Wow, nice pick ups today. Like a lot of College football fans I am watching the All- American Army game where the best highschool seniors are playing. Of course many High School Seniors give their Verbal Commits today.
LSU has two big ones. First the battle between LSU and Alabama has ended Football Stud Tyler Edwards out of Monroe announced he is coming to LSU. Awesome we needed to make a statement that we shall protect our state from outsiders picking up our players and that helped. He will be one to watch.
The icing on the cake just occurred. Defensive Back Patrick Johnson out of Florida had just committed to LSU. That is a major pick up of a real legit 5 star player that is one of the most sought after in the country.
We have now moved to Number 7 in the Country according to Rival Rankings in Recruiting and we still have some big ones we are wroking on. THis is a makor accomplishment in a year in which we all new the Louisiana Class of player would be down. Of course next years class is porjected as one of the best ever in many years in Louisiana. I think we are very well on our way to a top 5 nationwide recruiting rank which is again something for this year.
It is interesting to note that Georgia and Notre Dame are currently fighting for number one. The State of Georgia again is producing a fine class. THey were briefly number 1 but Notre Dame Notre Dame jumped back to #1 when Deion Walker committed.
Note to Louisiana Tech Fans. Louisiana Tech got a player a few weeks back that might be the hidden gem of the entire state. His recruitiment was important not because only because of his skill but it will enable us to have a beeter shot at his brother next year. Who many believe is even better than he is. More on him later
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Great Recruiting Day For LSU FOOTBALL
Facts abouts America's First Cardinal and A Strange early Laity Problem
I also like to highlight American Catholic History on here. It seems for some reason that American Catholics are pretty ignorant about some major contributions of their Church. Including me because I am learning things I feel I should have known everyday.
Whispers in the Loggia has a great piece this morning on the first American Prince of the Church. That is the first American Cardinal John McCloskey of New York . He was raised up by the Pope to the Red hat in 1875. American Catholicism truly came on to the world stage with his appointment. It appears he had a very interesting life and the events he was involve in both secular and religious has my interest up. So I might try to read a book on him. Go see his entry The First Prince
There is a interesting part of article that Whispers has that caught my eye. In passing they mention then Father McClosley's interaction with what a somewhat radical Lay problem. I don't completely remember where I acquired this information , but it is in my mind that this too was a problem in vast areas of Louisiana and at one time at St Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. That is this strange thing called "trusteeism" .
After traveling throughout Europe for almost a year, he returned to New York to be named pastor of St. Joseph's parish in Greenwich Village. The assignment was his first real test as a member of the clergy, and he passed it with flying colors.
At the time, "trusteeism" was in full sway throughout the nation. Prominent laity, known as "trustees," controlled the finances of their parishes, paid the clergy if they wanted to, and dismissed any who said or did anything to displease them. Father McCloskey's appointment was made without consultation with the trustees of St. Joseph's, and they accordingly ordered the parishioners to boycott him.Without uttering a word of complaint in public or even showing disappointment, the young priest offered Mass and delivered a long sermon every Sunday to an empty church.
This went on for nine months until the parishioners finally began to file back into their pews and the trustees resigned themselves to allowing the pastor to do his work. None of this was out of character. As one priest put it many years later, "John McCloskey never fought a battle, or lost a war."
I would love to learn more about this and how this "trusteeism" developed into such a nationwide thing. Did a lack of Priest and living in remote areas cause it. That doesn't explain places like New York or New Orleans?
US Soldier/Blogger Dies In Iraq Leaves Last post
This is pretty compelling and really brings the war and sacrifice our men and women are doing home. Andrew Olmstead was a Soldier on his second tour of Iraq. He has died.
He was blogging on this Newspaper site here You can see his past entries as well as the breaking death notice. It appears on his prior blog he arranged that a final entry that he wrote would be posted in case he died in combat. That is here
Sometimes words just fail. God speed brave man and I shall keep you in my prayers as well as your family
Friday, January 4, 2008
Louisiana Screwed Again!!! Congressman Richard Baker May Not Run again
This is not good news. My rant below the story that is now breaking.
Rep. Baker Considers Leaving Congress
Published: 1/4/08, 10:46 PM EDT
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - U.S. Rep. Richard Baker is considering leaving his congressional seat to lead the main lobbying group for the hedge fund industry, the Republican said Friday.
Baker, who was elected to serve Baton Rouge in 1986, said he will soon decide whether to become the next president and CEO of the Managed Funds Association.
"I don't see these discussions taking weeks or months. I see it more as a matter of days," Baker said Friday.
An after-hours message left at the association's Washington, D.C., headquarters was not immediately returned Friday night.
If he takes the job, Baker said, he would leave Congress to avoid a conflict of interest between the wide-ranging hedge fund industry and his position on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
The governor would have to set a special election to fill Baker's seat if he resigns. Baker said he will run for re-election in the fall if he doesn't take the job.
Well that is just lovely. Louisiana has one of the weakest delegations in the Country. Despite producing much of the nations food and energy supply our numerical numbers are dismal.
What makes this worst is that the other most powerful Congressman Jim McCrery of the North Louisiana District is retiring. That was a body blow enough. Now Baker. S basically the only Congressman that has seniority (and thus power and influence) is William Jefferson who is being avoided because he is likely to go to jail.
We now will have a Congressional Delegation that will resort to begging for the state.
It seems Louisiana has had a habit of the political god's noticing when a Louisiana politician gets into a position to help his state and correcting that.
Hale Boggs Speaker of the House disapperars in plane Crash in Alaska
When Bob Livingston comes within a day of being Speaker of the House he is derailed by a silly phone sex scandal
Jim McCrery comes within days of being Chairman of Ways and Means and the Republicans lose control of the House
Now this. We shall have three open seat when we include Gov Elect Jindal's. When we need all the possible influence we can get for our fair share of Off Shore Oil Revenue Funds and money for Coastal Erosion projects this cannot happen at a worse time. I hope State Republicans talk sense into him
By the way Republicans, Democrat Senator Mary Landrieu has another compelling argument to use for people to put her back into office. She will argue and I think in a successful manner that defeating her would cause major problems as to Federal Funding in Louisiana and to speak up for our interest in such things as to the two major Military bases in this state.
Mood- Depressed
The Louisiana Catholic Daily Update Comes Back Tomorrow
The Holidays are over and it I notice the Louisiana Catholic bloggers are back in full swing. Tomorrow look for a massive post that lists the posts of Louisiana Catholic Bloggers over the last few days!! Hurrah
Is Huckabee Conservative? What is Conservatism?
I find myself often getting attacked on political forums. I am often called a far right kook by "liberals" and leftist by "conservatives" I find political boards often attract purist that think life is all acted out in a labaotory. I am so tired of hearing so and so is not a true conservative. What is that?
I think Rod Dreher had a excellent column today that showed there is different and vibrant themes of conservative thought that is really a good read. Is Huckabee conservative?. In essence it is not really about Huckabee but gets to the root of all this tension.
So what type of Conservative am I?
- First Nothing overrides my Catholic Faith
-I want my conservatism to mesh with the Catholic Justice Principles
-I believe in Subsidarity
-For some reason when Bush says Compassionate Conservatism I think that is a good thing
-I am for a strong defense
-I am for small Business
-I do not hate Corporations
-I think Faith has a role in the public square
-I am for less Government intervention
-I am Pro-Life
-I am for the Traditional def of marriage.
-I am very FREE SPEECH and even think that the banning of Porn is chilling as well as any restriction on who and whom I pool money with to support for political office. I do draw the limit at publishing military secrets and how to produce a atomic bomb in ten easy steps (UPDATE- I Sort of Engage On How I am working out the PORN thing , the Speech Thing,The Role of Govt and My Catholic Ethics in the Comment section)
-I generally think low taxes at times and even tax cuts spur economic growth
-I am a big FREE TRADER and believe that Protectionism is suspect
-I am for making sure there is a safety net and have concerns about health care
-I am very concerned about the Euthanasia movement
-I am for strong borders and knowing who is here
-I am also for treating the immigrant and even the illegal immigrant that we have used for 20 years to fuel our growth in a humane and just way according to my Christian faith. Especially Children and people of mixed legal family status
-I thought the Wall Street Journal had a good point about borders and free trade and a visa program
-I also thought that anti immigration folks had valid concerns about wages for American workers
-I am for the Environment and scared that much of the coastline of Louisiana is washing away
-I am against discrimination
I could on but you get the point.
Now it has come to my attention that many parts of my conservatism come in conflict with other parts. Now what do I do? I try to work it out in the most practical way. I am a man of Conservatisms from social to traditional to economic. I refuse to embrace one and one only like it is a Sacrament of the Catholic Church. This is not Holy writ here.
I think Reagan summed it best. I actually remember him!!! He had a lot of influence on me as a kid. This is where I am at. Tip of the hat to The Subway Canaries that has the quotes I so agree with here at her post What Is Going on with Conservatives in the GOP? Part I which was written two years ago.
Reagan had a great speech in 1977 at the Famous CPAC meeting entitled The New Republican Party. I guess if you ask me if I am conservative or if Huck is conservative I would say yes. Reagan seems to agree. The whole thing should be read from start to finish. I hate just to take a part of it out. However this struck me:
My friends, the time has come to start acting to bring about the great conservative majority party we know is waiting to be created.
And just to set the record straight, let me say this about our friends who are now Republicans but who do not identify themselves as conservatives: I want the record to show that I do not view the new revitalized Republican Party as one based on a principle of exclusion. After all, you do not get to be a majority party by searching for groups you won’t associate or work with. If we truly believe in our principles, we should sit down and talk. Talk with anyone, anywhere, at any time if it means talking about the principles for the Republican Party. Conservatism is not a narrow ideology, nor is it the exclusive property of conservative activists.
Reagan would banned from the Free Republic site if he posted this today!!
“If there is any ideological fanaticism in American political life, it is to be found among the enemies of freedom on the left or right -- those who would sacrifice principle to theory, those who worship only the god of political, social and economic abstractions, ignoring the realities of everyday life. They are not conservatives…”
Amen. Good Read. So I think Huckabee as well as myself can safely be called conservative.
A Huckabee Supporter Eyes Trouble In South Carolina
I am have been perusing the web today noting the aftermath of the Huckabee victory. Lots of interesting facets going on. However I am observing that as usual most non Evangelicals do not understand Evangelicals one bit. That is one facet. Another interesting one that I am finding interesting is that Rush seems to be thinking Reagan Democrats are expendable now.
The Corner blog between their Huck bashing and Mrs Lopez telling everyone not to abandon Ship, Be Calm, Don't jump off the ledge, Where is the Gin, Etc for the millionth time today has as always some interesting nuggets. I thought this email was very perceptive:
Subject: South Carolina and Huckabee From a South Carolinian [Rich Lowry]
E-mail:
As a South Carolinian (but a Democrat) I'd be amazed if Huckabee wins. Huckabee's economic populism just doesn't win there. Pat Buchanan (after his New
Hampshire) win thought he'd win down here too on this SoCon/Class Warfare stuff but he didn't.
Both Mark Sanford and Jim DeMint pretty much beat Social Conservatives in their respective primaries for Governor and Senator. South Carolinians GOPers have saved your party from the [bad] decisions of New Hampshire and Iowa time and time again. I expect nothing less than for them to do it again.
01/04 04:05 PM
and
Subject: Huckabee [Rich Lowry]
E-mail:
Hi, Mr. Lowry:
Regarding SC and FL, you are assuming that evangelicals in Iowa are the same as evangelicals in SC and FL. It remains my contention that they are not, at least in SC. While I am sure that a minority of evangelicals here might be open to an appeal based solely on religion, the majority of GOP evangelicals in SC are also conservatives. They do not accept candidates who are so willing to accept tax increases, enlarge government, or conduct a Carter-like foreign policy. Part of Huckabee’s strength with evangelicals outside of Iowa has been his ability to call on religious solidarity while concealing his more liberal or non-conservative views and positions behind a veneer of conservatism. He hasn’t been called HARD on it yet. If whoever the main non-evangelical candidate here is can clearly and convincingly make the argument that Huckabee is a Carter-like Christian leftist, I strongly believe that he will lose a large chunk of his evangelical support. But, time is short. Romney and McCain will be tied up in NH and MI for much of the next week. That leaves Thompson as the main protagonist for Huckabee. He will have to make the argument as hard as he can, even if it eventually benefits another of his opponents.
01/04 03:41 PM
Now let me say this. There is a lot of truth here. This shows that Huckabee and his supporters must in a hurry rebuke all these myths about Huckabee being a economic liberal. That we must be quick to respond to the Club for Growths campaign that while full of lies has been a problem.
Evangelical voters like Catholics have different views depending on what part of the country they are in. For instance I expect a Catholic from Lafayette Louisiana is different in many political respects from a Catholic in New York.
But South Carolina is special. Despite being the first to try to leave the Union it is very much Establishment. The emailer is right. It is a fire wall against the new. Pat Buchanan was put down there. George Bush stamped out McCain .
In other words it is conservative also in the sense of stopping what it perceives to be major and drastic change as to the nomination races. Sort of a "let's slow her down here a tad "type thing.
Huckabee will have to hit his bonafides here and convince people he is not going to lead the revolution of "burn baby burn" that some excitable pundits are saying is happening. What happened last night was significant and important. However I feel we are seeing an addressing of valid concerns by people rather than blowing apart the Coalition. A sort of putting on notice that parts of the Coalition have some concerns that need to be addressed.
If Huckabee cannot do this who will get the nod? We shall see if the Thompson campaign has any life. It could be Romney. However if the GOP anti Huck people are smart they will swallow their pride and get behind McCain. The question is can they do it? I have my doubts.
However if the Evangelical bashing does not stop in certain quarters expect to see what we saw this summer.
This summer because of an over the top immigration debate about ten Subgroups of diverse Hispanics became united for the first time because they were tired of being made out to be a threat. I do not want to argue if that was the intention of those that opposed Comp immigration reform. However evidence from the 2006 elections shows us that is what happened.
If the bashing goes on "Group ID" and true Group politics for self preservation might occur. So we shall see what happens.
Let me say the South Carolina campaign has been going on for a while. I will try to get a feel later tonight if any of the Huckabee myths have gained traction down there in the last few months
The Media Neglects Pope Benedict- Why?
The Anchoress had a nce post called the media The media’s neglect of Benedict XVI the other day. I think the answer is clear. Press rooms that have no religious reporters and people and reporters that have no trainingin the subject
I was reminded of the how the American MSM and others fail at the mark when I read this great article that was translated on the Ratzinger Forum here. It is from the largest and most prestigious Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera. Here it is full:
Millions come to see him and his book and encyclicals sell in the millions
By Bruno Bartoloni
It seemed impossible to imagine a successor to John Paul II who could come near the media enthusiasm that accompanied the long Pontificate of 'Karol the Great', but the impossible has been achieved by the timid and discreet Papa Ratzinger who has aroused and continues to arouse great attention in the Catholic world - attention which has been manifested by the extraordinary influx of pilgrims to the Vatican and translated into a doubling of Peter's Pence, the personal offerings made by the faithful around the world to their spiritual leader to be used for his charities.
In 2005, the year of the Wojtyla-Ratzinger transition, Peter's Pence for the year totalled 59 million dollars; in 2006, it was 102 million. It is a sign of the sense of certainty that the current Pope appears to give the moderate - and usually more affluent - elements of the Catholic world. Benedict XVI's actions - not excluding his liberalization of the traditional Mass - and his firmness on the great moral issues, starting with defense of life and the family, have certainly weighed much in encouraging the faithful who have been flocking to the Vatican.
More than 2,800,000 faithful took part in the Pope's public events at the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo in 2007, according to figures from the Pontifical Household. The total is lower than in 2006, but this is most likely a 'physiologic' settling down after the unprecedented 'boom' associated with the start of this Pontificate. In the first five months alone, more than 410,000 pilgrims came to the Vatican to attend Benedict's general audiences, compared to less than 200,000 who had attended Papa Wojtyla's Wednesday audiences in the same time period of the preceding year.
Of course, comparisons cannot be completely analogous. John Paul II had transformed his ministry into a travelling Pontificate to personally go forth and meet the faithful around the world. Papa Ratzinger has reduced his travelling only to those that he considers obligatory, just as he has reduced almost by half the number of papal speeches, of public events and of private and official audiences. He has given up Papal officiating at beatifications, delegating this to cardinals, as well as systematic visits to the parishes of Rome (in his capacity as Bishop of Rome). But one must not forget that he began his 'new job' at 78, whereas Wojtyla became Pope at 58. But if Benedict has reduced public activity, he has certainly increased the doctrinal activity of the Papacy - that which is personally carried out by the Pope.
Even in this respect, the theologian Pope's grip on the Catholic world has been remarkable, as his second encyclical Spe salvi showed. Released on November 30, it had sold at least 1.5 million copies within a month just in the Italian edition sold by the Vatican publishing house (and another half a million through supplements with the magazine FAMIGLIA CRISTIANA and the newspaper Avvenire). [NB: The first encyclical, Deus caritas est, also passed the million-mark in sales within a few weeks , unheard of for an encyclical until then.]
Likewise, his book JESUS OF NAZARETH published in Italy last April 13 has sold 2 million copies in Italy alone and has been translated to 32 languages, with seven more language editions in preparation. And the publishing success is not limited to his books and encyclicals alone. The Vatican publishing house says that its series of little booklets - 25 so far - that periodically put together the Pope's regular homilies has sold more than 600,000 copies so far.
As Benedict rounds out the third year of his Pontificate, facts and figures show a much more intense activity than his immediate predecessors, relative to their number of years in office and their age: seven foreign trips, a major Motu Proprio, two encyclicals, the historic letter-appeal to Chinese Catholics. The program for 2008 will not be less intense: two encyclicals are in the works - one on social issues including globalization, and the other on faith to complete his cycle on the theological virtues. Not to mention the second volume of JESUS OF NAZARETH. His trips in 2008 will include three within Italy and three abroad (Washington, DC, New York City and the United Nations,; World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia; and the 150th anniversary of the Marian Apparitions in Lourdes, France). For one of the oldest Popes in history, his activity is indeed remarkable and the interest he raises around the world is extraordinary. Corriere della Sera, 3 gennaio 2008
Why Seminarians Need to Study the Church Fathers
Well for one Vatican II said it!!!! I think the answer to "why" is apparent to any thinking Catholic. However The Way of the Fathers Blog has reminded me by a link of a wonderful post I saw on this subject a few days ago. Go see Fathers Training Fathers
St. John Neumann Literally gets a Change of Clothing
I must say these pictures are pretty cool. I was over at Father Z's blog and saw this entry Fr. Z ask your help: LATIN propers for St. John Neumann - urgent . Now what is cool again is the pictures. It appears that however St Neumann though is not an "incorruptible" as some Saints bodies are.
Still pretty cool
Since Mike Huckabee is Quoting G K Chesterton
Since Mike Huckabee is quoting Chesterton , I thought we would expand on him. Just by luck I see the Blogger The Dawn Patrol has as her quote of the day a quote by him.
"There is one view very common among the liberal-minded which is exceedingly fatiguing to the clear-headed. It is symbolised in the sort of man who says, 'These ruthless bigots will refuse to bury me in consecrated ground, because I have always refused to be baptised.' A clear-headed person can easily conceive his point of view, in so far as he happens to think that baptism does not matter. But the clear-headed will be completely puzzled when they ask themselves why, if he thinks that baptism does not matter, he should think that burial does matter. If it is in no way imprudent for a man to keep himself from a consecrated font, how can it be inhuman for other people to keep him from a consecrated field? It is surely much nearer to mere superstition to attach importance to what is done to a dead body than to a live baby. 1 can understand a man thinking both superstitious. or both sacred; but I cannot see why he should grumble that other people do not give him as sanctities what he regards as superstitions. He is merely complaining of being treated as what he declares himself to be. It is as if a man were to say, 'My persecutors still refuse to make me king, out of mere malice because I am a strict republican.' Or it is as if he said, 'These heartless brutes are so prejudiced against a teetotaler, that they won't even give him a glass of brandy.'"— G.K. Chesterton, The Superstition of Divorce (1920)
Update-
A rare Gem indeed- Apoloblogology has the voice of GK Chesterton here!!!
Young People are FLocking To Traditional Catholic Vocations!!
I saw this great post over at the Anchoress blog when I was feeling human yesterday.(see post below to see what I am talking about). Anyway the pain came back and I forgot to post it. So better late than ever check out this must read full of linksYoung people & traditional vocations, part II
Note To "Who Cares About Politics" Readers
Sorry if my posts , the past few days have been on the political side. A balance shall be struck!!!. FOr instance the Louisana Catholic blogger daily update will hopefully make an appearance tomorrow or Saturdasy depending how I feel..
TO be honest I have had to sort of fade in and out on this blog because I am in tad of major pain this week. Not to bore you with the details but genetic wise, I seemed to have been blessed with problem of weak teeth all my life. I now have a lapse in Dental Insurance and what I was putting off because of funds has got a lot serious over Christmas. So when I can feel human, often something political is going on and I am blogging on that..
Anyway I need your prayers. I don't know the Patron Saint for Dental things but I need some intercession in a big way. If not I am going to have drink a fifth of Ole Charter every night to dull this nonsense and get to sleep. To say the least it has been depressing and TIRING. So hang with me.
Does Huckabee Read Catholic Apologist Mark Shea?
A few days ago noted Catholic Apologist Mark Shea wrote a not too flattering Huckabee piece called The Acoustic Candidate I thought it was a tad nitpicking. In a excellent Response A noted Pro-life leader, Catholic Apologist, Huckabee Supporter, Notre Dame Fan(well he is not perfect) at his blog Fighting Irish Thomas wrote a excellent response here at Missing the “Mark”—Oh, Shea can't you see (that Huckabee has heart) .
Now if you notice Catholic Icon GK Chesterton is a huge topic in both posts. Tonight I was listening to Huckabee's Iowa Victory speech and almost fell out of my chair during it he said:
G.K. Chesterton once said that a true soldier fights not because he hates those who are in front of him, but because he loves those who are behind him. Ladies and gentlemen, I recognize that running for office, it's not hating those who are in front of us. It's loving those who are behind us.
I don't know why or how that quote got into that victory speech. Like I said I almost fell out of my chair when he said it. For all I know Gov Huckabee might be a GK Chesterton Fan. I know that Huckabee has several Catholics on staff and perhaps they were observing it :). But it seems very deliberate. However that raised a lot of Catholics ears that are conservative and likely Huck friendly I suspect!!!
I am not sure the MSM caught on. However the National Review(they are pro romney) in this circle the wagons piece took notice:
Huckabee made the best speech of the evening — personal, direct, untechnical, and designed — well, seemingly not designed but effortlessly succeeding in reaching people who generally tune politicians out. It even contained a quote from G. K. Chesterton which will endear him to conservative Catholics.
I did a a little search and the London Telegraph Sure noticed. They said:
There were three winners in Iowa. Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee take two gongs, but the third goes to that most English of writers GK Chesterton, the poet and author of the Father Brown mysteries, who is fast becoming the poet laureate of the political underdog.
When Mike Huckabee made his victory speech he was quick to quote from Chesterton: "A true soldier fights not because he hates those who are in front of him but because he loves those who are behind him.
"Running for office is not hating those who are in front of you but loving those who are behind you."It was all reminiscent of that remarkable night in the British general election of 1997, when independent Martin Bell seized one of the Tories' safest seats. His chosen lines: "Smile at us, pay us, pass us; but do not quite forget. For we are the people of England, that never have spoken yet." Bell added: "Well you have spoken."
The people of Iowa have spoken and they bestowed victory on Mr Huckabee, whose campaign - like Mr Bell's - was held together with sellotape and sticking plasters.
So who knows. But I suspect Huckabee is very very good at his words and perhaps is showing that he is a tad more than just some Evangelical former pastor from the SOUIEEE Go Hogs State and is sending messages to several groups. Touche. This campaign will be fun and different
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My Two Cents on the Election Tonight
Huckabee
Needless to say a good win for Huckabee. I notice that the media and place like the National Review Corner blog for the most part just don't get it. They are treating Mike's voters like some strange zoo exhibit. It is true that the turn out was 60 percent Evanglical. However this is not so much lets elect one of our guys things. Huck 's campaign was mostly about Economic issues and concerns these Republicans voters had. This has been picked up strangely by the MSM but ignored by the conservative press with some exceptions. Where he goes from here. Where I think it is apparent unless there is a miracle he will not win New Hampshire but he can have a strong showing. Then its on
McCain-
Good showing for a man that did not campaign that much in Iowa. He almost beat Thompson who was campaigning there. I think Huck's win will help McCain win New Hampshire and then he will go on to South Carolina. I should note his support there should not be overlooked.
RUDY-
He benefits. I think having Romney having to fight a very aggressive campaign by Huckabee and McCain helps him big time. He is lurking out there and I am taking his campaign very serious.
Romney-
Not a good night. He will have to fight for his political life in New Hampshire against McCain. If Romney cannot win a state, in which a good bit is in the Mass media market, then he is in trouble. He will looking at the calender have to hope for a Michigan Miracle if he is still in
Thompson-
Mixed. HE got third.(note McCain just went ahead) However the fact he barely beat McCain(if these numbers indeed hold ) is not a good sign. I don't see him surging in New Hampshire either. The question is where will he win a state?
Conservative Pundits-
Big losers. Also there is a sense that was a pile on Huckabee by many of his of supporters. The McCain, and the Rudy people all have had that experience.
If the conservative media from Fox, to Talk Show hosts, to blogs want to be taken seriously they have to at least be objective. Again let me quote again from someone I posted on last night. That is a person that worked for 30 days in the Huckabee campaign and gave his insights.
The Mainstream Media Ain't So Bad --
Many bloggers (including me) have a knee-jerk reaction to the mainstream media. We "just know" they have a liberal bias and that they can't be trusted to report accurately on Republicans and conservatives. If my experience is any indication, then most of what we know is "just wrong." My job wasn't to spin the press but to present the facts for the Huckabee campaign's side of the story.
I expected that I'd have the toughest time with the professional journalists but most of the reporters that I dealt with (especially Michael Luo of the New York Times and Jonathan Martin of Politico) were quite fair and always professional. Even when their coverage was cringe-inducing I rarely could fault them for being inaccurate or putting their own biases ahead of the facts.Unfortunately, the same can not be said of the conservative media.My rapid response list included a broad range of journalists, pundits, and bloggers and variety of outlets--everything from The New York Times to HotAir.
Often they would ask me to clarify statements made by the Governor, defend claims made by the campaign, or offer evidence on a point of contention. Almost always the mainstream media from the "liberal" outlets were more fair and balanced than were the ones from the "conservative" side of the media. Some conservative outlets, of course, were notably fair and accurate. Although he never pulled his punches, Jim Geraghty at NRO's The Campaign Spot always let me present a rebuttal to the claims of other campaigns.
The same can be said for NRO's Byron York, one of the few conservative reporter/pundits that seemed more concerned about getting the facts straight than he was in shoring up the conventional wisdom of the GOP establishment.But while there were a few other exceptions that I could praise (e.g., Terry Eastland from The Weekly Standard, Phillip Klein and Jennifer Rubin from The American Spectator, the guys at RedState), far too many of the conservative outlets refused to present any evidence that conflicted with their typical anti-Huckabee narrative. I even sent out personal emails to a number of prominent pundits and bloggers who had criticized Huckabee for being insufficiently conservative. I told them that if they would send me a list of their grievances I'd provide a personal response from the campaign addressing their concern. My only condition was that they would post the exchange in its entirety. Not one of them took me up on my offer.
As a campaign staffer, I found such behavior frustrating. But as a consumer of conservative media I found it infuriating. There are a number of pundits, bloggers, reporters, and radio hosts that I will never trust again to be "fair and balanced."
(To clarify my last point, let me say that I had only one expectation from my fellow conservatives: that they apply the same standard to every candidate. I had no problem with a conservative pundit bashing Governor Huckabee for raising the sales tax by a penny in Arkansas…as long as they also bashed Governor Romney for raising "fees" in Massachusetts. I had no problem with their complaints that Governor Huckabee wanted to establish diplomatic relations with Iran…as long as they hammered Mayor Giuliani for the same sin. Very few even made an attempt to be consistent in their criticism. That was what I found so disappointing.)
That is a important message. This is just not a Huckabee issue either. I expect other campaigns would agree. If the conservative media and pundits want to become as unhinged as the left so be it. But I not getting on that train.
One quick word on the Dems. I think Hillary is in trouble. Congrats to Obama. History was made tonight
Huckabee Wins Iowa and Kathryn Jean Lopez Spins As Usual
CNN projected real early That Huckabee wins Iowa. Mrs Kathryn "attack dog" Lopez of the National Review reaction:
Bill Schneider and Others [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
are pointing out the high percentage of evangelical voters who have reportedly turned out. Anti-Huck people are freaking. Deep breaths. As Bill Bennett just pointed out on CNN, evangelicals aren't necessarily a voting block, as much as Pastor Huckabee has tried to suggest (and prays?) they are in his identity-politicking. Just ask Mark DeMoss.
01/03 08:41 PM
Classic. Oh and sorry Rush too bad. I hate to gloat but the National Review(with the exception of Bryon York) has it a tad coming.
Ohh so sorry. Again Mrs Lopez is still trying to spread the myth. As I posted earlier this Catholic Deacon might have a few things to counter this Manhatten Conservative.
I will post later when fuller numbers come in.
About Those Republican Hating Republican You read in the New York Times
When I lived in SHreveport , I would pick up a daily copy of the New York Times. Their Letter to the Editor section seemed to have an awful lot of fed up Republicans that were fed up at Bush, their Party, etc etc. Seems not everything is what it appears.
Thank God For Oddballs
I was really struck by a entry That Cajun Hugenot did at his post Different Thoughts. It was like looking in a mirror. I know exactly where he is at
Catholic Deacon Explains Huckabee To Rush Limbaugh
As well as others :).
I am pretty amazed that much of the conservative media is parroting what the dems did in the aftermath of the 04 election. That is "those ignorant Jesus Freaks" look what they are doing. It seems that after so many years some conservative's don't understand "faith" voters. If they don't this is largely their fault. The fact is their ignorance is making them not even understand what is going on. Catholic Online has a great Commentary today called The Huckabee Phenomenon and the fall of the 'religious right'.
What is said here is being picked up my more observant members of the MSM. However I think he pegs it right on. I shall excerpt in full:
COMMENTARY: The Huckabee Phenomenon and the fall of the 'religious right'
By Deacon Keith Fournier1/4/2008
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
Many of these voters do not take kindly to being called “fundamentalist” Dr Sabato. And Rush, with all due respect, they simply do not care if they if they fit your definition of what constitutes a “true conservative.”
LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - First, it was Larry Sabato and then it was Rush Limbaugh. Sabato is the Robert Kent Gooch Professor of Politics of the Center for Politics at the University of at the University of Virginia. I watched him on weekend television. He certainly established himself as a “talking head” favorite, showing up everywhere these days in what has become an ever increasing sea of media punditry. He is also a former Rhodes Scholar and Danforth Fellow with an earned Doctorate in politics from Oxford.
In other words, one would think he would speak more articulately and check his facts, right? No, he told the viewers, on a major news network being aired globally, that Huckabee’s support came from his “fundamentalist” Christian base.
What?
Even within Huckabees support in the broader Christian community, this candidate has a growing base of Catholic support. Obviously, Catholic Christians cannot be called “fundamentalists.”
Additionally, he has a growing base of populist supporters, showing himself to be not unlike Democratic candidate John Edwards. The HUGE difference, among several, is that Huckabee hears the cry of the poorest of the poor, children in the first home of the whole human race, their mothers womb. Edwards has bought the Democratic frontrunners’ line of calling their intentional killing through procured abortion an exercise of “freedom.”
Next, it was Rush Limbaugh. I listened to him on the radio Wednesday during the long drive between Hampton Roads and Richmond, Virginia. There is no doubt that Limbaugh is a highly informed and intelligent man. He is singularly responsible for the media phenomenon that is now called talk radio. On this particular day he was asked by an otherwise adulating listener if he saw a priority of importance which would place the issue of protecting children in the womb, opposing abortion and defending the right to life above ensuring that taxes stay low. He said he would not. That it must all be seen as one concern. He added that anyone who sets one above the other was not a true conservative.
What?
These two commentators reveal what is becoming a tectonic plate shift lying beneath the emergence of Mike Huckabee that many in the media do not understand. Whether he wins in Iowa, or even takes the Republican nomination, he has signaled the end of what was formerly called the “religious right” and the emergence of a new issue focused alliance of voters.
These folks are not capable of being pidgeon holed and can exercise their prudential judgment, placing the multitude of political, economic, social and policy issues which form the backdrop for this campaign in a hierarchy of importance. These voters never felt comfortable being lumped under the assorted vacuous verbal political labels used by the media such as “religious right”, “conservative”, “right wing” or “neo-conservative”.
Oh, do not get me wrong, these folks also do not fit the contemporary American use of the word “liberal” either. They also never liked the effort to marginalize their intelligence or dismiss their deeply held religious convictions by using disparaging labels to lump them together such as “fundamentalist”, “evangelical”, or even “traditionalists” in a manner that is eerily reminiscent of past anti-religious bigotry such as the "no-name" anti-catholic party of America’s past.
These folks place the dignity of every human person and the right to life from conception to natural death at the head of every concern. It is not a “single issue” for them but a framework through which the entire race must be seen. They argue that without the right to life there are no other rights and that persons must always take precedence.They will never accept the idea that a society should allow the killing of it’s young in the womb and, worse yet, celebrate it as a “right” when it is wrong. They value marriage and family as the first cell of society, the first school, first economy, first church and first mediating institution.
They reject the misguided notion of “freedom” hidden behind the smiling mask of the new libertines who seek to redefine several aberrant chosen sexual lifestyles as the equivalent of marriage and then use the power of the State to enforce their new cultural revolution. Marriage is what it is to these folks and it serves the common good. Nor will they be won over to a model of the market which forgets that it is a servant and not a master. These folks care about those who have not experienced the benefits of the engine of freedom that is supposed to be the market economy; the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten.
They see a proper role, limited though it may be, in the exercise of “good” government in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. They are not “anti-Government.” They believe that we are, in a real sense, “our brother’s keeper” and want to serve the common good by not only caring for their own families but reaching out in solidarity to the poor and the needy. These folks are also concerned about a lot of other issues.
However, they are able to order those issues in a hierarchy through the exercise of prudential judgment. Many of these voters do not take kindly to being called “fundamentalist” Dr Sabato. And Rush, with all due respect, they simply do not care if they if they fit your definition of what constitutes a “true conservative.” They are finding their voice and they may be the beginning of a new political phenomenon.
This phenomenon may represent the fall of the old ‘religious right” and the emergence of a true populist movement which crosses the old, tired lines and labels. They also may explain the Huckabee phenomenon.
So what do Catholic Believe About "proselytism"
I have to admit, that when I came into the Church there was a ton of misinformation about this. The whole generation of priest , often led on my militant Religious, seemed to say converting people to the Catholic Fatih was so Pre- Vatican II. Of course after a little digging one find this was nonsense. Thankfully we soon not only had the Pontificate of Pope John Paul the II to clear up this confusion but an explosion of Catholic apologetics that came from the lay level. The Internet has casued this too boom
Michael Liccione over at his blog has a good piece on this subject. Go see A note on the latest CDF Note
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Former Huckabee Staffer Tells Truth About Conservative Media
I really do enjoy the Evangelical Outpost blog..
His political and social commentary is well known. He was on leave to work for the Huckabee Camapign and he gives a lot of insights. I think people from various other camps would agree. He does say something about the Conservative media that I agree with 100 percent. I should also point that he ID's several of the same people(Such as Bryon York at National Review) that try to thier jobs in a good way. He talks about this, the Huckabee Campaign, his experiences , and other candidates here at The Short, Fast Ride: My 30-Day Crash Course In Presidential Politics. I think political nerds that know things like who Brian Lamb is will enjoy it. It also shows what is a growing feeling that I have had that Huckabee supporters will go McCain if something happens to Huck. I am seeing that feeling too much all over the place on the net and is the general vibe I get.
Anyway again the whole thing is a good read. As to the conservative media , he is right on. As a conservative supporter of Immigration reform , I can attest to this. My efforts went no where. Put in place the SO called Dubai Terminal Lease Controversy, the Harriet Miers so called Controversy, and one just gets a sense of been there done that for the millionth time. One really wonders if the who is doing the wagging. That is the dog or the tail. Anyway I shall highlight that part. However be sure to read the whole piece that gives his interesting observations on various facets of the campaign and the process.
The Mainstream Media Ain't So Bad --
Many bloggers (including me) have a knee-jerk reaction to the mainstream media. We "just know" they have a liberal bias and that they can't be trusted to report accurately on Republicans and conservatives. If my experience is any indication, then most of what we know is "just wrong."
My job wasn't to spin the press but to present the facts for the Huckabee campaign's side of the story. I expected that I'd have the toughest time with the professional journalists but most of the reporters that I dealt with (especially Michael Luo of the New York Times and Jonathan Martin of Politico) were quite fair and always professional. Even when their coverage was cringe-inducing I rarely could fault them for being inaccurate or putting their own biases ahead of the facts.
Unfortunately, the same can not be said of the conservative media.
My rapid response list included a broad range of journalists, pundits, and bloggers and variety of outlets--everything from The New York Times to HotAir. Often they would ask me to clarify statements made by the Governor, defend claims made by the campaign, or offer evidence on a point of contention. Almost always the mainstream media from the "liberal" outlets were more fair and balanced than were the ones from the "conservative" side of the media.
Some conservative outlets, of course, were notably fair and accurate. Although he never pulled his punches, Jim Geraghty at NRO's The Campaign Spot always let me present a rebuttal to the claims of other campaigns. The same can be said for NRO's Byron York, one of the few conservative reporter/pundits that seemed more concerned about getting the facts straight than he was in shoring up the conventional wisdom of the GOP establishment.
But while there were a few other exceptions that I could praise (e.g., Terry Eastland from The Weekly Standard, Phillip Klein and Jennifer Rubin from The American Spectator, the guys at RedState), far too many of the conservative outlets refused to present any evidence that conflicted with their typical anti-Huckabee narrative.
I even sent out personal emails to a number of prominent pundits and bloggers who had criticized Huckabee for being insufficiently conservative. I told them that if they would send me a list of their grievances I'd provide a personal response from the campaign addressing their concern. My only condition was that they would post the exchange in its entirety. Not one of them took me up on my offer.
As a campaign staffer, I found such behavior frustrating. But as a consumer of conservative media I found it infuriating. There are a number of pundits, bloggers, reporters, and radio hosts that I will never trust again to be "fair and balanced."
(To clarify my last point, let me say that I had only one expectation from my fellow conservatives: that they apply the same standard to every candidate. I had no problem with a conservative pundit bashing Governor Huckabee for raising the sales tax by a penny in Arkansas…as long as they also bashed Governor Romney for raising "fees" in Massachusetts. I had no problem with their complaints that Governor Huckabee wanted to establish diplomatic relations with Iran…as long as they hammered Mayor Giuliani for the same sin. Very few even made an attempt to be consistent in their criticism. That was what I found so disappointing.)
Jewish Reflections and the Mass
I really enjoyed this post by the Anchoress called Cracking open the Gates of Prayer. As you can read this is the Jewish book, that has a lot of gems in it. I was struck by this part:
18 If anyone comes to public worship and leaves with the feeling that he has got nothing out of it, let him ask: Did I bring anything to it? Most often the answer to the second will supply the cause of the first. A stubborn heart, a rebellious heart, a cold heart that cherishes its coldness, a critical mind that looks for objects of criticism, will not profit. It is true of public worship in a high degree that only they receive who give. The influence of public worship, like that of electricity, is felt only where there is a capacity for receiving it. Stone and ice are spiritual non-conductors
How true. That very much struck me as a Catholic. I had a interesting discussion online with a Catholic that might or might not be having doubts. He asked if Catholics truly believe in the real presence why don't we act like it more. Good Question.
I did a post how I am loving the 1962 Missal I got for Christmas. Here it is right here.
What I love about it is the pages upon pages of prayers. About 20 pages are devoted to "Devotions for Communion". It echos the same senitments as the above quote.
I have met Catholics that can remember when one had to fast starting at Midnight if they wished to go to communion. Now one can argue if that was too much. I can't help but note it has gone from Midnight, to three hours prior to now just one hour before communion. I suppose many of us, I included, take that quite lierally at times and think as long as we are not whoofing down a McDonalds breakfast as we enter the Church door we are ok. OF course this does not reflect the spirit of the law at all.
Now I am not recommending we go back to the Midnight fast..However I do think it shows a whole attitude of preparation for Mass that was much more prevalant even just a few decades before
Huckabee and Catholics - A Catholic Deacon Pegs it
sI just read a very interesting article on Catholic Online. That is COMMENTARY: Huckabee and Catholics . I recommend reading the whole thing. However the good Catholic Deacon pegs it right on in this part:
It appears that the establishment was wrong. Along comes another former Governor from Hope, Arkansas, with a message that cannot be pigeonholed, an appealing manner and style, and an ability to draw from diverse constituencies, to upset the playbook of both major parties. His name is Mike Huckabee. Now, the real strategy of opposition has begun. One of the efforts, a standard opposition research approach, is to plumb the candidate’s past and attempt to paint the future with a brush dipped in out of context quotes
. I understand this approach. I have been involved in political campaigns and know that every campaign has an opposition research strategy. We can expect a careful reading of the formerly active Baptist ministers’ sermons for weeks to come. Of course, many Americans can quickly discern what is happening. They know that this candidate was a Baptist preacher. They also know we are not electing him to be the Nations pastor but the Nations President. They have listened to him in the debates and they are beginning to pay attention to his public policy positions. This approach has little staying power. No, the real opposition strategy is the one that is only now winding up in the playbook. The effort consists in intentionally evoking fear in the electorate by insinuating that Governor Huckabee is an ‘intolerant fundamentalist’ kind of Christian who will seek to force his narrow faith upon the rest of the Nation.
You see this strategy lurking behind so many of the stories and the statements coming from the establishment of both major parties. The long and the short of this approach will be to paint Mike Huckabee as the candidate of “the Evangelicals”, a term which has sadly become a code word for “the fundamentalists.” It falls just short of accusing the former governor of being a closet Theocrat, a kind of “extremist” of the Christian variety. Not only is the approach anti-Christian and bigoted, it also fails to see the growing ability that this candidate seems to have to reach into many diverse constituencies. His recent crowds have shown his increasing appeal.
They have also shown some unexpected demographics, such as an uncanny capacity to speak to youth. Demographic analysis shows Mike Huckabee cutting across many of the categories. The unexpected shocker that very few of the pundits and prognosticators expect is Mike Huckabees growing support among Catholics. Catholics, at least those who heed the continuing direction from their Church leaders, are obligated to inform their conscience by the social teaching of their Church and vote accordingly. Among the ways that this teaching can be grouped is one that I have used for years. This approach is what I have called the “four pillars of participation”, life, family, freedom and solidarity.
This is what truly disturbs me. PEople are trying to say that Huckabee is trying to divide. Even Rush goes on about ID politics. But this article points out who the real people pushing division are
Also Rod Dehrer at Cruncy Con again brilliantly points out the double standard here at A Huck double standard.
Oh and Fighting Irish Thomas has a good response to a popular Catholic apologist online here at Missing the “Mark”—Oh, Shea can't you see (that Huckabee has heart)
Brownback helping McCain attract Iowa Catholics
I thought this was an interesting news item out of the the AP.
Brownback helping McCain attract Iowa Catholics-
Associated Press - January 1, 2008 1:54 PM ET
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Just days before the Iowa caucuses, presidential hopeful John McCain has enlisted Kansas Senator and fellow Republican Sam Brownback to try to win Catholic voters.
Brownback -- who dropped out of the presidential race in October -- is co-chairman of Catholics for McCain. The move is seen as an attempt by McCain to lure Christian conservatives, who could have a significant impact at Republican caucuses Thursday in Iowa.
In a statement, Brownback calls McCain "a genuine American hero with a conservative record who has what it takes to lead this country."
Evangelicals have been wary of McCain since 2000, when he criticized Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson as "agents of intolerance."
So far, most Iowa evangelicals support former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts.
Now this organization is a lot more than just for IOWA. Ex Governor Keating is also the Co- Chair. However I do wish the Huckabee Campaign that has I feel considerable Catholic support and Catholic Interest will take note.
Senator Brownback , while not having great poll numbers, is still influential and listened to by the political nerd Catholics like myself. I was not surprised that he backed McCain. Also note despite this he said some nice things about Huckabee a few days ago. If Huckabee can get through the primaries getting Senator Brownback on board is a must.
I will be looking to see where the Catholic Mass Going vote goes. Sadly, this vote is rarely tracked. Often on those surveys you see on TV and by the big papers Mass Going Catholics are never ID'ed as religious voters. Those are almost always regular Church going Evangelicals. Why this is done I am not sure. I think it is a huge flaw in many surveys and polls. For instance as to the Evangelical Religious vote pollsters will pose their qualify questions usually as to Church attendance. For Catholics they just ask if they are Catholic. Again the reasoning escapes me on why they do this.
Anywho!!! This is one recent why in several recent elections the Mass Going Catholic votes and where it swings to has surprised some folks. The 04 Bush/Kerry election is a recent example. I had hopes that polls would adjust their questions to track it after that election. However as I noted in the immigration poll questions the last year they have not on the whole changed their polling groups dynamics
SO what does the mean for the Huckabee Campaign. Well Catholics in the trenches and on the National Level need to make sure the word is out that Catholics are also in Huckabee camp. Short term I think this bodes well for Huckabee in Iowa and New Hampshire especially because it will Cause more problems for Romney.
The Factors that Divide the Pope from the Muslims
Chiesa has a excellent article called The Cardinal Writes, the Prince Responds. The Factors that Divide the Pope from the Muslims.
I am catching up on my Catholic and Political news after watching two full days of College Football nonstop. This is a interesting article that talks about the upcoming historic meeting between the Pope and leading scholars of Islam. I think the what topics each side wants to be the center of the talks, as the article so well points out, is the key
The Pope's First Wednesday Audience of the Year
As we get back into the post Holiday swing of things, I need to post the Holy Father's Wednesday talk as is my custom. I am having trouble accessing my Photobucket account today so no pics. However the Ratzinger Forum has some nice ones here. Also thanks again for the quick translation. Today the Holy Father talks about Mary and Family.
Dear brothers and sisters!
We have started a new year and I wish that it may be peaceful and prosperous for all. I entrust this to the celestial protection of Our Lady whom we implore today, according to the liturgy, by her most important title, Mother of God. With her Yes to the Angel on the day of the annunciation, the Virgin conceived in her womb, through the Holy Spirit, the eternal Word, and brought him forth on Christmas night.
In Bethlehem, in the fullness of time, Jesus was born of Mary. The Son of God became man for our salvation, and the Virgin became the true Mother of God. This immense gift received by Mary was not reserved for her alone, but for all of us. In her fecund virginity, God had given "to men the benefits of eternal salvation, because through her, we received the author of life" (cfr Collect Prayer).
Therefore, Mary, after having given mortal flesh to the Only Son of God, became the mother of all believers and of the entire mankind. And it is in the name of Mary, Mother of God and of men, that for the past 40 years, on the first day of the year, the Church has celebrated the World Day for Peace. The theme that I chose for this year is "The human family: A community of peace". The same love that constructs a family - vital cell of society - and keeps it united, favors the establishment among the peoples of the world of those relationships of solidarity and collaboration necessary within the one human family.
The Second Vatican Council pointed this out in saying that "all peoples constitute one single community; they have single origin - and also have a common end, God" (Nostra aetate, 1).
There is a close relationship between family, society and peace. "Whoever, even if unconsciously, holds the institution of the family hostage," I wrote in the Message for today's World Day for Peace, "makes peace fragile in the entire community, national and international, because he weakens that which is, in fact, the principal agent for peace" (No. 5). Also, "we do not live next to each other by chance: we are all going along the same path as men, and therefore as brothers and sisters" (No. 6). Thus, it is truly important that each of us assumes his own responsibility before God and recognize in him the original spring of our own existence and that of others. This awareness gives rise to a commitment to make mankind a true community of peace, guided by 'a common law which allows the freedom to be oneself - and which protects the weak from the abuse of those who are stronger" (No. 11).
May Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace, sustain the Church in its tireless work in the service of peace, and help the community of peoples, which celebrates in 2008 the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to proceed along the path of authentic solidarity and stable peace.
After the Angelus, he added a special message in Italian:
From the heart I thank all those who have sent me their greetings and wishes for the new Year. I am particularly grateful to the President of the Republic, who extended his wishes last night in his television message to the nation. I gladly reciprocate his greeting, and express every good wish for his important mission and for the concord and prosperity of the beloved Italian people. On the occasion of the World Day for Peace, the church communities in every continent have promoted numerous initiatives. To all the organizers and participants, I extend my appreciation and encouragement that they may always and everywhere be witnesses for peace and reconciliation. In particular, I greet those who have inspired the demonstrations called "Peace on all the earth" organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome and in many other cities around the world.
In English, he said:
I greet all the English-speaking visitors gathered for this Angelus prayer on New Year’s Day. On this, the Octave of Christmas, the Church honours Mary, the ever-virgin Mother of God, whose complete openness to God’s saving plan bore fruit in the birth of the Prince of Peace. May the peace proclaimed by the angels at Bethlehem take ever deeper root in men’s hearts, and inspire the whole human family to live in harmony, justice and fraternal solidarity. To you and your families I offer cordial good wishes for a happy New Year! At the end, he said in Italian: I greet the Italian-speaking pilgrims, especially those who belong to the Movement for Family Love, which kept vigil in St. Peter's Square last night to pray for all families and the great Family of the Church. And I also greet the Orionist youth, who have come from all over Italy and other European countries to pledge friendship and commitment togetheron New Year's Day. I also greet the Centro Sportivo Italiano and gladly bless the Torch of Peace, that a marathon relay will eventually bring to the Holy Land. My thoughts go to all present here, wishing you abundance and peace in the New Year
Limbaugh's Attacks On Huckabee Over the Top
Limbaugh's is back on the air and attackng Huckabee left and right. Years later a book will be written about which pundits aligned for whom and why. I do get the feeling the feeling this is backfiring and helping Huckbee a tad. Politico has a roundup of the attacks here.
Anyway, more blogging today. Since the Holidays are over(secular wise) we shall be getting back to a more regular schedule. ince we have the first Party ELections tomorrow night expect a few more political posts. However I shall try to keep the Catholic and political post 50/50