become an obligation for their responsibility. "What have you done to your brother?" (Cf. Gen 4:9). The answer should not be limited to what is imposed by law, but should be made in the manner of solidarity.
6. Man, particularly if he is weak, defenseless, driven to the margins of society, is a sacrament of Christ's presence (cf. Mt 25:40, 45). "But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed" (Jn 7:49), was how the Pharisees judged those whom Jesus had helped even beyond the limits established by their precepts. Indeed, he came to seek and to save the lost (cf. Lk 19:10), to bring back the excluded, the abandoned, those rejected by society.
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35). It is the Church's task not only to present constantly the Lord's teaching of faith, but also to indicate its appropriate application to the various situations which the changing times continue to create. Today the illegal migrant comes before us like that "stranger" in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself.
With these wishes, I impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant heavenly rewards to all those who are involved in the field of migration.
From the Vatican, 25 July 1995, the seventeenth year of my Pontificate.
Taken from: L'Osservatore RomanoWeekly Edition in English13 September 1995, p. 3.
The situation in Mexico--really, fiefdom/oligarchies, MUST be improved. One hopes that GWB is leaning hard on his close friend, Vincente Fox, to improve the Mexican social situation.
On the other hand, it's also clear that the Church is VERY hesitant to endorse or condone "lawbreaking" in the mode of Cdl. Mahony of L.A. Further, although there is some question as to whether there is or is NOT "enough labor" available in this country, the Pope clearly does not endorse displacement of native-born workers in favor of either legal OR illegal immigrants.
HT: http://coworkersintruth.blogspot.com/2006/05/illegal-immigration-pope-john-paul-ii.html
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. The phenomenon of migration with its complex problems challenges the international community and individual States today more than ever. The latter generally tend to intervene by tightening migration laws and reinforcing border control systems.
Thus migration loses that dimension of economic, social and cultural development which it had in the past. In fact, there is less and less talk of the situation of "emigrants" in their countries of origin, and more and more of "immigrants", with respect to the problems they create in the countries where they settle.
Migration is assuming the features of a social emergency, above all because of the increase in illegal migrants which, despite the current restrictions, it seems impossible to halt.
Illegal immigration has always existed: it has frequently been tolerated because it promotes a reserve of personnel to draw on as legal migrants gradually move up the social ladder and find stable employment.
2. Today the phenomenon of illegal migrants has assumed considerable proportions, both because the supply of foreign labor is becoming excessive in comparison to the needs of the economy, which already has difficulty in absorbing its domestic workers, and because of the spread of forced migration. The necessary prudence required to deal with so delicate a matter cannot become one of reticence or exclusivity, because thousands would suffer the consequences as victims of situations that seem destined to deteriorate instead of being resolved. His irregular legal status cannot allow the migrant to lose his dignity, since he is endowed with inalienable rights, which can neither be violated nor ignored.
Illegal immigration should be prevented, but it is also essential to combat vigorously the criminal activities which exploit illegal immigrants. The most appropriate choice, which will yield consistent and long-lasting results is that of international cooperation which aims to foster political stability and to eliminate underdevelopment. The present economic and social imbalance, which to a large extent encourages the migratory flow, should not be seen as something inevitable, but as a challenge to the human race's sense of responsibility.
3. The Church considers the problem of illegal migrants from the standpoint of Christ, who died to gather together the dispersed children of God (cf. Jn 11:52), to rehabilitate the marginalized and to bring close those who are distant; in order to integrate all within a communion that is not based on ethnic, cultural or social membership, but on the common justice. "God shows no partiality, but in every nation one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35).
The Church acts in continuity with Christ's mission. In particular, she asks herself how to meet the needs, while respecting the law, of those persons who are not allowed to remain in a national territory. She also asks what the right to emigrate is worth without the corresponding right to immigrate.
She tackles the problem of how to involve in this work of solidarity those Christian communities frequently infected by a public opinion that is often hostile to immigrants.
The first way to help these people is to listen to them in order to become acquainted with their situation, and, whatever their legal status with regard to State law, to provide them with the necessary means of subsistence.
Thus it is important to help illegal migrants to complete the necessary administrative papers to obtain a residence permit.
Social and charitable institutions can make contact with the authorities in order to seek appropriate, lawful solutions to various cases. This kind of effort should be made especially on behalf of those who, after a long stay, are so deeply rooted in the local society that returning to their country of origin would be tantamount to a form of reverse emigration, with serious consequences particularly for the children.
4. When no solution is foreseen, these same institutions should direct those they are helping, perhaps also providing them with material assistance, either to seek acceptance in other countries, or to return to their own country.
In the search for a solution to the problem of migration in general and illegal migrants in particular, the attitude of the host society has an important role to play. In this perspective, it is very important that public opinion be properly informed about the true situation in the migrants' country of origin, about the tragedies involving them and the possible risks of returning. The poverty and misfortune with which immigrants are stricken are yet another reason for coming generously to their aid.
It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations.
Due to the considerable proportions reached by the illegal migrant phenomenon, legislation in all the countries involved should be brought into harmony, also for a more equitable distribution of the burdens of a balanced solution. It is necessary to avoid recourse to the use of administrative regulations, meant to restrict the criterion of family membership, which result in unjustifiably forcing into an illegal situation people whose right to live with their family cannot be denied by any law.
Adequate protection should be guaranteed to those who, although they have fled from their countries for reasons unforeseen by international conventions, could indeed be seriously risking their life were they obliged to return to their homeland.
5. I urge the particular Churches to encourage reflection, to issue directives and to provide information to help pastoral and social workers to act with discernment in so delicate and complex a matter.
When an understanding of the problem is conditioned by prejudice and xenophobic attitudes, the Church must not fail to speak up for brotherhood and to accompany it with acts testifying to the primacy of charity.
The prominence assumed by the welfare aspects of their precarious situation should not mean that less attention is paid to the fact that there are often Catholic Christians among the illegal migrants who, in the name of the same faith, often seek pastors of souls and places where they can pray, listen to God's word and celebrate the Lord's mysteries. Dioceses have the duty to meet these needs.
In the Church no one is a stranger, and the Church is not foreign to anyone, anywhere. As a sacrament of unity and thus a sign and a binding force for the whole human race, the Church is the place where illegal immigrants are also recognized and accepted as brothers and sisters. It is the task of the various Dioceses actively to ensure that these people, who are obliged to live outside the safety net of civil society, may find a sense of brotherhood in the Christian community.
Solidarity means taking responsibility for those in trouble. For Christians, the migrant is not merely an individual to be respected in accordance with the norms established by law, but a person whose presence challenges them and whose needs become an obligation for their responsibility. "What have you done to your brother?" (Cf. Gen 4:9). The answer should not be limited to what is imposed by law, but should be made in the manner of solidarity.
6. Man, particularly if he is weak, defenseless, driven to the margins of society, is a sacrament of Christ's presence (cf. Mt 25:40, 45). "But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed" (Jn 7:49), was how the Pharisees judged those whom Jesus had helped even beyond the limits established by their precepts. Indeed, he came to seek and to save the lost (cf. Lk 19:10), to bring back the excluded, the abandoned, those rejected by society.
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35). It is the Church's task not only to present constantly the Lord's teaching of faith, but also to indicate its appropriate application to the various situations which the changing times continue to create. Today the illegal migrant comes before us like that "stranger" in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself.
With these wishes, I impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant heavenly rewards to all those who are involved in the field of migration.
From the Vatican, 25 July 1995, the seventeenth year of my Pontificate.
Taken from: L'Osservatore RomanoWeekly Edition in English13 September 1995, p. 3.
The situation in Mexico--really, fiefdom/oligarchies, MUST be improved. One hopes that GWB is leaning hard on his close friend, Vincente Fox, to improve the Mexican social situation.
On the other hand, it's also clear that the Church is VERY hesitant to endorse or condone "lawbreaking" in the mode of Cdl. Mahony of L.A. Further, although there is some question as to whether there is or is NOT "enough labor" available in this country, the Pope clearly does not endorse displacement of native-born workers in favor of either legal OR illegal immigrants.
HT: http://coworkersintruth.blogspot.com/2006/05/illegal-immigration-pope-john-paul-ii.html
House to Avoid Immigration Vote
In a move spun as "a sign Bush reforms to fail," the House leadership decided that it was more important for Republican-lite members to keep their jobs than to vote on an immigration plan. In all likelihood, a number of Republican Senators pushed House leadership towards this decision.
Realizing that voters are largely in favor of the original House plan, but ALSO realizing that moneyed interests who are in favor of cheap labor will curtail contributions should the plan advance, Denny Hastert has announced "hearings" on the plan.
Hastert's tactic will likely push a vote on immigration reform out to after the election.
Of course, this will also allow House (and Senate) members to vote on a plan which will incorporate a number of features from the Senate's version of the bill, which are unpopular with voters--but their vote will not occur until after the November elections.
Realizing that voters are largely in favor of the original House plan, but ALSO realizing that moneyed interests who are in favor of cheap labor will curtail contributions should the plan advance, Denny Hastert has announced "hearings" on the plan.
Hastert's tactic will likely push a vote on immigration reform out to after the election.
Of course, this will also allow House (and Senate) members to vote on a plan which will incorporate a number of features from the Senate's version of the bill, which are unpopular with voters--but their vote will not occur until after the November elections.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
JB Van Hollen: Chapter Four
In a series of brief "JBVanHollen is right" posts, this is #4, albeit this situation occurred in San Francisco:
After his firing, the Egyptian-born imam, Safwat Morsy, opened a new mosque in a basement just around the corner from the Islamic Society, in the heart of this city's gritty Tenderloin district. To swelling crowds, the Sheik Safwat has railed against "the traitor criminal Souleiman Ghali" and called for jihad, or holy war, against Israel and U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Our killed ones are in paradise and their killed ones are in hell," he told worshipers in 2003, in a sermon that was translated from Arabic for the court case....
Beware of "the new American Islam," Sheik Safwat warned followers in the 2003 sermon translated for the court case, "a faith that does not talk about the jihad; a faith that does not talk about the confrontation with tyrants; a faith that does not talk."...
...He praised martyrdom. While the Muslim dead of Jerusalem, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Sudan were in paradise, he said, the infidel dead were burning in hell. "The beacon of the jihad will not be extinguished by the tank and will not be extinguished by the airplanes," he said. "The clash of civilizations and the combat of cultures and the recapture of the land and honor, this is what believers are waiting for."
Then again, we have NO idea if it's occurring in Milwaukee--or not, eh?
After his firing, the Egyptian-born imam, Safwat Morsy, opened a new mosque in a basement just around the corner from the Islamic Society, in the heart of this city's gritty Tenderloin district. To swelling crowds, the Sheik Safwat has railed against "the traitor criminal Souleiman Ghali" and called for jihad, or holy war, against Israel and U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Our killed ones are in paradise and their killed ones are in hell," he told worshipers in 2003, in a sermon that was translated from Arabic for the court case....
Beware of "the new American Islam," Sheik Safwat warned followers in the 2003 sermon translated for the court case, "a faith that does not talk about the jihad; a faith that does not talk about the confrontation with tyrants; a faith that does not talk."...
...He praised martyrdom. While the Muslim dead of Jerusalem, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Sudan were in paradise, he said, the infidel dead were burning in hell. "The beacon of the jihad will not be extinguished by the tank and will not be extinguished by the airplanes," he said. "The clash of civilizations and the combat of cultures and the recapture of the land and honor, this is what believers are waiting for."
Then again, we have NO idea if it's occurring in Milwaukee--or not, eh?
Texas Hold'Em Moved. No Comments Required
Yah--I've enjoyed Peter's items.
Too bad he moved to some damnfool "registration" site--so if you want to comment, you have to register, or log in.
Too old to get into that stuff, here.
Too bad he moved to some damnfool "registration" site--so if you want to comment, you have to register, or log in.
Too old to get into that stuff, here.
UW-Madison's Tinfoil Hat Professor
Yah.
Your tax dollars also happen to support:
Kevin Barrett (FM)
Folklore, UW-Madison; Director, Khidria, Inc.; Founding Member, Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth,
...a "Full Member" in "Scholars for 9/11 Truth", the moonbats who think that 9/11 was a Federal-Government (read: Rovian) hoax. Their text:
These experts contend that books and articles by members and other associates have established that the World Trade Center was almost certainly brought down by controlled demolitions and that the available relevant evidence casts grave doubt on the government's official story about the attack on the Pentagon.
They believe that the government not only permitted 9/11 to occur but may even have orchestrated these events to facilitate its political agenda.
Other members include a fellow named "Looney" (who is an attorney) and another who gives his occupation as "Private Attorney General."
You can't make this up, folks...
Your tax dollars also happen to support:
Kevin Barrett (FM)
Folklore, UW-Madison; Director, Khidria, Inc.; Founding Member, Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth,
...a "Full Member" in "Scholars for 9/11 Truth", the moonbats who think that 9/11 was a Federal-Government (read: Rovian) hoax. Their text:
These experts contend that books and articles by members and other associates have established that the World Trade Center was almost certainly brought down by controlled demolitions and that the available relevant evidence casts grave doubt on the government's official story about the attack on the Pentagon.
They believe that the government not only permitted 9/11 to occur but may even have orchestrated these events to facilitate its political agenda.
Other members include a fellow named "Looney" (who is an attorney) and another who gives his occupation as "Private Attorney General."
You can't make this up, folks...
WSJ Slaps Corn-a-Hole
DCS links us to the WSJ editorial which tells us (surprise!!!) that the Feds are active cooperators in screwing consumers, having been bought and sold by ADM and others (read: the Farm Lobby.)
Next: the Sugar Lobby gets its crack at your wallet.
We note that Sen. Feingold remains fixated on "illegal" National Security action.
DCS further advises that if you had your eyes on a diesel-powered Volkswagen, you should get it while they still exist...with a converter kit, you can also burn waste-fry-oil from McDonald's.
Next: the Sugar Lobby gets its crack at your wallet.
We note that Sen. Feingold remains fixated on "illegal" National Security action.
DCS further advises that if you had your eyes on a diesel-powered Volkswagen, you should get it while they still exist...with a converter kit, you can also burn waste-fry-oil from McDonald's.
GWB's Excellent Idea
Yah, I've knocked Our President; but here he does exactly what he should do:
The Pentagon activated its new U.S. ground-based interceptor missile defense system, and officials announced yesterday that any long-range missile launch by North Korea would be considered a "provocative act."
The U.S. missile defense system includes 11 long-range interceptor missiles, including nine deployed at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and two at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The system was switched from test to operational mode within the past two weeks, the officials said.
One senior Bush administration official told The Washington Times that an option being considered would be to shoot down the Taepodong missile with responding interceptors.
Ron Reagan was the President and leader who wrestled the Democrats to the ground in order to begin work on "Star Wars;" this system is an offshoot.
Were it up to the Democrats, there would be no defense available against ICBM launches aimed at the US. It remains the position of the Left that, in effect, we should "lay back and enjoy it," exactly parallel to their position on concealed weapons for personal defense.
Look for derisive laughter from the Left as this news circulates--and the unvoiced but palpable hope that the system fails...
The Pentagon activated its new U.S. ground-based interceptor missile defense system, and officials announced yesterday that any long-range missile launch by North Korea would be considered a "provocative act."
The U.S. missile defense system includes 11 long-range interceptor missiles, including nine deployed at Fort Greeley, Alaska, and two at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The system was switched from test to operational mode within the past two weeks, the officials said.
One senior Bush administration official told The Washington Times that an option being considered would be to shoot down the Taepodong missile with responding interceptors.
Ron Reagan was the President and leader who wrestled the Democrats to the ground in order to begin work on "Star Wars;" this system is an offshoot.
Were it up to the Democrats, there would be no defense available against ICBM launches aimed at the US. It remains the position of the Left that, in effect, we should "lay back and enjoy it," exactly parallel to their position on concealed weapons for personal defense.
Look for derisive laughter from the Left as this news circulates--and the unvoiced but palpable hope that the system fails...
Monday, June 19, 2006
The Libs are Consistent, Anyway
Yah.
Have a crime wave? Give 'em Brewers tickets, a nice speech on education, and a couple of ice cream cones. (Mayor Barrett's plan to stop urban murders)
Have a nasty dictator or two? Give 'em Poland and Czechoslovakia, half of Germany, and toss in Hungary, Romania, and Albania. (FDR/Truman plan to stop the Soviet Union)
Well, hell, it seemed to work the first time!
Have a crime wave? Give 'em Brewers tickets, a nice speech on education, and a couple of ice cream cones. (Mayor Barrett's plan to stop urban murders)
Have a nasty dictator or two? Give 'em Poland and Czechoslovakia, half of Germany, and toss in Hungary, Romania, and Albania. (FDR/Truman plan to stop the Soviet Union)
Well, hell, it seemed to work the first time!
Jim Doyle's News Conference
The following is a graphic rendering of Doyle's statement following the conviction of Ms. Thompson:
John Paul II on Immigration
When one looks for a "Catholic" position on immigration, the best beginning is with John Paul II. You will note that his position is not the same as the one presented by Cdl. (Cesar Chavez) Mahony of Los Angeles...
This is taken from http://coworkersintruth.blogspot.com/2006/05/illegal-immigration-pope-john-paul-ii.html "Cooperatores Veritatis" (Words of JPII are italicized)
Pope John Paul II, by contrast, understands the problem of illegal immigration as complex and delicate. And as such, the debate should not be framed in the rather simplistic terms it is presently framed in by both sides. He begins his message thus: "The phenomenon of migration with its complex problems challenges the international community and individual States today more than ever."
"Thus migration loses that dimension of economic, social and cultural development which it had in the past. In fact, there is less and less talk of the situation of 'emigrants' in their countries of origin, and more and more of 'immigrants', with respect to the problems they create in the countries where they settle. Migration is assuming the features of a social emergency, above all because of the increase in illegal migrants which, despite the current restrictions, it seems impossible to halt."
I think it is worth noting that the Holy Father does not include illegal migration at this juncture as having the a "dimension of economic, social and cultural development".
"Illegal immigration should be prevented, but it is also essential to combat vigorously the criminal activities which exploit illegal immigrants. (n.2)"
The next sentence in the pope's message is an important one: "The most appropriate choice, which will yield consistent and long-lasting results is that of international cooperation which aims to foster political stability and to eliminate underdevelopment."
Others have pointed out that the Mexican economy is so poorly managed that it's now virtually dependent on dollars remitted by illegals. Has GWB asked Vincente Fox to clean up the corruption?
For instance, in the case of Mexico, it is clear that that rampant cronyism and corruption in its government and much of the general culture is what holds many of the Mexican populace in absolute squalor. This desperate situation drives many of them to go to the lengths of risking their own lives to come into the U.S. illegally for even the faintest hope of securing a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.
In difficult situations like that created by illegal immigration, the temptation to place inordinate blame on the illegal aliens themselves is great. The Pope warns against this danger: " It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations.(n.4)"
The essay on "Cooperatores" is well-written and balanced--worth reading in its entirety.
But it is no longer necessary to swallow 'the line' of certain Bishops as though it were Authoritative Catholic Teaching. It ain't. And it is worth remembering that JPII knows a LOT about immigration issues, worldwide.
This is taken from http://coworkersintruth.blogspot.com/2006/05/illegal-immigration-pope-john-paul-ii.html "Cooperatores Veritatis" (Words of JPII are italicized)
Pope John Paul II, by contrast, understands the problem of illegal immigration as complex and delicate. And as such, the debate should not be framed in the rather simplistic terms it is presently framed in by both sides. He begins his message thus: "The phenomenon of migration with its complex problems challenges the international community and individual States today more than ever."
"Thus migration loses that dimension of economic, social and cultural development which it had in the past. In fact, there is less and less talk of the situation of 'emigrants' in their countries of origin, and more and more of 'immigrants', with respect to the problems they create in the countries where they settle. Migration is assuming the features of a social emergency, above all because of the increase in illegal migrants which, despite the current restrictions, it seems impossible to halt."
I think it is worth noting that the Holy Father does not include illegal migration at this juncture as having the a "dimension of economic, social and cultural development".
"Illegal immigration should be prevented, but it is also essential to combat vigorously the criminal activities which exploit illegal immigrants. (n.2)"
The next sentence in the pope's message is an important one: "The most appropriate choice, which will yield consistent and long-lasting results is that of international cooperation which aims to foster political stability and to eliminate underdevelopment."
Others have pointed out that the Mexican economy is so poorly managed that it's now virtually dependent on dollars remitted by illegals. Has GWB asked Vincente Fox to clean up the corruption?
For instance, in the case of Mexico, it is clear that that rampant cronyism and corruption in its government and much of the general culture is what holds many of the Mexican populace in absolute squalor. This desperate situation drives many of them to go to the lengths of risking their own lives to come into the U.S. illegally for even the faintest hope of securing a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.
In difficult situations like that created by illegal immigration, the temptation to place inordinate blame on the illegal aliens themselves is great. The Pope warns against this danger: " It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations.(n.4)"
The essay on "Cooperatores" is well-written and balanced--worth reading in its entirety.
But it is no longer necessary to swallow 'the line' of certain Bishops as though it were Authoritative Catholic Teaching. It ain't. And it is worth remembering that JPII knows a LOT about immigration issues, worldwide.
Dementia--No Shortage Here!
Xoff is kind enough to point out the electronic location of another individual who lacks a firm grasp of History 101 but has the ability to debate-by-calling-names.
Wow.
Birds, feathers...
Wow.
Birds, feathers...
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Happy Fathers' Day!
....if you're a father, of course.
Best part: the kids actually remain in contact, and not just for quick cash.
And they're reasonably respectful, especially when I have the .357 tucked into my belt.
Best part: the kids actually remain in contact, and not just for quick cash.
And they're reasonably respectful, especially when I have the .357 tucked into my belt.
Propaganda, Not Well-Written
Poor Laurel Walker. Given a columnist slot by the JS and being a Lefty, she has to attempt to make a case for Homosex "Marriage" in only a few hundred words. Unfortunately, her attempt is so hackneyed and one-sided that it has 'propaganda' oozing from the get-go:
When his firstborn child, Nathan, arrived 25 years ago, David Henry wished only the best for his son - that he would find success and have the chance to do what he wanted in life.
Perhaps the most ham-handed and telling paragraph is the second:
Still tucked away in the Henrys' Town of Waukesha house is a favorite book he gave to his baby boy to read some day. Trained as an economist and now working in computer technology, David Henry picked "Free to Choose" by economists Milton and Rose Friedman.
Of course, that's followed by a disclaimer--that the Friedman's 'freedom' is not really related to Nathan's (or David's?) desire for Homosex "Marriage."
But it so happens that the economist's gold-ring of "choice" is the strongest argument mustered FOR Homosex 'marriage' (if you are a True Believer) and at the same time, the most significant fallacy. For the 'choice' here of Homosex marriage is not a 'choice' which benefits society, nor is it ordained by nature.
But Walker makes sure we get the picture:
While Nathan's mother is active in a Milwaukee support group for families and friends of gays and lesbians - more active in the cause than even Nathan - David said his activism has been limited to writing letters to legislators about government's maddening attempts to ban gay marriage and civil unions.
Gee, Laurel--you find it "maddening?" Wow. Surprise!! Here's another shocker:
Wisconsin's attempt for a constitutional amendment - we'll get to vote on it in a November referendum - is even more mean-spirited, I think.
David Henry says if this is an effort to defend marriage and the family, as proponents have said, then government would do better to stop divorce - which is just as "stupid" as the gay marriage ban.
Better yet, government ought to mind its own business and let loving committed couples join together as family.
It's safe to say that Laurel had a friendly meeting with the Henrys, eh?
It remains to be seen whether the 'second sentence' of The Amendment would actually prohibit conferring "health insurance, retirement benefits, bereavement leave for family, inheritance issues and hundreds more benefits," as Walker claims without substantiation. For openers, some of these benefits are conferred by private enterprise or through contract negotiations; and others can be legislated regardless of "civil union" moniker. While it is possible that the second sentence will prevent employers from being forced to provide the bennies, it will NOT deprive them of the right to grant them voluntarily.
But hey--little things like truth aren't too important to the Propaganda Machine.
The red herring of divorce, the "maddening, " "mean-spirited" stuff--it's gratuitous and not particularly helpful to Nathan's cause.
For the record, I've never been a fan of the Walter Williams school of economic morality; it's shallow and its consequences are literally inhuman. Constructing a society based purely on economics and covering the odiferous result with the perfume of "choice" is a fool's errand.
She shoulda stuck with just telling the story.
When his firstborn child, Nathan, arrived 25 years ago, David Henry wished only the best for his son - that he would find success and have the chance to do what he wanted in life.
Perhaps the most ham-handed and telling paragraph is the second:
Still tucked away in the Henrys' Town of Waukesha house is a favorite book he gave to his baby boy to read some day. Trained as an economist and now working in computer technology, David Henry picked "Free to Choose" by economists Milton and Rose Friedman.
Of course, that's followed by a disclaimer--that the Friedman's 'freedom' is not really related to Nathan's (or David's?) desire for Homosex "Marriage."
But it so happens that the economist's gold-ring of "choice" is the strongest argument mustered FOR Homosex 'marriage' (if you are a True Believer) and at the same time, the most significant fallacy. For the 'choice' here of Homosex marriage is not a 'choice' which benefits society, nor is it ordained by nature.
But Walker makes sure we get the picture:
While Nathan's mother is active in a Milwaukee support group for families and friends of gays and lesbians - more active in the cause than even Nathan - David said his activism has been limited to writing letters to legislators about government's maddening attempts to ban gay marriage and civil unions.
Gee, Laurel--you find it "maddening?" Wow. Surprise!! Here's another shocker:
Wisconsin's attempt for a constitutional amendment - we'll get to vote on it in a November referendum - is even more mean-spirited, I think.
David Henry says if this is an effort to defend marriage and the family, as proponents have said, then government would do better to stop divorce - which is just as "stupid" as the gay marriage ban.
Better yet, government ought to mind its own business and let loving committed couples join together as family.
It's safe to say that Laurel had a friendly meeting with the Henrys, eh?
It remains to be seen whether the 'second sentence' of The Amendment would actually prohibit conferring "health insurance, retirement benefits, bereavement leave for family, inheritance issues and hundreds more benefits," as Walker claims without substantiation. For openers, some of these benefits are conferred by private enterprise or through contract negotiations; and others can be legislated regardless of "civil union" moniker. While it is possible that the second sentence will prevent employers from being forced to provide the bennies, it will NOT deprive them of the right to grant them voluntarily.
But hey--little things like truth aren't too important to the Propaganda Machine.
The red herring of divorce, the "maddening, " "mean-spirited" stuff--it's gratuitous and not particularly helpful to Nathan's cause.
For the record, I've never been a fan of the Walter Williams school of economic morality; it's shallow and its consequences are literally inhuman. Constructing a society based purely on economics and covering the odiferous result with the perfume of "choice" is a fool's errand.
She shoulda stuck with just telling the story.
Our "Friend" Red China
Yah. Remember that nations having MFN/PNTR status must respect human rights. Evidently the State and Commerce Departments don't read the newspapers.
THE plight of seven detained bishops of the underground Roman Catholic Church in China, at least one of whom is gravely ill, has prompted secret negotiations between the Vatican and the Chinese.
The men, most of them frail and elderly, are political hostages in a dispute half a century old over the Pope’s right to appoint bishops in China and the Vatican’s recognition of Taiwan. The talks were disclosed by Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, who has watched with alarm as recent moves to reconcile the Vatican with China have turned into a strident confrontation.
The two bishops, Su Zhimin and An Shuxin, were on a list of seven detained bishops presented in testimony to the US Congress by the Cardinal Kung Foundation, an exile group that campaigns for religious freedom in China.
Su’s crime, in the view of the Chinese authorities, seems to be that he met Christopher Smith, a visiting US congressman, in 1994. “All of the approximately 40 underground bishops in China are either arrested and now in jail, or under house arrest, or in hiding, or on the run, or simply have disappeared,” said Joseph Kung, a foundation spokesman.
Liu warned Chinese leaders that allowing the Pope to appoint bishops would lead to the church becoming the vanguard of anti-communist dissent as it did in Poland.
For the staunch believers of the Cardinal Kung Foundation, the diplomatic debacle has exposed the fallacy of believing that the Communist party could ever compromise on an issue touching on its absolute power.
There are some positive signs: it appears that the resistance to Rome is largely within the middle-level of the bureaucracy, rather than at the top.
Another testament to the idiocy of Harry Truman and the perfidy of Owen Lattimore...
THE plight of seven detained bishops of the underground Roman Catholic Church in China, at least one of whom is gravely ill, has prompted secret negotiations between the Vatican and the Chinese.
The men, most of them frail and elderly, are political hostages in a dispute half a century old over the Pope’s right to appoint bishops in China and the Vatican’s recognition of Taiwan. The talks were disclosed by Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, who has watched with alarm as recent moves to reconcile the Vatican with China have turned into a strident confrontation.
The two bishops, Su Zhimin and An Shuxin, were on a list of seven detained bishops presented in testimony to the US Congress by the Cardinal Kung Foundation, an exile group that campaigns for religious freedom in China.
Su’s crime, in the view of the Chinese authorities, seems to be that he met Christopher Smith, a visiting US congressman, in 1994. “All of the approximately 40 underground bishops in China are either arrested and now in jail, or under house arrest, or in hiding, or on the run, or simply have disappeared,” said Joseph Kung, a foundation spokesman.
Liu warned Chinese leaders that allowing the Pope to appoint bishops would lead to the church becoming the vanguard of anti-communist dissent as it did in Poland.
For the staunch believers of the Cardinal Kung Foundation, the diplomatic debacle has exposed the fallacy of believing that the Communist party could ever compromise on an issue touching on its absolute power.
There are some positive signs: it appears that the resistance to Rome is largely within the middle-level of the bureaucracy, rather than at the top.
Another testament to the idiocy of Harry Truman and the perfidy of Owen Lattimore...
Trafficking in Illegals--the Seamy Underside
This is the kind of stuff that turns your stomach:
The last known ringleader in a case of human smuggling that began unraveling at a Grand Forks restaurant and turned into one of the biggest human trafficking cases in the nation's history was sentenced to prison in federal court this week in Fargo.
It ends a key phase of the case - involving 6,000 illegal immigrant workers slaving in Asian restaurants across the Midwest - but more cases against more restaurant owners might be built, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Chase, who prosecuted the case.
...Here's how it worked: Restaurant owners paid $450 to get a cheap employee, who was run up through the pipeline, probably from Texas or California. Cell phone calls connected Yu's employment agency to Asian restaurants around the Midwest.
Restaurant owners then deducted that $450 from the paltry paychecks of the illegal employees, as well as rent money for the crowded apartments and meal money. The owners also did not deduct federal income tax or Social Security payments from the pay of the overworked illegal immigrant workers.
The case involved restaurants in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Fargo, Bismarck and Minot as well as Aberdeen, S.D., the Twin Cities and Duluth, and in several other Midwest states.
Only 50 or 60 of the illegal immigrant workers were processed in the investigation, many of them deported. The whereabouts of the rest of the 6,000 workers sent through the pipeline in the years 2000 to 2004 are not known, Chase said.
The case likely isn't over, Chase said.
"Cao has given us a lot of information, and we seized a lot of ledgers of deliveries," Chase said, referring to illegal workers placed in Asian restaurants across the Midwest. "This information is being followed up on, in at least 30 federal districts."
...and SOME people still don't want the border to be sealed.
The last known ringleader in a case of human smuggling that began unraveling at a Grand Forks restaurant and turned into one of the biggest human trafficking cases in the nation's history was sentenced to prison in federal court this week in Fargo.
It ends a key phase of the case - involving 6,000 illegal immigrant workers slaving in Asian restaurants across the Midwest - but more cases against more restaurant owners might be built, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Chase, who prosecuted the case.
...Here's how it worked: Restaurant owners paid $450 to get a cheap employee, who was run up through the pipeline, probably from Texas or California. Cell phone calls connected Yu's employment agency to Asian restaurants around the Midwest.
Restaurant owners then deducted that $450 from the paltry paychecks of the illegal employees, as well as rent money for the crowded apartments and meal money. The owners also did not deduct federal income tax or Social Security payments from the pay of the overworked illegal immigrant workers.
The case involved restaurants in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Fargo, Bismarck and Minot as well as Aberdeen, S.D., the Twin Cities and Duluth, and in several other Midwest states.
Only 50 or 60 of the illegal immigrant workers were processed in the investigation, many of them deported. The whereabouts of the rest of the 6,000 workers sent through the pipeline in the years 2000 to 2004 are not known, Chase said.
The case likely isn't over, Chase said.
"Cao has given us a lot of information, and we seized a lot of ledgers of deliveries," Chase said, referring to illegal workers placed in Asian restaurants across the Midwest. "This information is being followed up on, in at least 30 federal districts."
...and SOME people still don't want the border to be sealed.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
A Joe McCarthy Primer for the Ignorant
Senator Joseph McCarthy was a Wisconsin boy, and was elected to the US Senate. While in the Senate, McCarthy developed a reputation for being blunt, to-the-point, and "a brawler," who did not believe in the "Marquis of Queensbury" rules of engagement utilized by the Senate.
Eventually, he was censured for his willingness to call a spade a spade--that is to say, to call Alger Hiss, Winchester, Annie Moss, Harry Dexter White, Lauchlin Currie, Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes (and some others) dirty fraggin' Communist spies.
And ALL of them (plus hundreds of others) WERE dirty fraggin' Communist spies.
But Joe McCarthy's job was not to uncover spies. Joe McCarthy's job was to hold Governmental agencies responsible for hiring security risks--which, by the way, is NOT the same as being a dirty fraggin' Communist spy.
A well-known Radio Pundit heard during the mornings in Milwaukee, and a blogsite apparently either from a long-gone garden in the Middle East OR, possibly, in quarry-territory near Fond du Lac, have both recently used Joe McCarthy's name in vain.
They really should apologize.
Joe McCarthy was NOT a member of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) because Joe McCarthy was a Senator. Got that?
Joe McCarthy didn't give a rat's patoot about Hollywood Commies. Period. Joe McCarthy's focus was on Federal units (e.g., the Army, which employed a dirty fraggin' Communist spy in its central code room(!!!!), or the CIA (OSS), whose Chief of Staff was a dirty fraggin' Communist spy, or the State Department (think Alger Hiss, Harvard Law.)
Lattimore, who associated with bagfuls of dirty fraggin' Communist spies, killed off Nationalist China, allowing a dirty fraggin' Commie slaughter-king to take over mainland China.
THESE folks were McCarthy's targets.
Obtaining a degree or three from Harvard, Yale, or Columbia (not to mention CCNY) will almost certainly blind you to the presence of dirty fraggin' Communist spies or their associates and friends, many of whom went to school with you (think Harvard Law.)
And, as so piquantly put by the Dixie Upchick: "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what?"
Harry Truman was a jackass, pace George Bush. So was FDR, who, when told that Alger Hiss was a dirty fraggin' Communist spy, said "Fuck yourself."
Some knowledge of history is useful, folks. Read M. Stanton Evans' book on McCarthy. Read Ann Coulter's Treason. Read the Venona Papers. Or you can take the word of the New York Times, or Time magazine...
Joe McCarthy is a hero. Yeah, he drank. Yeah, he used nasty words to describe Dean Acheson, and Felix Frankfurter, and other jackasses of their ilk.
He's still a hero.
And the AMERICANS loved him. Laboring Americans. Heartland Americans. Patriotic Americans.
"Uncle Joe," and the East Coast elites (think John Lindsay, or Nelson Rockefeller for contemporary mirror-images) did not.
As Richard Nixon put it:
"When you have to call on the nation to be strong--on such things as drugs, crime, defense, our basic national position--the educated people and the leader class no longer have any character, and you can't count on them." [In times of crisis, Business and Corporate Elites] "painted their asses white and ran like antelopes."
Unlike the "two-fisted" workers, in Nixon's term, who "..are men, not softies."
(Quotations from Treason)
Eventually, he was censured for his willingness to call a spade a spade--that is to say, to call Alger Hiss, Winchester, Annie Moss, Harry Dexter White, Lauchlin Currie, Harry Hopkins, Harold Ickes (and some others) dirty fraggin' Communist spies.
And ALL of them (plus hundreds of others) WERE dirty fraggin' Communist spies.
But Joe McCarthy's job was not to uncover spies. Joe McCarthy's job was to hold Governmental agencies responsible for hiring security risks--which, by the way, is NOT the same as being a dirty fraggin' Communist spy.
A well-known Radio Pundit heard during the mornings in Milwaukee, and a blogsite apparently either from a long-gone garden in the Middle East OR, possibly, in quarry-territory near Fond du Lac, have both recently used Joe McCarthy's name in vain.
They really should apologize.
Joe McCarthy was NOT a member of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) because Joe McCarthy was a Senator. Got that?
Joe McCarthy didn't give a rat's patoot about Hollywood Commies. Period. Joe McCarthy's focus was on Federal units (e.g., the Army, which employed a dirty fraggin' Communist spy in its central code room(!!!!), or the CIA (OSS), whose Chief of Staff was a dirty fraggin' Communist spy, or the State Department (think Alger Hiss, Harvard Law.)
Lattimore, who associated with bagfuls of dirty fraggin' Communist spies, killed off Nationalist China, allowing a dirty fraggin' Commie slaughter-king to take over mainland China.
THESE folks were McCarthy's targets.
Obtaining a degree or three from Harvard, Yale, or Columbia (not to mention CCNY) will almost certainly blind you to the presence of dirty fraggin' Communist spies or their associates and friends, many of whom went to school with you (think Harvard Law.)
And, as so piquantly put by the Dixie Upchick: "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what?"
Harry Truman was a jackass, pace George Bush. So was FDR, who, when told that Alger Hiss was a dirty fraggin' Communist spy, said "Fuck yourself."
Some knowledge of history is useful, folks. Read M. Stanton Evans' book on McCarthy. Read Ann Coulter's Treason. Read the Venona Papers. Or you can take the word of the New York Times, or Time magazine...
Joe McCarthy is a hero. Yeah, he drank. Yeah, he used nasty words to describe Dean Acheson, and Felix Frankfurter, and other jackasses of their ilk.
He's still a hero.
And the AMERICANS loved him. Laboring Americans. Heartland Americans. Patriotic Americans.
"Uncle Joe," and the East Coast elites (think John Lindsay, or Nelson Rockefeller for contemporary mirror-images) did not.
As Richard Nixon put it:
"When you have to call on the nation to be strong--on such things as drugs, crime, defense, our basic national position--the educated people and the leader class no longer have any character, and you can't count on them." [In times of crisis, Business and Corporate Elites] "painted their asses white and ran like antelopes."
Unlike the "two-fisted" workers, in Nixon's term, who "..are men, not softies."
(Quotations from Treason)
Saturday "Get A Life" Viewing
So you have about 150 bottles of Diet Coke and 500+ Mentos in your closet?
Don't know what to do with them?
Here's the solution!
Don't know what to do with them?
Here's the solution!
Dixie Upchicks
Un-frickin'-believable:
"A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."
"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," [Natalie] Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."
Maybe Dixie UpChucks is the right name.
On the other hand, do we know if Alger Hiss had any illegitimate children during the 1970's?
HT: Malkin
"A lot of pandering started going on, and you'd see soldiers and the American flag in every video. It became a sickening display of ultra-patriotism."
"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," [Natalie] Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."
Maybe Dixie UpChucks is the right name.
On the other hand, do we know if Alger Hiss had any illegitimate children during the 1970's?
HT: Malkin
Friday, June 16, 2006
New Blogsite Visitor
OK.
Like most of you other bloggers, I've had lots of visits from Wisconsin's Dep't of Administration, a number of different Universities around the country, and various folks from Europe.
But THIS one was new:
Executive Office Of Asset Forfeiture (US Treasury)
Also today: the NYPD (Brooklyn office.)
One more thing: if you want a lot of Google-inspired visits from Moslem countries, use the term "homosex" in a headline.
Always interesting.
Like most of you other bloggers, I've had lots of visits from Wisconsin's Dep't of Administration, a number of different Universities around the country, and various folks from Europe.
But THIS one was new:
Executive Office Of Asset Forfeiture (US Treasury)
Also today: the NYPD (Brooklyn office.)
One more thing: if you want a lot of Google-inspired visits from Moslem countries, use the term "homosex" in a headline.
Always interesting.
Last Supper, Ripped Temple Curtain, Cups
OK--this will link to a Scott Hahn lecture which will explain:
1) Why the 4th cup was NOT consumed in the Cenacle;
2) Which lambs were not fit for sacrifice;
3) Required Levitical clothing for offering sacrifices; and
4) Why the vinegar?
Yah. It's interesting, if you are Catholic (or even if you're a separated-breddern.)
After you've read Hahn's piece, you can better understand the emphasis placed on the "ripped veil of the Temple" by (then-) Cardinal Ratzinger, which he specifically cites as 'the beginning of the Cosmic worship.'
It's also not de fide. But it's really interesting.
HT: The Lady in the Pew
1) Why the 4th cup was NOT consumed in the Cenacle;
2) Which lambs were not fit for sacrifice;
3) Required Levitical clothing for offering sacrifices; and
4) Why the vinegar?
Yah. It's interesting, if you are Catholic (or even if you're a separated-breddern.)
After you've read Hahn's piece, you can better understand the emphasis placed on the "ripped veil of the Temple" by (then-) Cardinal Ratzinger, which he specifically cites as 'the beginning of the Cosmic worship.'
It's also not de fide. But it's really interesting.
HT: The Lady in the Pew
JB VanHollen Gets Smarter Every Day
MORE public concern about US-based (homegrown) terror cells:
U.S. intelligence and law enforcement authorities are discovering new home-grown cells of Islamist radicals in the United States that draw inspiration and moral support from al Qaeda, officials said on Tuesday.
Like local terrorism cells that have recently come to light in Canada and Europe, officials said the groups are comprised of disaffected young men in their teens and 20s who rely on the Internet to try to organise and plan potential attacks on the U.S. homeland.
Concern about attacks inside the United States gathered pace after the arrest earlier this month in Canada of 17 men -- all Canadian citizens or residents -- accused of planning al Qaeda-inspired attacks across densely populated southern Ontario.
Scott Redd, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, said in a written statement to the Senate that the emergence of home-grown terrorist groups is posing "real challenges" for U.S. authorities despite law enforcement successes at disrupting potential attacks.
"We are grappling with a whole new set of questions: what forces give rise to this violent ideology in immigrant communities that may appear otherwise to be quite well assimilated? ... What signs should we be looking for to try to draw early warning of potential problems?" the statement said.
In later oral testimony, Redd said home-grown cells were a new domestic phenomenon for which the FBI and law enforcement agencies had no "baseline" for measuring the scale of the problem.
Redd declined to discuss details with senators in public but cited recent arrests of terrorism suspects in California and Georgia.
"That's three in a little over a year, and there are obviously other investigations ongoing," Redd told the committee.
"...declined to discuss details in public..."
Hello!!! Peg? (Keg? whatever)...Pay attention!!
U.S. intelligence and law enforcement authorities are discovering new home-grown cells of Islamist radicals in the United States that draw inspiration and moral support from al Qaeda, officials said on Tuesday.
Like local terrorism cells that have recently come to light in Canada and Europe, officials said the groups are comprised of disaffected young men in their teens and 20s who rely on the Internet to try to organise and plan potential attacks on the U.S. homeland.
Concern about attacks inside the United States gathered pace after the arrest earlier this month in Canada of 17 men -- all Canadian citizens or residents -- accused of planning al Qaeda-inspired attacks across densely populated southern Ontario.
Scott Redd, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, said in a written statement to the Senate that the emergence of home-grown terrorist groups is posing "real challenges" for U.S. authorities despite law enforcement successes at disrupting potential attacks.
"We are grappling with a whole new set of questions: what forces give rise to this violent ideology in immigrant communities that may appear otherwise to be quite well assimilated? ... What signs should we be looking for to try to draw early warning of potential problems?" the statement said.
In later oral testimony, Redd said home-grown cells were a new domestic phenomenon for which the FBI and law enforcement agencies had no "baseline" for measuring the scale of the problem.
Redd declined to discuss details with senators in public but cited recent arrests of terrorism suspects in California and Georgia.
"That's three in a little over a year, and there are obviously other investigations ongoing," Redd told the committee.
"...declined to discuss details in public..."
Hello!!! Peg? (Keg? whatever)...Pay attention!!
New ICEL Translation Passes!!
Despite the fretting of a certain Bishop (fishperson,) the new ICEL translation was approved quickly and quietly by the US Bishops, meeting in LA.
CAUTION: It is still unclear exactly WHAT passed. At this time, it appears that "dew" (below) is not approved. Apparently the rusty 'cutting-edge' of the 1960's crowd still has some effect. See this blog with AP story quotations.
Some actual thoughts on the business of translation were provided by Bp. Arthur Roche (Leeds, England), Chairman of ICEL:
...Research on regional variation in English tends to show that the common ground among the regions is far greater than differences between them. English is still a single language. One of the leading linguistic scholars of our time, David Crystal, has written this:
It is difficult to predict the shape of international English in the twenty-first century. But it seems likely that more rather than less standardization will result . . . We may, in due course, all need to be in control of two standard Englishes - the one which gives us our national and local identity, and the other which puts us in touch with the rest of the human race. In effect, we may all need to become bilingual in our own language.
Most of us are not aware of the influence of English throughout the world; the above may put it into better perspective.
Now as to the actual texts of the Mass:
...For example, in the Third Eucharistic prayer when we say so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made. The proponents of dynamic equivalence tell us that from east to west conveys the same information as from the rising of the sun to its setting’, which we now propose. And so it does, in the dry language of the cartographer. But the meaning of this phrase is richer: it has a temporal dimension as well as a spatial one.
We could have made both meanings explicit by saying from east to west and from dawn to dusk, but I would claim that by staying closer to the form of expression that we find in Malachi 1:11, and I quote:
See, from the rising of the sun to its setting all the nations revere my Name and everywhere incense is offered to my Name as well as a pure offering.
- we have produced a richer and more evocative version, bringing to the mind of the worshipper the beauties of the sunrise and sunset and the closeness of these texts to Sacred Scripture.
(On the difference between "wine"--the current translation, and "fruit of the vine"--the new one:)
...Moreover, though the two expressions refer to the same substance, they do so in an entirely different way. The difference between the single word and the richer phrase is the difference between reading the label on the bottle and actually enjoying a glass-full of the wine itself. Furthermore this phrase has a powerful salvific resonance because of the symbolic value accorded to the vine plant and the vineyard in scripture, as recalled by Jesus’ elaboration in John 15 of the image of Himself as the true vine, His Father as the vinedresser, and ourselves as the branches. This picks up on an even earlier usage in Isaiah 5 – the famous “Song of the Vineyard” - and the Lord’s lament at the degeneracy of his once choice vine in Jeremiah 2. Of course, the word wine connects with this scriptural patrimony, but it does so less evidently, less directly than does the phrase fruit of the vine which, upon each hearing, encourages us in our imaginations to see the particular Eucharistic event as part of the unfolding of God’s universal plan within history to rescue us from the destruction and chaos occasioned by our sinfulness and bring us into communion with Himself and with each other in Christ.
His "in general" observation:
...the more I go through this process the clearer it is to me that very many of us need to revisit the theological reasoning behind the various parts and components of the Mass, as well as considering the theological sources from which the texts of the Mass have been culled. In the main, these are the Sacred Scriptures and the Fathers of the Church.
As opposed, we suppose, to the "sources" such as Mgr Bugnini, RG Weakland, and Jos. Bernardin, along with assorted Jesuits...
In a not-too-subtle slap at Bp. Trautman (fishperson) and his allies who maintain that 'the laity is a bunch of knuckledragging, ignorant, yahoos who Just Don't Get It!!' (gee, does that sound familiar??), the English prelate relates:
...Let me take one example, the use of the word dew in the Epiclesis of the Second Eucharistic Prayer:
Therefore, make holy these gifts, we pray,by the dew of your Spirit . . .
It has been objected that this translation ‘does not resonate or communicate with contemporary Christians’. But surely, dew still exists. I noticed an advert on the street yesterday for a drink called Mountain Dew! Dew has a unique set of natural and scriptural associations: it speaks of freshness, new beginning, water (and hence life), beauty, descent from above (and hence divine blessing), and manna (Exodus 16:13-14) (and hence Eucharist). It still appears on the ground in the morning as it did in the time of Moses on the journey through the desert.
Contemporary Christians are not puzzled when they hear at Mass these words from the Book of Exodus: In the morning a dew lay all about the camp (Ex 16:13)
Or when they hear Isaac say to Jacob in Genesis: May God give to you of the dew of the heavens (Gn 27:28)
Or when they hear Elijah prophesy: during these years there shall be no dew or rain except at my word (1 Kgs 17:1)
We do not scratch our heads when in the Liturgy of the Hours we make our own the words of Moses: (May) my discourse permeate like the dew (Deut 32:2)
Or when with the Psalmist we compare unity to the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion (Ps 133:3).
[examples from] the New American Bible, from which I have taken all these examples, the word ‘dew’ occurs 41 times, all of them in the Old Testament.
And perhaps the best-known (and reviled) short phrase, now mercifully histoire:
Finally, let me consider with you the translation of et cum spiritu tuo. As you know, the translation of this as "and with your spirit" is required by Liturgiam authenticam. However, this translation cannot be understood without reference to St Paul, who will often address a person, for example Timothy, by referring to your spirit rather than simply to you. What is the significance of this? Well, he is addressing someone close to God who has God’s spirit. So when we reply and with your spirit we are indicating that we are part of a spiritual community, it is God’s spirit that has gathered us together. A further point that I would like to make with you, which resonates with many of the interventions at the recent Synod of Bishops, is that scriptural catechesis is central to liturgical catechesis. It was said of St Bernard that he knew the Sacred Scriptures so well that his language was biblical – he began to, as our young people would say today, 'speak bible.' My point is that in using a translation that is more faithful to Sacred Scripture we are teaching ourselves and our people to speak bible!
Lex orandi, lex credendi.
We could add that this "spiritual community" concept put forth by the good Bishop is a direct slap at the "horizontalism" now common in the Mass--the "Sunday Breakfast & Social" cult which Catholics encounter--
These genuine THOUGHTS reflect what Cardinal Ratzinger/Benedict XVI has emphasized in his writings on the liturgy, and are likely a precursor to much more serious "reform of the Reform" about to come.
Gratias a Deo!! Oremus!!
CAUTION: It is still unclear exactly WHAT passed. At this time, it appears that "dew" (below) is not approved. Apparently the rusty 'cutting-edge' of the 1960's crowd still has some effect. See this blog with AP story quotations.
Some actual thoughts on the business of translation were provided by Bp. Arthur Roche (Leeds, England), Chairman of ICEL:
...Research on regional variation in English tends to show that the common ground among the regions is far greater than differences between them. English is still a single language. One of the leading linguistic scholars of our time, David Crystal, has written this:
It is difficult to predict the shape of international English in the twenty-first century. But it seems likely that more rather than less standardization will result . . . We may, in due course, all need to be in control of two standard Englishes - the one which gives us our national and local identity, and the other which puts us in touch with the rest of the human race. In effect, we may all need to become bilingual in our own language.
Most of us are not aware of the influence of English throughout the world; the above may put it into better perspective.
Now as to the actual texts of the Mass:
...For example, in the Third Eucharistic prayer when we say so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made. The proponents of dynamic equivalence tell us that from east to west conveys the same information as from the rising of the sun to its setting’, which we now propose. And so it does, in the dry language of the cartographer. But the meaning of this phrase is richer: it has a temporal dimension as well as a spatial one.
We could have made both meanings explicit by saying from east to west and from dawn to dusk, but I would claim that by staying closer to the form of expression that we find in Malachi 1:11, and I quote:
See, from the rising of the sun to its setting all the nations revere my Name and everywhere incense is offered to my Name as well as a pure offering.
- we have produced a richer and more evocative version, bringing to the mind of the worshipper the beauties of the sunrise and sunset and the closeness of these texts to Sacred Scripture.
(On the difference between "wine"--the current translation, and "fruit of the vine"--the new one:)
...Moreover, though the two expressions refer to the same substance, they do so in an entirely different way. The difference between the single word and the richer phrase is the difference between reading the label on the bottle and actually enjoying a glass-full of the wine itself. Furthermore this phrase has a powerful salvific resonance because of the symbolic value accorded to the vine plant and the vineyard in scripture, as recalled by Jesus’ elaboration in John 15 of the image of Himself as the true vine, His Father as the vinedresser, and ourselves as the branches. This picks up on an even earlier usage in Isaiah 5 – the famous “Song of the Vineyard” - and the Lord’s lament at the degeneracy of his once choice vine in Jeremiah 2. Of course, the word wine connects with this scriptural patrimony, but it does so less evidently, less directly than does the phrase fruit of the vine which, upon each hearing, encourages us in our imaginations to see the particular Eucharistic event as part of the unfolding of God’s universal plan within history to rescue us from the destruction and chaos occasioned by our sinfulness and bring us into communion with Himself and with each other in Christ.
His "in general" observation:
...the more I go through this process the clearer it is to me that very many of us need to revisit the theological reasoning behind the various parts and components of the Mass, as well as considering the theological sources from which the texts of the Mass have been culled. In the main, these are the Sacred Scriptures and the Fathers of the Church.
As opposed, we suppose, to the "sources" such as Mgr Bugnini, RG Weakland, and Jos. Bernardin, along with assorted Jesuits...
In a not-too-subtle slap at Bp. Trautman (fishperson) and his allies who maintain that 'the laity is a bunch of knuckledragging, ignorant, yahoos who Just Don't Get It!!' (gee, does that sound familiar??), the English prelate relates:
...Let me take one example, the use of the word dew in the Epiclesis of the Second Eucharistic Prayer:
Therefore, make holy these gifts, we pray,by the dew of your Spirit . . .
It has been objected that this translation ‘does not resonate or communicate with contemporary Christians’. But surely, dew still exists. I noticed an advert on the street yesterday for a drink called Mountain Dew! Dew has a unique set of natural and scriptural associations: it speaks of freshness, new beginning, water (and hence life), beauty, descent from above (and hence divine blessing), and manna (Exodus 16:13-14) (and hence Eucharist). It still appears on the ground in the morning as it did in the time of Moses on the journey through the desert.
Contemporary Christians are not puzzled when they hear at Mass these words from the Book of Exodus: In the morning a dew lay all about the camp (Ex 16:13)
Or when they hear Isaac say to Jacob in Genesis: May God give to you of the dew of the heavens (Gn 27:28)
Or when they hear Elijah prophesy: during these years there shall be no dew or rain except at my word (1 Kgs 17:1)
We do not scratch our heads when in the Liturgy of the Hours we make our own the words of Moses: (May) my discourse permeate like the dew (Deut 32:2)
Or when with the Psalmist we compare unity to the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion (Ps 133:3).
[examples from] the New American Bible, from which I have taken all these examples, the word ‘dew’ occurs 41 times, all of them in the Old Testament.
And perhaps the best-known (and reviled) short phrase, now mercifully histoire:
Finally, let me consider with you the translation of et cum spiritu tuo. As you know, the translation of this as "and with your spirit" is required by Liturgiam authenticam. However, this translation cannot be understood without reference to St Paul, who will often address a person, for example Timothy, by referring to your spirit rather than simply to you. What is the significance of this? Well, he is addressing someone close to God who has God’s spirit. So when we reply and with your spirit we are indicating that we are part of a spiritual community, it is God’s spirit that has gathered us together. A further point that I would like to make with you, which resonates with many of the interventions at the recent Synod of Bishops, is that scriptural catechesis is central to liturgical catechesis. It was said of St Bernard that he knew the Sacred Scriptures so well that his language was biblical – he began to, as our young people would say today, 'speak bible.' My point is that in using a translation that is more faithful to Sacred Scripture we are teaching ourselves and our people to speak bible!
Lex orandi, lex credendi.
We could add that this "spiritual community" concept put forth by the good Bishop is a direct slap at the "horizontalism" now common in the Mass--the "Sunday Breakfast & Social" cult which Catholics encounter--
These genuine THOUGHTS reflect what Cardinal Ratzinger/Benedict XVI has emphasized in his writings on the liturgy, and are likely a precursor to much more serious "reform of the Reform" about to come.
Gratias a Deo!! Oremus!!
HPV/Cancer Vaccine? Don't Bet Your Life on It
Earlier this month, the MSM was filled with the story of a new "vaccine" which would prevent HPV (an STD) and therefore, the cervical cancer which could result from contracting HPV.
As usual, there's a LOT more to the story, untold by the MSM-Press-Release readers:
...Predictably, the media and health professionals are touting this as the greatest thing since the Salk vaccine, but they are also engaging in a propaganda campaign aimed at distorting the public’s perception of it...
...The Human Papilloma Virus, for example, is just one sexually transmitted disease, but it has over 100 different strains! Only a small number of these strains actually lead to cancer and most of its victims don’t know they have it and cure themselves over time.
Now, to put it into even clearer perspective: the much-touted HPV vaccine treats only two strains of HPV and two strains of genital warts. This is a tour-de-force against HPV isn’t it?...
...rather than calling it a vaccine against a couple strains of one of the dozens of sexually transmitted diseases, they are calling it a vaccine against cervical cancer. Well, it will certainly protect some women from cervical cancer in the future but that’s not the point. The point is that there are overwhelming numbers of diseases, strains and even cancers that this vaccine does not protect from, all of which are gotten by the very same sexual act.
Thinking that this vaccine gives blanket protection against cervical cancer (which of course is how it’s perceived because that is how it’s being promoted) is like believing that thirty people jumping out of the same airplane will all be protected because one of them is wearing a parachute.
Aside from the obvious--that a vaccination against 2 of 100 strains of HPV may not be statistically significant--or that there are a number of OTHER STD's which can lead to cancer--it is another sad commentary on the ability or willingness of the MSM to actually ask hard questions before spewing.
As usual, there's a LOT more to the story, untold by the MSM-Press-Release readers:
...Predictably, the media and health professionals are touting this as the greatest thing since the Salk vaccine, but they are also engaging in a propaganda campaign aimed at distorting the public’s perception of it...
...The Human Papilloma Virus, for example, is just one sexually transmitted disease, but it has over 100 different strains! Only a small number of these strains actually lead to cancer and most of its victims don’t know they have it and cure themselves over time.
Now, to put it into even clearer perspective: the much-touted HPV vaccine treats only two strains of HPV and two strains of genital warts. This is a tour-de-force against HPV isn’t it?...
...rather than calling it a vaccine against a couple strains of one of the dozens of sexually transmitted diseases, they are calling it a vaccine against cervical cancer. Well, it will certainly protect some women from cervical cancer in the future but that’s not the point. The point is that there are overwhelming numbers of diseases, strains and even cancers that this vaccine does not protect from, all of which are gotten by the very same sexual act.
Thinking that this vaccine gives blanket protection against cervical cancer (which of course is how it’s perceived because that is how it’s being promoted) is like believing that thirty people jumping out of the same airplane will all be protected because one of them is wearing a parachute.
Aside from the obvious--that a vaccination against 2 of 100 strains of HPV may not be statistically significant--or that there are a number of OTHER STD's which can lead to cancer--it is another sad commentary on the ability or willingness of the MSM to actually ask hard questions before spewing.
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