The Fourth of July is next week, and a number of us are going to set off fireworks — and, if the past is to be trusted, we will set off some really good ones. But what are we celebrating? One of the things my grandchildren have been put up to during the fireworks are …
Is Christianity Right Wing?
As the crisis in our nation deepens, we must recognize the culpable role of the Church in bringing this crisis about. Because we have not been people of the Word, the result has been no prophetic ministry to the world. As things get worse, the confusion in the Christian world only appears to be deepening, …
Where The Cliché Meets the Road
Watching television news this evening (I know, I know) I have heard yet again the latest cliche de jour. Some Congresslady or other was praising Mayor Nagin of New Orleans to the heights, and one of his spectacular achievements was apparently that he “spoke truth to power.” This was the power to the Northeast, the …
French Fries and Diet Coke
Just got a card in the mail that breathlessly announced to me that a bunch of Bill Sali’s campaign war chest, not to mention that of Robert Vasquez, comes from “out of state special interests.” Whoa. That’s bad, we are supposed to think. Then the thought comes, who was kind enough to get word of …
Reform and Abramoff
Just a quick thought on the aftermath of the Abramoff scandal. The scandal has, of course, the squeaky clean types bellowing for Reform. And they have the moral high ground currently, and all the sound bytes. But almost no one points out that our current woes are caused by the last round of Reform. When …
If I Could Script the Hearings
“Judge Alito, I am afraid that I must come right to the point. If confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, would you allow your personal beliefs and morals to dictate anything with regard to your behavior in office?” “Senator, thank you for this opportunity to address this important question right away. I have had a …
Getting Miered Down
For many observers, the conservative revolt over the Miers nomination to the Supreme Court was out of the blue. But for those paying attention, it is not hard to explain at all. For a number of years, movement conservatives have been holding their noses (and largely keeping quiet) over lots of issues — the appalling …
Miers the Nondescript
It appears that we have another stealth candidate for the Supreme Court, and it also appears to me that the president may have been too clever by half. Let me begin by noting that the nominee may be pro-life, may be a constitutional originalist, and may be a solid conservative vote on the court — …
Here’s A Plan
John Roberts has been pressed by liberal Democrats to say that he will not allow his personal moral convictions to affect his performance of his public duties. And this is an assurance he has given to them. But what does it all mean? I see it as a golden opportunity. After Judge Roberts is confirmed …
Race and Response Time
Just finished watching President Bush on the news defending his administration against charges that the slow federal reaction to Katrina was motivated by racism, that all-purpose smear for anyone who for any reason offends the current guardians of Thought Purity. What a thesis! Think of it! President Bush calls in Karl Rove, well-known genius of …