Some think that fortitude is a mere expression of physical prowess and raw strength. Thus, for example, a quarterback like Drew Brees shows a lot of courage by being out there on the field. He is the focus of the entire defensive line whose purpose is to bring him down. These very … Read more
Few people remember December 15, 1978. On that dark day in American history, President Jimmy Carter announced that the U.S. would abandon Taiwan, its faithful ally, and establish diplomatic relations with communist China. This event brought to a tragic end a drama that began twenty-nine years earlier. On December 10, 1949, Generalissimo … Read more
In the face of the recent riots, many try to distinguish between protesters and the “radical elements” who riot. The former are always good and even patriotic. The latter are lamentable and perhaps criminal. In the words of Gen. James Mattis, the riots are the work of “a small number of lawbreakers” … Read more
The horrible choking death on May 25 of black American George Floyd by white former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin caused universal outrage across the American political spectrum. Conservatives no less than liberals called for Chauvin to be charged with murder. The Hennepin County, Minnesota attorney is charging Chauvin—who kept Floyd in a … Read more
One thing many will remember about the coronavirus crisis of 2020 is that it happened during a radiant spring. Everywhere people tell of noticing the budding trees, the loud symphony of birds, and enjoying beautiful weather and sunshine. In some way, the spring provided some solace amid the crisis. Most cannot say … Read more
The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, an interreligious organization composed of Islamic, Jewish, and Catholic members, called for May 14 to be a journey “for fasting, works of mercy, prayers, and supplications for the good of all humanity.” “I Have Accepted the Proposal of the Higher Committee” During the May 3 Regina Caeli, … Read more
In the face of the violence and rioting rocking the country, we face a painful reality. While all must deplore the death of George Floyd, we must recognize that the riots reflect a society in crisis, not bad law enforcement policies or “systemic” injustice. We need to acknowledge a much greater problem … Read more
Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory lashed out against President Trump and the First Lady’s visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in the nation’s capital on June 2. The long-planned event caused an uproar because it happened the day after the President walked to St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House. He visited … Read more
We are living in surreal times in which everything is upside down. As society is opening up from the coronavirus lockdown, perhaps a metaphor best explains what we have gone through. For the last three months, we have been living as if the whole nation is locked up in one huge leprosarium. … Read more
Statements by the French ecological leader Nicolas Hulot to the leftist Parisian daily Le Monde confirm that radical ecologists are positioning themselves to profit from the economic and social crisis caused by COVID-19. Those unfamiliar with French politics may not know Hulot. However, opinion polls show him to be the public figure … Read more