Friday, February 25, 2005

G. K. Chesterton

"Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions."

I liked that one so much, I changed my tagline again.

Color Photos of WWI

It's amazing how color can change the whole communicative effect of a photo. If these had been in black and white, I don't think it would have the same impact. Viewing these images in color really puts you at the scene. It also reminds me that WWI wasn't that long ago.

Friday, February 18, 2005

I Hope This is Settled...

...but I'm sure it's not.

In a recent interview with Raymond Arroyo, Cardinal Arinze stated in no uncertain terms that the Rainbow Sash protesters should not be given communion. Furthermore, the Cardinal pointed out that it is ridiculous to expect that politicians should be allowed to promote the murder of unborn children and then turn around on Sunday and say to the Priest, "I want to receive Jesus."

Cardinal Ratzinger said as much in June of 2004. I fail to see how so many members of the clergy can ignore clear interpretations of Catholic doctrine from such high authorities.

The answer is no. No communion for any of you. And in case some of you Senators and Congressmen forgot who you are, here's a list with your picture on it. If you see yourself on the list, do not go to communion. If you're not sure why you're on the list, you can find the reasons here.

Priests, Bishops and Arch Bishops, keep this list handy. Review the list prior to Mass. Post this list in the reception area of your office (similar to the FBI's most wanted list in the post office). Most importantly, if you see any of these Catholic impersonators (either politician or Rainbow Sash variety) approaching you in Church as if they wish to receive the Eucharist, please do not encourage their delusions by giving them holy communion.

I don't know what more Vatican officials can do to get their point across other than the threat of excommunication. I don't think that will happen but it's not like it hasn't happened before.

Iraqis Turn the Tables on the Insurgents

AM - Iraqi insurgents resume deadly attacks: "We understand that last night the insurgents came back to punish the people of al-Mudhariya, but instead of metering out that punishment the villagers fought back and they killed five of the insurgents and wounded eight. They then burnt the insurgents' car. So the people of that village have certainly had enough of the insurgents."

I'm sure the Iraqis want the American troops to go home (we all want the troops to go home) but not before the insurgents are driven out of the country and Iraq can govern itself.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Gov. Moonbeam

People of Earth take note! Governor Moonbeam has entered the blogosphere!

Although I don't wish to discount the value of voluntary simplicity or ecological living, I do think Mr. Brown is, for the most part, out of his gourd.

You can check out his "We The People" organization here if you like.

MEMRI: Latest News

As promised (before I was rudely interrupted by the "blue screen of death"), I have linked to Zarqawi's comments on America and democracy here. Whether you are liberal or conservative I strongly suggest reading them. It provides a great insight into his perception of democracy and why he and his followers hate it and America.

My impression of his statements is that his hatred of democracy stems from the religious and social freedoms that it provides to each individual citizen. However, his hatred is amplified by an outright loathing of the liberal ideal of society and democracy in America.

I also got the impression that he was a crazed fundamentalist zealot but I think that was obvious before reading his comments.

Friday, February 11, 2005

Success*

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my computer lives! I think I've got the video issues sorted out, I've installed Mozilla Firefox, e-mail is working. So far so good.

(*Due to my considerable ignorance regarding linux, all of this could go terribly wrong at any moment.)

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Meltdown

Blogging will be light since yesterday evening went something like this.

UPDATE: I decided to try Linux because I'm cheap and I'm tired of problems with Windows. I guess I also got a little cocky about firing Bill Gates!. So far it's not working. There's a problem between the video card and the monitor. Hopefully I'll have it sorted out over the weekend (fingers crossed).

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Pray...

...for the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II.