Mark P. Shea's Blog, page 1300

One of the Rare Times...

conservatives totally and completely believe in the greatness and wisdom of the federal government and totally reject subsidiarity is when it's the word of every professional interrogator vs. the damp-handed pols who ordered torture. The professional interrogators, who actually know what they are talking about, all warn that it's not only criminal and immoral but stupid, counter-productive and dangerous. The cowards who order it all insist, based on nothing but their own need to protects their cowardly butts, that it "works" and is therefore good. What they mean by that is, "We have to tell more lies and lead more Americans into grave sin to cover up our earlier grave sins. Pay no attention to the people who know what they are talking about. We are professional bureaucrats. You can trust us."

For some reason, conservatives believe this bushwah in this particular circumstance, while exercising a healthy skepticism every other times some government bureaucrat tells them whoppers. Another example of the Ox Gore Principle.

A reader writes:

I don't know if you would be interested in this at all. I am a 28 year old male that has dated in the past but has found it hard to find good Catholic women. I have tried the Catholic dating sites, there are two of them that I know of that are actually legitimate: Ave Maria Singles and Catholic Match. The problem is that this is only such a small representation of who is out there and usually leads to long distance relationships which are very hard. As a matter of fact I was involved in a 2 ½ year relationship with a Catholic woman that ended because the distance was too difficult for her and we were both in school. So my question is: do you have any resources on where to meet someone with the lack of community in todays 'Catholic community?" It just seems creepy to walk up to a woman after Mass or a bible study and ask her out; she would probably never come back to that parish again… It seems like a violation of the purpose of the event. Can you ask your readers? Any help would be appreciated. I really think this is a pretty big issue for young Catholics who feel called to finding a partner.

I'm not much use here as an old married fart. Anyone? Bueller?

Why Euthanasia is Coming

It wasn't enough for Generation Narcissus to slaughter it's young in vast numbers. Now, with all those missing wage earners, you serfs in Gen X and Y must be sentenced to perpetual servitude to pay for us to continue to live in the manner we've become accustomed. Respect your elders, slaves!

Wait! Why are you looking at me that way? Stop stepping on my air hose!

All Hail China!

Our moral guide for sane "population control"!

Not a scam or anything

A reader writes:

I thought you'd appreciate the humor in this one:

So as I understand the logic:
- Oz Government buys into the whole global warming nonsense
- Passes law allowing people to do "green" things in exchange for "carbon credits"
- Carbon credits can be traded for cash value
- Every huckster and his brother is now coming up with "green" activities to make a buck -- like killing camels because they fart too much
Makes me want to lay off cabbage.
Bonus Quip: British people call farts "trouser coughs." I'll be working that into a sentence tomorrow for sure.

You know you're in trouble...

...when a twinkly starlet has more moral sense than your entire political movement.

Exhibit A: Gabrielle Union, who immediately and intuitively understands what every torture apologist who has ever said, "Gee! We shoot people in wartime so why can't we torture prisoners too?"

"A stranger who robbed the store I worked at. He put his gun down during the rape and asked me to hand it to him."

When that happened, Union "tried to shoot [her] rapist, but missed."

"Over the years I realized that killing my rapist would've added insult to injury," she mused. "The desire to kill someone who has abused/raped you is understandable, but unless it's self defense in the moment to save your life, it just adds to your troubles."

There are two amazing things in this story. First, that the rapist was clueless enough to expect her to hand him the gun instead of shoot him.

But even more than that is Union's recognition that there's a difference between shooting somebody in self-defense and vengeance. Excusemakers for torture perpetually posit no difference between shooting in the heat of combat and torturing a prisoner who is no threat. They also don't seem to grasp Union's insight: that vengeance brings no peace (and that's what torture is about, not intelligence gathering).

If he wins...

I'll retire to Bedlam.

I'm thinking of trying to stitch a hundred pounds of chicken fat on to my abdomen in a bid to express my inner Jolliness. If it doesn't work, I'll sue somebody.

595 Followers!

Today, my minions, reflect on the fact that sin makes you stupid.

That is all!

Prayer Request

A reader writes:

"Can I ask a favor ? I need to ask for some prayers for my aunt's baby grandson. He just got out of NICU in CA and was doing fine. Unfortunately, just tonight, he was dropped on the floor after his mother was physically assulted by the father. He's back in the NICU now with a fractured skull and brain swelling. Any prayers that you can offer on his behalf would be so appreciated".

Father, grant complete healing to this child and to his family through your Son Jesus Christ. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for this family. Guardian angels, protect this child and his mother from all further assaults through Christ our Lord.

Four Reasons I Find the Left Repellent

What it says.