Just a few moments ago, a California judge ruled against Prop 8, which passed by a rather large margin in November 2008. Prop 8 banned same-sex marriage in the state of California, upholding the traditional value of marriage between one man and one woman. Californians demonstrated an enormous amount of guts and bravery when they voted their conscience. But, like in Iowa and Massachusetts, a judge decided that the democratic vote held by the people of their state was irrelevent. The judge overturned the vote after two gay couples (in San Francisco, of all places!) brought suit against the proposition, calling it a discriminatory law which denied civil rights.
I guess voting really is important...unless some judge disagrees with you.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
High School Daze
You can tell its summer time in Oklahoma when wheat dust, grill smoke, and the acrid smell of fire works fills the air. Its a relaxing time, but also a little busy at the same time. Tomorrow, I've got my 10 year high school reunion. Hard to believe its been 10 years already! Not to mention the fact that I'm still in school, sort of. Like most people, I had a small group of actual friends, and everyone else fell into the category of "acquaintances." In a graduating class of about 100 kids, you're pretty much forced to interact with everyone at some point. 10 years later, a person can really examine the pros and cons of their high school experience with clearer eyes. Could I have made it better? Of course, everyone knows they could have done better, tried harder in some way. Who knows?
There's not much point in dwelling on the past in such ways. Although, as a teacher, not using my own high school experience to try and enhance the experience of my students would be a waste. As much as I enjoyed a number of my history teachers in high school, its just a fact that I wasn't taught the nitty gritty that makes history fascinating and vital to a free society. The No Child Left Behind experiment of the last decade (and the failed experiments before it) has made history and social studies back burner subjects. There's currently a generation of kids who aren't being taught basic truths. The Constitution isn't being read in class, controversial issues are ignored to keep the peace, and spineless relativism is the dominant philosophy being passed on to students. Teachers who teach truth face discrimination and unemployment. Politically correct curriculum has replaced fact-based study. Schools in Massachusetts refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but have no problem handing out condoms to elementary school children without parental consent. How does this make any sense to a logical, rational, thinking human being?
As I try to decide whether or not to pay for an over priced meal at the reunion, I think its also important to use this opportunity to try and find ways to make the future better. Teachers have a unique place in our society, in most societies for that matter. They have the power to create or destroy the futures of millions of children. Am I being a little hyperbolic? Sure, why not. But, I don't think I'm that far off.
There's not much point in dwelling on the past in such ways. Although, as a teacher, not using my own high school experience to try and enhance the experience of my students would be a waste. As much as I enjoyed a number of my history teachers in high school, its just a fact that I wasn't taught the nitty gritty that makes history fascinating and vital to a free society. The No Child Left Behind experiment of the last decade (and the failed experiments before it) has made history and social studies back burner subjects. There's currently a generation of kids who aren't being taught basic truths. The Constitution isn't being read in class, controversial issues are ignored to keep the peace, and spineless relativism is the dominant philosophy being passed on to students. Teachers who teach truth face discrimination and unemployment. Politically correct curriculum has replaced fact-based study. Schools in Massachusetts refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but have no problem handing out condoms to elementary school children without parental consent. How does this make any sense to a logical, rational, thinking human being?
As I try to decide whether or not to pay for an over priced meal at the reunion, I think its also important to use this opportunity to try and find ways to make the future better. Teachers have a unique place in our society, in most societies for that matter. They have the power to create or destroy the futures of millions of children. Am I being a little hyperbolic? Sure, why not. But, I don't think I'm that far off.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Holy Trinity Sunday
Few teachings of the Church have been more misunderstood. The mystery of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is the central mystery of our Catholic faith. Its really good to have a special day set aside to realize the importance of this critical aspect of faith.
With all the philosophical knots the idea of the Trinity can tie your brain in, it can be easy to forget how simply it can be demonstrated. One of my favorite saints, as well as one of my patrons, St. Patrick used a humble shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. Sometimes showing is more useful than trying to intellectualize. God made the Trinity hard to explain, but easy to see. Just look at a patch of clover and you'll see it.
With all the philosophical knots the idea of the Trinity can tie your brain in, it can be easy to forget how simply it can be demonstrated. One of my favorite saints, as well as one of my patrons, St. Patrick used a humble shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. Sometimes showing is more useful than trying to intellectualize. God made the Trinity hard to explain, but easy to see. Just look at a patch of clover and you'll see it.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Happy Birthday!
Pentecost is traditionally considered the birthday of the Church. So, give the bride of Christ a gift by showing her how much she means to you: Go to Mass! In fact, make a party out of it and bring the whole family!
Pax
Pax
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ellis Island Revisited
Anyone else getting a massive migraine from the immigration fiasco in Arizona yet? I can honestly see both sides of this argument. On one hand, these are indeed real, flesh and blood souls with families risking their lives to come to this country. But, on the other hand (and there's always another hand) they are knowingly breaking the laws of the United States, laws which are meant to protect this country.
Is Arizona being as "evil" as a lot of the media of claiming? I'm not convinced. If you look at the law of the land, they're trying to do a job that the federal government has failed at, miserably. If anything, this should be a huge wake up call to those in Washington who have been putting this issue on the back burner for decades. Both sides of the political isle have benefited, in some manner, by ignoring this issue. So don't let either of them act like their hands are clean on this one. One plays a hypocritical economy card, and the other plays the hypocritical race card.
Why have we as a nation strayed so far from the ideals presented by Ellis Island in the 19th and early 20th century? No one has been able to answer that question. The ideals of Ellis Island welcomed those to our shores who were willing to risk their very lives to realize the fullness of human potential in a land where merit was prized over blood. This was the very thing that supplied the life blood for the American nation from its earliest inception. Not only are we as Americans being convinced to forget our Christian heritage (both Catholic and Protestant), but we're also being told to forget our immigrant heritage.
I suppose I'm promoting a type of "Ellis Island Immigration Reform." It needs to be easier for families to become legal citizens, but there also needs to be a specific path for them to follow to realize that dream with the support system in place to aid them in this endeavour, with the end result being their integration into American life. If anyone has a valid reason for why this can't be done, I'd be glad to hear it.
Pax
Is Arizona being as "evil" as a lot of the media of claiming? I'm not convinced. If you look at the law of the land, they're trying to do a job that the federal government has failed at, miserably. If anything, this should be a huge wake up call to those in Washington who have been putting this issue on the back burner for decades. Both sides of the political isle have benefited, in some manner, by ignoring this issue. So don't let either of them act like their hands are clean on this one. One plays a hypocritical economy card, and the other plays the hypocritical race card.
Why have we as a nation strayed so far from the ideals presented by Ellis Island in the 19th and early 20th century? No one has been able to answer that question. The ideals of Ellis Island welcomed those to our shores who were willing to risk their very lives to realize the fullness of human potential in a land where merit was prized over blood. This was the very thing that supplied the life blood for the American nation from its earliest inception. Not only are we as Americans being convinced to forget our Christian heritage (both Catholic and Protestant), but we're also being told to forget our immigrant heritage.
I suppose I'm promoting a type of "Ellis Island Immigration Reform." It needs to be easier for families to become legal citizens, but there also needs to be a specific path for them to follow to realize that dream with the support system in place to aid them in this endeavour, with the end result being their integration into American life. If anyone has a valid reason for why this can't be done, I'd be glad to hear it.
Pax
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Happy Belated Birthday Holy Father!
I'm a day late on this one. Happy 83rd birthday to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Plus, the 5th anniversary of his pontificate is approaching fast.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pro-Life Oklahoma
There's been a marked increase in pro-life legislation working its way through the state legislature down in Oklahoma City over the past year or so. This is a great sign, because changes will occur on the state level before it ever goes before the Supreme Court. It also shows that people are waking up to the reality of what's really happening. The euphemism/double speak of "family planning" can't hide the truth anymore.
I'm going to try and compile a list of pending legislation and throw it on here within the next week or so. If you're a non-Okie, try to find out what your state legislature is doing (or not doing) to further the Culture of Life and let me know what's going on in your backyard.
I hope everyone had a fruitful Lent and Easter! Anyone planning on continuing Fish Fridays year round? I'm going to try...we'll see what happens.
I'm going to try and compile a list of pending legislation and throw it on here within the next week or so. If you're a non-Okie, try to find out what your state legislature is doing (or not doing) to further the Culture of Life and let me know what's going on in your backyard.
I hope everyone had a fruitful Lent and Easter! Anyone planning on continuing Fish Fridays year round? I'm going to try...we'll see what happens.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Health Care teams up with Law and Order?
Maybe it is just me...perhaps I'm just being hypersensitive. But, did anyone one else watch tv the night the Obama-care bill was passed? During my lunch break from work, I was flippin' through the channels with my wife and stopped at "Law and Order." What I saw was a full episode of anti-Catholic propaganda, and the last few minutes of another show that seemed like it was on the same path. You probably know the routine: Catholics hate gay people, we're super intolerant, priests are all deviants, we hate women, so on and so forth...
I think if I hadn't been watching coverage of the health care reform debates all day, I might not even have noticed it. But, the second it started to soak in, it made me a little sick to my stomach. It just seemed a little too convenient and well timed. Its old school politics to demonize the primary opposition with lies and bigotry, but, its usually not quite so obvious.
Like I said...maybe its just me. But I doubt it.
I think if I hadn't been watching coverage of the health care reform debates all day, I might not even have noticed it. But, the second it started to soak in, it made me a little sick to my stomach. It just seemed a little too convenient and well timed. Its old school politics to demonize the primary opposition with lies and bigotry, but, its usually not quite so obvious.
Like I said...maybe its just me. But I doubt it.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Planned Parenthood Covering Up Child Rape/Abuse
Its incredibly sad that as much of our tax money goes to this organization already, under the deceitful guise of "public health." That amount is scheduled to increase dramatically if the president's idea of "health care reform" passes. I have a hard time expressing how bad Planned Parenthood is for the future of any society. The St. Michael Society has this story on their site (see link below). If one Planned Parenthood clinic has this much disregard for our children, what's to make anyone think that any other clinic is any better. Its the dark legacy of Margaret Sanger at work.
For the 10th Time on Tape: Planned Parenthood Covering Up Child Rape/Abuse:
For the 10th Time on Tape: Planned Parenthood Covering Up Child Rape/Abuse:
Friday, February 12, 2010
Discontent or Division?
Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed a marked increase in bloggers talking about the stances of the USCCB in relation to the lay Catholic people they're suppose to shepherd. Deal Hudson went so far as to ask if a Catholic "tea party movement" is called for, based on the discontent seen across the nation in response to Obama policies and "health care" reform beginning in 2009.
A lot of questions have come up concerning issues of social teaching/Catholic identity and who benefits when it becomes a concrete political matter. If the United States had a uniquely "Catholic" political party, this wouldn't even be an issue, to a certain degree. But, since such a party doesn't exist in today's America (whether or not it even should is another question), the influence and power that millions of American Catholics produce gets funnelled into more than one camp. Each camp with its own political and philosophical agendas which may or may not be in line with the Catholic Church.
Hudson points out the liberal leanings of the USCCB in terms of social justice, aligning it more with the policies of the Democratic Party. In contrast, the lay and religious faithful tend to interpret Catholic teaching from a more conservative position, aligning them more with Republican Party policy. An example of the conservative leaning is manifested by the Manhattan Declaration of late 2009. These are two contrasting views that, some how, mesh together into a uniquely Catholic view, separate from both Democrats and Republicans. Despite the presence of this third Catholic stance, both parties have made attempts to harness the forces that Catholics, and Christians in general, bring to the table as their own.
Hudson, among others, seem to believe that lay cooperation with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has run its course due to these diverging political and philosophical rifts. The question comes down to whether the everyday, blue collar Catholic (who tends to be more conservative) should continue to identify the USCCB (tending to be more liberal) as the leadership of the Catholic Church in the United States of America. Is this legitimate discontent along moral lines? Or, is this political gerrymandering designed to divide?
As a blue collar Catholic myself, I defer directly to the Holy Father when teaching and morals are the concern. Political parties and policy have little to do with actual belief, unless policy crosses into the realm of faith (as in tax payer funding of abortion). But, this Catholic identity also plays a major role in political life. Those who desire a distinct separation between the spiritual life and the public life are severally short sighted and have a minimal understanding of what Christianity requires. The Catholic faith is both private and public by its very nature.
I haven't done any hard research as of yet, but, I wouldn't be surprised if the people calling for dissent against the USCCB are the very people who cried for the bishops to speak up only a decade or two ago. It has to be realized that we are neither solidly Democrats,nor solidly Republicans. If any group claiming to represent the Catholic population in the U.S. is trying to pull the Church into one established political party, perhaps seeing Catholic "tea parties" aren't too far off. The same can be said if a political party is guilty of the same.
It probably sounds like I'm sitting on the fence a bit on this topic. Well, I guess you could say I am. Good thing my voter card says "independent."
A lot of questions have come up concerning issues of social teaching/Catholic identity and who benefits when it becomes a concrete political matter. If the United States had a uniquely "Catholic" political party, this wouldn't even be an issue, to a certain degree. But, since such a party doesn't exist in today's America (whether or not it even should is another question), the influence and power that millions of American Catholics produce gets funnelled into more than one camp. Each camp with its own political and philosophical agendas which may or may not be in line with the Catholic Church.
Hudson points out the liberal leanings of the USCCB in terms of social justice, aligning it more with the policies of the Democratic Party. In contrast, the lay and religious faithful tend to interpret Catholic teaching from a more conservative position, aligning them more with Republican Party policy. An example of the conservative leaning is manifested by the Manhattan Declaration of late 2009. These are two contrasting views that, some how, mesh together into a uniquely Catholic view, separate from both Democrats and Republicans. Despite the presence of this third Catholic stance, both parties have made attempts to harness the forces that Catholics, and Christians in general, bring to the table as their own.
Hudson, among others, seem to believe that lay cooperation with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has run its course due to these diverging political and philosophical rifts. The question comes down to whether the everyday, blue collar Catholic (who tends to be more conservative) should continue to identify the USCCB (tending to be more liberal) as the leadership of the Catholic Church in the United States of America. Is this legitimate discontent along moral lines? Or, is this political gerrymandering designed to divide?
As a blue collar Catholic myself, I defer directly to the Holy Father when teaching and morals are the concern. Political parties and policy have little to do with actual belief, unless policy crosses into the realm of faith (as in tax payer funding of abortion). But, this Catholic identity also plays a major role in political life. Those who desire a distinct separation between the spiritual life and the public life are severally short sighted and have a minimal understanding of what Christianity requires. The Catholic faith is both private and public by its very nature.
I haven't done any hard research as of yet, but, I wouldn't be surprised if the people calling for dissent against the USCCB are the very people who cried for the bishops to speak up only a decade or two ago. It has to be realized that we are neither solidly Democrats,nor solidly Republicans. If any group claiming to represent the Catholic population in the U.S. is trying to pull the Church into one established political party, perhaps seeing Catholic "tea parties" aren't too far off. The same can be said if a political party is guilty of the same.
It probably sounds like I'm sitting on the fence a bit on this topic. Well, I guess you could say I am. Good thing my voter card says "independent."
Saturday, January 23, 2010
American Abortion and Historical Context
January 22, 2010 marked the 37th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 ruling on Roe v. Wade, the case which has allowed for the LEGAL murder of over an estimated 50,000,000 children through abortion.
For a little historical context, an estimated 6,000,000 Jews, gypsies, and others were murdered during the Holocaust. An estimated 10,000,000 (probably a lot more) died in the Ukraine alone under Stalin, known in the Ukraine as the Holodomor, literally meaning "murder by hunger."
Is the situation in our country since 1973 really so much different, just because a court ruled it legal? Is it somehow cleaner because it happens in clinics and not concentration camps? Should it make us feel better that the victims are disposed of in medical waste bags instead of gas chambers? It gives hope to see the thousands of people marching in Washington, and across the nation, every year to say, "No, there is no difference."
This is another reason why good history teachers are vital to the survival of a free society.
For a little historical context, an estimated 6,000,000 Jews, gypsies, and others were murdered during the Holocaust. An estimated 10,000,000 (probably a lot more) died in the Ukraine alone under Stalin, known in the Ukraine as the Holodomor, literally meaning "murder by hunger."
Is the situation in our country since 1973 really so much different, just because a court ruled it legal? Is it somehow cleaner because it happens in clinics and not concentration camps? Should it make us feel better that the victims are disposed of in medical waste bags instead of gas chambers? It gives hope to see the thousands of people marching in Washington, and across the nation, every year to say, "No, there is no difference."
This is another reason why good history teachers are vital to the survival of a free society.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Seth has gotten his interview with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR from this year's FOCUS conference up on Onebillionstories.com for everyone to check out. He asks Fr. Groeschel a great question, and he gets a great, and very hopeful answer.
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pray/Help for Haiti
By now, I'm sure you've probably heard about the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti, only a few miles outside of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. From the looks of it, this is a truly massive disaster for a country ill-equipped to deal with the chaos and destruction in the aftermath.
The people of Haiti need our combined prayers now more than ever. Even the beautiful national cathedral couldn't with stand the massive quake. The Haitian people need food, water, medicine, and spiritual support.
If you can, please consider donating to an established aid organization such as Catholic Charities/Catholic Relief Services to give much needed help in, which no doubt will be a long and arduous recovery.
The people of Haiti need our combined prayers now more than ever. Even the beautiful national cathedral couldn't with stand the massive quake. The Haitian people need food, water, medicine, and spiritual support.
If you can, please consider donating to an established aid organization such as Catholic Charities/Catholic Relief Services to give much needed help in, which no doubt will be a long and arduous recovery.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Another Anti-Catholic Obama Nominee
News came down today that the Obama administation has reintroduced extremely pro-abortion
law professor/lawyer Dawn Johnsen for the top position at the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
In the 1980s, Johnsen was part of the legal gang who sought to strip the Catholic Church of it's tax exempt status due to it's public pro-life stance. Johnsen, along with the abortion big dogs, NARAL, filed a suit which eventually failed. Despite that failure, I think a disturbing history is rather evident.
Wait a second...wasn't she already nominated for something last year?
Is it just me, or is this administration using "Are you Anti-Catholic?" as a question on its nominee application?
law professor/lawyer Dawn Johnsen for the top position at the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
In the 1980s, Johnsen was part of the legal gang who sought to strip the Catholic Church of it's tax exempt status due to it's public pro-life stance. Johnsen, along with the abortion big dogs, NARAL, filed a suit which eventually failed. Despite that failure, I think a disturbing history is rather evident.
Wait a second...wasn't she already nominated for something last year?
Is it just me, or is this administration using "Are you Anti-Catholic?" as a question on its nominee application?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Onebillionstories.com Update
Quick lil' update on Seth's trip. The Focus Conference is over and the website is up and running. Seth's got a handful of interviews up already. There's an interview with an college athelete, an artist, a Capuchin friar, a seminarian, and a couple more.
Plus, it sounds like Seth should be posting an interview he had with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, very cool!
As always, go to Onebillionstories.com to check on his progress and give him a hand. There's also a facebook site for all you facebookers out there.
Pray that Seth will survive the arctic temps currently engulfing Florida
Plus, it sounds like Seth should be posting an interview he had with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, very cool!
As always, go to Onebillionstories.com to check on his progress and give him a hand. There's also a facebook site for all you facebookers out there.
Pray that Seth will survive the arctic temps currently engulfing Florida
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Onebillionstories.com is a Go!
The beginning of the new year means the FOCUS conference in Florida is coming to an end and Seth DeMoor is starting his bike ride through the south, collecting story after story of Catholic life in America today.
Onebillionstories.com is the place to check out his progress, and I'll be doing my best to keep up with him on the trek. When you're on the trail, a lot can happen, so check back often.
An interview with artist Gwyneth Holston is the newest video, not to mention an interview dealing with daily Mass.
If you're along the road he's on, don't be shy! If you can give him a hand with a meal or a place to crash (sleep, not an actual bike crash), please do so!
Onebillionstories.com is the place to check out his progress, and I'll be doing my best to keep up with him on the trek. When you're on the trail, a lot can happen, so check back often.
An interview with artist Gwyneth Holston is the newest video, not to mention an interview dealing with daily Mass.
If you're along the road he's on, don't be shy! If you can give him a hand with a meal or a place to crash (sleep, not an actual bike crash), please do so!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Quick Look at 2009
Happy New Year everyone! 2009 was an interesting year in a lot of ways. Politics was a big player. A new president, contraversial legislation, Iran, terrorism, a sorry economy...and that's just to name a few. All of these and more I definitely see as continuing on into the new year.
In my world, I made the University Honor Roll, and started this fun lil' blog.
In the Church, two popes made steps towards official sainthood, John Paul II and Pius XII. Our current Holy Father was jumped prior to Mass on Christmas Eve, and still held Mass! Us Bavarians are a stubborn bunch.
I pray everyone had a great New Year's Eve and solute everyone who made it to Mass this morning. I wonder what mysterious mysteries 2010 will hold for us?
God Bless!
In my world, I made the University Honor Roll, and started this fun lil' blog.
In the Church, two popes made steps towards official sainthood, John Paul II and Pius XII. Our current Holy Father was jumped prior to Mass on Christmas Eve, and still held Mass! Us Bavarians are a stubborn bunch.
I pray everyone had a great New Year's Eve and solute everyone who made it to Mass this morning. I wonder what mysterious mysteries 2010 will hold for us?
God Bless!
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