Gene Edward Veith Jr.'s Blog, page 62

Trump speaks to the Boy Scouts

President Trump addressed the Boy Scouts at their national Jamboree, a tradition for American presidents.  But instead of inspirational talk about patriotism and the virtues of the Scout law, as has been customary, the president launched into a campaign-style speech. He blasted President Obama, crowed about beating Hillary Clinton, complained about the media, and played [Read More...]

“Protest for all”: Social conservatives in France vs. Germany

Though Christianity is said to be on the decline in Europe, social conservatives are often staging huge protests over issues such as gay marriage and abortion. The rallies–that go by the name “Protest for All”–are biggest in France, despite the liberal bent of its culture. Germany also has its rallies with the same name, but [Read More...]

Using the legislative process for a Health Care Bill

Though the Republican Health Care Bill, as formulated by the Senate leadership, lacks the vote to pass, a new and possibly more productive strategy is underway. Instead of withdrawing the bill, with the help of John McCain and Mike Pence, it has been put before the Senate for debate and amendment.  This may result in [Read More...]

Is it better to be a team’s best player or a champion?

Kyrie Irving wants to be traded from the championship-contending Cleveland Cavaliers because, reportedly, he is tired of playing second fiddle to LeBron James. He would apparently rather be the top player on a regular team than the second-best player with a chance for a championship ring. This is the opposite of what Kevin Durant did. [Read More...]

The social gospel

The “social gospel” is the teaching that the purpose of Christianity is to work for a just society by changing political structures.  It had its origins in the 19th century–particularly in “post-millennialism,” the view that human beings are to establish the millennial golden age on earth, after which Christ will come again–and developed into the [Read More...]

Democrats announce their “better deal”

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had his “New Deal.”  Now Democrats have unveiled their “Better Deal.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer, appearing with other Congressional Democrats, repeatedly used that phrase in announcing his party’s new policies. The Better Deal aims to accomplish three things, in Shumer’s words:  “First, we’re going to increase people’s pay. Second, we’re going to [Read More...]

“It’s too late for Charlie”

The parents of the baby Charlie Gard have given up their legal battle to send their terminally-ill child to the United States for treatment. The American doctor who came to London to examine the child concluded that the experimental treatment he was offering would not be helpful after all. The question of who gets to [Read More...]

The hippie connection to contemporary Christianity

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the “Summer of Love” and the rise of the Hippie movement.  “If you’re going to San Francisco,” in the words of the song, “be sure to wear flowers in your hair.”  The counter-culture of 1967 with its flower children, free love, communal ideals, and psychedelic drugs had an influence far [Read More...]

The “made in America” pipeline problem

President Trump is pushing “Made in America” as part of his America-First initiative.  Having approved new oil pipelines, the president wants to require them all to be built with American steel. But this is easier said than done.  According to an article from Bloomberg, one pipeline company has already exhausted the supply of American-built pipes.  American steel [Read More...]

Trump’s new director of communications has a liberal background

President Trump appointed Anthony Scaramucci, a Wall Street tycoon, as his new director of communications.  “The Mooch,” as he is called, has no experience in public relations, journalism, or government, but he promises to put a stop to leaks and to do a better job of getting out the president’s message.  Described as a “brash [Read More...]