thestream--2020-08-24--Donald Trump Begins Four-Night Engagement … AKA ‘The RNC Convention’

Donald J. Trump begins a four night engagement tonight , live from the White House , Charlotte and who knows where else .
Technically , it ’ s the Republican National Convention in Charlotte , but thanks to Covid-19 , participants and venues will be scattered about the country .
However , make no mistake , Trump will be the top act on the bill every night .
And why not ?
Politics aside , love him or hate him , he ’ s the best show in town .
Why keep him away ?
One reason Bruce Springsteen is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past 50 years is because he never phones it in , you ’ re guaranteed an experience , and you ’ re never quite sure what musical surprise he has in store .
Your eyes are glued to the stage , however exhausted you get .
Trump can also be exhausting .
Yet there ’ s always a surprise , always a moment .
Sometimes several .
Is it a devastating jab to light up Twitterverse ?
Is it an historic announcement ?
A 10-minute spontaneous comedic riff on showers and toilets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kill to be able to craft ?
A comment that makes CNN talking heads explode ( only to prove true down the line ) ?
A common sense solution to a problem the Swamp ’ s been stuck on for years ?
A barb that makes even supporters go , “ Oh why ’ d he have to go there !
” ?
A fun anecdote from his days among the glorious and glittering ?
A powerful reminder of what is great and good about America ?
Sometimes he crams them all together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with dizzying speed , leaving you out of breath and your head spinning .
( Kinda like the old Springsteen ’ s encore favorite “ Detroit Medley.
” ) Yes , the mainstream media loathes Trump .
95 % percent of his coverage is negative .
But they can ’ t stop talking about him .
They also know he puts fannies in the seats .
And whether in joy or anger , he gets those fannies jumping .
I still hold that one reason so many entertainers gripe about Trump is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are .
The business end of the convention takes place in Charlotte , under strict Covid restrictions .
For example , only 336 delegates will be present .
CNN summaries the 8-hours of prime time this way : Translation : He wants to avoid the convention being dull .
And that means TV producer Trump making sure TV star Trump is ever-present .
Who needs actress Eva Longoria when you ’ ve got the star of The Apprentice ?
The New York Times is reporting that Trump will be speaking in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four nights .
Campaign advisor Jason Miller tells CNN that Trump will be speaking “ at various points through each of the nights.
” Each night will also feature Trump family members .
( Well , maybe not his niece , a wretched creature who leaked a secretly recorded conversation with Trump ’ s older sister the weekend they buried their brother Robert . )
The schedule of speakers is still fluid , but keep a special eye out for : Nick Sandmann The Covington high school teen falsely slandered by CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other media outlet ( and his own bishop ) , will be speaking .
Hopefully , with out some radical banging a drum in his face .
Mark and Patrick McCloskey The St. Louis couple charged after defending their home , their lives and their dog from a horde of protesters who broke onto their property .
Alice Johnson The black woman who was serving a life sentence before being freed by President Trump .
The first of those many thousands to benefit from Trump ’ s Second Chances effort and prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The humanitarian aide worker kidnapped , tortured and murdered by ISIS .
Here ’ s a basic rundown and themes of the four nights .
Monday , “ Land of Promise ” : During the day , delegates will convene in Charlotte .
They ’ ll conduct the traditional roll call vote and formally renominate Trump and Mike Pence for the Republican Party ’ s presidential ticket .
Usually , this is done in prime time , but the GOP is getting that bit of business out of the way early .
Rumors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Time speakers include the McCloskey ’ s , Sen. Tim Scott , Rep. Jim Jordan , Rep. Steve Scalise , former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley .
Also on hand is current Democratic Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones .
Let ’ s see if an African-American democrat who supports Trump gets as much coverage from the media has old white republicans who loathe Trump .
A late add to the line-up is Congressional candidate Kimberly Klacik , whose indictment of Democrats running Baltimore and other big cities went viral last week .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jr. and girlfriend and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle .
( Bonus points if Don Jr. uses the occasion to propose to her .
Cheezy ?
Not as cheezy as Biden and others constantly evoking his late wife . )
Tuesday , “ Land of Opportunity ” : Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump are scheduled , as is Nick Sandmann and Abby Johnson .
First Lady Melania Trump will be the top name .
She ’ ll be speaking from the newly-redesigned Rose Garden .
It ’ s actually a throwback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that isn ’ t stopping the deranged TDS crowd from hyperventilating .
Former New York Times reporter Kurt Eichenwald was particularly savage and xenophobic .
He ’ s “ furious ” a “ foreigner ” would “ wreck a piece of history.
” You have to see the tweet to believe it .
Melania speaks five languages and in not one of them is a word to describe that level of stupidity .
Wednesday , “ Land of Heroes ” : Vice President Pence will speak from Baltimore at Fort McHenry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes Richard Grenell , and rising GOP stars Gov .
Kristi Noem , Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Rep. Elise Stefanik .
Eric Trump ’ s wife , Lara Trump , a top campaign official , will represent the family .
Thursday , “ Land of Greatness ” : President Donald Trump will deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House .
His opening acts include Ivanka Trump , Ben Carson , Rudy Giuliani and Rev .
Franklin Graham .
The night will end with fireworks .
But with Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case ?
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

Donald J. Trump begins a four night engagement tonight, live from the White House, Charlotte and who knows where else. Technically, it’s the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, but thanks to Covid-19, participants and venues will be scattered about the country.
However, make no mistake, Trump will be the top act on the bill every night. And why not?
The Showman
Politics aside, love him or hate him, he’s the best show in town. Why keep him away? One reason Bruce Springsteen is rightly considered the best live performer of the past 50 years is because he never phones it in, you’re guaranteed an experience, and you’re never quite sure what musical surprise he has in store. Your eyes are glued to the stage, however exhausted you get.
Trump can also be exhausting. Yet there’s always a surprise, always a moment. Sometimes several. Is it a devastating jab to light up Twitterverse? Is it an historic announcement? A 10-minute spontaneous comedic riff on showers and toilets that stand-ups at the Comedy Store would kill to be able to craft? A comment that makes CNN talking heads explode (only to prove true down the line)?
A common sense solution to a problem the Swamp’s been stuck on for years? A barb that makes even supporters go, “Oh why’d he have to go there!”? A fun anecdote from his days among the glorious and glittering? A powerful reminder of what is great and good about America?
Sometimes he crams them all together, riffing from one to the next with dizzying speed, leaving you out of breath and your head spinning. (Kinda like the old Springsteen’s encore favorite “Detroit Medley.”)
Yes, the mainstream media loathes Trump. 95% percent of his coverage is negative. But they can’t stop talking about him. They also know he puts fannies in the seats. And whether in joy or anger, he gets those fannies jumping.
I still hold that one reason so many entertainers gripe about Trump is because he’s better at it than they are.
The Convention
The business end of the convention takes place in Charlotte, under strict Covid restrictions. For example, only 336 delegates will be present. CNN summarizes the 8-hours of prime time this way:
Trump, a television producer at heart, is hoping for a convention next week that looks vastly different from the all-digital event Democrats have staged over the past days — including an emphasis on live programming and at least some type of audience who can respond to the multiple appearances he is planning.
Translation: He wants to avoid the convention being dull. And that means TV producer Trump making sure TV star Trump is ever-present. Who needs actress Eva Longoria when you’ve got the star of The Apprentice?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The New York Times is reporting that Trump will be speaking in the 10 o’clock hour each of the four nights. Campaign advisor Jason Miller tells CNN that Trump will be speaking “at various points through each of the nights.”
Each night will also feature Trump family members. (Well, maybe not his niece, a wretched creature who leaked a secretly recorded conversation with Trump’s older sister the weekend they buried their brother Robert.)
The schedule of speakers is still fluid, but keep a special eye out for:
Nick Sandmann The Covington high school teen falsely slandered by CNN, the Washington Post and a slew of other media outlet (and his own bishop), will be speaking. Hopefully, without some radical banging a drum in his face.
Mark and Patrick McCloskey The St. Louis couple charged after defending their home, their lives and their dog from a horde of protesters who broke onto their property.
Alice Johnson The black woman who was serving a life sentence before being freed by President Trump. The first of those many thousands to benefit from Trump’s Second Chances effort and prison reform.
Abby Johnson The former Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life advocate.
The Parents of Kayla Mueller The humanitarian aide worker kidnapped, tortured and murdered by ISIS.
The Schedule Rundown
Here’s a basic rundown and themes of the four nights.
Monday, “Land of Promise”: During the day, delegates will convene in Charlotte. They’ll conduct the traditional roll call vote and formally renominate Trump and Mike Pence for the Republican Party’s presidential ticket. Usually, this is done in prime time, but the GOP is getting that bit of business out of the way early. Rumors are Trump will be there.
Featured Prime Time speakers include the McCloskey’s, Sen. Tim Scott, Rep. Jim Jordan, Rep. Steve Scalise, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Also on hand is current Democratic Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones. Let’s see if an African-American democrat who supports Trump gets as much coverage from the media as old white Republicans who loathe Trump.
A late add to the line-up is Congressional candidate Kimberly Klacik, whose indictment of Democrats running Baltimore and other big cities went viral last week.
The Trump family is represented by Donald Trump, Jr. and girlfriend and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. (Bonus points if Don Jr. uses the occasion to propose to her. Cheezy? Not as cheezy as Biden and others constantly evoking his late wife.)
Tuesday, “Land of Opportunity”: Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump are scheduled, as is Nick Sandmann and Abby Johnson. First Lady Melania Trump will be the top name. She’ll be speaking from the newly-redesigned Rose Garden. It’s actually a throwback to Jacqueline Kennedy’s original blueprints. But that isn’t stopping the deranged TDS crowd from hyperventilating.
Former New York Times reporter Kurt Eichenwald was particularly savage and xenophobic. He’s “furious” a “foreigner” would “wreck a piece of history.” You have to see the tweet to believe it. Melania speaks five languages and in not one of them is a word to describe that level of stupidity.
Wednesday, “Land of Heroes”: Vice President Pence will speak from Baltimore at Fort McHenry. As it stands, the night includes Richard Grenell, and rising GOP stars Gov. Kristi Noem, Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Rep. Elise Stefanik. Eric Trump’s wife, Lara Trump, a top campaign official, will represent the family.
Thursday, “Land of Greatness”: President Donald Trump will deliver his acceptance speech from the South Lawn of the White House. His opening acts include Ivanka Trump, Ben Carson, Rudy Giuliani and Rev. Franklin Graham.
The night will end with fireworks. But with Trump, isn’t that always the case?
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-08-24--‘Defund the Police’? Spinners Try Changing the Meaning of the Word

These days we often hear and see the slogan “ defund the police.
” I would like to draw our attention to the word “ defund.
” And I would encourage the sloganeers to heed the words of the famous swordsman Inigo Montoya ( from that wonderful film The Princess Bride ) : “ You keep using that word .
I do not think it means what you think it means.
” My friend and former colleague Tim Perry , PhD , adds refreshing clarity : “ Now that I know that ‘ Defund the Police ’ means ‘ Stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem , ’ I ’ m all for it .
Just don ’ t understand why the people who pick slogans picked this one .
Because what it says is not what they tell me they mean.
” To back up Dr. Perry ’ s observation on “ what it says , ” consider the following dictionary definitions of “ defund ” : • to withdraw financial support from ( Dictionary.com ) • to stop providing the money to pay for something ( Cambridge English Dictionary ) • to remove the funds from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme ) ( Collins English Dictionary ) • to withdraw financial support from ( The Free Dictionary ) Also , consider why ( besides the lexicons ’ definitions of “ defund ” ) many English-language users might take “ Defund the Police ” to mean what the dictionaries say it means , i.e.
, to stop funding the police : • When I derail a train , I get the train off the tracks .
• When I decaffeinate coffee , I take out the caffeine from the coffee .
• When I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get rid of the trees .
• When I deactivate something , I make it inactive or ineffective .
• When I defrost my windshield , I get rid of the frost .
• When I debone a fish , I remove the bones from the fish .
• When I delouse my cat , I get rid of its lice .
• When I decongest my sinuses , I get rid of the congestion .
• When I dehydrate something , I remove the water/hydration from it .
Also , consider why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police ( when the word “ defund ” is understood in its normal lexical usage as canceling/withdrawing financial support ) .
Consider these observations from Steven Pinker , PhD , Professor of Psychology at Harvard University : When law enforcement vanishes , all manner of violence breaks out : looting , settling old scores , ethnic cleansing , and petty warfare among gangs , warlords and mafias .
This was obvious in the remnants of Yugoslavia , the Soviet Union , and parts of Africa in the 1990s , but can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civility .
As a young teenager in proudly peaceable Canada during the romantic 1960s , I was a true believer in Bakunin ’ s anarchism .
I laughed off my parents ’ argument that if the government ever laid down its arms all hell would break loose .
Our competing predictions were put to the test at 8:00 A.M. on October 17 , 1969 , when the Montreal police went on strike .
By 11:20 A.M. the first bank was robbed .
By noon most downtown stores had closed because of looting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxi drivers burned down the garage of a limousine service that had competed with them for airport customers , a rooftop sniper killed a provincial police officer , rioters broke into several hotels and restaurants , and a doctor slew a burglar in his suburban home .
By the end of the day , six banks had been robbed , a hundred shops had been looted , twelve fires had been set , forty carloads of storefront glass had been broken , and three million dollars in property damage had been inflicted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the army and , of course , the Mounties to restore order .
This decisive empirical test left my politics in tatters ( and offered a foretaste of life as a scientist ) .
Permit me to close with a heavily embellished paraphrase of our earlier quote from Inigo Montoya : Protesters keep using the slogan “ Defund the Police , ” but I don ’ t think the slogan means what many protesters claim it means — and I ’ m deeply troubled and even suspicious that those protesters continue to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters who do think it means what it clearly says it means .
Hendrik van der Breggen , PhD , is a retired philosophy professor who lives in Steinbach , Manitoba , Canada .

These days we often hear and see the slogan “defund the police.” I would like to draw our attention to the word “defund.” And I would encourage the sloganeers to heed the words of the famous swordsman Inigo Montoya (from that wonderful film The Princess Bride): “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
My friend and former colleague Tim Perry, PhD, adds refreshing clarity: “Now that I know that ‘Defund the Police’ means ‘Stop treating every social problem as a police problem,’ I’m all for it. Just don’t understand why the people who pick slogans picked this one. Because what it says is not what they tell me they mean.”
Defund, Defined
To back up Dr. Perry’s observation on “what it says,” consider the following dictionary definitions of “defund”:
to withdraw funding from (Merriam Webster)
to withdraw financial support from (Dictionary.com)
to stop providing the money to pay for something (Cambridge English Dictionary)
to remove the funds from (a person, organization, or scheme) (Collins English Dictionary)
prevent from continuing to receive funds (Oxford Dictionary)
to withdraw financial support from (The Free Dictionary)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Also, consider why (besides the lexicons’ definitions of “defund”) many English-language users might take “Defund the Police” to mean what the dictionaries say it means, i.e., to stop funding the police:
When I derail a train, I get the train off the tracks.
When I decaffeinate coffee, I take out the caffeine from the coffee.
When I deforest an area of land, I get rid of the trees.
When I deactivate something, I make it inactive or ineffective.
When I defrost my windshield, I get rid of the frost.
When I debone a fish, I remove the bones from the fish.
When I delouse my cat, I get rid of its lice.
When I decongest my sinuses, I get rid of the congestion.
When I dehorn a bull, I remove its horns.
When I dehydrate something, I remove the water/hydration from it.
A Day in a City Without Police
Also, consider why reasonable people are legitimately concerned about defunding the police (when the word “defund” is understood in its normal lexical usage as canceling/withdrawing financial support). Consider these observations from Steven Pinker, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University:
When law enforcement vanishes, all manner of violence breaks out: looting, settling old scores, ethnic cleansing, and petty warfare among gangs, warlords and mafias. This was obvious in the remnants of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and parts of Africa in the 1990s, but can also happen in countries with a long tradition of civility. As a young teenager in proudly peaceable Canada during the romantic 1960s, I was a true believer in Bakunin’s anarchism. I laughed off my parents’ argument that if the government ever laid down its arms all hell would break loose. Our competing predictions were put to the test at 8:00 A.M. on October 17, 1969, when the Montreal police went on strike. By 11:20 A.M. the first bank was robbed. By noon most downtown stores had closed because of looting. Within a few more hours, taxi drivers burned down the garage of a limousine service that had competed with them for airport customers, a rooftop sniper killed a provincial police officer, rioters broke into several hotels and restaurants, and a doctor slew a burglar in his suburban home. By the end of the day, six banks had been robbed, a hundred shops had been looted, twelve fires had been set, forty carloads of storefront glass had been broken, and three million dollars in property damage had been inflicted, before city authorities had to call in the army and, of course, the Mounties to restore order. This decisive empirical test left my politics in tatters (and offered a foretaste of life as a scientist).
Permit me to close with a heavily embellished paraphrase of our earlier quote from Inigo Montoya: Protesters keep using the slogan “Defund the Police,” but I don’t think the slogan means what many protesters claim it means — and I’m deeply troubled and even suspicious that those protesters continue to use the slogan because there are also many protesters who do think it means what it clearly says it means.
Hendrik van der Breggen, PhD, is a retired philosophy professor who lives in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.


thestream--2020-08-24--Better to Cut Off Your Hand Than Use It to Vote for Biden

If America were a person right now , its real friends would be texting each other over when and where to stage an “ intervention.
” Before it ’ s too late .
Poland would be direct messaging Hungary .
Brazil would be tracking down Britain and Israel .
Taiwan would see if the Kurds would come — if they weren ’ t still mad about America ’ s torrid , blotto weekend with Turkey .
America ’ s fair-weather “ drunk friends ” wouldn ’ t bother , of course .
They like “ drunk America ” better .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fights with Russia over LGBT issues .
Or buying yet another round for every freeloader in NATO .
Or letting pickpockets steal manufacturing jobs out of its jacket , and intellectual property from the laptop America soddenly left in the VIP room after it bought China a lap dance .
An Extremist Party on the Brink of Taking Power We haven ’ t since 1860 seen a major political party threaten civil war if the people don ’ t vote for it .
We ’ d never seen one party pervert and corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its opponents with treason .
Till 2016 .
Not since the 1920s have we seen one party use violent mobs to intimidate its opponents in the streets and attack their homes .
( That ’ s when the Democrats used the Ku Klux Klan , and the Nazis used their brown shirts , over in Germany . )
The Democrats have promised , if they win , to blow up every restraint on their power built into our Constitution and customs .
They ’ ll trash the Electoral College .
Eliminate the filibuster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to the Union .
Amnesty tens of millions of illegals .
Eliminate voter ID .
Pack the Supreme Court with four or six or nine new members , so they can rule by decree and gut the Constitution in each of the 50 states .
If you don ’ t believe me , just Google each of those topics along with the word “ Democrat.
” They ’ re not even being coy about their quest for a one-party state .
Because of all this , I ask you to think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not in terms of politics , but of spiritual life and death .
Consider that a friend or family member who is considering voting for Biden is a human being in crisis .
A soul on the brink of ruin .
A guy about to “ just try out ” crystal meth , and “ see what happens.
” A woman holding an infant , hanging from the guard rail of the Golden Gate Bridge .
Or thinking of voting for Biden .
You and I can ’ t judge the subjective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we must be clear on the objective goodness or evil of certain actions .
Then leave the rest to the mercy of God .
We don ’ t know if a given person who died by suicide ended up in hell .
But we know — like the Christians in the Middle Ages who buried suicides at crossroads without any headstone — that self-murder is a damnable act , in itself .
And so is a vote for Biden .
When theologians call something “ intrinsically evil , ” they mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always and everywhere evil , under any circumstance , by the very nature of things .
A short list of examples includes adultery , blasphemy , idolatry , rape and murder .
It ’ s that stark , that clear .
Do you really doubt it ?
Maybe you do .
Rather than repeat what I ’ ve written here before , let me point you , topic by topic , to careful arguments published here at The Stream .
Each exposes the evils Democrats favor on a long list of issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends or family for backing this wicked , extremist , anti-Christian and anti-American party ?
To expunge that , just click and read : Take innocent unborn life .
The Democrats consider it utterly worthless .
They would grant unborn children fewer rights than black slaves had in the Confederacy .
Fewer claims to humane treatment and a quick painless death than pigs in factory farms .
The Democrats favor letting Planned Parenthood sell baby eyes and lungs in Styrofoam containers as KFC sells chicken parts .
And they ’ ll try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams to raid their homes at 6 a.m .
The Democrats oppose any enforcement of the democratically enacted immigration laws many of them actually voted for in the past .
They want to turn our borders over entirely to human traffickers , drug cartels that smuggle in hundreds of thousands every year , raping ( by some estimates ) 80 % of the women and girls they transport .
Thousands of immigrant children end up as slave laborers on farms , or in the clutches of the sex industry .
Democrats will wink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare and voting rolls with newly minted Democrats , and for no other reason .
The Democrats want to strip Americans of the fundamental , God-given right to protect their families from crime , and their fellow citizens from tyranny .
At the same time , they want to defund or disband local police , and turn over whole U.S. cities to armed , political mobs .
As they ’ ve already done in Seattle , Portland , and other cities under Democrat control .
In state after state , Democrat governors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended huge swathes of our Constitution and closed our churches , in the name of “ fighting the virus.
” The same people who back in March were telling us to go out and party in Chinatown , and denouncing Trump ’ s travel ban ?
In April , they begged for “ 15 days to flatten the curve , ” and save our hospitals from getting inundated .
( We ’ ve just passed Day 150 . )
Now ?
Joe Biden is warning that he ’ ll lock down the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any transmission of a virus that has already spread throughout the country .
How sincere are the Democrats in caring about “ saving human lives ” ?
Not one blue state governor has apologized for or explained his decision to dump COVID patients on the most vulnerable Americans , those locked in nursing homes .
Tens of thousands of deaths lie on the conscience of governors in New York , New Jersey , Pennsylvania and California .
The media never mentions those deaths .
Nor the much lower death rates in red states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why should you trust the motives of Democrats who shrugged at this mass slaughter ?
Stand Up for the Vulnerable Some Christians still object to Donald Trump , and can ’ t bring themselves to vote for him .
So they ’ re staying home , or writing in some joke candidate like “ John McCain.
” I think this is grossly imprudent , but prudence can always be argued over .
There are various shades of gray .
Some people won ’ t sully themselves by supporting somebody they find vulgar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s no accounting for people ’ s priorities .
I suggest you send such people , if you still know any , Jason Jones ’ powerful case that Donald Trump in fact stands up for the vulnerable all across the board .
But there ’ s not one pixel of grey in voting for Biden .
It ’ s evil .
Better to cut off the hand that would pull the lever for the Democrats in 2020 , than go with both hands to hell .
At Least Do No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince your friends or family to vote against Joe Biden , do all you can to convince them not to vote at all .
Cite the statistics on how grossly unlikely a single vote is to change anything .
Remind them that he ’ s corrupt , senile , and probably kind of racist .
Tell them that by voting for Biden they ’ re rewarding the party establishment that ripped off Bernie Sanders .
Show them that the Democrats ’ established church , Planned Parenthood , was founded by Nazi collaborators .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes .
Remember that you ’ re a cop trying to talk someone off the ledge .
That ’ s true for your friend who might cast an evil vote .
And for our country , which stares down at the abyss .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .
He is co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
@

If America were a person right now, its real friends would be texting each other over when and where to stage an “intervention.” Before it’s too late. Poland would be direct messaging Hungary. Brazil would be tracking down Britain and Israel. Taiwan would see if the Kurds would come — if they weren’t still mad about America’s torrid, blotto weekend with Turkey.
America’s fair-weather “drunk friends” wouldn’t bother, of course. They like “drunk America” better. They grin when it’s picking fights with Russia over LGBT issues. Or buying yet another round for every freeloader in NATO. Or letting pickpockets steal manufacturing jobs out of its jacket, and intellectual property from the laptop America soddenly left in the VIP room after it bought China a lap dance.
An Extremist Party on the Brink of Taking Power
We haven’t since 1860 seen a major political party threaten civil war if the people don’t vote for it. We’d never seen one party pervert and corrupt the whole national security apparatus to smear its opponents with treason. Till 2016. Not since the 1920s have we seen one party use violent mobs to intimidate its opponents in the streets and attack their homes. (That’s when the Democrats used the Ku Klux Klan, and the Nazis used their brown shirts, over in Germany.)
Are you still cutting some slack to friends or family for backing this wicked, extremist, anti-Christian and anti-American party?
The Democrats have promised, if they win, to blow up every restraint on their power built into our Constitution and customs. They’ll trash the Electoral College. Eliminate the filibuster. Make up new states and admit them to the Union. Amnesty tens of millions of illegals. Eliminate voter ID. Pack the Supreme Court with four or six or nine new members, so they can rule by decree and gut the Constitution in each of the 50 states. If you don’t believe me, just Google each of those topics along with the word “Democrat.” They’re not even being coy about their quest for a one-party state.
When a Vote Is a Deadly Sin
Because of all this, I ask you to think about the 2020 election in a new way. Not in terms of politics, but of spiritual life and death. Consider that a friend or family member who is considering voting for Biden is a human being in crisis. A soul on the brink of ruin. A guy about to “just try out” crystal meth, and “see what happens.” A woman holding an infant, hanging from the guard rail of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Or thinking of voting for Biden.
You and I can’t judge the subjective culpability of any person, of course. But we must be clear on the objective goodness or evil of certain actions. Then leave the rest to the mercy of God. We don’t know if a given person who died by suicide ended up in hell. But we know — like the Christians in the Middle Ages who buried suicides at crossroads without any headstone — that self-murder is a damnable act, in itself.
And so is a vote for Biden.
When theologians call something “intrinsically evil,” they mean that it’s something that is always and everywhere evil, under any circumstance, by the very nature of things. A short list of examples includes adultery, blasphemy, idolatry, rape and murder.
Add in a vote for Biden.
A Referendum on Evil
It’s that stark, that clear. Do you really doubt it? Maybe you do. Rather than repeat what I’ve written here before, let me point you, topic by topic, to careful arguments published here at The Stream. Each exposes the evils Democrats favor on a long list of issues. Are you still cutting some slack to friends or family for backing this wicked, extremist, anti-Christian and anti-American party? To expunge that, just click and read:
Innocent Unborn Life
Take innocent unborn life. The Democrats consider it utterly worthless. They would grant unborn children fewer rights than black slaves had in the Confederacy. Fewer claims to humane treatment and a quick painless death than pigs in factory farms. The Democrats favor letting Planned Parenthood sell baby eyes and lungs in Styrofoam containers as KFC sells chicken parts. And they’ll try to imprison those who object, sending SWAT teams to raid their homes at 6 a.m.
Chaos at the Border
The Democrats oppose any enforcement of the democratically enacted immigration laws many of them actually voted for in the past. They want to turn our borders over entirely to human traffickers, drug cartels that smuggle in hundreds of thousands every year, raping (by some estimates) 80% of the women and girls they transport. Thousands of immigrant children end up as slave laborers on farms, or in the clutches of the sex industry. Democrats will wink at all this, to flood the welfare and voting rolls with newly minted Democrats, and for no other reason.
Seizing Our Gun Rights
The Democrats want to strip Americans of the fundamental, God-given right to protect their families from crime, and their fellow citizens from tyranny. At the same time, they want to defund or disband local police, and turn over whole U.S. cities to armed, political mobs. As they’ve already done in Seattle, Portland, and other cities under Democrat control.
Indefinite Lockdowns, One-Man Rule
In state after state, Democrat governors have imposed open-ended lockdowns. They’ve suspended huge swathes of our Constitution and closed our churches, in the name of “fighting the virus.” The same people who back in March were telling us to go out and party in Chinatown, and denouncing Trump’s travel ban? In April, they begged for “15 days to flatten the curve,” and save our hospitals from getting inundated. (We’ve just passed Day 150.) Now? Joe Biden is warning that he’ll lock down the whole country indefinitely. The pretext? Preventing any transmission of a virus that has already spread throughout the country. How sincere are the Democrats in caring about “saving human lives”?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Not one blue state governor has apologized for or explained his decision to dump COVID patients on the most vulnerable Americans, those locked in nursing homes. Tens of thousands of deaths lie on the conscience of governors in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. The media never mentions those deaths. Nor the much lower death rates in red states like Florida. Ask yourself why. Why should you trust the motives of Democrats who shrugged at this mass slaughter?
Stand Up for the Vulnerable
Some Christians still object to Donald Trump, and can’t bring themselves to vote for him. So they’re staying home, or writing in some joke candidate like “John McCain.” I think this is grossly imprudent, but prudence can always be argued over. There are various shades of gray. Some people won’t sully themselves by supporting somebody they find vulgar, just to save their country. Hey, there’s no accounting for priorities. I suggest you send such people, if you still know any, Jason Jones’ powerful case that Donald Trump in fact stands up for the vulnerable all across the board.
But there’s not one pixel of grey in voting for Biden. It’s evil. Better to cut off the hand that would pull the lever for the Democrats in 2020, than go with both hands to hell.
At Least Do No Harm
So if you can’t convince your friends or family to vote against Joe Biden, do all you can to convince them not to vote at all. Cite the statistics on how grossly unlikely a single vote is to change anything. Remind them that he’s corrupt, senile, and probably kind of racist. Tell them that by voting for Biden they’re rewarding the party establishment that ripped off Bernie Sanders. Show them that the Democrats’ established church, Planned Parenthood, was founded by Nazi collaborators.
Without lying, say or do whatever it takes. Remember that you’re a cop trying to talk someone off the ledge. That’s true for your friend who might cast an evil vote. And for our country, which stares down at the abyss.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”


thestream--2020-08-24--Military Photo of the Day: Air Show Over Wyoming

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor , A-10 Thunderbolt II , and F-35A Lightning II fly in formation during the @ @ @ @ @ F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 22 , 2020 .

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and F-35A Lightning II fly in formation during the Wings Over Warren Airshow at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 22, 2020.
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thestream--2020-08-24--5 Questions With Mary Millben Who Opened RNC With National Anthem

“ Look across the country , and you ’ ll see a lot of division on a host of fronts , ” said Mary Millben in a phone interview from Charlotte , N.C .
The singer has performed at the Super Bowl , in several films , and for three consecutive U.S. presidents .
And on Monday , her stirring and soulful take on the National Anthem opened the 2020 Republican National Convention .
Millben hopes her voice can transcend current divides .
“ The anthem represents our shared love for this country , ” she said .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — to put aside all politics , our differences of upbringing , or what have you.
” Only hours before she stepped on to the national stage , Millben discusses her inspiring life story , responds to critics , and commends recent policies that she sees benefiting all Americans .
Singing the national anthem can seem like only a perfunctory part of an occasion .
Why is it significant for you to give voice to the anthem ?
Mary Millben : Today in our culture , there ’ s a lot of conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ length of my career , I ’ ve been blessed to travel across this nation and perform America ’ s patriotic music .
There is deeper meaning when we sing “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” at a sporting event or political function .
To me , it ’ s a sacred moment where we really pause — all of us unified — and reflect on the great country that we live in .
Thanks to those who have served our country , we have been gifted and granted vast liberties .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who have laid down their lives so that we could have the freedoms that we are able to have .
Certainly I applaud those entities who continue to include the anthem in public forums , because patriotism should always be valued .
By singing the anthem , I can be a part of facilitating moments of unity .
As an outspoken conservative , it ’ s notable that you are opening the RNC .
What about the platform and the party values do you resonate with ?
Millben : You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I ’ m a conservative .
As a small business owner , I applaud policies put in place to help local entrepreneurs .
During this pandemic , we ’ ve seen Ivanka Trump at the White House working with Congress to bring in additional funds — millions of dollars , in fact — to help small businesses , with a focus on minorities and women .
That ’ s certainly one area where I align with the party .
I am also vocal in supporting the pro-life agenda and family values .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being in a profession that happens to be apolitical .
As an artist , I perform in a diversity of arenas that have Democrats , Republicans , vegans , a host of a different perspectives .
I value that , because we are living in a time where we need to purposefully find ourselves in arenas around others that differ from us .
Then we can learn from each other and grow in our own convictions .
The more diversity that we have in policy discussions , the better we will get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s my stance above everything .
At the end of the day , my strongest conviction is to use my platform as an artist to unify the country — regardless of party , religion , background , or what have you .
Some black Christian leaders have significant differences with the current administration .
How do you respond to critics of your involvement in this event ?
Millben : Well , I always start off by saying : You ’ re never going to please everybody .
My allegiance is first to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to step into an opportunity , I don ’ t go to people first .
I go to the Lord first , to seek his blessing , direction , and guidance .
And then I go from there .
I ’ ve had the great pleasure to have performed for three consecutive U.S. Presidents .
If you get asked by any president or administration , regardless of party , to perform , it ’ s an honor .
It ’ s a call to service .
So this is not my first rodeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an African American singing at the Republican convention , my response is : look at the policies and data .
The unemployment rate has significantly dropped across communities of color , especially before the pandemic .
I thank God for the ability to be able to use my gift to have work during this time , which is still very tough for a lot of folks .
Opportunity zones are a policy that Senator Tim Scott has designed and led , along with other members of Congress .
That initiative has benefited minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has also allocated the most money to historically black colleges and universities .
Those investment dollars are benefiting families and communities of color all across the country .
No question , there are a lot of critics .
But I encourage those leaders who are critical to sit down and research some of these policies .
We need a mentality that says : Let ’ s do what ’ s best to benefit the country .
Let ’ s move through this difficult season we ’ re in today , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the great frontier that we live in .
You ’ ve spoken about patriotism , which many today contrast with nationalism .
How do you navigate that line between patriotism and nationalism ?
Millben : I think that there has to be some sensitivity to the line between patriotism and nationalism .
In your expression of patriotism , your love for country , it certainly shouldn ’ t go to the extent that it demeans another country or culture .
That can cross a line that is harmful and dangerous .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an American .
In the context of jobs or energy , the idea of ‘ America first ’ is one I resonate with .
So I ’ m a big believer in patriotism .
I ’ ve also had the great pleasure to travel all over the world , seeing and experiencing all types of cultures .
People worldwide take pride in their culture and being a citizen of their country .
Most people are proud of where we come from .
So I think that ’ s important .
You just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express patriotism doesn ’ t move in a direction that would demean another culture or country or another person ’ s sense of patriotism .
As you have opportunities to speak and sing on stages around the world , how does your upbringing keep you grounded ?
Millben : My mom was a single mother in Oklahoma who worked very hard to raise her four kids .
We certainly didn ’ t grow up with money in our pockets .
But she put the Lord at the forefront of everything that we did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the benefits of this great country .
So I ’ m not a person who can separate faith and life , or faith and career .
My compass is faith in Jesus Christ .
As the Word guides me , my purpose is living as the Lord would instruct me .
I ’ m not perfect by any means ; I certainly make mistakes , but we thank God for grace and mercy .
It is in him we live and move and have our being , as the Scripture says .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , before I ’ m an American , first and foremost , I am a child of God .
That ’ s first .
With every opportunity I ’ m given , I pray for it be a vehicle for his glory .
Learn more about singer/actress Mary Millben , and explore The Stream ’ s complete music coverage .
Stream contributor Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Federalist .
Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“Look across the country, and you’ll see a lot of division on a host of fronts,” said Mary Millben in a phone interview from Charlotte, N.C.
The singer has performed at the Super Bowl, in several films, and for three consecutive U.S. presidents. And on Monday, her stirring and soulful take on the National Anthem opened the 2020 Republican National Convention.
Millben hopes her voice can transcend current divides. “The anthem represents our shared love for this country,” she said. “What we need now are moments of unity — to put aside all politics, our differences of upbringing, or what have you.”
Today, singer/actress @MaryMillben sang the national anthem to open the 2020 RNC Convention In an interview coming soon on @StreamDotOrg, she shared about her upbringing in Oklahoma and her views on transcending current divisions pic.twitter.com/7fViOA271o — Josh M Shepherd (@JoshMShep) August 24, 2020
Only hours before she stepped on to the national stage, Millben discusses her inspiring life story, responds to critics, and commends recent policies that she sees benefiting all Americans.
‘Deeper Meaning’ in Anthem
Singing the national anthem can seem like only a perfunctory part of an occasion. Why is it significant for you to give voice to the anthem?
Mary Millben: Today in our culture, there’s a lot of conversation about the national anthem. For the length of my career, I’ve been blessed to travel across this nation and perform America’s patriotic music. There is deeper meaning when we sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a sporting event or political function.
To me, it’s a sacred moment where we really pause — all of us unified — and reflect on the great country that we live in.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Thanks to those who have served our country, we have been gifted and granted vast liberties. In this moment, we stop and think about those who have laid down their lives so that we could have the freedoms that we are able to have.
Certainly I applaud those entities who continue to include the anthem in public forums, because patriotism should always be valued. By singing the anthem, I can be a part of facilitating moments of unity.
Strength in Diversity
As an outspoken conservative, it’s notable that you are opening the RNC. What about the platform and the party values do you resonate with?
Millben: You’re right, it’s no secret that I’m a conservative. As a small business owner, I applaud policies put in place to help local entrepreneurs.
During this pandemic, we’ve seen Ivanka Trump at the White House working with Congress to bring in additional funds — millions of dollars, in fact — to help small businesses, with a focus on minorities and women.
That’s certainly one area where I align with the party. I am also vocal in supporting the pro-life agenda and family values.
But I have the great blessing of being in a profession that happens to be apolitical. As an artist, I perform in a diversity of arenas that have Democrats, Republicans, vegans, a host of a different perspectives.
I value that, because we are living in a time where we need to purposefully find ourselves in arenas around others that differ from us. Then we can learn from each other and grow in our own convictions.
The more diversity that we have in policy discussions, the better we will get to solutions that benefit all Americans.
That’s my stance above everything. At the end of the day, my strongest conviction is to use my platform as an artist to unify the country — regardless of party, religion, background, or what have you.
‘Look At the Policies’
Some black Christian leaders have significant differences with the current administration. How do you respond to critics of your involvement in this event?
Millben: Well, I always start off by saying: You’re never going to please everybody. My allegiance is first to the Lord. When I am asked to step into an opportunity, I don’t go to people first. I go to the Lord first, to seek his blessing, direction, and guidance. And then I go from there.
I’ve had the great pleasure to have performed for three consecutive U.S. Presidents. If you get asked by any president or administration, regardless of party, to perform, it’s an honor. It’s a call to service. So this is not my first rodeo.
To those who may inquire about an African American singing at the Republican convention, my response is: look at the policies and data. The unemployment rate has significantly dropped across communities of color, especially before the pandemic. I thank God for the ability to be able to use my gift to have work during this time, which is still very tough for a lot of folks.
“If you get asked by any president or administration, regardless of party, to perform, it’s an honor.”
Opportunity zones are a policy that Senator Tim Scott has designed and led, along with other members of Congress. That initiative has benefited minority businesses across this country. The Trump administration has also allocated the most money to historically black colleges and universities. Those investment dollars are benefiting families and communities of color all across the country.
No question, there are a lot of critics. But I encourage those leaders who are critical to sit down and research some of these policies. We need a mentality that says: Let’s do what’s best to benefit the country. Let’s move through this difficult season we’re in today, so that every American can reap the benefits of the great frontier that we live in.
Purpose and Patriotism
You’ve spoken about patriotism, which many today contrast with nationalism. How do you navigate that line between patriotism and nationalism?
Millben: I think that there has to be some sensitivity to the line between patriotism and nationalism. In your expression of patriotism, your love for country, it certainly shouldn’t go to the extent that it demeans another country or culture. That can cross a line that is harmful and dangerous.
There’s nothing wrong with being proud to be an American. In the context of jobs or energy, the idea of ‘America first’ is one I resonate with. So I’m a big believer in patriotism. I’ve also had the great pleasure to travel all over the world, seeing and experiencing all types of cultures. People worldwide take pride in their culture and being a citizen of their country.
Most people are proud of where we come from. So I think that’s important. You just have to be careful that how you express patriotism doesn’t move in a direction that would demean another culture or country or another person’s sense of patriotism.
As you have opportunities to speak and sing on stages around the world, how does your upbringing keep you grounded?
Millben: My mom was a single mother in Oklahoma who worked very hard to raise her four kids. We certainly didn’t grow up with money in our pockets. But she put the Lord at the forefront of everything that we did. And we were blessed thanks to the benefits of this great country.
“My mom worked very hard to raise her four kids; we certainly didn’t grow up with money in our pockets.”
So I’m not a person who can separate faith and life, or faith and career. My compass is faith in Jesus Christ. As the Word guides me, my purpose is living as the Lord would instruct me. I’m not perfect by any means; I certainly make mistakes, but we thank God for grace and mercy.
It is in him we live and move and have our being, as the Scripture says. Before I’m an African American female, before I’m an American, first and foremost, I am a child of God. That’s first. With every opportunity I’m given, I pray for it be a vehicle for his glory.
Learn more about singer/actress Mary Millben, and explore The Stream’s complete music coverage.
Stream contributor Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
/*


thestream--2020-08-24--Hunting for Substance in Biden’s Speech, I Didn’t Find Any

There ’ s an aphorism attributed to Abraham Lincoln , that when you see a dog walking on its hind legs , you don ’ t criticize its posture ; the miracle is that the thing is accomplished at all .
Joe Biden ’ s convention acceptance speech had something of that aspect to it .
So many people were watching on the edge of their seats just to see if he got all the way through it that when he finally did , there was a collective sigh of relief and from the left , a whoop of celebration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with the speech ’ s contents .
In fact , there was so much concentration on Joe ’ s triumph in talking coherently for 20 whole minutes that hardly anyone has commented on the substance of what he said , or rather , the almost complete lack of any substance .
Charles Lipson at Spectator USA is one of the few who examined Joe ’ s words rather than his presentation and found them to be as empty as the Christmas gift boxes in a Macy ’ s holiday window display .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of policy details ( one of the biggest time wasters at debates are the arguments over petty details of economic plans that will never be passed by Congress anyway . )
But I thought the almost complete lack of any concrete proposals deserved more attention .
So I went through a transcript of Biden ’ s speech , hunting for substance with a microscope ( and that ’ s what it took . )
Please note that for this piece , I ’ m not going to focus on the blatant falsehoods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lie again ) , the glaring omissions ( nothing about China or all the riots and shootings in Democrat-run cities ) or the new charge of even more plagiarism , which at least suggests that Joe really did have a hand in writing his speech… I ’ m not even going to ask how he can say , “ I will be an ally of the light not of the darkness ” when he plans to kill off fossil fuel energy and leave the whole country in the dark , like California .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on how , as Dorothy Parker said of Los Angeles , there ’ s no “ there ” there ( see , when I borrow a line , I give credit . )
Here are the issues and what Joe promised to do about them… • Social Security and Medicare : They are a “ sacred obligation , ” and they will be protected from going bankrupt .
How ?
“ You have my word.
” • Injustice in the world : Joe will stand up for “ human rights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common purpose for a more secure , peaceful , and prosperous world.
” Which nations will he stand up to ( China ?
Iran ?
He hasn ’ t got much of a track record of doing that ) and how will this be implemented ?
No further explanation .
• Racism : Joe will lead this generation to “ finally wipe the stain of racism from our national character.
” How ?
“ As a united America .
United in our pursuit of a more perfect Union .
United in our dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our children .
United in our determination to make the coming years bright .
Are we ready ?
I believe we are.
” Well , that should do it .
• School shootings : Joe will end “ the daily fear of being gunned down in school… ” How ?
He picked a running mate who ’ s tough on “ the gun lobby.
” • The pandemic : For this , he offered the most policy details of any issue .
Joe will “ develop and deploy rapid tests with results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those ) … “ make the medical supplies and protective equipment our country needs ” in America ( Trump already launched a private-public partnership that prevented predicted shortages of ventilators and other supplies ) “ so we will never again be at the mercy of China… ” ( Trump stood up to China , Joe criticized him as a xenophobe and has a long record of kowtowing to China ) … “ we ’ ll make sure our schools have the resources they need to be open , safe , and effective ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not opening because teachers ’ unions are blocking it ) … “ we ’ ll put the politics aside and take the muzzle off our experts so the public gets the information they need and deserve .
The honest , unvarnished truth.
” ( Dr. Fauci : “ The President has listened to what I have said…When I ’ ve made recommendations he ’ s taken them .
He ’ s never countered or overridden me.
” ) And he will impose a “ national mandate to wear a mask ” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitutional power to do that . )
• Rampant violence , crime , looting , rioting , arson , shootings and attacks on police in Democrat-run cities where leaders are defunding the police : No mention .
• Everything else under the sun : we will rebuild America better , “ with modern roads , bridges , highways , broadband , ports and airports…pipes that transport clean water to every community… 5 million new manufacturing and technology jobs…a health care system that lowers premiums , deductibles , and drug prices…an education system that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 21st century , where cost doesn ’ t prevent young people from going to college , and student debt doesn ’ t crush them when they get out…child care and elder care…and deal with climate change.
” How ?
“ …We can pay for these investments by ending loopholes and the president ’ s $ 1.3 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthiest 1 percent and the biggest , most profitable corporations… ” Wouldn ’ t that require a massive , confiscatory tax increase that would drive rich people and their job-creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not looking to punish anyone .
Far from it .
But it ’ s long past time the wealthiest people and the biggest corporations in this country paid their fair share.
” Note : The wealthiest 1 % of Americans own 35 % of the nation ’ s wealth and pay 37.3 % of all individual income taxes .
The bottom 90 % pay 30.5 % of taxes .
How does Joe define “ fair share ?
” No further comment .
It seems suddenly appropriate that Joe Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing of masks , since Joe himself has become the smiling , “ empathetic ” mask that the Democrats are forced to wear to hide their ruinously leftist , anti-American policies .
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events .
A New York Times best-selling author , he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN .

There’s an aphorism attributed to Abraham Lincoln, that when you see a dog walking on its hind legs, you don’t criticize its posture; the miracle is that the thing is accomplished at all. Joe Biden’s convention acceptance speech had something of that aspect to it. So many people were watching on the edge of their seats just to see if he got all the way through it that when he finally did, there was a collective sigh of relief and from the left, a whoop of celebration, none of which had anything to do with the speech’s contents. In fact, there was so much concentration on Joe’s triumph in talking coherently for 20 whole minutes that hardly anyone has commented on the substance of what he said, or rather, the almost complete lack of any substance.
A Fruitless Hunt for Substance
Charles Lipson at Spectator USA is one of the few who examined Joe’s words rather than his presentation and found them to be as empty as the Christmas gift boxes in a Macy’s holiday window display.
I don’t expect a lot of policy details (one of the biggest time wasters at debates are the arguments over petty details of economic plans that will never be passed by Congress anyway.) But I thought the almost complete lack of any concrete proposals deserved more attention. So I went through a transcript of Biden’s speech, hunting for substance with a microscope (and that’s what it took.) Please note that for this piece, I’m not going to focus on the blatant falsehoods and misrepresentations (the “fine people” lie again), the glaring omissions (nothing about China or all the riots and shootings in Democrat-run cities) or the new charge of even more plagiarism, which at least suggests that Joe really did have a hand in writing his speech…
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I’m not even going to ask how he can say, “I will be an ally of the light not of the darkness” when he plans to kill off fossil fuel energy and leave the whole country in the dark, like California.
Instead, I’m just going to focus on how, as Dorothy Parker said of Los Angeles, there’s no “there” there (see, when I borrow a line, I give credit.) Here are the issues and what Joe promised to do about them…
Social Security and Medicare: They are a “sacred obligation,” and they will be protected from going bankrupt. How? “You have my word.” Injustice in the world: Joe will stand up for “human rights and dignity. And I will work in common purpose for a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous world.” Which nations will he stand up to (China? Iran? He hasn’t got much of a track record of doing that) and how will this be implemented? No further explanation. Racism: Joe will lead this generation to “finally wipe the stain of racism from our national character.” How? “As a united America. United in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. United in our dreams of a better future for us and for our children. United in our determination to make the coming years bright. Are we ready? I believe we are.” Well, that should do it. School shootings: Joe will end “the daily fear of being gunned down in school…” How? He picked a running mate who’s tough on “the gun lobby.” The pandemic: For this, he offered the most policy details of any issue. Joe will “develop and deploy rapid tests with results available immediately” (we already have those)…“make the medical supplies and protective equipment our country needs” in America (Trump already launched a private-public partnership that prevented predicted shortages of ventilators and other supplies) “so we will never again be at the mercy of China…” (Trump stood up to China, Joe criticized him as a xenophobe and has a long record of kowtowing to China)…“we’ll make sure our schools have the resources they need to be open, safe, and effective” (they already do; they’re not opening because teachers’ unions are blocking it)…“we’ll put the politics aside and take the muzzle off our experts so the public gets the information they need and deserve. The honest, unvarnished truth.” (Dr. Fauci: “The President has listened to what I have said…When I’ve made recommendations he’s taken them. He’s never countered or overridden me.”) And he will impose a “national mandate to wear a mask” (legal experts say the President has no Constitutional power to do that.) Rampant violence, crime, looting, rioting, arson, shootings and attacks on police in Democrat-run cities where leaders are defunding the police: No mention. Everything else under the sun: we will rebuild America better, “with modern roads, bridges, highways, broadband, ports and airports…pipes that transport clean water to every community… 5 million new manufacturing and technology jobs…a health care system that lowers premiums, deductibles, and drug prices…an education system that trains our people for the best jobs of the 21st century, where cost doesn’t prevent young people from going to college, and student debt doesn’t crush them when they get out…child care and elder care…and deal with climate change.” How? “…We can pay for these investments by ending loopholes and the president’s $1.3 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthiest 1 percent and the biggest, most profitable corporations…”
Wouldn’t that require a massive, confiscatory tax increase that would drive rich people and their job-creating capital out of the US? “I’m not looking to punish anyone. Far from it. But it’s long past time the wealthiest people and the biggest corporations in this country paid their fair share.” Note: The wealthiest 1% of Americans own 35% of the nation’s wealth and pay 37.3% of all individual income taxes. The bottom 90% pay 30.5% of taxes. How does Joe define “fair share?” No further comment.
It seems suddenly appropriate that Joe Biden’s most talked-about issue is the mandatory wearing of masks, since Joe himself has become the smiling, “empathetic” mask that the Democrats are forced to wear to hide their ruinously leftist, anti-American policies.
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events. A New York Times best-selling author, he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN.
Originally published at MikeHuckabee.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-08-24--Violence Erupts in Wisconsin Town After Police Shoot Black Suspect Entering His Car

Unrest erupted in Kenosha , Wisconsin overnight after video emerged showing a police officer shooting a black man as he entered his car Sunday evening , according to the Associated Press .
Police used tear gas in an effort to disperse protesters who reportedly threw objects at officers and buildings and set fire to parked cars , the AP reported .
Video shows a man who has been identified as Jacob Blake , according to the AP , walking around the front of his car , followed by officers with their guns drawn .
As Blake opens his driver ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat , an officer grabs his shirt and opens fire from behind , firing seven shots .
The video shows witnesses jumping and screaming after shots are fired .
Blake was taken to a hospital in Milwaukee , where he remains in serious condition , according to a statement from the Kenosha Police Department .
Witnesses said Blake has been attempting to diffuse a dispute between two women before police arrived , according to Kenosha News .
The officers at the scene were placed on administrative leave , according to the AP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer-involved shooting , according to the AP .
Only hours later officers in riot gear and SWAT vehicles were deployed to counter the hundreds of protesters , the AP reported .
Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers released a statement the same night , according to the AP .
“ [ W ] hile we do not have all of the details yet , what we know for certain is that he is not the first black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country , ” Evers said , the AP reported .
“ I have said all along that although we must offer our empathy , equally important is our action .
In the coming days , we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and our country for far too long , ” he said .
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the shooting , AP reported .
Laquisha Booker , Blake ’ s partner , said that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle ’ s back seat when the officer opened fire .
“ That man just literally grabbed him by his shirt and looked the other way and was just shooting him .
With the kids in the back screaming .
Screaming , ” she told NBC ’ s Milwaukee affiliate , according to the AP .
Protesters gathered at the Kenosha County Public Safety Building Sunday night , at times clashing with authorities , AP reported .
The building was closed Monday due to damage suffered the night before , Kenosha authorities said @

Unrest erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin overnight after video emerged showing a police officer shooting a black man as he entered his car Sunday evening, according to the Associated Press.
Police used tear gas in an effort to disperse protesters who reportedly threw objects at officers and buildings and set fire to parked cars, the AP reported.
Video shows a man who has been identified as Jacob Blake, according to the AP, walking around the front of his car, followed by officers with their guns drawn. As Blake opens his driver’s side door and leans over his seat, an officer grabs his shirt and opens fire from behind, firing seven shots.
The video shows witnesses jumping and screaming after shots are fired. Blake was taken to a hospital in Milwaukee, where he remains in serious condition, according to a statement from the Kenosha Police Department.
Witnesses said Blake has been attempting to diffuse a dispute between two women before police arrived, according to Kenosha News.
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The officers at the scene were placed on administrative leave, according to the AP. This is reportedly standard practice after any officer-involved shooting, according to the AP.
Only hours later officers in riot gear and SWAT vehicles were deployed to counter the hundreds of protesters, the AP reported.
An officer got knocked out with a brick tonight in Kenosha, Wisconsin in response to the shooting of an unarmed Black man pic.twitter.com/oW1cQ3CpMl — Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@tariqnasheed) August 24, 2020
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released a statement the same night, according to the AP.
“[W]hile we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country,” Evers said, the AP reported.
“I have said all along that although we must offer our empathy, equally important is our action. In the coming days, we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and our country for far too long,” he said.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the shooting, AP reported.
Laquisha Booker, Blake’s partner, said that she and his three kids were in the vehicle’s back seat when the officer opened fire.
“That man just literally grabbed him by his shirt and looked the other way and was just shooting him. With the kids in the back screaming. Screaming,” she told NBC’s Milwaukee affiliate, according to the AP.
Protesters gathered at the Kenosha County Public Safety Building Sunday night, at times clashing with authorities, AP reported. The building was closed Monday due to damage suffered the night before, Kenosha authorities said.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
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thestream--2020-08-24--Joe Biden: More Catholic Than the Church?

It ’ s that time of an election year .
Catholics will see numerous arguments and claims about how a candidate ’ s platform is compatible with Catholicism .
Or supportive of Catholic “ values.
” Or even simply “ Catholic.
” Some such arguments have merit .
Many do not .
Some pieces take a different approach .
They wrap dubious hagiography in layers of sentimentality and misdirection .
They employ disdain for authority .
At least for certain types of authority .
And they use all sorts of careful buzzwords .
See “ Joe Biden ’ s Catholic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service .
The Jesuit magazine America posted it on its site .
Its headline serves as an immediate giveaway .
The use of the word “ complicated ” conveys a sense of deep waters .
But such spin is mostly cover for shallow puddles .
That is not so much a criticism of Biden as it is of Jenkins ’ rhetorical strategy .
Biden presents himself as a serious , practicing Catholic .
But it ’ s common knowledge he holds positions directly contrary to Catholic teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push square pegs in round holes .
Instead , he presents Biden as a deeply spiritual man transcending the clunky , old-fashioned aspects of Catholicism .
Biden ’ s warm , vaguely humanistic spirituality is presented as more Catholic than Catholicism itself .
Jenkins ’ piece begins with a story of Senator Biden meeting John Paul II in 1980 .
Biden “ refused ” to kiss the ring of the pontiff .
( His refusal was at the behest of his mother . )
This act “ has become a hallmark of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a brand of mid-20th-century political Catholicism that eschews obsessive obedience to the Holy See on matters of policy.
” Biden , then , is his own man .
( Or one who sought to honor his mother . )
He “ manages ” his faith .
He avoids “ obsessive obedience.
” But he is sensitive and informed : Note the portrait .
Biden is attentive to policy .
He is sensitive to social teaching and especially “ justice issues.
” He is dutiful first as a politician .
And he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ dictated ” by it .
He is , as the saying goes , “ spiritual but not religious.
” These buzzwords bring to mind Fulton Sheen ’ s remark that while Marx described religion as ‘ the opium of the people ” , today “ this may mean politics is the heroin of religion.
” On one point , then , the headline is correct .
Biden ’ s politics are deeply American .
He subscribes to a form of what Pope Leo XIII dubbed the heresy of “ Americanism.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s observation that politics rest on ethics and ethics on morality .
And morality , Kirk insisted , is rooted in cultus — that is , religion .
Biden ’ s approach is compared favorably to that of John F. Kennedy .
Again , “ it eschews obsessive obedience to the Holy See on matters of policy.
” Of course , this cuts only one direction .
What if a candidate rejected Church teaching on care for the poor ?
Or concern for the immigrant and acceptance of minorities ?
And sensitivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In that case , I ’ m sure the moral authority of the Holy See would be immediately restored .
And repeatedly invoked .
The Bible : Not So Much The most revealing quote comes from Biden ’ s 2008 book Promises to Keep : On Life in Politics .
Biden writes : What , then , is this Catholic “ culture ” ?
Does it not come from Scripture , Tradition , and the sacraments ?
If not , from what mysterious font does it flow ?
What is its foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catechism of the Catholic Church , “ are lights along the path of faith ; they illuminate it and make it secure.
” Biden , Jenkins writes , like to note that Catholicism calls on believers to be “ our brother ’ s keeper.
” That phrase comes from the story of Cain and Abel ( Gen 4 ) .
Having killed his innocent brother , Cain is asked by God where Abel is .
Cain plays the clueless card : “ I do not know ; am I my brother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How ironic that Biden , who supports abortion , dares to employ the phrase .
“ Women in habits ” and “ one ’ s own conscience ” are pitted against “ the edicts of men in miters.
” But all believers are equally accountable to Christ , the Head of the Church and the source of Truth .
One ’ s conscience must be properly formed by the whole truth .
It does not rest on bits and pieces from certain religious sisters .
Biden ’ s faith is “ complicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man has a “ complicated ” relationship with his wife .
It is messy and difficult to explain when exposed to light and logic .
Biden admires how Kennedy “ had to prove that he wasn ’ t ruled by his beliefs ” .
He says he remains unsure if he has “ a right to impose ” his religious beliefs on others .
Biden apparently sees Catholicism as a religion of rules and arbitrary power .
Whereas he , the enlightened American politician , is about justice , tolerance and acceptance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ political strategy .
But it misrepresents the nature of faith .
Catholicism is not about arbitrary power but authentic authority at the service of Trinitarian communio and agape love .
Yet , remarkably , Biden ’ s silence about the core of the Catholic faith is spun as a sign of deep , complex faith .
Catholic politicians would do well to read two texts .
First , John Paul II ’ s Veritatis Splendor , in order to understand the real nature of freedom and the true meaning of “ conscience.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gentium , which offers a nuanced but clear explanation of the duties of all Catholic laity : Carl E. Olson is the editor of Catholic World Report .

It’s that time of an election year. Catholics will see numerous arguments and claims about how a candidate’s platform is compatible with Catholicism. Or supportive of Catholic “values.” Or even simply “Catholic.” Some such arguments have merit. Many do not.
Some pieces take a different approach. They wrap dubious hagiography in layers of sentimentality and misdirection. They employ disdain for authority. At least for certain types of authority. And they use all sorts of careful buzzwords. See “Joe Biden’s Catholic politics are complicated—but deeply American,” by Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service. The Jesuit magazine America posted it on its site.
Its headline serves as an immediate giveaway. The use of the word “complicated” conveys a sense of deep waters. But such spin is mostly cover for shallow puddles.
Transcending the Church
That is not so much a criticism of Biden as it is of Jenkins’ rhetorical strategy. Biden presents himself as a serious, practicing Catholic. But it’s common knowledge he holds positions directly contrary to Catholic teaching. Therefore, Jenkins avoids trying to push square pegs in round holes. Instead, he presents Biden as a deeply spiritual man transcending the clunky, old-fashioned aspects of Catholicism. Biden’s warm, vaguely humanistic spirituality is presented as more Catholic than Catholicism itself.
Biden subscribes to a form of what Pope Leo XIII dubbed the heresy of “Americanism.”
Jenkins’ piece begins with a story of Senator Biden meeting John Paul II in 1980. Biden “refused” to kiss the ring of the pontiff. (His refusal was at the behest of his mother.) This act “has become a hallmark of how Biden manages his faith, a throwback to a brand of mid-20th-century political Catholicism that eschews obsessive obedience to the Holy See on matters of policy.”
Spiritual, Not Religious
Biden, then, is his own man. (Or one who sought to honor his mother.) He “manages” his faith. He avoids “obsessive obedience.” But he is sensitive and informed:
An Irish Catholic educated by nuns in parochial schools, Biden is quick to invoke the church’s social teaching on the stump. But where Catholic morality rubs up against welfare or justice issues such as abortion and gay rights, Biden’s understanding of his duty as a politician and a Catholic is clear: Decisions are to be informed by the faith he learned from nuns of his youth, not dictated by it.
Note the portrait. Biden is attentive to policy. He is sensitive to social teaching and especially “justice issues.” He is dutiful first as a politician. And he is “informed” by faith but not “dictated” by it. He is, as the saying goes, “spiritual but not religious.”
Politics: The Heroin of Religion
These buzzwords bring to mind Fulton Sheen’s remark that while Marx described religion as ‘the opium of the people”, today “this may mean politics is the heroin of religion.” On one point, then, the headline is correct. Biden’s politics are deeply American. He subscribes to a form of what Pope Leo XIII dubbed the heresy of “Americanism.” He forgets (or inverts) Russell Kirk’s observation that politics rest on ethics and ethics on morality. And morality, Kirk insisted, is rooted in cultus — that is, religion.
Biden’s approach is compared favorably to that of John F. Kennedy. Again, “it eschews obsessive obedience to the Holy See on matters of policy.” Of course, this cuts only one direction. What if a candidate rejected Church teaching on care for the poor? Or concern for the immigrant and acceptance of minorities? And sensitivity to those with an inclination to homosexuality? In that case, I’m sure the moral authority of the Holy See would be immediately restored. And repeatedly invoked.
The Bible: Not So Much
The most revealing quote comes from Biden’s 2008 book Promises to Keep: On Life in Politics. Biden writes:
I’m as much a cultural Catholic as I am a theological Catholic. My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion. It’s not so much the Bible, the beatitudes, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, or the prayers I learned. It’s the culture.
What, then, is this Catholic “culture”? Does it not come from Scripture, Tradition, and the sacraments? If not, from what mysterious font does it flow? What is its foundation? “Dogmas,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate it and make it secure.”
Am I the Fetus’s Keeper?
Biden, Jenkins writes, like to note that Catholicism calls on believers to be “our brother’s keeper.” That phrase comes from the story of Cain and Abel (Gen 4). Having killed his innocent brother, Cain is asked by God where Abel is. Cain plays the clueless card: “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:8). How ironic that Biden, who supports abortion, dares to employ the phrase.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“Women in habits” and “one’s own conscience” are pitted against “the edicts of men in miters.” But all believers are equally accountable to Christ, the Head of the Church and the source of Truth. One’s conscience must be properly formed by the whole truth. It does not rest on bits and pieces from certain religious sisters. Biden’s faith is “complicated” in the same sense an adulterating man has a “complicated” relationship with his wife. It is messy and difficult to explain when exposed to light and logic.
Biden admires how Kennedy “had to prove that he wasn’t ruled by his beliefs”. He says he remains unsure if he has “a right to impose” his religious beliefs on others. Biden apparently sees Catholicism as a religion of rules and arbitrary power. Whereas he, the enlightened American politician, is about justice, tolerance and acceptance.
Accountable to Christ?
Granted, it’s a smart political strategy. But it misrepresents the nature of faith. Catholicism is not about arbitrary power but authentic authority at the service of Trinitarian communio and agape love. Yet, remarkably, Biden’s silence about the core of the Catholic faith is spun as a sign of deep, complex faith.
Catholic politicians would do well to read two texts. First, John Paul II’s Veritatis Splendor, in order to understand the real nature of freedom and the true meaning of “conscience.” Secondly, Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, which offers a nuanced but clear explanation of the duties of all Catholic laity:
[I]n every temporal affair they must be guided by a Christian conscience, since even in secular business there is no human activity which can be withdrawn from God’s dominion. … [T]he temporal sphere is governed by its own principles, since it is rightly concerned with the interests of this world. But that ominous doctrine which attempts to build a society with no regard whatever for religion, and which attacks and destroys the religious liberty of its citizens, is rightly to be rejected. (par 36; emphasis added)
Carl E. Olson is the editor of Catholic World Report.


thestream--2020-08-24--Pope Francis Must Make the Truth Clear and Apologize

Pope Francis has a long history of saying things that seem muddled .
This causes confusion and frustration to a great many Catholics , myself included .
I am no learned scholar or gifted theologian .
I am an ordinary laywoman .
But it is that qualification — woman — that prompts me to speak about the most recent headline involving the Holy Father : Sister Mónica Astorga Cremona , 53 , known locally in Argentina as the “ Nun of the Trans , ” cut the ribbon on the new complex of twelve small apartments dedicated solely to housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners .
Upon hearing the news the Pope responded in a communication , according to the nun , “ Dear Monica , God who did not go to the seminary or study theology will repay you abundantly .
I pray for you and your girls .
We ’ ve no direct link to this communication from the Pope , no image of it , so one might hope he did not actually say these things to Sister Monica .
Perhaps there is a mistake in translation , or just a plain old big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if his reference to “ your girls ” was to other nuns working with Sr. Monica , but I can not buy that .
Religious sisters are called only that — sisters .
I am not the only person to have a strong reaction to this news .
Unlike me , however , Fr .
James Martin was thrilled at the Pope ’ s support of this nun ’ s work with “ transsexual women.
” But how could the Pope have said these things ?
Isn ’ t this the same Pope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ gender theory ” as the evil ideology it is ?
Indeed , Francis has affirmed the gift of male and female as God ’ s beautiful creation , His plan for marriage and the human family .
He affirmed the reciprocity of man and woman , the goodness of the differences between the two sexes and the need we all have for those differences ( General Audience , 15 April , 2015 ) .
Francis has said gender theory “ denies the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences , thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family .
This ideology leads to educational programs and legislative enactments that promote a personal identity and emotional intimacy radically separated from the biological difference between male and female ” ( Amoris Laetitia , 19 March 2016 , 56 ) .
But He Also Said… If Sr. Monica ’ s account of the Pope ’ s alleged message to her is accurate , then it seems to me the Pope is guilty of , at best , abysmally careless speech .
I shudder to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even casually consents to the demonic insanity that any human person can “ transition ” and ought to be recognized according to their chosen sexual “ identity.
” The trouble is , he has already done that .
In 2015 , the Pope met privately with a woman and her “ wife.
” The woman had undergone so-called “ sex-change ” surgeries and now considers herself a man .
Shockingly , Francis recounts the woman ’ s story this way : Last year I received a letter from a Spaniard who told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young man , he was a girl , a girl who suffered so much because he felt like a boy , but was physically a girl [ … ] around 22 years old said that she would like to do the surgical intervention and all of those things [ … ] Then ( the man ) got married , he changed his civil identity , got married and wrote me a letter saying that for him it would be a consolation to come with his wife , he who was she , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pope Francis seems to contradict the immutable truth of the human person , and every other statement he himself has made regarding this truth .
He seems to contradict the Church ’ s clear teaching .
His words above smack of Gnosticism , not Catholicism .
That he would refer to this woman as a man , and even say that “ he got married ” and speak of “ his wife ” is a stunning betrayal of everything the Church teaches about the nature of marriage , in addition to denying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is unbearable .
Compassion for a person ’ s suffering can not compel us to lie and speak nonsense .
It can not compel us to deny the objective truth of God ’ s creation .
It can not compel us to place our own desires above the sovereignty of God .
So Which Is It ?
If there is an objective , biological , divinely ordered difference between the nature of a man and the nature of a woman , then it is an irrational farce to even speak of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person .
Such a creature does not , can not , exist .
Male can never “ transition ” into female , or vice versa .
If there is no such objective , divinely ordered distinction , if our bodies mean nothing to our nature , then God Himself is a farce .
That is not an impression Peter can seem content to abide .
Now the Argentina situation makes a terrible impression worse .
I beg the Holy Father to publicly set the record straight in both cases .
He simply can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrational , evil ideology to stand .
He is obligated to teach and defend the truth .
Further , if what Sr. Monica said is true , then I humbly insist the Pope owes every woman on the planet an apology .
It is profoundly offensive to hear him refer to sexually-confused males as “ girls.
” A girl is not any male who prefers to claim that “ identity ” , even if his body is mutilated in the attempt .
She is the intentional , beautiful creation of God to perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Likewise , a woman who has surgically mutilated her body to “ become ” a man is not a man .
It is profoundly offensive to the dignity of women and men to smile and pretend otherwise .
For that , he ought also to apologize to every man on the planet .
Men are male .
Women are female .
I would like to be reassured that Pope Francis knows this and is willing to defend this immutable truth at all costs .
Jennifer Hartline is a senior contributor to The Stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jenniehartline .

Pope Francis has a long history of saying things that seem muddled. This causes confusion and frustration to a great many Catholics, myself included. I am no learned scholar or gifted theologian. I am an ordinary laywoman. But it is that qualification — woman — that prompts me to speak about the most recent headline involving the Holy Father:
Pope Francis praises nun for opening ‘trans home’ for men claiming to be women, calls them ‘girls.’
The article at Life Site News explains:
Sister Mónica Astorga Cremona, 53, known locally in Argentina as the “Nun of the Trans,” cut the ribbon on the new complex of twelve small apartments dedicated solely to housing men claiming to be women and their partners. Upon hearing the news the Pope responded in a communication, according to the nun, “Dear Monica, God who did not go to the seminary or study theology will repay you abundantly. I pray for you and your girls.
We’ve no direct link to this communication from the Pope, no image of it, so one might hope he did not actually say these things to Sister Monica. Perhaps there is a mistake in translation, or just a plain old big mistake, period. One might wonder if his reference to “your girls” was to other nuns working with Sr. Monica, but I cannot buy that. Religious sisters are called only that — sisters.
I am not the only person to have a strong reaction to this news. Unlike me, however, Fr. James Martin was thrilled at the Pope’s support of this nun’s work with “transsexual women.”
Wow. Pope Francis sends his support for a Catholic sister in Argentina who ministers to transsexual women. "God, who did not go to seminary or study theology, will repay you abundantly." #LGBTQ https://t.co/ZhxzdayPDH via @Revista_VN — James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) August 18, 2020
Enter the Muddlement
But how could the Pope have said these things? Isn’t this the same Pope who on numerous other occasions has condemned “gender theory” as the evil ideology it is? Indeed, Francis has affirmed the gift of male and female as God’s beautiful creation, His plan for marriage and the human family. He affirmed the reciprocity of man and woman, the goodness of the differences between the two sexes and the need we all have for those differences (General Audience, 15 April, 2015).
He simply cannot allow this apparent capitulation to an irrational, evil ideology to stand. He is obligated to teach and defend the truth.
Francis has said gender theory “denies the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a woman and envisages a society without sexual differences, thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family. This ideology leads to educational programs and legislative enactments that promote a personal identity and emotional intimacy radically separated from the biological difference between male and female” (Amoris Laetitia, 19 March 2016, 56).
But He Also Said…
If Sr. Monica’s account of the Pope’s alleged message to her is accurate, then it seems to me the Pope is guilty of, at best, abysmally careless speech. I shudder to consider the ramifications of a Pontiff who even casually consents to the demonic insanity that any human person can “transition” and ought to be recognized according to their chosen sexual “identity.”
The trouble is, he has already done that. In 2015, the Pope met privately with a woman and her “wife.” The woman had undergone so-called “sex-change” surgeries and now considers herself a man.
Shockingly, Francis recounts the woman’s story this way:
Last year I received a letter from a Spaniard who told me his story as a child, a young man, he was a girl, a girl who suffered so much because he felt like a boy, but was physically a girl […] around 22 years old said that she would like to do the surgical intervention and all of those things […] Then (the man) got married, he changed his civil identity, got married and wrote me a letter saying that for him it would be a consolation to come with his wife, he who was she, but him!
In this one paragraph, Pope Francis seems to contradict the immutable truth of the human person, and every other statement he himself has made regarding this truth. He seems to contradict the Church’s clear teaching. His words above smack of Gnosticism, not Catholicism.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
That he would refer to this woman as a man, and even say that “he got married” and speak of “his wife” is a stunning betrayal of everything the Church teaches about the nature of marriage, in addition to denying the objective nature of man and woman. It is unbearable.
Compassion for a person’s suffering cannot compel us to lie and speak nonsense. It cannot compel us to deny the objective truth of God’s creation. It cannot compel us to place our own desires above the sovereignty of God.
So Which Is It?
If there is an objective, biological, divinely ordered difference between the nature of a man and the nature of a woman, then it is an irrational farce to even speak of a “transsexual” or “transgender” person. Such a creature does not, cannot, exist. Male can never “transition” into female, or vice versa.
If there is no such objective, divinely ordered distinction, if our bodies mean nothing to our nature, then God Himself is a farce. That is not an impression Peter can seem content to abide.
Now the Argentina situation makes a terrible impression worse. I beg the Holy Father to publicly set the record straight in both cases. He simply cannot allow this apparent capitulation to an irrational, evil ideology to stand. He is obligated to teach and defend the truth.
Further, if what Sr. Monica said is true, then I humbly insist the Pope owes every woman on the planet an apology. It is profoundly offensive to hear him refer to sexually-confused males as “girls.”
A girl is not any male who prefers to claim that “identity”, even if his body is mutilated in the attempt. She is the intentional, beautiful creation of God to perfectly complement the intentional creation of man.
Likewise, a woman who has surgically mutilated her body to “become” a man is not a man. It is profoundly offensive to the dignity of women and men to smile and pretend otherwise. For that, he ought also to apologize to every man on the planet.
Men are male. Women are female. I would like to be reassured that Pope Francis knows this and is willing to defend this immutable truth at all costs.
Jennifer Hartline is a senior contributor to The Stream. You can follow her at @jenniehartline.