Damian Thompson is a British journalist , author , and traditionalist Catholic loyal to Rome. A keen observer of happenings in both the Catholic and Anglican, he’s written a fascinating piece examining the similarities between Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby : The . . . . Continue Reading »
One of the common reactions of the British to the American Declaration of Independence was astonishment at the claim of self-evidence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident” is certainly a bold way to begin. It is also a beginning that could hardly go unchallenged. One of the more . . . . Continue Reading »
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. If we would believe that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with . . . . Continue Reading »
There's something great—or wonderfully unnatural and distinctively human—about life as the joyless quest for joy. Continue Reading »
Flags and fireworks. Generous helpings of out-of-context Declaration of Independence quotes. Quite a few hot dogs—New York City street cart vendors making a killing. But all these constituent elements of memorializing the courage of the planters, pastors, merchants, lawyers, and scholars who . . . . Continue Reading »
Tomorrow is the fourth of July, and it is in the tradition of America to offer some words about the Declaration of Independence by way of commemoration. Formerly, that obligation was often met by public readings of the Declaration followed by formal pronouncements of what were called Fourth Of July . . . . Continue Reading »
Do people really show their true colors when under pressure? The Texas legislature is back in session again, once again trying to pass a law that would significantly restrict abortion in Texas. Both protesters and supporters were out in full force yesterday, and things seemed to get a little . . . . Continue Reading »
So our Constitution has been changed again. What? You say no-one consulted your elected representatives? No amendment was passed? C’mon, you rube, that’s not the way it works. What? You’re complaining that in this case, not even five of your indirectly elected-for-life . . . . Continue Reading »
George Weigel remembers Andrew Greeley in today’s column . . . . Catholicism was duller after Greeley was felled by an accident in 2008, and the Church feels emptier since his death. [One night] I found Andy and his secretary in the glory that was “Armando’s,” a trattoria near . . . . Continue Reading »
America’s history suggests the clergy best steer clear of politics, says Mark D. Tooley in today’s column . Eighteen eighty-four’s election was one of the nation’s dirtiest, and clergy were among its central actors. The example [of former Buffalo Mayor Grover . . . . Continue Reading »
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