The Party's Over!

The millions of long time readers of this blog should recognize that when it comes to partisan politics, I am a moderate.  I hardly ever vote straight-ticket.  When I do, it is a coincidence - and I have have coincidentally voted straight-ticket for both parties.

I have argued with many people that neither party is inherently more moral than the other.  Of course, my Rebublican friends always argue that they are the pro-life party - just look at their platform.  What these politically naive friends don't realize is that party platforms are just ads to get people elected - they are not promises of how they will govern.  I have been involved in many campaigns where Republicans have quietly told me, "I am really pro-choice, but I have to say I am pro-life to get elected".  I have also had experience with Democrats that have confided that they are pro-life, but had to state they were pro-choice in order to get elected. 

I came across recent articles that provide further evidence that neither party is more moral than the other, even on the issue of abortion!  Click here for article from politico.com.  Click here for AP article.

"Turn out the lights.  The party's over".

Milwaukee? Geronimo!

Let me be one of the first to report Bishop Jerome Listecki, Bishop of La Crosse, WI, has been appointed Archbishbop of Milwaukee.  For those of you that understand Italian, click here.

By Jove, I Think They've Got It

Last week, TIME magazine published an article about some pre-eminent Roman Catholic prelates publicly disagreeing with each other on how to handle pro-choice politicians.  For years, we have seen a steady stream of bishops that spend a fair amount of their resources denouncing pro-choice politicians.  I can understand the necessity of bishops to publicly remind pro-choice politicians of Catholic teachings.  However, the impact of this "piecemeal" approach can be debated.

I would argue that it is much more effective for bishops to devote more resources to a strong and somewhat "under-the-radar" lobbying approach.  I applaud the bishops for the significant role they played in shaping the health care reform proposal that recently passed the House - AP article.  I have always been impressed with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops staff that work on pro-life issues, especially Richard Doerflinger. 

"The whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts".

How Not To Toe The Line

Oh, the little things we take for granted.  Earlier this morning, I missed the final step on my way to the lower level of our house.  Here is the result:

Yes, a broken toe.  It looks worse than it feels.  However, I do notice it.  I am not able to walk as I normally do.  I found out that it is difficult to run, ride a bike or swim with a broken big toe.  I can no longer achieve my goal of being an internationally famous foot model.

This is a reminder to not take anything or more importantly, anyone, for granted.  We should be far more grateful for the many graces and gifts we have in our lives.  Things can and do always change.

The Big Change

No, not menopause - either male or female.  As evidence that I lead a happily mundane life, I watched the health care reform debate on C-SPAN.  I don't watch C-SPAN too often since it is sometimes too boring for even me.  However, the health care reform debate was pretty interesting.  During the debate, it became clear that the House Democrats did not have enough votes to pass the legislation without the 20 or so pro-life Democrats.  Thus, the pro-life Democrats were allowed to introduce a big change - an amendment that would prohibit federal funds from being used to pay for abortions.  I am certain a deal was struck where this amendment was put forward and approved with the understanding that there will be an effort to remove it when the legislation goes to the Senate.  Nevertheless, the debate on the amendment was what it should be - a discussion of issues:  Should abortion be covered in the bill?  If not, can states provide funding to cover abortions?  Should federal funding in any way be used to pay for abortions?  It was one of the few good debates I have seen on C-SPAN.

The "Curse" of the Cubs

What does the manager of the New York Yankees do a few hours after his team wins the World Series?  Click here to find out.  I think this may have more to do with Joe Girardi being a former Chicago Cub than with him being the current manager of the World Series champion New York Yankees.

Seeking a Presidential Pardon

On the drive to work recently, I noticed several law enforcement vehicles.  I assumed that they may have been part of a speed limit enforcement effort (aka:  speed trap).  As I kept driving, I noticed an increasing number of law enforcement officers and vehicles - perhaps up to 50.  I also noticed numerous barricades along the side of the highway.

A few hours after arriving at work, I had the "aha" expereince.  I noticed that traffic on one of the lanes of the highway in front of my office disappeared.  I then saw several police motorcycles drive by.  Then I saw it - the Presidential limosine.  Since it drove by on the far lane of the highway, I could not make out who the occupants were.  However, when they came by in the other direction a couple of hours later (I was prepared and waiting closer to the highway), I was able to spot President Obama in the back seat of one of the limosines.  This was the first time that I have seen a sitting (no pun intended) U.S. President.  I had always hoped that I would have had the opportunity to see a current U.S. President.  That hope was realized.

When President Obama drove by, I prayed that all elected officials clearly recognize the difference between being elected and serving the people.  So many politicians see the former as their goal and disregard the latter.