Thursday, December 24, 2009

Gloria in Excelsis Deo



(Annunciation to the Herders – Govert Flink, 1639)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- Luke 2: 8-14

Idea and image stolen, with thanks, from Robbo's blog.

Gloria in Excelsis Deo



(Annunciation to the Herders – Govert Flink, 1639)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- Luke 2: 8-14

Idea and image stolen, with thanks, from Robbo's blog.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Plumbing the Shallows

According to this piece, the only "success" to come out of the Copenhagen conference was the continued perpetration of an out-and-out fraud, the market for carbon exchanges. Since those transactions are overseen by the United Nations, allegations of fraud should raise no eyebrows but an allegation our President played a significant part in keeping the market going, and did so in a particularly boorish way, should raise eyebrows.

Mr. Obama has already fairly well established himself as an empty suit but if this account of his behavior in Copenhagen is true, he is an arrogant fool as well.

One of the President's more outlandish campaign promises was that the rise of the ocean levels would begin to slow during his presidency. Apparently they are, even going down, for he is appearing increasingly out of his depth.

Plumbing the Shallows

According to this piece, the only "success" to come out of the Copenhagen conference was the continued perpetration of an out-and-out fraud, the market for carbon exchanges. Since those transactions are overseen by the United Nations, allegations of fraud should raise no eyebrows but an allegation our President played a significant part in keeping the market going, and did so in a particularly boorish way, should raise eyebrows.

Mr. Obama has already fairly well established himself as an empty suit but if this account of his behavior in Copenhagen is true, he is an arrogant fool as well.

One of the President's more outlandish campaign promises was that the rise of the ocean levels would begin to slow during his presidency. Apparently they are, even going down, for he is appearing increasingly out of his depth.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Mr. President I'm Beginning To Smell A Big Fat Commie Rat



It doesn't come as a great surprise to learn, via Matt Barber at onenewsnow.com, that the impetus behind the secularization of Christmas, e.g. "Happy Holidays" and the banishment of crèches from the public square, is communistic. None other than the late Ronald Reagan provides an earlier example.

...As part of an effort to suppress the Gospel message and the spread of Christianity in Soviet Russia, Communist leaders secularized a favorite Ukrainian Christmas carol, "Nova Radist Stala" (Joyous News Has Come to Us).

One verse originally began: "The joyous news has come which never was before. Over a cave above a manger a bright star has lit the world, where Jesus was born from a virgin maiden...."

[snip]

The new version went: "The joyous news has come which never was before, a red star with five tails has brightly lit the world." A second rewrite went further: "The joyous news has come which never was before. Long-awaited star of freedom lit the skies in October [the month of the Revolution]." The rewrite continued: "Where formerly lived the kings and had the roots their nobles, there today with simple folks, Lenin's glory hovers."

Barber, like all Christians, is confident the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ's Church.

And although, despite the best efforts of Communists abroad and ACLU-types here at home, we're nonetheless assured in Scripture that, "Every knee will bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). I still think that a politically correct greeting of "Happy Holidays" – well-meaning as it may be – nonetheless deserves a hearty "Merry Christmas" in return.

Don't you?

Yep, I do.

Thanks to Augustine.

Mr. President I'm Beginning To Smell A Big Fat Commie Rat



It doesn't come as a great surprise to learn, via Matt Barber at onenewsnow.com, that the impetus behind the secularization of Christmas, e.g. "Happy Holidays" and the banishment of crèches from the public square, is communistic. None other than the late Ronald Reagan provides an earlier example.

...As part of an effort to suppress the Gospel message and the spread of Christianity in Soviet Russia, Communist leaders secularized a favorite Ukrainian Christmas carol, "Nova Radist Stala" (Joyous News Has Come to Us).

One verse originally began: "The joyous news has come which never was before. Over a cave above a manger a bright star has lit the world, where Jesus was born from a virgin maiden...."

[snip]

The new version went: "The joyous news has come which never was before, a red star with five tails has brightly lit the world." A second rewrite went further: "The joyous news has come which never was before. Long-awaited star of freedom lit the skies in October [the month of the Revolution]." The rewrite continued: "Where formerly lived the kings and had the roots their nobles, there today with simple folks, Lenin's glory hovers."

Barber, like all Christians, is confident the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ's Church.

And although, despite the best efforts of Communists abroad and ACLU-types here at home, we're nonetheless assured in Scripture that, "Every knee will bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). I still think that a politically correct greeting of "Happy Holidays" – well-meaning as it may be – nonetheless deserves a hearty "Merry Christmas" in return.

Don't you?

Yep, I do.

Thanks to Augustine.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Not Bowing, Begging

"Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications."



This god, however, does not show mercy.

Not Bowing, Begging

"Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications."



This god, however, does not show mercy.

Friday, December 18, 2009

They Might Try Googling It

Damian Thompson of the Telegraph makes an interesting discovery:

Damian Thompson

Damian Thompson is Blogs Editor of the Telegraph Media Group.

The useful search facility on the Catholic bishops' website

I was bored just now, so I tried a little experiment using the excellent search function on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales:

environment

sin


That the British bishops can be as awful ours is confirmed by a commenter, who reports a search on "paedophilia" returned zero matches.

They Might Try Googling It

Damian Thompson of the Telegraph makes an interesting discovery:

Damian Thompson

Damian Thompson is Blogs Editor of the Telegraph Media Group.

The useful search facility on the Catholic bishops' website

I was bored just now, so I tried a little experiment using the excellent search function on the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales:

environment

sin


That the British bishops can be as awful ours is confirmed by a commenter, who reports a search on "paedophilia" returned zero matches.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Bishop of Rome and All His Detestable Enormities

From the Catholic News Agency:

Actor Sam Elliot has blamed the Catholic Church for stopping sequels from being made to the Golden Compass movie based on the first book of Philip Pullman’s atheistic trilogy His Dark Materials. The film, starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green, grossed more than $380 million worldwide after its Christmas 2007 release, but took in only $85 million in the U.S. According to the Internet Movie Database, the film had a budget of $180 million.

“The Catholic Church happened to The Golden Compass, as far as I'm concerned,” Elliot remarked to the Evening Standard.

He said the movie did “incredible” at the box office but the Catholic Church “lambasted” the filmmakers and “scared off” New Line Cinema executives.

I'm so proud I could burst!

Thanks to Mr. Johnson.

The Bishop of Rome and All His Detestable Enormities

From the Catholic News Agency:

Actor Sam Elliot has blamed the Catholic Church for stopping sequels from being made to the Golden Compass movie based on the first book of Philip Pullman’s atheistic trilogy His Dark Materials. The film, starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and Eva Green, grossed more than $380 million worldwide after its Christmas 2007 release, but took in only $85 million in the U.S. According to the Internet Movie Database, the film had a budget of $180 million.

“The Catholic Church happened to The Golden Compass, as far as I'm concerned,” Elliot remarked to the Evening Standard.

He said the movie did “incredible” at the box office but the Catholic Church “lambasted” the filmmakers and “scared off” New Line Cinema executives.

I'm so proud I could burst!

Thanks to Mr. Johnson.

The Republicans are Beyond Redemption

Byron York writes in the Washington Examiner:


This morning I asked a well-connected House source why several Republican lawmakers decided to accompany Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her trip to the global warming summit in Copenhagen. After all, most of the GOP lawmakers believe the whole exercise is misguided, right? "Congressional delegations are almost always (if not always) bipartisan, even if the parties violently disagree," I was told. "Our guys went to make sure voices other than just the Speaker's were heard."

[snip]

Sensenbrenner's office says he will "closely follow" several issues at the Copenhagen conference, including "the developing world's demands for wealth transfers, the levels of commitment from developing countries [and] the feasibility of greenhouse gas reduction targets." With him are Republican Reps. Joe Barton, Fred Upton, Shelley Moore Capito, John Sullivan, and Marsha Blackburn. Fourteen Democrats are on the trip, including the Speaker.


The Republican Party platform since 1988: "Reliably less reprehensible than the Democrats." That just doesn't cut it anymore.

The Republicans are Beyond Redemption

Byron York writes in the Washington Examiner:


This morning I asked a well-connected House source why several Republican lawmakers decided to accompany Speaker Nancy Pelosi on her trip to the global warming summit in Copenhagen. After all, most of the GOP lawmakers believe the whole exercise is misguided, right? "Congressional delegations are almost always (if not always) bipartisan, even if the parties violently disagree," I was told. "Our guys went to make sure voices other than just the Speaker's were heard."

[snip]

Sensenbrenner's office says he will "closely follow" several issues at the Copenhagen conference, including "the developing world's demands for wealth transfers, the levels of commitment from developing countries [and] the feasibility of greenhouse gas reduction targets." With him are Republican Reps. Joe Barton, Fred Upton, Shelley Moore Capito, John Sullivan, and Marsha Blackburn. Fourteen Democrats are on the trip, including the Speaker.


The Republican Party platform since 1988: "Reliably less reprehensible than the Democrats." That just doesn't cut it anymore.

O wad some power the giftie gie us To see oursel's as ithers see us

What about about hearing us? Ever wonder what our language sounds like to those those who don't speak it? Wonder no more.




Thanks to John J. O'Sullivan™

O wad some power the giftie gie us To see oursel's as ithers see us

What about about hearing us? Ever wonder what our language sounds like to those those who don't speak it? Wonder no more.




Thanks to John J. O'Sullivan™

Monday, December 14, 2009

Not Exactly Earthshaking

From the Washington Examiner:

New study: More Democrats than Republicans believe in ghosts, talking with the dead, fortunetellers

A new study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reveals some startling differences between Republicans and Democrats on issues of spirituality and supernatural phenomenon.

The study, "Many Americans Mix Multiple Faiths," reports that a significant number of Americans practice a mixture of religious beliefs, and "many also blend Christianity with Eastern or New Age beliefs such as reincarnation, astrology and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects." The report is not specifically about partisan differences, but the results of the study are broken down by party affiliation, among many other categories. And the news on that front is that Democrats are far more likely to believe in supernatural phenomenon than Republicans.
If people will believe Al Gore's infantile babbling on global warming, that we went to war in Iraq only for the oil or in the efficacy of any and all legislation passed or being considered by Congress this session, it hardly requires an additional leap of faith to believe in astrology or reincarnation.

(h/t For What It's Worth.)

Not Exactly Earthshaking

From the Washington Examiner:

New study: More Democrats than Republicans believe in ghosts, talking with the dead, fortunetellers

A new study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reveals some startling differences between Republicans and Democrats on issues of spirituality and supernatural phenomenon.

The study, "Many Americans Mix Multiple Faiths," reports that a significant number of Americans practice a mixture of religious beliefs, and "many also blend Christianity with Eastern or New Age beliefs such as reincarnation, astrology and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects." The report is not specifically about partisan differences, but the results of the study are broken down by party affiliation, among many other categories. And the news on that front is that Democrats are far more likely to believe in supernatural phenomenon than Republicans.
If people will believe Al Gore's infantile babbling on global warming, that we went to war in Iraq only for the oil or in the efficacy of any and all legislation passed or being considered by Congress this session, it hardly requires an additional leap of faith to believe in astrology or reincarnation.

(h/t For What It's Worth.)

Friday, December 11, 2009

Kirkus Reviews RIP



Kirkus Reviews is closing
. Founded by Virginia Kirkus in 1933 it served professional book buyers (libraries and independent bookstores, mainly), helping them decide whether or not a title was worth stocking. Kirkus relied on an army of freelance critics, one being your Bloviator years back, who provided short, pithy and often caustic take downs of authors who, apparently, had no shame for the arborcide committed on their behalf. Reviewers had to stick to a rigid format but otherwise were given free rein. Authors would protest and Kirkus dutifully passed on their complaints to reviewers but, like a priest hearing confession, never, ever betrayed their identities; which, of course, only encouraged us to be even nastier.

It wasn't all vitriol. I remember receiving heartfelt thanks from an Australian writer whose history of sugar I had warmly praised. He felt (rightly, I think) his opus had been ignored by the mainstream press and he was grateful to me for the attention. Those thanks were more gratifying to me (believe it or not) than all the fun I had writing mean reviews of the numerous crappy books Kirkus also sent my way.

Kirkus Reviews RIP



Kirkus Reviews is closing
. Founded by Virginia Kirkus in 1933 it served professional book buyers (libraries and independent bookstores, mainly), helping them decide whether or not a title was worth stocking. Kirkus relied on an army of freelance critics, one being your Bloviator years back, who provided short, pithy and often caustic take downs of authors who, apparently, had no shame for the arborcide committed on their behalf. Reviewers had to stick to a rigid format but otherwise were given free rein. Authors would protest and Kirkus dutifully passed on their complaints to reviewers but, like a priest hearing confession, never, ever betrayed their identities; which, of course, only encouraged us to be even nastier.

It wasn't all vitriol. I remember receiving heartfelt thanks from an Australian writer whose history of sugar I had warmly praised. He felt (rightly, I think) his opus had been ignored by the mainstream press and he was grateful to me for the attention. Those thanks were more gratifying to me (believe it or not) than all the fun I had writing mean reviews of the numerous crappy books Kirkus also sent my way.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

When Lefties Have Too Much Time on Their Hands...

They churn out crap like this.
Children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine has been attacked by a Canadian academic [Shauna Wilton] for its "conservative political ideology" and failure to adequately represent women.

The show's right-wing politics shows the colourful steam engines punished if they show initiative or oppose change, the researcher found.

She also highlighted the class divide which sees the downtrodden workers in the form of Thomas and his friends at the bottom of the social ladder and the wealthy Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, at the top.
Still have doubts this dame has too much time on her hands? Doubt no more.
She then analysed the plots, characters and other aspects of 23 different episodes to draw her conclusions, which she then presented at a conference of political science in Canada.


Oppressor of women and right-wing conspirator

When Lefties Have Too Much Time on Their Hands...

They churn out crap like this.
Children's favourite Thomas the Tank Engine has been attacked by a Canadian academic [Shauna Wilton] for its "conservative political ideology" and failure to adequately represent women.

The show's right-wing politics shows the colourful steam engines punished if they show initiative or oppose change, the researcher found.

She also highlighted the class divide which sees the downtrodden workers in the form of Thomas and his friends at the bottom of the social ladder and the wealthy Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, at the top.
Still have doubts this dame has too much time on her hands? Doubt no more.
She then analysed the plots, characters and other aspects of 23 different episodes to draw her conclusions, which she then presented at a conference of political science in Canada.


Oppressor of women and right-wing conspirator

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Fair and Balanced: We Decide

If (for some reason) you enjoy the sound of loud derisive snorting recite to any lefty the slogan of Fox News: "Fair and balanced: you decide." Today however, holding your head close to your monitor, you just might hear loud snorting emanating from those differently political. Politico reports National Public Radio is leaning heavily on political correspondent Mara Liasson to quit her other job on Fox News because of their horror at that network’s "political bias."

Although they insist it's mere co-incidence, the brass at NPR began putting pressure on Liasson about the same time the White House began its imbecilic and ill-fated "war" against Fox News. Despite Liasson's reliable progressive credentials, NPR apparently worries her just associating with Fox will sully its sterling reputation with the "public," white upper-income liberals, so they're egging her to leave.

Fox responded appropriately: “With the ratings we have, NPR should be paying us to even be mentioned on our air;” but the prize goes to former congressman Joe Scarborough who, on his program on MSNBC (which is even more biased toward the left than NPR but still able, somehow, to accommodate a paleo-conservatives like him) offered this delightfully nuanced take on NPR's ham-fisted attempt at sanitizing its staff.
Well I just want to say, I love NPR and I listen to NPR, but I’ve been listening to reformed, pot-smoking hippies for the past thirty years on NPR with a very substantial left-wing bias – and I don’t care that they eat tree bark like Euell Gibbons, and I don’t care if they are still smoking pot in their sixties. They put on great radio. But for NPR – for NPR, the leadership at NPR to question the bias of Fox News is a joke.
(Thanks to Fr. C.)

Fair and Balanced: We Decide

If (for some reason) you enjoy the sound of loud derisive snorting recite to any lefty the slogan of Fox News: "Fair and balanced: you decide." Today however, holding your head close to your monitor, you just might hear loud snorting emanating from those differently political. Politico reports National Public Radio is leaning heavily on political correspondent Mara Liasson to quit her other job on Fox News because of their horror at that network’s "political bias."

Although they insist it's mere co-incidence, the brass at NPR began putting pressure on Liasson about the same time the White House began its imbecilic and ill-fated "war" against Fox News. Despite Liasson's reliable progressive credentials, NPR apparently worries her just associating with Fox will sully its sterling reputation with the "public," white upper-income liberals, so they're egging her to leave.

Fox responded appropriately: “With the ratings we have, NPR should be paying us to even be mentioned on our air;” but the prize goes to former congressman Joe Scarborough who, on his program on MSNBC (which is even more biased toward the left than NPR but still able, somehow, to accommodate a paleo-conservatives like him) offered this delightfully nuanced take on NPR's ham-fisted attempt at sanitizing its staff.
Well I just want to say, I love NPR and I listen to NPR, but I’ve been listening to reformed, pot-smoking hippies for the past thirty years on NPR with a very substantial left-wing bias – and I don’t care that they eat tree bark like Euell Gibbons, and I don’t care if they are still smoking pot in their sixties. They put on great radio. But for NPR – for NPR, the leadership at NPR to question the bias of Fox News is a joke.
(Thanks to Fr. C.)

Monday, December 07, 2009

The Real Santa



Behold the rather fierce countenance of Santa Claus, aka St. Nicholas of Myra. A facial anthropologist in England, using photographs and x-rays taken of the remains of the saint when they were temporarily exhumed in the '50s from his crypt in Bari, has come up with this recreation of his face. Note the busted nose, more likely the result of torture than brawling according to the official St. Nicholas website. It seems to me however that the heretic Arius, after being knocked upside the head by Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea, might simply have returned the gift from Santa.

(Thanks to GR.)

The Real Santa



Behold the rather fierce countenance of Santa Claus, aka St. Nicholas of Myra. A facial anthropologist in England, using photographs and x-rays taken of the remains of the saint when they were temporarily exhumed in the '50s from his crypt in Bari, has come up with this recreation of his face. Note the busted nose, more likely the result of torture than brawling according to the official St. Nicholas website. It seems to me however that the heretic Arius, after being knocked upside the head by Nicholas at the Council of Nicaea, might simply have returned the gift from Santa.

(Thanks to GR.)

Saturday, December 05, 2009

The Delphic Oracle Speaks

The mighty Tina Brown on Barack Obama:
I have come to the conclusion that the real reason this gifted communicator has become so bad at communicating is that he doesn’t really believe a word that he is saying.
Astonishingly, there are those who came to that conclusion before Ms. Brown did.

The Delphic Oracle Speaks

The mighty Tina Brown on Barack Obama:
I have come to the conclusion that the real reason this gifted communicator has become so bad at communicating is that he doesn’t really believe a word that he is saying.
Astonishingly, there are those who came to that conclusion before Ms. Brown did.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Keep it up, You're Doing Just Fine!

If our President would like a quick 10-point or so boost to his declining poll numbers all he should do, instead of jetting off to Copenhagen for the climate control conference next week, is go on national television and announce he has decided not to attend the conference because of the recent release of thousands of e-mails casting doubt on the verity of global warming. He might also say he is reserving judgment on any future quotas or restrictions on carbon emissions until those doubts are satisfactorily dealt with.

The President won't do that of course. Since anthropogenic global warming is an article of faith for those on the left, he will go to Copenhagen and read soaring rhetoric off his Teleprompter in support of crippling restrictions on the world economy in the midst of a deep recession. He will receive acclamation from European elites for his stance along with hosannas from pathetic twits like this at the New York Times (note the breathtaking sneering by a soul desperately cognisant his job and "specialty" are in jeopardy) but among most of his and Congress' employers, the approval ratings will continue their inexorable trend downward.

So off you go, Mr. President: have a wonderful trip! And when you get back don't forget to resume thumping for socialized medicine; the Euros and the media will love you all the more for it. Pay no attention at all to what those ignorant rubes who who have to work for a living think. You have have nothing to worry about from them until next November.

Keep it up, You're Doing Just Fine!

If our President would like a quick 10-point or so boost to his declining poll numbers all he should do, instead of jetting off to Copenhagen for the climate control conference next week, is go on national television and announce he has decided not to attend the conference because of the recent release of thousands of e-mails casting doubt on the verity of global warming. He might also say he is reserving judgment on any future quotas or restrictions on carbon emissions until those doubts are satisfactorily dealt with.

The President won't do that of course. Since anthropogenic global warming is an article of faith for those on the left, he will go to Copenhagen and read soaring rhetoric off his Teleprompter in support of crippling restrictions on the world economy in the midst of a deep recession. He will receive acclamation from European elites for his stance along with hosannas from pathetic twits like this at the New York Times (note the breathtaking sneering by a soul desperately cognisant his job and "specialty" are in jeopardy) but among most of his and Congress' employers, the approval ratings will continue their inexorable trend downward.

So off you go, Mr. President: have a wonderful trip! And when you get back don't forget to resume thumping for socialized medicine; the Euros and the media will love you all the more for it. Pay no attention at all to what those ignorant rubes who who have to work for a living think. You have have nothing to worry about from them until next November.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New York Vignette

While standing on the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, waiting for the light to change, an elegant, mink-clad older woman wearing simple but tasteful jewelry approached me. She appeared to be in her late sixties and was quite attractive. She smiled, gave me a friendly greeting and informed me she was looking for extra income; she would be glad to entertain me in her home and further informed me, "I do fellatio."

I politely declined. She bid me a good evening, which I returned, and we went our separate ways.

New York Vignette

While standing on the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, waiting for the light to change, an elegant, mink-clad older woman wearing simple but tasteful jewelry approached me. She appeared to be in her late sixties and was quite attractive. She smiled, gave me a friendly greeting and informed me she was looking for extra income; she would be glad to entertain me in her home and further informed me, "I do fellatio."

I politely declined. She bid me a good evening, which I returned, and we went our separate ways.

The Convenience of Politics

Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy is at it again, publicly complaining about Bishop Thomas Tobin's publicly responding to Kennedy's public attacks against Catholic bishops for their opposition to taxpayer funded abortions. Kennedy recently revealed Bishop Tobin, nearly three years ago, asked him (privately) to cease presenting himself for communion, a perfectly reasonable request since by his advocacy of abortion, a mortal sin, Kennedy has already excommunicated himself.

It is likely this brouhaha will lead to another chorus from the left deploring the "politicization" of abortion, notwithstanding those opposed to it do not regard it a political issue at all, rather a moral one. To the Catholic Church, and many others, opposition to the killing of the innocent, whether babes in the womb or adults in the street, can hardly be considered "political;" murder is murder regardless the venue and the Church of course forbids it.

It is people like Congressman Kennedy who politicize abortion and they do so because they have to: any "moral" arguments in abortion's favor are quickly reduced to a defense of homicide, the taking of a life to ameliorate ill effects that life may have on somebody else's. Even in this narcissistic age that appears monstrously selfish so a different ploy must be used. By wrenching abortion into the political sphere not only do Kennedy and company avoid sticky moral issues, they can also insist, by citing separation of church and state, the Catholic Church and other religious "extremists" stay out of a "political" matter.

To a 15-watt bulb like Congressman Kennedy that probably seems clever but to most Catholics, especially Bishop Tobin, it is galling and downright disingenuous. Kennedy would do better to consider the view of this liberal opponent of abortion:
While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized -- the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

I share the confidence of those who feel that America is working to care for its unwanted as well as wanted children, protecting particularly those who cannot protect themselves. I also share the opinions of those who do not accept abortion as a response to our society's problems -- an inadequate welfare system, unsatisfactory job training programs, and insufficient financial support for all its citizens.

When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of conception.
The abortion foe who wrote the above, in a letter to a voter (and who later, sadly, apostacized) was the Congressman's father, the late Senator Edward Kennedy.

The Convenience of Politics

Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy is at it again, publicly complaining about Bishop Thomas Tobin's publicly responding to Kennedy's public attacks against Catholic bishops for their opposition to taxpayer funded abortions. Kennedy recently revealed Bishop Tobin, nearly three years ago, asked him (privately) to cease presenting himself for communion, a perfectly reasonable request since by his advocacy of abortion, a mortal sin, Kennedy has already excommunicated himself.

It is likely this brouhaha will lead to another chorus from the left deploring the "politicization" of abortion, notwithstanding those opposed to it do not regard it a political issue at all, rather a moral one. To the Catholic Church, and many others, opposition to the killing of the innocent, whether babes in the womb or adults in the street, can hardly be considered "political;" murder is murder regardless the venue and the Church of course forbids it.

It is people like Congressman Kennedy who politicize abortion and they do so because they have to: any "moral" arguments in abortion's favor are quickly reduced to a defense of homicide, the taking of a life to ameliorate ill effects that life may have on somebody else's. Even in this narcissistic age that appears monstrously selfish so a different ploy must be used. By wrenching abortion into the political sphere not only do Kennedy and company avoid sticky moral issues, they can also insist, by citing separation of church and state, the Catholic Church and other religious "extremists" stay out of a "political" matter.

To a 15-watt bulb like Congressman Kennedy that probably seems clever but to most Catholics, especially Bishop Tobin, it is galling and downright disingenuous. Kennedy would do better to consider the view of this liberal opponent of abortion:
While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized -- the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

I share the confidence of those who feel that America is working to care for its unwanted as well as wanted children, protecting particularly those who cannot protect themselves. I also share the opinions of those who do not accept abortion as a response to our society's problems -- an inadequate welfare system, unsatisfactory job training programs, and insufficient financial support for all its citizens.

When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of conception.
The abortion foe who wrote the above, in a letter to a voter (and who later, sadly, apostacized) was the Congressman's father, the late Senator Edward Kennedy.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Quid Quod Erat Demonstrandum

Behold what passes for logic from an international organization that serves no useful purpose and has much too much money (from Aggie Catholics):
The UN Can't Help It...

The United Nations can't help themselves. Years ago they sold an international peacekeeping identity for a radical political agenda. At the front of the agenda is abortion. Another item on their current agenda is global climate change. So, how do you wed these two together into a compelling story?

1 - Make climate change the cause of a great evil.
2 - Make the solution to the great evil abortion.

The result = climate change leads to prostitution, which would go away if abortion-on-demand was furthered, because it would reduce the number of people that stress the climate.
Read it all.

UPDATE: Thank you Daniel Muller for doing the proofing I should have done; this one really was just a typo, "I" being right next to "O." ("Uh-huh," I hear you say.)

Quid Quod Erat Demonstrandum

Behold what passes for logic from an international organization that serves no useful purpose and has much too much money (from Aggie Catholics):
The UN Can't Help It...

The United Nations can't help themselves. Years ago they sold an international peacekeeping identity for a radical political agenda. At the front of the agenda is abortion. Another item on their current agenda is global climate change. So, how do you wed these two together into a compelling story?

1 - Make climate change the cause of a great evil.
2 - Make the solution to the great evil abortion.

The result = climate change leads to prostitution, which would go away if abortion-on-demand was furthered, because it would reduce the number of people that stress the climate.
Read it all.

UPDATE: Thank you Daniel Muller for doing the proofing I should have done; this one really was just a typo, "I" being right next to "O." ("Uh-huh," I hear you say.)

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Order Before the Easter Vigil and Get This Matching Thurible Absolutely Free!

This is not from the Onion.



There is much noise on the Internets whether or not this is a joke. It is, I am positive, but will entertain opposing views.

Order Before the Easter Vigil and Get This Matching Thurible Absolutely Free!

This is not from the Onion.



There is much noise on the Internets whether or not this is a joke. It is, I am positive, but will entertain opposing views.

Show Trial

Attorney General Eric Holder was grilled recently over his decision that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and four others will be tried in a Federal Courtroom in lower Manhattan rather than by military tribunal.
Senators of both parties also pressed Mr. Holder to say what would happen if Mr. Mohammed or another detainee considered to be a dangerous terrorist was acquitted on a technicality or given a short sentence. Mr. Holder has said he will direct prosecutors to seek a death sentence in the Sept. 11 case.

Other Justice Department officials have said that even if Mr. Mohammed is acquitted, the Obama administration will keep him locked up forever as a “combatant” under the laws of war. But Mr. Holder largely sidestepped such questions, instead simply asserting that he was confident that Mr. Mohammed would be convicted.

“Failure is not an option,” Mr. Holder said.

This is remarkable coming from the Attorney General of the United States (Columbia, Law '76), his assuring us even if Mohammed is found not guilty he will still be locked up forever but not to worry, he will be found guilty, never mind the vagaries of juries. The President (Harvard, Law '91), in fact, has already adjudicated this case before trial. Since the accused earlier offered to plead guilty before a military tribunal (he craves "martyrdom" [sic]), the only purpose in trying Mohammed in court rather than tribunal is is to appease the ACLU and others on the left who refuse to consider an attack by foreigners that killed 2700 Americans an act of war.

So far the President's vast legion of dupes in New York have remained largely silent over this cynical and calculated decision by his Attorney General; the One's messianic status remains intact and they don't want to criticize. However, as lower Manhattan becomes an armed fortress, as Mohammed's trial (as is predicted) drags on for years and as the sense of fear in the pit of the stomachs of those who live in the city, which only disappeared a few years back, returns, the faith of the President's disciples in Manhattan and elsewhere will surely be put to the test unless they are clever enough to find a way to blame even those enormities on George W. Bush.


Show Trial

Attorney General Eric Holder was grilled recently over his decision that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and four others will be tried in a Federal Courtroom in lower Manhattan rather than by military tribunal.
Senators of both parties also pressed Mr. Holder to say what would happen if Mr. Mohammed or another detainee considered to be a dangerous terrorist was acquitted on a technicality or given a short sentence. Mr. Holder has said he will direct prosecutors to seek a death sentence in the Sept. 11 case.

Other Justice Department officials have said that even if Mr. Mohammed is acquitted, the Obama administration will keep him locked up forever as a “combatant” under the laws of war. But Mr. Holder largely sidestepped such questions, instead simply asserting that he was confident that Mr. Mohammed would be convicted.

“Failure is not an option,” Mr. Holder said.

This is remarkable coming from the Attorney General of the United States (Columbia, Law '76), his assuring us even if Mohammed is found not guilty he will still be locked up forever but not to worry, he will be found guilty, never mind the vagaries of juries. The President (Harvard, Law '91), in fact, has already adjudicated this case before trial. Since the accused earlier offered to plead guilty before a military tribunal (he craves "martyrdom" [sic]), the only purpose in trying Mohammed in court rather than tribunal is is to appease the ACLU and others on the left who refuse to consider an attack by foreigners that killed 2700 Americans an act of war.

So far the President's vast legion of dupes in New York have remained largely silent over this cynical and calculated decision by his Attorney General; the One's messianic status remains intact and they don't want to criticize. However, as lower Manhattan becomes an armed fortress, as Mohammed's trial (as is predicted) drags on for years and as the sense of fear in the pit of the stomachs of those who live in the city, which only disappeared a few years back, returns, the faith of the President's disciples in Manhattan and elsewhere will surely be put to the test unless they are clever enough to find a way to blame even those enormities on George W. Bush.


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Waiting for the Outrage

Our President when

asked about those who find it offensive that [Khalid Sheikh] Mohammed will receive all the rights normally accorded to U.S. citizens when they are charged with a crime...

“I don't think it will be offensive at all when he's convicted and when the death penalty is applied to him,” Obama told NBC’s Chuck Todd.

Those of a certain age will remember this headline and the ensuing furor from outraged liberals.

Waiting for the Outrage

Our President when

asked about those who find it offensive that [Khalid Sheikh] Mohammed will receive all the rights normally accorded to U.S. citizens when they are charged with a crime...

“I don't think it will be offensive at all when he's convicted and when the death penalty is applied to him,” Obama told NBC’s Chuck Todd.

Those of a certain age will remember this headline and the ensuing furor from outraged liberals.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Which Side are You On?

The President is drawing the line: a tough choice is coming up for liberal Catholics.

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Top Obama advisor David Axelrod on Sunday confirmed what pro-life advocates already suspected would happen. He said President Barack Obama will work with congressional Democrats to remove the abortion funding ban the House approved in its version of the government-run health care bill.

Axelrod says that, because the Stupak amendment allegedly goes beyond the status quo under the Hyde amendment (which bans abortion funding under Medicaid), Obama will make sure the amendment is yanked during the conference committee.

Which Side are You On?

The President is drawing the line: a tough choice is coming up for liberal Catholics.

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Top Obama advisor David Axelrod on Sunday confirmed what pro-life advocates already suspected would happen. He said President Barack Obama will work with congressional Democrats to remove the abortion funding ban the House approved in its version of the government-run health care bill.

Axelrod says that, because the Stupak amendment allegedly goes beyond the status quo under the Hyde amendment (which bans abortion funding under Medicaid), Obama will make sure the amendment is yanked during the conference committee.

The Vatican Reconsider Music

From Chiesa:

Great Roman Polyphony Returns to Saint Peter's

Not in a concert, but in a Mass. It will be conducted by Domenico Bartolucci, the most brilliant interpreter of Palestrina's music alive today. He was removed as head of the Sistine Chapel choir twelve years ago, but now, with Pope Benedict, has finally been rehabilitated...

Among the arts to be represented in the Sistine Chapel next Saturday, November 21, at the highly anticipated meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, music is perhaps the one that has suffered the most from the divorce that has taken place between artists and the Church.

The distress in music has been the first to afflict the Church. Because while the masterpieces of Christian painting, sculpture, and architecture still remain accessible to all, even if they are ignored and misunderstood, great music literally disappears from the churches if no one performs it anymore.

The return of real music, properly performed, to Holy Church is as welcome as the return of Latin; majesty with Magisterium.

The Vatican Reconsider Music

From Chiesa:

Great Roman Polyphony Returns to Saint Peter's

Not in a concert, but in a Mass. It will be conducted by Domenico Bartolucci, the most brilliant interpreter of Palestrina's music alive today. He was removed as head of the Sistine Chapel choir twelve years ago, but now, with Pope Benedict, has finally been rehabilitated...

Among the arts to be represented in the Sistine Chapel next Saturday, November 21, at the highly anticipated meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, music is perhaps the one that has suffered the most from the divorce that has taken place between artists and the Church.

The distress in music has been the first to afflict the Church. Because while the masterpieces of Christian painting, sculpture, and architecture still remain accessible to all, even if they are ignored and misunderstood, great music literally disappears from the churches if no one performs it anymore.

The return of real music, properly performed, to Holy Church is as welcome as the return of Latin; majesty with Magisterium.

Friday, November 13, 2009

My Kind of Blog...

is this new one called Barchester, which makes the modest claim of being the "most fatuous tenth-rate entertainment ever devised by man." Who can argue with that? Thus far the blog has concerned itself with putative Anglo-Catholics who ♥ Geneva, brain-dead liberals and Fred Mertz's pants; worthy subjects all. Watch out, they take no prisoners.

My Kind of Blog...

is this new one called Barchester, which makes the modest claim of being the "most fatuous tenth-rate entertainment ever devised by man." Who can argue with that? Thus far the blog has concerned itself with putative Anglo-Catholics who ♥ Geneva, brain-dead liberals and Fred Mertz's pants; worthy subjects all. Watch out, they take no prisoners.

Takes Two to Tango

Nostra culpa from Nigeria:

Traditional African rulers should apologise for the role they played in the slave trade, a Nigerian rights group has said in a letter to chiefs.

"We cannot continue to blame the white men, as Africans particularly the traditional rulers, are not blameless," said the Civil Rights Congress.

The letter said some collaborated or actively sold off their subjects.

The group said it was time for African leaders to copy the US and the UK who have already said they were sorry.

It urged Nigeria's traditional rulers to apologise on behalf of their forefathers and "put a final seal to the history of slave trade", AFP news agency reports.
The modern trend of apologizing for the sins of our ancestors 400 years ago is a pernicious one but this is nonetheless a worthy gesture by the Nigerians: acknowledging transactions involving slavery were no different from any others in so far as they required two parties. If the story gets any press in this country (and I doubt it will but kudos to the BBC for running it) it will certainly sap the potency of one of the left's preferred ideological weapons: guilt over slavery, selectively and collectively applied to the west alone.

(Thanks to the MCJ)

Takes Two to Tango

Nostra culpa from Nigeria:

Traditional African rulers should apologise for the role they played in the slave trade, a Nigerian rights group has said in a letter to chiefs.

"We cannot continue to blame the white men, as Africans particularly the traditional rulers, are not blameless," said the Civil Rights Congress.

The letter said some collaborated or actively sold off their subjects.

The group said it was time for African leaders to copy the US and the UK who have already said they were sorry.

It urged Nigeria's traditional rulers to apologise on behalf of their forefathers and "put a final seal to the history of slave trade", AFP news agency reports.
The modern trend of apologizing for the sins of our ancestors 400 years ago is a pernicious one but this is nonetheless a worthy gesture by the Nigerians: acknowledging transactions involving slavery were no different from any others in so far as they required two parties. If the story gets any press in this country (and I doubt it will but kudos to the BBC for running it) it will certainly sap the potency of one of the left's preferred ideological weapons: guilt over slavery, selectively and collectively applied to the west alone.

(Thanks to the MCJ)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

This is Just Sad

The Archbishop of Canterbury, seeing the writing on the wall, is reduced to begging.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has pleaded with the Church of England’s Anglo-Catholics to resist the temptation to convert to Roman Catholicism over women bishops.

Dr Rowan Williams admitted that the future of the Anglican Communion looked “chaotic and uncertain”.

Preaching in london, he said: “God knows what the future holds.” But he insisted that it remained possible to be at once holy, Catholic and Anglican.

You have to feel sorry for the Archbishop as he contemplates the future of his "Catholic" church without Catholics. Give him his due however for at least begging them to stay. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church all but begs them to leave, albeit after they hand over the keys and bank books.

This is Just Sad

The Archbishop of Canterbury, seeing the writing on the wall, is reduced to begging.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has pleaded with the Church of England’s Anglo-Catholics to resist the temptation to convert to Roman Catholicism over women bishops.

Dr Rowan Williams admitted that the future of the Anglican Communion looked “chaotic and uncertain”.

Preaching in london, he said: “God knows what the future holds.” But he insisted that it remained possible to be at once holy, Catholic and Anglican.

You have to feel sorry for the Archbishop as he contemplates the future of his "Catholic" church without Catholics. Give him his due however for at least begging them to stay. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church all but begs them to leave, albeit after they hand over the keys and bank books.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Making of Airborne Amtrak

Cambridge blubberer Barney Frank recently stated he wants to "increase the role of government in the area of regulation" and as if on cue, comes now word the Obama Administration wants to re-regulate the airlines, no doubt at the behest of the unions. Say goodbye to cheap fares.

How ironic that these feckless cynics, who only a few months ago wept at the demise of Ted Kennedy, now seek to reverse one of the few good legislative achievements of the late Senator, one that was signed into law by Jimmy Carter no less. They must think Bush had something to do with it.

The Making of Airborne Amtrak

Cambridge blubberer Barney Frank recently stated he wants to "increase the role of government in the area of regulation" and as if on cue, comes now word the Obama Administration wants to re-regulate the airlines, no doubt at the behest of the unions. Say goodbye to cheap fares.

How ironic that these feckless cynics, who only a few months ago wept at the demise of Ted Kennedy, now seek to reverse one of the few good legislative achievements of the late Senator, one that was signed into law by Jimmy Carter no less. They must think Bush had something to do with it.

A Liberal Democrat Channels "Tricky Dick"


Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is fit to be tied over Catholic bishops opposing taxpayer funded abortions ("a perfectly legal surgical procedure," she calls it charmingly) and is not going to take it lying down: sic the IRS on them, she says.


Madder than a wet hen

(h/t Robbo)

A Liberal Democrat Channels "Tricky Dick"


Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is fit to be tied over Catholic bishops opposing taxpayer funded abortions ("a perfectly legal surgical procedure," she calls it charmingly) and is not going to take it lying down: sic the IRS on them, she says.


Madder than a wet hen

(h/t Robbo)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

But My Brother Esau is an Hairy Man,

But I am a smooth man.

"What is church?" Brought to you by the Archbishop of Canterbury.



Thanks to Barchester.

But My Brother Esau is an Hairy Man,

But I am a smooth man.

"What is church?" Brought to you by the Archbishop of Canterbury.



Thanks to Barchester.

An Offer He Shouldn't Refuse

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (Teddy's kid and by consensus the dumbest Kennedy of them all) recently spoke out against the Stupak Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortions in the recently passed health care bill. Kennedy later issued a statement insisting: “the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.” To which the Bishop of Providence, Thomas Tobin, responded in an open letter to him: Oh yes it does.
[B]eing a Catholic (said the bishop) means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially.

Congressman, I’m not sure whether or not you fulfill the basic requirements of being a Catholic, so let me ask: Do you accept the teachings of the Church on essential matters of faith and morals, including our stance on abortion? Do you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish? Do you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly? Do you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially?
As already noted, Patrick is a little slow so he may not know all the answers to His Grace's questions but the rest of us probably do. Bishop Tobin then delivers the one-two punch.
Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your communion with the Church.
His Grace closes his missive offering to assist Patrick Kennedy as he "travel[s] the road of faith." Since it is generally agreed Kennedys need all the help they can get when on the road let us hope he accepts the Bishop's kind offer.

(h/t Creative Minority Report.)

An Offer He Shouldn't Refuse

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (Teddy's kid and by consensus the dumbest Kennedy of them all) recently spoke out against the Stupak Amendment, which bans federal funding of abortions in the recently passed health care bill. Kennedy later issued a statement insisting: “the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.” To which the Bishop of Providence, Thomas Tobin, responded in an open letter to him: Oh yes it does.
[B]eing a Catholic (said the bishop) means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially.

Congressman, I’m not sure whether or not you fulfill the basic requirements of being a Catholic, so let me ask: Do you accept the teachings of the Church on essential matters of faith and morals, including our stance on abortion? Do you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish? Do you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly? Do you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially?
As already noted, Patrick is a little slow so he may not know all the answers to His Grace's questions but the rest of us probably do. Bishop Tobin then delivers the one-two punch.
Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your communion with the Church.
His Grace closes his missive offering to assist Patrick Kennedy as he "travel[s] the road of faith." Since it is generally agreed Kennedys need all the help they can get when on the road let us hope he accepts the Bishop's kind offer.

(h/t Creative Minority Report.)

Monday, November 09, 2009

On Display Today at the Church of Our Saviour in New York



A relic of Mary Magdalene.

On Display Today at the Church of Our Saviour in New York



A relic of Mary Magdalene.

Nunc dimittis

Today the Vatican published the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus, which "introduces a canonical structure that provides for such corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow [groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world] to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony."

Absolutely extraordinary, I never thought I would live to see the day. Viva il Papa!

Nunc dimittis

Today the Vatican published the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus, which "introduces a canonical structure that provides for such corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow [groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world] to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony."

Absolutely extraordinary, I never thought I would live to see the day. Viva il Papa!

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Let's Pretend

Ace reporter Chris Matthews says we may never know if religion was a factor at Fort Hood, never mind that
...according to eyewitnesses, colleagues, and friends...[Major Nidal Malik Hasan] considered the war on terror a “war on Islam” and himself a Muslim first and an American second; he thought Muslims had the right to stand up to the “aggressor” in the Middle East and is suspected of posting things online about the selfless heroism of jihadist suicide bombers; he was placed on probation for proselytizing about Islam to patients and colleagues and was sufficiently devout that he refused to have his picture taken with women; he once used a lecture at a medical conference as an opportunity to discuss how the Koran orders decapitation for infidels; and, oh yes, he yelled “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire.
Let's pretend Major Hasan was a pious Catholic who attended mass daily, prayed the Rosary frequently and made a habit of picketing abortion clinics; or better yet, he was a protestant fundamentalist. Do you suppose Matthews (a Catholic himself) and his colleagues would still effect that same scrupulous objectivity over the part religion might have played in the slaughter?

UPDATE: You have wonder what effect this atrocity will have on Army moral, both here and abroad, as word gets out that despite Hasan's increasingly anti-American rhetoric, to the point of loudly defending those killing American troops, the brass simply looked the other way. Why should those in the lower ranks willingly face the enemy when officers to whom their care has been entrusted appear to place higher value on political correctness than the safety of their charges?