When the economy goes down, monetary theories start circulating. Since most people dislike austerity, today’s most popular theory is spending the nation out of its crisis. The popularity makes sense in a world where no one wants to suffer toward a solution. Magic solutions are much preferred, as all pain is thus averted. Throw another … Read more
Pope Francis’s third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, predictably deals with the plight of the migrant. This theme has characterized his pontificate, as he never loses an opportunity to take it up. Not all share his enthusiasm; most are apprehensive about what it means for the future. Mass migration is a sensitive subject for many Catholics in … Read more
Reflecting on America’s present state, I could not help but think of a metaphor that I had used some years ago in my book, Return to Order. I had likened the economy to that of a cruise ship on a never-ending cruise. On its multiple decks, the bands were playing, the theaters were full, the … Read more
Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti presents a dilemma for all who defend the right of private property. On the one hand, the teaching document Pope Francis signed on October 3 questions this right. On the other, past popes, theologians, and canonists have always taught that private ownership, as it is largely practiced, is just and … Read more
Everyone knows the Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings are not about Amy Coney Barrett, her qualifications or the Constitution. Of course, everyone goes through the theatrics of what the hearings are supposed to be. The Senate Judiciary Committee’s liberal members will dutifully cast themselves as the Constitution’s guardians. They will dramatically insist that the nominee … Read more
For those who have fought in the trenches against Roe v. Wade for decades, it is surprising to see a little white flag poking up on the horizon. So much has been poured into the herculean effort to take that bloody hill—prayers, sacrifice, one on one counseling to dissuade those seeking an abortion. Everyone said … Read more
In his book about natural law, Prof. J. Budziszewski explains how this fundamental law is written on the hearts of everyone without exception. Indeed, natural law is so evident that he claims it is “what you can’t not know.” Hence, the title of his book. Everyone–at all times and places–knows that lying, stealing and killing … Read more
“There doesn’t seem to be anyone against us,” I thought as I stood at a busy intersection with a sign asking people to honk in support of the police. The response was overwhelming. The din was such that it was hard to talk to other participants nearby. I was comforted by knowing that my rally … Read more
My experience with Professor Corrêa de Oliveira and his keen discernment of American society began almost by mistake. During a visit to São Paulo, Brazil, in 1986, I happened to be nearby when a group of Americans residing there were to meet with Professor Corrêa de Oliveira. By chance, I also entered into the room … Read more
The problem with living in a relativist society is that it takes from us our ability to describe and analyze issues objectively. Amid the current unrest, for example, many people refuse to label actions good or evil. According to this relativistic perspective, acts are morally neutral. We are expected to watch the riots but never … Read more
