Intentional or not, I'm loving the expression on the bear!

Maybe not. He is a progressive and may have been chosen precisely as a counterbalance to give Americans something of an opposition leader.

After being Catholic my whole life, it was a hard jump to take, but I am glad I took it

Sorry to hear that, but sadly in many places it's what Catholicism in the US has become. My parish was fairly liberal and I had no issues locally. My problems were institutional. But I think in way too many places, it is as bad as any of these fundamentalist churches.

How dare the media do it's job!

The letters from the bishops read in every church before every election that basically said we're a one issue church. Vote pro-life, but forget that there are any other issues that could be important are ultimately what made me look elsewhere for church. That and the "deny Biden communion" thing

I was Catholic for 50 years and the election of Francis gave me hope, so yes it is unfortunate how conservative bishops, especially in the US, resisted and defied him in everything. I've started worshipping with the Episcopalians; so much more welcoming and progressive.

I just finished Bishop Mariann Budde's book, "How We Learn to Be Brave." The chapters "Deciding to Start" and "The Hidden Virtue of Perseverance" resonate here. Fighting for something that will take a long time; being one part of something bigger that you may not get to see finished, but move it on.

@spiderpit.bsky.social check these out

Attended the local Hands Off protest today. We had a few hundred people turn out, not bad at all considering we're not one of the big cities. But what was especially encouraging was the cars driving by and honking in support, so many for 90 minutes!

Boston, leading the way against tyranny since 1770

Usually you provide a backstory and the DM fits it in. At least in my experience

It's why I ultimately left. There was doubtless letters from the bishops read in churches about voting against abortion rights. It's been the only issue for years. That this was the other side of the coin was no secret, yet they went ahead with urging support for him anyway.

Since when is pleading for mercy inflammatory?

Beautiful cat!

That is not my cat. But it looks like it could be his twin. Physically and mentally.