An Open Letter To All Conservatives from Dan Flynn.

Mr. Flynn, author of Intellectual Morons (Now that's a title!) and Why The Left Hates America, posted the following on his blog flynnfiles.com. Even though his memories of Reagan are a bit rose-colored, he makes some good points.

I'm telling you, kiddies, the time is coming when real conservatives are going to take their marbles and their votes off the Repansycan plantation and go home to start their own political party.

My guess this party will, on the surface at least, look like a religious party from Europe. The difference will be an all-American one: True believers in the One Almighty God will join together in an attempt to stop the rot before it becomes irreversible. This party (I'd like to suggest we call it "The Reality Party".) will be made up of of observant Catholics, observant Jews, evangelical protestants, moslems who don't hate and fear the previous three groups or freedom, and assorted other folks of good will who agree with the party's platform of returning the country to reality. (This includes, but is not limited to, democratic republicanism, a limited federal government, respect for life, respect for liberty, respect for the pursuit of happiness, free speech, property rights, gun rights, religious rights, parental rights, states' rights, et cetera.)

In a word, The Reality Party will seek to run the country based on the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution as written.

I would join such a party in a heartbeat, even though I believe it would never win a major office and its quest would be a futile one. Anybody with me?

Dear Friends:

A man who lacks convictions can't betray them. This is why crying "betrayal" at President Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court falls flat. Let us instead look in the mirror and see who, after five years of the Bush presidency, has really betrayed conservative principles.

When candidate Bush vowed to make education his top federal priority, and to provide prescription drugs for seniors at state expense, conservatives reassured themselves, and others, that these were mere campaign promises. When President Bush did what he promised to do, conservatives sought to mute criticism lest it help the Democrats in 2004. When candidate Bush characterized McCain-Feingold campaign-finance reform as unconstitutional, and mocked "nation building" in his debates with Al Gore, conservatives applauded. When he signed McCain-Feingold into law, and embarked upon mammoth nation-building ventures, we didn't boo.

One could just as easily cite President Bush's nationalization of airport security, the farm, energy, and transportation bills, plan to grant amnesty to illegal aliens, unprecedented federal financing of embryonic stem-cell research, support for affirmative action, and grandiose vision of placing men on Mars to illustrate the point. If President Clinton had attempted any of this, would we have responded in the same quiet manner? All of this leads one to wonder if the raison d'etre of the conservative movement is no longer limited, Constitutional government, but non-stop electioneering to keep Republicans in power. Power is not an end but a means.

Amen to that, Brother. Ex-freakin'-actly.

Principles lost are difficult to recover. After selling out our principles for the president's benefit, we now have the gall to accuse George W. Bush of selling us out? It's not difficult to understand why President Bush felt it politically safe to insult his base by nominating Harriet Miers: no consequences for past assaults on conservative principles results in future assaults on conservative principles. Fool us once, shame on the president. Fool us 137 times, shame on us.

The boogeymen of "President Al Gore" and "President John Kerry" are gone. All that remains is the Bush presidency--bigger government, nation-building commitments abroad, a growing national debt, and a Supreme Court that will likely be more liberal than the court President Bush inherited. This is not only disheartening, but a blow to the credibility of conservatives. By projecting "conservatism" upon President Bush, we have tethered our movement to the negative connotations of the Bush presidency. Will future voters think "Bushism" when they hear "conservatism," or will they think "limited government, personal responsibility, low taxes, strong defense, and family values"?

Despite a Republican Senate, a Republican House, seven of nine Supreme Court justices appointed by Republicans, and a Republican in the White House, conservative principles have less influence in our government than ever.

It is time to chart a new course.

Ronald Reagan, the greatest conservative leader of the past age, didn't shy away from a fight with Republicans when they fought against conservative principles. He challenged President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. The next year Ronald Reagan took on the Republican establishment that worked with Jimmy Carter to give away the Panama Canal. Then, he was called divisive, an unwitting ally of the Democrats, and worse. A few years later, he was called "Mr. President."

I still think we need a better example than that old serial adulterer, but I know what the man is saying.

Reagan's example can serve us well today. Ronald Reagan didn't take his ball and go home in the face of a Republican Party that often warred with conservative principles. He recognized that liberalism existed outside of the Democratic Party. He realized the Republican Party was just as much his party as it was Jacob Javits's party. So, he put principle above party and battled the party when it trampled on his ideals. Though he failed in his first two attempts at the presidency, he persevered and won on his third try.

True conservatives holding office deserve our support now more than ever. Republicans who continually offend our principles don't deserve our support on the grounds that they share our party affiliation. Without demonstrating negative consequences, we will never get positive results.

Conservatism can withstand assaults from Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, and Nancy Pelosi. Assaults on conservatism from George W. Bush, Tom DeLay, and other big-government "conservatives" come at a greater price. When Republicans push liberal policy, we shirk our duty to fight back because we strangely believe that opposing Republicans can only help the liberals. But when we do oppose Republicans who push liberal policy, we help conservatives. Ronald Reagan knew this. Why don't his present-day admirers?

Let us begin by recognizing that though our party controls three branches of government, our cause does not. Before we can win over our nation, we must first win over our party.

Cordially,
DJF
(Thanks to Human Events Online for the heads up.)

Those folks on the Gulf Coast are our neighbors. You know what to do.

First, last, and always, PRAY. Pray for the survivors. Pray for the repose of the souls of those who were killed. Pray for the families and friends. Pray for the relief workers, the cops, the firemen, the troops, and the technicians. Pray for the volunteers.

It is time to step up once again, kiddies. "Do unto others", "I was naked and you clothed me", et cetera.

As time passes, the memory of these disasters will fade for those of us fortunate enough to live outside the devastated areas, but recovery and restoration will take years.

Please, whatever you do, don't become a cynic. (I know, I know. But I just play one on the computer.) Of course there will be more horror stories like the abuse of the debit cards and that $250-odd billion federal package will produce insane amounts of corruption, but our fellow Americans will be suffering from Katrina for a long time.

True charity, (News Flash! Taxes ARE NOT charity.) like the money you donate to Catholic Charities will help the truly needy and will not foster dependency.


Catholic Charities USA is collecting financial donations to Catholic Charities agencies’ emergency and long-term recovery efforts in the wake of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Catholic Charities USA is consistently ranked among the highest and most efficient organizations across the country. Approximately 96 percent of contributions made to the 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts.

Mail Checks To:
Catholic Charities USA
2005 Hurricane Relief Fund
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788

Call:(800) 919-9338

Contribute Now Online


News
09/30/2005 — Many Heroes Make a Difference Helping Hurricane Evacuees in Chicago
09/30/2005 — Diocese of Tyler, Texas, Opens Catholic Charities 09/26/2005 — Catholic Charities USA Provides $2.2 Million in Initial Funding to Assist with Hurricane Relief Efforts
09/22/2005 — Florida Catholic Charities Continue to Offer Disaster Relief to Diocese of Biloxi
More news...

FAQs
FAQ - Donations
FAQ - Hurricane Relief


Agencies Impacted:
Catholic Charities of Miami
Catholic Charities of New Orleans
Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge
Catholic Social Services of Houma-Thibodaux
Catholic Social and Community Services of Biloxi, MS
Catholic Charities of Jackson, MS
Catholic Social Services of Mobile, AL


How you can help:
Unfortunately, Catholic Charities USA is unable to accept contributions of food, clothing, blankets and other relief supplies. Monetary donations will be used to provide for the emergency relief and long-term recovery of Katrina's and Rita's victims. Catholic Charities USA is consistently ranked among the highest and most efficient organizations across the country. Approximately 96 percent of contributions made to the 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts.

About the Disaster Response Office
Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.

And, as always, give generously to the special collections for hurricance disaster relief in your local parish.

Saint of the Day and daily Mass readings.

Today is the Feast of St. Mary Faustina, a Polish nun who died in 1938. Pray for us, all you angels and saints.

Today's reading is Jonas 4:1-11.
Today's Gospel reading is Luke 11:1-4.


Everyday links:

The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Rosary
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Prayers from EWTN
National Coalition of Clergy and Laity (dedicated to action for a genuine Catholic Restoration)
The Catholic Calendar Page for Today


Just in case you are wondering what exactly Catholics believe, here is

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.


Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession,was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.


St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse, pray for us.


Prayer to Saint Anthony, Martyr of Desire

Dear St. Anthony, you became a Franciscan with the hope of shedding your blood for Christ. In God's plan for you, your thirst for martyrdom was never to be satisfied. St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire, pray that I may become less afraid to stand up and be counted as a follower of the Lord Jesus. Intercede also for my other intentions. (Name them.)


PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Google ads are gooooone!

McGoogle, Fascoogle, whatever. They posted ads for anti-Bush sites here in my little idiot corner of Bloggerville, kiddies. You know CuriousCowardlyGeorge FlyingBushMonkey is not my favorite friend in the whole wide world, but nobody gets to bad-mouth him here without my say so.

Especially if they are trying to make money off of it. Luckily, nobody ever wanders onto this side of the tracks.

Bush may be a fool, but he's better than those who hate him.

And that's good enough for me.

It Takes a Village to Staff a Gestapo Unit Update.

From the New York Post (via NewsMax.com) comes this story about the type of people Hitlery attracts. And hires.

(All emphasis below is mine.)

The Hillary Clinton camp has egg all over its face after belatedly discovering that a consultant hired by Hillary trashed 9/11 victims shortly after the Twin Towers tragedy.

Consultant Gia Medeiros was dumped after her comments came to light, but the damage has been done.

Medeiros is an unconventional corporate teen-marketing guru who believes the supernatural can be used to pitch products to young people, according to the New York Post.

She was recently put on the payroll of Clinton’s Senate campaign, Friends of Hillary, along with her political action committee, HillPAC, and received nearly $75,000, federal records show.

Just weeks after the terrorist attacks in New York, Medeiros told a forum in Boulder, Colo., where she now lives:

"All of those people who died that day, those folks who we’ve heard toasted as angels and heroes and martyrs, well, they weren’t all good people. I used to live in New York. I know it.”

She also stated on a self-empowerment Web site: "One friend of a friend had a husband who died. When I asked about their relationship, my friend said, ‘Terrible. He worked too much, drank too much, was never home with (her) or the kids.’ They don’t say that in the obituaries.”

Psycho bitches of a feather flock together.

Medeiros’ comments aren’t likely to sit well with Gotham voters next year when Clinton runs for re-election to the Senate. Clinton spokeswoman Ann Lewis said the Clinton camp didn’t know about Medeiros’ outrageous remarks until informed of them by the Post.

Puh-lease! Its been forgotten already.

In a statement, Lewis said: "We were not aware of these inexplicable comments and strongly disagree with them. The people who died on 9/11 were loving family members who are missed every day, and Sen. Clinton continues to work with their families to honor their memory.”

Shortly after the statement was released, the Associated Press reported that according to Lewis, Medeiros "won’t be doing any additional work for them.”

No doubt. She's lucky she doesn't live in Ur-kansas.

Penguins Update.

For the first time in his NHL career, Mario Lemieux isn't the most-watched player in the Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp. Doesn't get the most interview requests. Doesn't wear the best-selling jersey number in town.

Thanks to No. 87 - that's super rookie Sidney Crosby, of course - No. 66 is playing the unaccustomed role of No. 2 in a town where he's always been the No. 1 star. It's one the Hall of Famer gladly accepts since, as the team owner as well as the on-ice captain, it means new stars are coming and better days are ahead for a franchise coming off three consecutive playoff-free seasons and a bankruptcy filing six years ago.

But check the NHL preseason scoring summaries - OK, some people do - and it's almost as if Lemieux has turned back the hands of time to the days when he was 18, Crosby's age.

On Tuesday, Lemieux had a four-point night against Columbus. On Sunday, it was another goal and three more assists against Washington, all for a player who turns 40 on Wednesday, the very night Crosby makes his NHL debut.

These were preseason games, against diluted lineups and opponents interested mostly in getting off the ice injury free. But they might offer the first sign that, even as Crosby awaits the mantle of stardom, the Penguins remain Lemieux's team, and always will be as long as the No. 8 goal scorer in NHL history keeps playing.

"He's what it is," coach Eddie Olczyk said Monday. "He's everything."
With rule changes designed to create more scoring, the best lineup around him in five years and, yes, Sid the Kid waiting to become the Next Mario, Lemieux could be ready to have the best season he's had in years. Even if it's been nine years since he played a full season and almost two years since he last scored a goal.

"I think he looks more than pretty good," Olczyk said. "And that's what we're expecting, nothing less."

Lemieux isn't predicting his first 100-point season since 1996-97, his last full season before beginning a 44-month retirement that ended in December 2000. As always, health is his No. 1 issue following years of debilitating back pain and hip injuries that, in 2001-02 and 2003-04, limited him to 24 and 10 games, respectively.

"I feel pretty good," he said Monday. "My back has been very good the last few months, my hip, and I did a lot of work this summer. It's a long season, obviously, and there might be some ups and downs, but so far I'm starting healthy."

He can only hope it's a long season, especially now that the NHL has adopted the rule changes he has long sought to do away with the clutching and grabbing that, for 10 years, has dragged the play of star-quality players down to a checking-line level.

"There's a lot more open ice ... you're able to make plays now where before it was pretty difficult to get over the blue line at times," he said. "There's a lot more flow, and I think it's going to be reflected in a lot more scoring."
For years, Lemieux argued the NHL was the only league that intentionally allowed its best players to have their skills eroded nightly not by superior defensive play but by skirting or abusing the rules. The effect was to eliminate the very talent and playmaking fans pay to see.

"It took a while, but I think it's a nice change for everybody - for the fans, who want to see some good hockey, and the talent being able to go out and play the way they can," he said. "I'm excited. I think it's going to make our job - the stars' job - a little bit easier the way they call the game now. I'm looking forward to the year."

Almost as much his new linemate, 25-year-old Ryan Malone, is looking forward to playing alongside the player he watched up close, since a very young age, as the son of chief Penguins scout Greg Malone.

"Everyone thinks he's old, his birthday's coming up, the big 40," Malone said, laughing. "He looks great, obviously got some jump in his step. Hopefully, he'll lead the way for us."

The key, as always, is for Lemieux to stay healthy. He doesn't worry that it's been since Nov. 1, 2003, when he last played - he hurt his hip that day and didn't return the rest of the season - or that he has played more than 50 games only once since 1996-97.

"I'm kind of used to long layoffs," said Lemieux, who has been injured, retired or sidelined for the equivalent of 9 1/2 of the 21 years since he first played an NHL game.

With new teammates such as Crosby, Ziggy Palffy, John LeClair, Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar and Jocelyn Thibault around, Lemieux is bound to feel younger than he did playing for the NHL's worst team two years ago.
"With the supporting cast he has, he can just let things happen and make the players around him even greater," Olczyk said.
(Thanks to Alan Robinson of the AP and FoxSports.com for the heads up.)

From The Stuff You Can't Do In A Moslem Country (other than Afghanistan and Iraq - and we know whose blood made those two free, don't we?) Department:

CAIR, a group of moslems living in a free country, exercised their rights of association and free speech to protest this magazine ad (ABOVE - Thanks to P-BS-Watcher for the photo.) from Boeing and Bell Helicopter Textron showing some of Our Boys repelling from a plane onto a nest of thuggish civilian-killers (who claim to be moslems too) that also happened to be a mosque.

Yesterday I posted a link to a story about the companies abject apology for their "insensitive" ad. This prompted a comment from P-BS-Watcher.


P-BS-Watcher said...
The ad offended CAIR. That's a good start. See PBS Watch


Amen to that, Brother. I don't cair either.

If that sounds insensitive to you, gentle reader, be advised I wanted the Israelis to storm The Church of the Nativity when it was desecrated by a certain type of adherent to the teachings of The Religion of Peace a few years ago. And I'm a guy who thinks The Church of the Nativity is worth more than all the mosques in the world.

Priorities, kiddies. Priorities.

Nipsey Russell, Requiescat in pace.

Nipsey Russell, who played the Tin Man alongside Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in "The Wiz" as part of a decades-long career in stage, television and film, has died. He was 80.

The actor, who had been suffering from cancer, died Sunday afternoon at Lenox Hill Hospital, said his longtime manager Joseph Rapp.

Born in Atlanta, Russell launched his television career as Officer Anderson in the 1961 television series "Car 54, Where are You?" He also appeared in the 1994 film version.

I remember that one from reruns. Hey Nick At Night! How about a Nipsey Russell tribute week?

He became a fixture on popular television game and talk shows, where he was welcomed for his poetic delivery that earned him the moniker the "poet laureate of television." He also took his signature four-line poetry on the road for readings and performances.

I remember Match Game, with Gene Rayburn, Elaine Boozler, Brett (Mrs. Jack Klugman) Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, et al. Hey, Game Show Network...

Russell also appeared in the films "Nemo" in 1984, "Wildcats" in 1986 and "Posse" in 1993.

He settled in New York after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and serving as an Army captain in Europe during World War II, Rapp said.

Thank you for your service to our country, Mr. Russell.

Russell never married.


"He always said, 'I have trouble living with myself, how could I live with anyone else,'" Rapp said. "But he was a wonderful guy, very quiet, never bragged."

I hope he did not die alone.

Pat Kelly, Requiescat in pace.

Former All-Star outfielder Pat Kelly, who played for five different teams during a 15-year major-league career, has died. He was 61.

Kelly died Sunday from a heart attack.

He was selected to play in the 1973 All-Star Game during a season in which he hit .280 in a career-high 144 games with the Chicago White Sox. Kelly played in the World Series as a member of the 1979 Baltimore Orioles.

I mostly remember Mr. Kelly from the 1979 Series where his O's were beaten by my mighty Pirates.

Kelly was a reverend for Lifeline Ministries in Maryland after his retirement.

Have mercy on his soul, O Lord.

Born in Philadelphia as Harold Patrick Kelly, the fleet-footed outfielder was 23 when he played his first game with the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 6, 1967. He participated in 20 games over two seasons with Minnesota before spending two years with the Kansas City Royals.

I did not know he was a Philly guy.

Kelly played for the White Sox from 1971-76 and the Orioles from 1977-80 before closing out his career with 48 games for Cleveland in 1981. He hit .264 with 76 homers, 418 RBI and 250 stolen bases in 1,385 games.
Kelly was known as much for his religious conviction as his left-handed swing. During his stint in Baltimore, this exchange between Kelly and fiery manager Earl Weaver supposedly occurred:

"Skip, don't you want me to walk with the Lord?" Kelly asked.

Amen to that, Brother. I hope you're walking with him right now, Pat.

To which Weaver replied, "I'd rather you walk with the bases loaded."

Earl Weaver was my kind of manager. Except when he faced Danny Murtaugh and Chuck Tanner in the Series, that is.

JUST SAY NO TO CELL PHONES ON AIRPLANES!

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

What in the world are those airline lunkheads thinking?

MEMO TO REPANSYCAN PARTY: Fyodor may not be voting until...oh, I don't know...say, 2009 or so.

I am seriously thinking about not voting for a while. Let me explain, kiddies.

The Miers nomination may have been the last straw, but this thought has been fermenting in my fertile brain for a long time. The Repansycan Party has not been living up to its promises and must be punished. As I so eloquently put it some time ago: Don't wanna be a conservative on the Repansycan plantation no more.

And please do not insult me with that "trust the president " crap. The President of the United States of America should be enough of a man to stand up and proudly proclaim what he believes. If he believes anything, that is. Each and every day.

This is really about my discomfort with what Mr. Bush refers to as his Christian faith. Sorry, kiddies, but to me it seems protestants just make it up as they go. (Aggravated by Politicians' Disease, of course.) To be fair, so does almost everybody else. It's just the idea of their constant reference to their "faith" (whatever it happens to be at that particular time) as if it was The One, True, Unchangeable Faith. That really gives me the willies.

The bottom line? I think Mr. Bush and people like him have nothing solid and constant upon which they can rely when they need it.

That may be a bit harsh. Try this on for size: They do not have anything that is sufficient for the job, whether we are talking about running the world's only superpower, or something really important like saving their souls.

"But, Fyodor", you cry, "won't your refusal to vote help The Party of Blasphemy, Buggery, and 'Bortion? in their never-ending quest to enslave us all and murder us if we refuse to submit to them?" And then you cry: "Isn't the lesser of two evils the better choice?"

As I Catholic, I have never been enamored with that particular idea. And, to be honest, the Repansycans have not been much lesser of late.

As a white, middle class Catholic male in a blue state, I realize the Repansycans do not much care if I vote or not. I also know I have no desire to try to convince others like me to consider refusing to vote.

But I also know I am not the only member of the Repansycan base who thinks this way.

The times, they are a changin', kiddies. Remember where you heard it first.

Those folks on the Gulf Coast are our neighbors. You know what to do.

First, last, and always, PRAY. Pray for the survivors. Pray for the repose of the souls of those who were killed. Pray for the families and friends. Pray for the relief workers, the cops, the firemen, the troops, and the technicians. Pray for the volunteers.

It is time to step up once again, kiddies. "Do unto others", "I was naked and you clothed me", et cetera.

As time passes, the memory of these disasters will fade for those of us fortunate enough to live outside the devastated areas, but recovery and restoration will take years.

Please, whatever you do, don't become a cynic. (I know, I know. But I just play one on the computer.) Of course there will be more horror stories like the abuse of the debit cards and that $250-odd billion federal package will produce insane amounts of corruption, but our fellow Americans will be suffering from Katrina for a long time.

True charity, (News Flash! Taxes ARE NOT charity.) like the money you donate to Catholic Charities will help the truly needy and will not foster dependency.

Catholic Charities USA is collecting financial donations to Catholic Charities agencies’ emergency and long-term recovery efforts in the wake of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Catholic Charities USA is consistently ranked among the highest and most efficient organizations across the country. Approximately 96 percent of contributions made to the 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts.


Mail Checks To:
Catholic Charities USA
2005 Hurricane Relief Fund
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788

Call:(800) 919-9338

Contribute Now Online


News
09/30/2005 — Many Heroes Make a Difference Helping Hurricane Evacuees in Chicago
09/30/2005 — Diocese of Tyler, Texas, Opens Catholic Charities 09/26/2005 — Catholic Charities USA Provides $2.2 Million in Initial Funding to Assist with Hurricane Relief Efforts
09/22/2005 — Florida Catholic Charities Continue to Offer Disaster Relief to Diocese of Biloxi
More news...

FAQs
FAQ - Donations
FAQ - Hurricane Relief


Agencies Impacted:
Catholic Charities of Miami
Catholic Charities of New Orleans
Catholic Community Services of Baton Rouge
Catholic Social Services of Houma-Thibodaux
Catholic Social and Community Services of Biloxi, MS
Catholic Charities of Jackson, MS
Catholic Social Services of Mobile, AL


How you can help:
Unfortunately, Catholic Charities USA is unable to accept contributions of food, clothing, blankets and other relief supplies. Monetary donations will be used to provide for the emergency relief and long-term recovery of Katrina's and Rita's victims. Catholic Charities USA is consistently ranked among the highest and most efficient organizations across the country. Approximately 96 percent of contributions made to the 2005 Hurricane Relief Fund will be used for emergency response and recovery efforts.

About the Disaster Response Office
Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church's social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.

And, as always, give generously to the special collections for hurricance disaster relief in your local parish.

Saint of the Day and daily Mass readings.

Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived in imitation of the Christ about as well as anyone ever has. You could do much worse than to choose St. Francis as a role model. Pray for us, St. Francis and all you saints.

Today's reading is Galatians 6: 14-18.
Today's Gospel reading is Matthew 11:25-30.






Everyday links:

The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Rosary
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Prayers from EWTN
National Coalition of Clergy and Laity (dedicated to action for a genuine Catholic Restoration)
The Catholic Calendar Page for Today


Just in case you are wondering what exactly Catholics believe, here is

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.


Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession,was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.


St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse, pray for us.


Prayer to Saint Anthony, Martyr of Desire

Dear St. Anthony, you became a Franciscan with the hope of shedding your blood for Christ. In God's plan for you, your thirst for martyrdom was never to be satisfied. St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire, pray that I may become less afraid to stand up and be counted as a follower of the Lord Jesus. Intercede also for my other intentions. (Name them.)


PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Dick Morris: Hitlery's miscalculation?

America's third most famous foot fetishist offers up inside scoops on the people who no longer talk to him. (Memo To Morris: Do NOT resume flying in private planes anytime soon.)

Right after Election Day in November 2004, Bill and Hillary Clinton seemed to have reached certain conclusions.

They appear to have decided that Hillary needed to stress religious values, hew to a hawkish position on the war on terrorism, remain steadfast in her support for the Iraq war and move to the center on a variety of issues, painting herself as a moderate.

But circumstances have changed, and there is increasing evidence that the Clintons are realizing that they miscalculated in their November decisions. The George Bush of 41 percent approval in September 2005 is a far cry from the man who was reelected with more than 51 percent of the vote 10 months earlier. The endless casualties in Iraq, the inability to stop terrorist attacks in cities such as London and the high price of gasoline have all contributed to a swing to the left among the electorate and, especially, within the Democratic Party.

The antiwar movement represents a real menace to Hillary's ability to win the nomination in 2008 and might even represent a sufficient threat to give her a primary in her pursuit of the Democratic nomination for Senate from New York in 2006. These folks, from Cindy Sheehan to the followers of Howard Dean, are not to be trifled with.

Is Hillary looking a bit like Hubert Humphrey or Nelson Rockefeller did in the mid-'60s? Once the liberal darlings, they were increasingly forced by their pro-war positions into an adversarial relationship with their former political base.

There is no doubt that strident antiwar spokespeople are capturing the hearts of the Democratic electorate. And, as in the '60s, the political leaders of the Democratic Party are dragging their heels in following the voices of their own voters. And, as in the '60s, new leaders who overtly echo the antiwar sentiment — the latter-day equivalents of Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern — are likely to emerge from out of nowhere to take up the cause.

So far, Hillary has tried to backfill the hole in her left flank by ancillary positions that skirt the central issue of the war. Her opposition to the confirmation of Judge Roberts and her vigorous criticism of Bush over his role in rescuing the victims of Hurricane Katrina are both examples of her move to the left. But, on the war, as reaffirmed in her meeting with Sheehan, there is no movement. Hillary is still a hawk.

But the stars do not align in favor of such a course for the prospective Democratic nominee for president. Antiwar sentiment will increase with each week's casualty lists. Bush is not going to give in, and the terrorists won't stop trying to create mayhem. If the Iraqi forces are ever able to replace U.S. troops, it will take quite a while for it to happen. (There is, after all, a reason that the minority Sunnis were able to impose their dictator on the rest of the country.)

From The Taking All The Fun Out Of Life Department:

Who cares if it kills me? I want people to know it's new:

New-car smell to be reduced?
Manufacturers see combination of chemical odors as safety issue
--Associated Press


The saddest story of the new millenium:

Push-up bra sales sagging
Popularity of Wonderbra dips due to newer fashions
--Toronto Sun
(Thanks to WorldNetDaily for the heads up.)

From Catholic News Service: The first Synod of Benedict XVI's Pontificate opens.

At opening Mass, pope says Eucharist is way to just society, peace

Archbishop says he's not speaking for Vatican on gays in seminaries

Four Chinese bishops cannot attend synod in Rome, says news agency

The sick, twisted, perversion of Goober I spirals out of control.

May God have mercy on us for electing this cretin.

The Greatest Ex-President
Jimmy Carter may not have been the best president in American history, or even in the top 33, but he has developed quite a reputation for good works out out office: building houses, observing elections, fighting Third World disease, photographing Ethiopian girls while they urinate . . .

Seriously, he says he photographs Ethiopian girls while they urinate! From the Emory Wheel, a student newspaper:

Carter shared two experiences that he said have been most memorable from througout [sic] all his travels and volunteer work. . . .

The second image Carter recalled was of a young Ethiopian girl's eagerness to demonstrate that she, like her brother, could use the small latrine their father had made for them.

"She spread her skirt out very carefully and she squatted down to relieve herself." Carter said.

Carter added jokingly, "We took some pictures of it."

In red states, that'll get you fifty years of showering with all your new boyfriends.

We've observed before that because of his tendency to badmouth his successors, Carter makes Bill Clinton look like a statesman. We never thought we'd say Carter makes Clinton look like a normal man.

Taranto delivers a metaphysical beat-down to arch-nazipansy David Brock and his hired goons.

Thanks to Best of the Web Today for putting this particular kerfuffle out of its misery.

Forbidden Thoughts
Bill Bennett is standing firm in the face of an attack launched by David Brock's foul MediaMatters.org site. In a week-end roundup, MM clarified what it found invidious about Bennett's comments regarding abortion, crime and race, which we analyzed Friday (italics in original, boldface ours):

Bennett and his defenders have seized on Bennett's original statement that it would be "impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible" to actually abort all black babies. But that isn't the issue; of course everyone understands that Bill Bennett doesn't want to abort all black babies. The issue is that Bennett, upon thinking "crime rate," immediately thought of black people. The issue is that Bennett thinks and speaks of crime as an issue of race.

Here we see the totalitarian mindset of the politically correct left. "The issue," it turns out, isn't just what Bennett said but what Bennett thinks. Yes, MediaMatters is accusing Bill Bennett of thoughtcrime. It's "1984," and Big Brock is watching. Fortunately, Brock and his force are more Keystone Kops than Thought Police, and therefore this column, like Bennett, is not afraid to entertain some forbidden thoughts.

It is a fact that blacks in America have a far higher violent crime rate than nonblacks. MediaMatters and politically correct folks everywhere do not want you to think about this fact, at least if you are white. But which is a bigger problem, the fact itself or white people's thinking about it?

To explore that question, consider the practical implications of the high black crime rate. If you are white, it affects you only insofar as you come into contact with black people. Whites often respond to their knowledge of the higher black crime rate by engaging in what we might term defensive stereotyping, or what some have called "rational discrimination": avoiding black neighborhoods, crossing the street to avoid an approaching black man, etc.

Importantly, to say that such discrimination is "defensive" or "rational" does not mean it is harmless. Many an innocent black man has been insulted, inconvenienced or worse by such stereotyping. That is why "racial profiling" by law-enforcement agencies is problematic even if it is an effective anticrime tactic.

But the implications of the high black crime rate are much more significant to the average black man:

He is subject, in his encounters with whites, to the stereotyping we have just described.

He is more likely to be a criminal, and thus more likely to be incarcerated and to suffer all the other disadvantages that come with having a "record."

He is more likely to be the victim of violent crime, since most crime is intraracial.

He is more likely to have a father, son, brother or other relative who is a criminal or a victim of violent crime.

At least the last two of these points apply to black women as well.

Now, as long as we are living dangerously, let us conduct a thought experiment of our own. Suppose that all whites stopped thinking of crime in racial terms--that is, that their minds were washed clean of any knowledge about racially disparate crime rates. Would this be good for black people?

Perhaps it would, up to a point. It would solve the first of the four problems we've listed--that is, it would ease their encounters with whites by doing away with stereotypes based on crime rates. But it would leave untouched the underlying problem of crime in the black community. And that problem would be harder to deal with if a majority of the American population were unable even to acknowledge its existence and thus to think about how to solve it.

When white liberals berate white nonliberals for thinking about crime in racial terms, then, they are not acting in a way that actually promises to improve the lives of blacks. Rather, they are showing off their own putative moral superiority. And how seriously can we take even their implicit claims that they do not think of crime in racial terms? Is David Brock any more likely than Bill Bennett to take a midnight stroll through Anacostia? Color us skeptical.

Happy 5766 to The Chosen People of God.

To all (any?) of my Jewish fans, Happy New Year!

Who is Harriet Miers? Part 5

Various and sundry Miers links from Human Events Online:

Bush Taps White House Councel Harriet Miers to Replace O'Connor on Supreme Court

Bush: Miers Will Be 'Outstanding Addition'

Miers Biography

Profile: A Woman Of Low Profile In a Job High-Powered

Longtime Bush Confidante Has Never Been a Judge

Key Facts on Harriet Miers

Harriet Miers: Profile of a Tireless Competitor

Reaction to Bush's High Court Nomination