Category Archives: Being a Citizen

Taking an active part in public life, working for the common good ‘in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom’

Independence Day: Freedom, Citizenship and Looking Ahead

I like being an American. There. I’ve said it. I like living in a country where freedom of speech is part of our heritage. And where freedom of expression extends even to folks whose ideas aren’t approved by The Establishment’s … Continue reading

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Climate, Neighbors, Bogeymen and Responsibility

Last weekend I started re-reading “Laudato si’, on care for our common home,” AKA the “environmental encyclical” and the “Green Encyclical,” by Pope Francis. Calling the 2015 encyclical “green” and “environmental” isn’t mere marketing. But there’s more to “Laudato si’” … Continue reading

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Light Show in Washington; Law and Life; Masks Back On

I’d expected to hear about charisms during Mass this morning. I did, in the Bible readings. But the homily was about why killing innocent people isn’t a good idea, even if it’s legal. And why we should see killing innocent … Continue reading

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Police, I-35W Bridge Collapse and All That

I’ll be talking about police, law enforcement and authority. But this is not a ‘political’ piece. I won’t be demonizing or deifying anyone, or demanding that Congress abolish the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Back in 2007, when part of … Continue reading

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A Gallimaufry: Politics and Prayer, A Dragon and Turkeys

I woke up this morning, which is always a good thing. My memory tells me that Friday night, January 1, I didn’t sleep. At all. Maybe I dropped off for a few minutes to an hour, but even then I … Continue reading

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