The Party of Non-Belief
Daniel Henninger of the Wall Street Journal notes that electoral contests between Democrats and Republicans have effectively become battles between secular liberals and God-believing conservatives.
According to the national convention delegate surveys, write Messrs. Bolce and De Maio, "60% of first-time white delegates at the [1992] Democratic convention in New York City either claimed no attachment to religion or displayed the minimal attachment by attending worship services 'a few times a year' or less. About 5% of first-time delegates at the Republican convention in Houston identified themselves as secularists."
In the 1992 election, Bill Clinton got 75% of the secularist vote, while the current President's father received support from traditionalists (churchgoers) by 2 to 1. That pattern held in the 2000 election. "In terms of their size and party loyalty," Messrs. Bolce and De Maio argue, "secularists today are as important to the Democratic party as another key constituency, organized labor."
Friday, October 17, 2003
Un-freakin'-believable
Moral theologian who dumped his first wife for a younger woman slams JP II for unfulfilled promises. (article via Mark Shea).
The Vatican has also forced its opposition to condom use — even to prevent the spread of AIDS — onto the U.N. stage and elsewhere. This kind of ignorance is not just unfortunate; it is murderous. And this energetic pope has personally taken this message around the world.
So what Mr. Maguire is telling us here is that the pope has been going around the world and telling people who have AIDS to engage in sexual intercourse. Mr. Maguire presumably also has a bridge in Brooklyn that he would like to sell.
Moral theologian who dumped his first wife for a younger woman slams JP II for unfulfilled promises. (article via Mark Shea).
The Vatican has also forced its opposition to condom use — even to prevent the spread of AIDS — onto the U.N. stage and elsewhere. This kind of ignorance is not just unfortunate; it is murderous. And this energetic pope has personally taken this message around the world.
So what Mr. Maguire is telling us here is that the pope has been going around the world and telling people who have AIDS to engage in sexual intercourse. Mr. Maguire presumably also has a bridge in Brooklyn that he would like to sell.
Yes, Farm Animals Have More Protection to Life Than Terri Schiavo
Under Title 9 Section 2.131(a)(2)(ii) of the Code of Federal Regulations:
Deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals; Provided, however, That the short-term withholding of food or water from animals by exhibitors is allowed by these regulations as long as each of the animals affected receives its full dietary and nutrition requirements each day.
Under Title 9 Section 2.131(a)(2)(ii) of the Code of Federal Regulations:
Deprivation of food or water shall not be used to train, work, or otherwise handle animals; Provided, however, That the short-term withholding of food or water from animals by exhibitors is allowed by these regulations as long as each of the animals affected receives its full dietary and nutrition requirements each day.
Judicial Brownshirt?
The Florida judge who sentenced Terri Schiavo to death gets innundated with angry e-mails; says he was just doing his job.
Gee, where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, the Nuremberg Trials!
The Florida judge who sentenced Terri Schiavo to death gets innundated with angry e-mails; says he was just doing his job.
Gee, where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, the Nuremberg Trials!
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Suicide by Court Order
The Barrister has posted an interesting 'blog on the legal ironies surrounding Terri Schiavo, and how under certain circumstances, Governor Bush could actually commute Terri's efective death sentence.
For the sake argument, however, let's say Terri's dirtbag of a husband is to be believed, and that she actually did express a clear desire not to be kept alive should she ever be in a permanent vegetative state (which, btw, I don't believe she is in). Would this make the decision by the Florida courts to have her feeding tubes removed so she can slowly die credible, or even correct? Absolutely not. People in a permanent vegetative state are not, per se, suffering from a terminal illness that would normally kill them without the aid of artificial life support. As such, what Terri has allegedly requested to do here is commit suicide on the subjective premise that being in a permanent vegetative state is undignified and less than human. From a rational and moral standpoint, this is not something the state of Florida should be condoning, much less assisting. But it is, and as long as it does so, one should not be surprised to learn one day that licenses will be available for anyone who is interested in running a business specializing in assisted suicide. Jack Kervorkian isn't a deranged criminal. He was just ahead of his time.
The Barrister has posted an interesting 'blog on the legal ironies surrounding Terri Schiavo, and how under certain circumstances, Governor Bush could actually commute Terri's efective death sentence.
For the sake argument, however, let's say Terri's dirtbag of a husband is to be believed, and that she actually did express a clear desire not to be kept alive should she ever be in a permanent vegetative state (which, btw, I don't believe she is in). Would this make the decision by the Florida courts to have her feeding tubes removed so she can slowly die credible, or even correct? Absolutely not. People in a permanent vegetative state are not, per se, suffering from a terminal illness that would normally kill them without the aid of artificial life support. As such, what Terri has allegedly requested to do here is commit suicide on the subjective premise that being in a permanent vegetative state is undignified and less than human. From a rational and moral standpoint, this is not something the state of Florida should be condoning, much less assisting. But it is, and as long as it does so, one should not be surprised to learn one day that licenses will be available for anyone who is interested in running a business specializing in assisted suicide. Jack Kervorkian isn't a deranged criminal. He was just ahead of his time.
Half of U.S. Catholics (and the Media) Don't Know What the Hell They are Talking About
That's the only way to describe this idiotic poll by USA Today regarding JP II's "declining approval numbers." People, even though it entails having to perform some political duties, the papacy is no more of a political office than Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a recall.
That's the only way to describe this idiotic poll by USA Today regarding JP II's "declining approval numbers." People, even though it entails having to perform some political duties, the papacy is no more of a political office than Judas' betrayal of Jesus was a recall.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
No Great Evangelical Blogs
According to conservative political radio show host Hugh Hewitt (who, btw, used to be Catholic). Gee, I don't know. Although I have some typical Roman Catholic based issues with it, the Evangelical 'blog at Christianity Today isn't half bad.
According to conservative political radio show host Hugh Hewitt (who, btw, used to be Catholic). Gee, I don't know. Although I have some typical Roman Catholic based issues with it, the Evangelical 'blog at Christianity Today isn't half bad.
More Bombshells in Kobe Bryant Case
The lead investigator testifies that the alleged victim not only admitted to twice having sexual intercourse with other men just before her encounter with Kobe, the underpants she wore to the hospital the day after she was allegedly raped by the Lakers superstar contained someone else's semen. Quoting Drudge, "Developing..."
The lead investigator testifies that the alleged victim not only admitted to twice having sexual intercourse with other men just before her encounter with Kobe, the underpants she wore to the hospital the day after she was allegedly raped by the Lakers superstar contained someone else's semen. Quoting Drudge, "Developing..."
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Barbara Boxer=Death
There's little question that she perpetuates this culture with her rabid support of unfettered abortion rights. Taking the charge one step further, however, Concerned Women for America, a conservative political activist group founded by the wife of fundamentalist End Times guru Tim LaHaye, has ascribed a link between Boxer and the recent tragic death of a pregnant teen who had taken the abortion pill RU-486.
There's little question that she perpetuates this culture with her rabid support of unfettered abortion rights. Taking the charge one step further, however, Concerned Women for America, a conservative political activist group founded by the wife of fundamentalist End Times guru Tim LaHaye, has ascribed a link between Boxer and the recent tragic death of a pregnant teen who had taken the abortion pill RU-486.
Seems Pontius Pilot-esque
Gov. Bush "washes his hands" with Terri Schiavo; claims separation of powers doctrine prevents his office from doing anything more.
"This is in the court's hands," Bush's press secretary Alia Faraj told WorldNetDaily. "Our government has committed these decisions to the judicial branch, and we must respect that process." (...)
Vowing to fight to the end, Robert Schindler has urged Gov. Bush to intervene by ordering Florida's Department of Children and Families to investigate whether Michael Schiavo mistreated and withheld therapy from Terri. Schiavo denies those charges. (...)
Bush's spokeswoman, Faraj, maintained, however, the governor does not have the authority to order such an intervention, restating that the courts have made their decision.
Bill Spann, a spokesman for the Department of Children and Families, would not answer directly whether the agency has the statutory power to intervene at this point in the process, stating only "the issue has already been decided by the courts of the state of Florida."
Gov. Bush "washes his hands" with Terri Schiavo; claims separation of powers doctrine prevents his office from doing anything more.
"This is in the court's hands," Bush's press secretary Alia Faraj told WorldNetDaily. "Our government has committed these decisions to the judicial branch, and we must respect that process." (...)
Vowing to fight to the end, Robert Schindler has urged Gov. Bush to intervene by ordering Florida's Department of Children and Families to investigate whether Michael Schiavo mistreated and withheld therapy from Terri. Schiavo denies those charges. (...)
Bush's spokeswoman, Faraj, maintained, however, the governor does not have the authority to order such an intervention, restating that the courts have made their decision.
Bill Spann, a spokesman for the Department of Children and Families, would not answer directly whether the agency has the statutory power to intervene at this point in the process, stating only "the issue has already been decided by the courts of the state of Florida."
SCOTUS Will Review Pledge Case
Although, there is a slight chance the Court won't even make a ruling on whether the words "under God" is constitutional, since also under examination will be the legal standing of Michael Newdow to sue.
Although, there is a slight chance the Court won't even make a ruling on whether the words "under God" is constitutional, since also under examination will be the legal standing of Michael Newdow to sue.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Scorched Earth
Not content to just fade away quietly, "Gay" Davis signs another gay-friendly bill that requires businesses with "large" state contracts to extend benefits enjoyed by spouses to "domestic partners."
Not content to just fade away quietly, "Gay" Davis signs another gay-friendly bill that requires businesses with "large" state contracts to extend benefits enjoyed by spouses to "domestic partners."
Beat the Irish!
After pounding Stanford (a.k.a. the trees) this past Saturday, #5 USC (who is ranked fourth in the USA Today/ESPN poll) will be playing unranked arch-rival Notre Dame for the 75th time next Saturday. Since the game is at South Bend, don't expect the Trojans to thrash the Irish as bad as they did last year (44-13). Fight On!
Update: The week after USC, Notre Dame will be playing Boston College, the only other Catholic university with a Division 1-A football team. I'll be rootin' for the Eagles.
After pounding Stanford (a.k.a. the trees) this past Saturday, #5 USC (who is ranked fourth in the USA Today/ESPN poll) will be playing unranked arch-rival Notre Dame for the 75th time next Saturday. Since the game is at South Bend, don't expect the Trojans to thrash the Irish as bad as they did last year (44-13). Fight On!
Update: The week after USC, Notre Dame will be playing Boston College, the only other Catholic university with a Division 1-A football team. I'll be rootin' for the Eagles.
Maybe They Can Call It "Cuba West"
After Arnold's win, California Lefties offhandedly suggest that the state's coastal region should secede.
Oscar Grande is still "in shock" over the results of Tuesday's recall election, but the environmental activist takes comfort knowing his friends and neighbors feel equally disturbed by the Republican actor's lopsided victory.
"This is still San Francisco, and we're like our own little island from the rest of California," said the 30-year-old organizer in the city's Mission district. "The folks in the suburbs and the Central Valley were so pumped about him -- it really blew me away."
Arrogance personified, no? By the way, in case you haven't been there in a while, San Francisco has become quite the haven for the homeless panhandlers. People in this city are absolutely clueless when it comes to government.
After Arnold's win, California Lefties offhandedly suggest that the state's coastal region should secede.
Oscar Grande is still "in shock" over the results of Tuesday's recall election, but the environmental activist takes comfort knowing his friends and neighbors feel equally disturbed by the Republican actor's lopsided victory.
"This is still San Francisco, and we're like our own little island from the rest of California," said the 30-year-old organizer in the city's Mission district. "The folks in the suburbs and the Central Valley were so pumped about him -- it really blew me away."
Arrogance personified, no? By the way, in case you haven't been there in a while, San Francisco has become quite the haven for the homeless panhandlers. People in this city are absolutely clueless when it comes to government.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
JP II's 25th
A more or less nice summary of the Holy Father's papacy. However, like most of the secular media, the writer of this column can't resist displaying his utter ignorance of Catholicism.
[Fisk mode on]
Under John Paul II, Rome has been unyielding in its opposition to birth control, the ordination of women and all forms of abortion. Changing attitudes in the West toward homosexuality, divorce and sex outside the bounds of marriage have done little to convince the pope to reconsider church teachings in those areas.
This paragraph appears to do two things. First, it takes a backhanded swipe at the pope for not "rolling with the times," and then it presumes that the pope can change Church doctrine whenever he well feels like it. The sad part of this, of course, is that a lot of American Catholics actually believe this.
In recent years, a widening scandal over sexual abuse and criminal sexual conduct by American priests finally got the pope's attention.
Finally got his attention? I guess for media folk, you're ignoring a problem until you say something to them about it. What arrogance.
Countless public opinion polls on the pontiff and his policies have come to the same conclusion: People love the pope, while disagreeing with much of his doctrine.
Policies?! His doctrine?! This sentence pretty much confirms how ignorant this writer is about the Catholic faith. More importantly, though, it provides a great example of how Americans have a great tendency to impose worldly standards to things that are not of this world.
[Fisk mode off]
A more or less nice summary of the Holy Father's papacy. However, like most of the secular media, the writer of this column can't resist displaying his utter ignorance of Catholicism.
[Fisk mode on]
Under John Paul II, Rome has been unyielding in its opposition to birth control, the ordination of women and all forms of abortion. Changing attitudes in the West toward homosexuality, divorce and sex outside the bounds of marriage have done little to convince the pope to reconsider church teachings in those areas.
This paragraph appears to do two things. First, it takes a backhanded swipe at the pope for not "rolling with the times," and then it presumes that the pope can change Church doctrine whenever he well feels like it. The sad part of this, of course, is that a lot of American Catholics actually believe this.
In recent years, a widening scandal over sexual abuse and criminal sexual conduct by American priests finally got the pope's attention.
Finally got his attention? I guess for media folk, you're ignoring a problem until you say something to them about it. What arrogance.
Countless public opinion polls on the pontiff and his policies have come to the same conclusion: People love the pope, while disagreeing with much of his doctrine.
Policies?! His doctrine?! This sentence pretty much confirms how ignorant this writer is about the Catholic faith. More importantly, though, it provides a great example of how Americans have a great tendency to impose worldly standards to things that are not of this world.
[Fisk mode off]
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