That's How the Light Gets In

On Bucking the Odds A good friend of mine expressed this sentiment concerning the Brett Kavanaugh nomination to the Supreme Court: "He'll get appointed no matter what Democrats do or the public does."   The same could be said about Donald Trump and Republican Senators and Representatives carrying out their agendas.   That conclusion, while often true, reflects an attitude that disturbs me.   It's an attitude of resignation and defeat, where I would prefer an attitude of committing to the struggle despite the odds.   Now I agree that one should be as objective as possible, particularly in terms of strategizing in the face of overwhelming odds.   One's options can be extremely limited.   But if you quit the fight before it's over, you're just accepting victimization, which can quickly turn into seeking pity.   I prefer losing in the ring to seeking pity for quitting the fight.   I believe even the person quoted above believes, or wants...

On the Benefit of the Doubt, for Countries and Catholics For the past 50 years I have given a pass to average citizens when it comes to the actions of their governments.   I will continue to do so for the citizens who live under monarchies or dictatorships, because they have extremely little voice in public policy, and dissent can be very dangerous, if not fatal.   However, citizens of democracies I now hold more accountable. The events of the past two years have caused me to change my thinking.   During that time when the actions of the Trump campaign and administration were abhorrent, I first blamed them.   Then, gradually I began to give a considerable share of the blame to Republicans in Congress, who have allowed it. But listening to the comparisons to the Nixon administration gave me additional insight, things I didn't remember or was unaware of dispite living through the Watergate era.   Namely, Republicans then did not act until the polls s...