In a secretly taped video that became public on Monday night, Mitt Romney tells a group of donors that 47 percent of Americans”those who pay no federal income taxes”“will vote for the president no matter what” because they are “dependent upon government” and “believe that they are victims.” … Continue Reading »
In his illuminating glimpse into the life of Pope Benedict XVI (Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times), Peter Seewald’s conversation with the Holy Father contains a question and answer that always struck me as breathtaking. Seewald asks: “Are you afraid of an assassination attempt?” Pope Benedict XVI responds, with his shortest answer in the book: “No.” And that was it. No explanation. No second thought. No fear. … Continue Reading »
Our ability to remember past events, feelings, and experiences, then preserve them or impart them to others, is an incredible one. But this very human act can also become a temptation to indulge our individuality, since each person observes and feels differently, and shares these experiences in varying ways… . Continue Reading »
We saw it with George W. Bush. Liberals would lose all sense of balance and proportion, falling into patterns of bitter denunciation. Now it seems to be happening with Paul Ryan. A recent issue of the New Republic features an extended tirade of sorts in which Leon Wieseltier sets out to show that the Paul Ryan “likes his capitalism cruel.” … Continue Reading »
We live in a pornographic age that falls dismally short of creating what Pope Paul VI called a “climate favorable to education in chastity.” But we misconstrue the problem if we worry only about the sheer number of unclothed bodies, the sheer expanse of exposed flesh, that appears on TV, in film, or on the web. The fundamental problem is not a lack of clothing but the widespread failure of mass and high culture to represent the truth about the human body… . Continue Reading »
The success of Dinesh D’Souza’s new movie, 2016: Obama’s America, leads me to revisit my thoughts about his recent book on which the film is based, The Roots of Obama’s Rage. I was and remain unconvinced by the argument that Obama’s anti-colonialist father explains his governing mentality. By my reckoning, the emerging postmodern liberalism of Columbia University circa 1982 (where I was for a semester as a visiting student) explains Obama pretty well… . Continue Reading »
Richard Neuhaus told the story (in 1991, I remember it clearly) of going to Kansas to give a lecture. He was met at the Kansas City, Missouri airport and whisked out beyond Topeka across the eventually barren plains that frame the shoulders of Interstate 70. All the plains beyond Topeka eventually become barren. … Continue Reading »
“It’s the economy, stupid!””James Carville’s memorable note-to-self during the 1992 presidential race”will be the determining factor in the 2012 campaign, according to the common wisdom. That may be true. But as Catholics consider their responsibilities between now and November 6, it would be good to remember that the future of the pro-life cause in America is also at stake… . Continue Reading »
On July 30, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided a stalwart rationale for U.S. foreign policy on worldwide religious freedom, which is rooted in the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) signed by her husband. Secretary Clinton asserted: “For the United States … religious freedom is a cherished constitutional value, a strategic national interest, and a foreign policy priority.” This statement”of religious freedom as a strategic national interest”is the most powerful statement on this issue made by this administration… . Continue Reading »
October 11, 2012 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. It is perhaps both a tribute to that council and a challenge to it, that Pope Benedict XVI has chosen that date to commence a “Year of Faith” which will continue until November 24, 2013, the Solemnity of Christ the King… . Continue Reading »
Subscribe
Latest Issue
Support First Things
