True

"A monarchy requires a virtuous king; a democracy requires a virtuous people." - Henry Hyde, U.S. congressman

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How are

Canadian Conservatives and U.S. Republicans alike?




They don't believe in being answerable to anyone (such as the voters)
and don't care who they hurt with their politics...
(This is just so people know what Harper's proroguing of
parliament is really about.)

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I continue

to have great hopes for Pope Francis, though my worries continue as well.

The Christian soldier

"Whatever one’s faith, there is no escaping the fact that Pope Francis is emerging as a world statesman"

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Exactly

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The donor's wishes

didn't seem to matter.

Chasing the White House Cézannes

"Eighty-five years ago, eight paintings by the Postimpressionist master were bequeathed to the nation's presidents — works hidden, often in plain sight."

In the world of valuable art and politics no one seems to care about Mr. Loeser's will and wishes...

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I certainly hope

that Mr. Webb will give us all a chance to see God's party membership card when it is issued...

God is a Lib Dem, minister says



(Today is a day for light news, I guess...)

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I am very frightened

by politicians who take Ayn Rand seriously...

The Paul Ryan-Ayn Rand Connection: What’s a Catholic to Think?

"To be perfectly frank, I find Ayn Rand to be deeply repulsive — the dark side is, again, really dark. So, if Paul Ryan wants to attract Catholic voters, he’s going to have to make much clearer what he’s taking — and even more, what he’s leaving behind."

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Good article

The WWJD Stick

You may have to know a bit about American secular politics and American Catholic politics to follow the bases of the article, but Simcha Fisher lays things out pretty good.

Besides, how the heck would any of us know what Jesus would do in any specific situation? He spent his entire public ministry confounding people...

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I'm not surprised

Most Americans say media coverage
of religion too sensationalized

From the 'Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics'. Somehow I find a study of 'Applied Politics' unsettling itself...

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This could be

an unnecessary tragedy.

Bartholomew I: Do not transform Hagia Sophia in Trabzon into a mosque

It would be even more of a tragedy as the leaders of both faiths agree and it is the government that is suggesting it...

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Despite what the average American thinks

the United States pursued a general policy of Isolationism up until their entry into the 2nd World War. It's only one example.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Isolationism

It takes a direct threat to themselves to make the U.S. jump up to save the world...

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Mr. Harper

may find that there are repercussions to trying to run parliament with an iron fist and to push through disparate items under the guise of a budget bill.

Tories fear marathon voting session may have exhausted political capital

He may find the repercussions not only in his own MLAs but also in the 39% of the public that supported him at election time...

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Never let it be said

that politicians in Canada can't work together.

On vote after vote, Conservatives quash C-38 amendments

You caught the sarcasm in my comment, didn't you? There's no working together. The Conservatives continue down their road to destroying democracy in Canada by destroying the fabric of the Canadian Parliamentary system. If you want to do anything you'll have to take it to King Harper first. It's very sad to watch this. In some countries it is done by violence and revolution. In Canada it is done slowly, through political tricks and manoeuvring, until the same effect is accomplished.

And we all sit here with our heads in the sand, watching it happen...

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A perfect example

of a government out of control and answerable to no one.

Oda's staff silent on travel expense changes: Expenses 're-examined' but no details given

This is a government that campaigned on the issue of transparency. Of being answerable to the people. Now they are the most protective, closed and unanswerable government we've had in years. They are a perfect example of a government that cares only about themselves and their own ideology.

There is nothing about serving the people in this government. It's only about serving themselves and their small group of supporters...

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Now, finally,

after enough time to feel secure in power, Premier Wall's right-wing government begins its slow process of dismantling unions in Saskatchewan.

Labour law under scrutiny: Public asked for input

How much do you want to bet that the only 'public' they'll listen to is that which supports their position?

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Toronto got what they wanted

Canada's answer to Rush Limbaugh...

Rob Ford threatens media blackout unless Star removes reporter from city hall beat

...another ultra-conservative fringe politician.

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Apparently, very special

Just how special is Lord Black's residency permit?


Ahhh, to be part of the ruling elite, not bound by petty laws and restrictions that hinder the serfs and peasants of our fair land...

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Actually,

based on the government's own laws and general practices, this sounds like another conservative untruth.

Jason Kenney rejects ‘ridiculous’ NDP claims of Conrad Black ‘special treatment’

Lord Black, with his purchased British aristocracy, certainly seems to be receiving preferential treatment. And a convicted criminal, yet! I guess when it is one of their own nothing really matters to these right wing politicos...

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I'll proofread it for them. Oops! Correction!

Ottawa curbs ability of green groups to intervene in review process

That should be:

"Ottawa curbs ability of green groups to take part in review process"

I would have thought the Globe & Mail would be better at proofing than that. Oh, well.

You're welcome.

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Amazing

Supreme Court questions validity of Obama healthcare law

I will forever be amazed at a country that wants healthcare only if a person can afford it, and fights tooth and nail against a system that would provide healthcare for everyone.

(Mind you, watch closely in Canada, as that's the direction the conservative element in politics is trying to steer things, they're just not being blatant about it...)

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