Nerf

Our president was convicted of 34 felonies. Let that sink in.

“Peace expresses itself only in peace.”
Pope St. Paul VI, 18 Oct 1975

Peace on earth to all people of good will. And peace to all the others as well.

“Peace is a principle that guides and defines our choices. Even in places where only rubble remains, and despair seems inevitable, we still find people who have not forgotten peace.” Pope Leo XIV, 18 December 2025

It isn’t easy to be at peace in old age. There’s the deteriorating body, the failing memory, the loneliness, the worry about children and grandchildren. Peace was also a challenge in my youth, my young adulthood, my middle age. The search for peace began at birth and will end with death.

“Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us. It has the gentle power to enlighten and expand our understanding; it resists and overcomes violence. Peace is a breath of the eternal: while to evil we cry out ‘Enough,’ to peace we whisper ‘Forever.’” Pope Leo XIV, 18 December 2025

“Beauty, when it is authentic, does not remain closed in on itself, but generates choices of responsibility for the care of the world. In this way, culture becomes a breath of dignity for all, especially the most fragile.” Pope Leo XIV, 12/13/2025

(2) Show them that authority must be exercised as a service and not as a means of domination. Instruct its leaders in their duty to safeguard the dignity of every person at all stages of their life. Make their countries places where every person can feel welcome.”

(1) On December 12, Pope Leo XIV prayed to Jesus’s mother Mary, asking her to “teach the nations that want to be your daughters not to divide the world into irreconcilable factions, not to allow hatred to mark their history, nor lies to write their memory...

The administration is opposed to inclusion (as in DEI). They favor exclusion. I thought the American principle was inclusive, "E pluribus unum," one from many.

“If we truly love those who are hungry and thirsty, those who are naked, sick, strangers, prisoners, we are loving the Lord.” Pope Leo XIV, December 5, 2025

Over the last century, every administration, Democratic and Republican, has tried to be non-racist. They didn’t always succeed but at least they tried. This administration isn’t even trying.

The ugly soul at the head of our government has exposed a strain of ugliness in American society. It shows itself in the form of cruel treatment of people who came here thinking they were coming to a country that treats everyone justly.

Ridding the country of Black and Brown immigrants while welcoming white immigrants is flagrant racism. Those of you who support the current administration may not be racist yourselves but know that you are collaborators in racism.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I wish to thank all the wonderful immigrants to the United States. You have brought so many gifts to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

You shall love the foreigner as yourself. (Leviticus 19:34)

You shall love the foreigner as yourself. (Leviticus 19:34)

You shall love the foreigner as yourself. (Leviticus 19:34)

You shall love the foreigner as yourself. (Leviticus 19:34)

Yesterday I helped elect a Democratic governor. It is one of the advantages of moving from Alabama to Virginia. 

I am making him not very good-looking and somewhat overweight, with a weird hairdo. I am still working on the ending and the title. What do you think?

He will enter politics and run for office, defeating two women and losing to a man. Along the way he will be convicted of almost three dozen felonies. Much of the drama will take place on golf courses. I think I will add a little sex, rape, and infidelity, maybe even some child molestation.

I am writing a novel about a man who was born rich. He will marry and divorce, marry again and divorce, and marry again. He will declare bankruptcy several times. He will open a casino and it will fail. He will open a university and it will fail.

Pope Leo tells us that we should be “recognising both the highlights and the wounds of our past.” (12 October 2025)

“Our response to the challenges posed by contemporary immigration can be summed up in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.” Pope Francis, 27 May 2019

I hate that two Catholic children were shot while attending Mass.
I hate my country’s love affair with guns.

I hate Charlie Kirk’s embrace of white supremacy and racism.
I hate Charlie Kirk’s embrace of misogyny and sexism.
I hate Charlie Kirk’s contribution to the Trump enterprise.
I hate that Charlie Kirk was killed.
I hate much of the conservative response to his killing.

“Some people are hesitant and fearful with regard to migrants. I consider this part of our natural instinct of self-defence. Yet it is also true that an individual & a people are only fruitful and productive if they are able to develop a creative openness to others.” Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti, 41