From Fake News to Rude Awakening

From Fake News to Rude Awakening

It has become trendy to call everything fake. This is helped by the fact that so many things are fake. The world is awash in “fake news.” So much of what is reported is dominated by hype, hyperbole and hysteria. Thus, what passes for news is often just theater. Every nomination becomes … Read more

A Lenten Meditation on an Unconventional Ash Wednesday

A Lenten Meditation on an Unconventional Ash Wednesday 1

As I went to the local supermarket this Ash Wednesday, I was surprised by a table outside on the sidewalk with two men in clerical collars. The sign said it all: “Ashes to Go.” They were administering ashes to shoppers. I had already received my ashes from the priest at church, but … Read more

Why Treating Everyone Equally Is a Problem

Why Treating Everyone Equally Is a Problem 2

I recently received an e-mail from someone who questioned me on a comment I made about manners. I had said that manners presuppose distinctions. They call upon us to honor those who are excellent with special treatment. At the same time, they allow us to show compassion and consideration toward those who … Read more

What’s Left for the Left to Do?

What’s Left for the Left to Do?

If the 2016 elections proved anything, it was that the classic American order still prevails. Americans still have a strong attachment to the Founders’ vision of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Translating this conservative vision into Red State terms, this means that many Americans still stubbornly cling to their morals, guns, … Read more

Norma Leah McCorvey: Believing God’s Promises

Norma Leah McCorvey: Believing God’s Promises

The news of the death of Norma Leah McCorvey has spread through the pro-life and conservative world. The 69-year-old lady was well-known as the defendant in the infamous Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision striking down all abortion laws in the United States. Although she never did have the abortion made legally … Read more

Why Regulation Does Not Always Work

Why Regulation Does Not Always Work

It is astonishing to see how so many people think unbalanced markets can be regulated into order. They think that stopping abuses with straitjacket regulations will solve all problems. In the case of frenzied markets, this usually addresses the effects not the causes of financial instability. Moreover, most regulations, however good-intentioned, are … Read more

A Solution for a Fragmented America

A Solution for a Fragmented America

In his masterwork, The City of God, Saint Augustine offers a definition of a people that can shed some light on why we are so fragmented today. He states that a people is “a gathered multitude of rational beings united by agreeing to share the things they love.” In the face of … Read more

Three Reasons Not to Watch Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Show

Three Reasons Not to Watch Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Show

The Super Bowl is the most-watched television show in the country. As the premier sports event viewed by tens of millions of Americans, it should reflect the nation and its values. That is not what is happening this year. In fact, for some years now, the organizers of the event have featured … Read more

On a Pilgrimage of Desolation and Growth at Lourdes

On a Pilgrimage of Desolation and Growth at Lourdes 1

Upon arriving in Lourdes on pilgrimage on a cold, rainy winter day, I was feeling very much the pilgrim. I was cold, tired, and wet. The long trip had been exhausting and the walk in the drizzling rain from the train station to the hotel had drained me of energy. As I … Read more