Things I'll Never See

1. You know what I would love to see someday, but never will? World peace; an end to racial hatred; dogs and cats getting along; an end to "American Idol". Oh, and Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ, publicly supporting the bishops on an issue involving the defense of human life. The whole thing is sad and tawdry reading, especially since it is a priest of Jesus Christ speaking with such patent disdain and dislike for His Apostles Among Us, while at the same time acting as an unapologetic apologist for the 100% anti-life policies of the President.

2. For the real assessment of what the First 100 Days truly means, see this from the indispensable Fr. Thomas Berg.

3. For a perfect illustration of Fr. Berg's thesis, see how the Administration moves on its effort to find "common ground" on reducing abortion. Here are the issues the White House wants to talk about: "sex education; responsible use of contraception; maternal and child health; pregnancy discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere; and adoption". Um, if we want to reduce abortions, shouldn't we actually come up with ways to discourage out-of-wedlock sex, or at least to talk about the negative consequences of abortion? Any wonder why Doug Johnson of National Right to Life (who wasn't even invited to the table) calls this "a political hoax"? Perhaps the White House might want to consider enlisting some abstinence speakers, like Bristol Palin. Another thing for my "I'll never see it" list.

4. Same-sex "marriage" advocates are so eager to brand everyone who opposes them as a "bigot". But it backfired on them in DC, when African-American ministers objected, showing once again that the passage of SSM bills will only lead to more conflict and tension. Up on Capitol Hill, the Speaker -- no doubt a "bigot" too -- wants Congress to stay out of the SSM debate.

5. Kathryn Jean Lopez is, as always, right on target, citing more evidence that the forces of "tolerance" will destroy all who stand in their way, but also getting at a more basic problem -- the need for decency.

6. For the future of health care in America, look to Ireland, where national health care results in dying patients being put on waiting lists for hospice care, including basic pain relief.

7. Remember that picture of the baby's hand reaching from the womb to grasp the doctor's finger? Here's a nice interview with the boy, now nine years old and grateful that God used him that way.

8. The students of ND Response have set up a parallel schedule for commencement day. Meanwhile, we have the sad news that another good man, Alan Keyes, has descended to the level of pointless grandstanding.

9. The headline says it all: " Men want 'macho' hymns, fewer flowers and less dancing in church". I don't care about the flowers, and I hate "How Great Thou Art", but I'd stand on my head and light my hair on fire if that would make liturgical dance go away forever.

10. Thanks for the prayers about the debate last night. I'll blog about it today or tomorrow to give you the full scoop.