My posts on politics are infrequent. I focus on matters pertaining to the One True Church. I'm publishing this post eight days before the U.S. presidential election because the Faith (and true morality) are directly implicated. Democratic nominee Joseph Biden claims to be a "good Catholic." Truth be told, he is an apostate who went along with the Vatican II sect. He endorses abortion on demand, sodomite "marriage" and "rights," and his policies are that of Socialism. Yet, the Vatican II sect allows him to receive their "communion" (thank God it's invalid) and their clergy are telling people to "vote their consciences," as if a vote for Biden is morally permissible.
People will counter by saying that Trump is non-Catholic, an adulterer, a womanizer, and a greedy man who only helps the rich. While fully admitting Trump is far from ideal (and is no King St. Louis IX), a vote for Biden is immoral. This post will explain why.
Biden: Operating on Socialist Principles
(The principles of the Church set forth in this section--and applied to the instant case--are taken from theologian Cahill, The Framework of a Christian State, [1932], pgs. 181-189---Introibo).
The platform of the Democratic Party, and enthusiastically embraced by Biden, is Socialism in principle. Here are the evil problems with Socialism (and see how they play out in Biden's campaign). Also take note of how false pope Jorge Bergoglio supports the same platform via his religious teachings.
1. Materialism. The fundamental and irreconcilable opposition between Socialism and the Church is the materialistic philosophy upon which Socialism rests. The authority and very existence of a personal God are denied or ignored. The immortality of the soul, free will, and human responsibility disappear from the public square. Thus, the very foundation of the moral law collapses. The primary--indeed solitary--purpose of life is earthly happiness.
Biden: Sees religion as something altogether "private;" it has no bearing on public life. Indeed, the "happiness" that comes from being free of unwanted children via abortion is a "legal right." In 1987, he torpedoed Robert Bork's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court based on Judge Bork's outspoken opposition to abortion. Yet, he calls himself a "devout Catholic (sic)." Under his "Biden Care, " health plan, abortion, contraception, and euthanasia via health care rationing will ensure the "greatest happiness" for the most people. An evil utilitarian ethic devoid of God's Moral Law.
Bergoglio: The real problems of the world are protecting the environment, youth unemployment and the loneliness of the elderly. (Spreading the true Faith and saving your soul didn't make the list). Those who fight abortion are fixated on "simple-minded rules." There is no condemnation of Biden from Bergoglio (or his clergy) due to Biden's support of slaughtering children; and this in spite of the fact that Wojtyla's 1983 Code of Canon Law still lists procuring an abortion as an act worthy of excommunication.
2. False Interpretation of Human Equality. While it is true that all are created by God, that does not make all people equals. Inequality in social rank, opportunity, and material well-being are the necessary results of each person's varying abilities and character, coupled with their right to acquire property and to utilize their various natural gifts each in his own way. The classes must obey legitimate authority. Poverty will never be overcome. Our Lord said, "The poor you will always have with you..." (St. Matthew 26:11). Government can never overcome poverty from the psychological point of view, even if such material gain could be achieved. For example, even if everyone had enough food, there would be those with better kinds of food. Even if everyone had housing, not everyone can have beachfront property.
Biden: Wants "progressive taxation" to redistribute wealth. Progressive tax is discriminatory by its very nature because it purposefully taxes some people, and some dollars, at a different rate than others. It is a disincentive to work hard because the more money a person will make, the more the government will take, so that others can benefit from those who worked harder to make more. "Free" education, healthcare, etc., is not "free"--society pays, and everyone loses out in the long run. In 1848 Marx and Engels proposed that progressive taxation be used “to wrest, by degrees, all capital from the bourgeois, to centralize all instruments of production in the hands of the state.”
Biden supports the Communist thugs of "Black Lives Matter." They incite class warfare and civil unrest. As Pope Leo XIII taught, "Hallowed, therefore, in the minds of Christians is the very idea of public authority, in which they recognize some likeness and symbol as it were of the Divine Majesty, even when it is exercised by one unworthy. A just and due reverence to the laws abides in them, not from force and threats, but from a consciousness of duty; "for God hath not given us the spirit of fear. "(See Sapientiae Christianae, para. #9).
Bergoglio: The apostate said, "Working for a just distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation.” (See http://www.archivioradiovaticana.va/storico/2015/07/10/pope_francis_speech_at_world_meeting_of_popular_movements/en-1157291). Compare with Brooklyn-born Jew Bernie Sanders, an admitted Socialist, who stated, "A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much and so many have so little." (See https://twitter.com/sensanders/status/426740006905200640).
He believes in the equality of all religions--an absolute equality where all can attain Heaven including atheists, because "There is no Catholic God," and "Proselytism is solemn nonsense."
3. Elimination of Private Property. Pope Leo XIII wrote, "Hence, it is clear that the main tenet of socialism, community of goods, must be utterly rejected, since it only injures those whom it would seem meant to benefit, is directly contrary to the natural rights of mankind, and would introduce confusion and disorder into the commonweal. The first and most fundamental principle, therefore, if one would undertake to alleviate the condition of the masses, must be the inviolability of private property." (See Rerum Novarum para. #15; Emphasis mine).
Biden: According to the Hoover Institution, "...Biden used his perch on the Senate Judiciary Committee as a bully pulpit to attack conservative nominees, most notably Robert Bork in 1987. Four years later, when Thomas appeared before the judiciary committee, Biden asked him if he accepted any of the principles in Takings, which argued for extensive protections for private property. Thomas responded that the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution—“nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation”—did protect private property." (See https://www.hoover.org/research/joe-bidens-constitutionalism). Biden attacked the pro-property right stance of Clarence Thomas.
Bergoglio: In his recent "encyclical" Fratelli Tutti, Bergoglio directly contradicts Church teaching on private property in a footnote to para. #119, wherein he states, "...the Christian tradition has never recognized the right to private property as absolute or inviolable, and has stressed the social purpose of all forms of private property.” Yet, Pope Leo calls the right to private property "inviolable" in Rerum Novarum cited above. A clear contradiction, and proof that Bergoglio made a material false statement (i.e., he lied).
4. Destruction of the Family. Socialism sees marriage as a mere construct of the State, capable of being dissolved at will. "They [Socialists] debase the natural union of man and woman, which is held sacred even among barbarous peoples; and its bond, by which the family is chiefly held together, they weaken, or even deliver up to lust." (See Pope Leo XIII, Quod Apostolici Muneris, para. #1).
Biden: Supports sodomite "marriages," thus redefining the family. He wants sodomites to be able to adopt children from federally funded adoption agencies, and to protect "transgender women of color" (it takes a minute to understand that phrase, I know) from violence. (See https://joebiden.com/lgbtq/#).
Bergoglio: Came out in support of civil unions for sodomites. His support of civil unions dates back to his days as "archbishop" of Buenos Aires, when he proposed civil unions as an alternative to sodomite "marriage," a position he has reiterated as recently as 2017. He encouraged two Italian sodomites to "raise their children in the parish church." (See https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-calls-for-civil-union-law-for-same-sex-couples-in-shift-from-vatican-stance-12462). Let's not forget his famous "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?" If he was Vicar of Christ (which he is most certainly not), he should judge and condemn them unless they seek God to abandon their evil lifestyle.
Answering Objections to Voting for Trump
1. Trump is dividing the people with his policies. His policies reflect Christian values, such as being pro-life, anti-sodomite, and anti-Socialism. Our Lord said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (St. Matthew 10:34). It's not that Christ instigated animosity, but rather that unconverted people resented God's truth by nature. That's why so many hate Trump's policies.
2. Trump is a womanizer, adulterer, makes fun of people, sends out obnoxious tweets, etc. The argument against Trump's character (he has not the temperament, morals, or charisma to represent the nation) is the most frequently cited. We must prioritize policy over character. President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981), was pretty clean. He had no real personal scandals. He was faithful to his wife, kind, and a soft-spoken Southern gentleman. His policies were anti-Christian and he was a disaster for America. Policy does not flow out of character. A good man who is weak, easily influenced, or distracted may not be an effective leader. A bad man may adopt the right policies for the purely pragmatic reason that they appeal to a large voting block whose support he needs. It doesn’t matter why he adopts the policies he does; what matters is that he adopts the right policies. Trump does that. Character without right policy is just as empty as faith without works.
Remember, Christ preached obedience even to wicked lawgivers, like the scribes and Pharisees, by saying, "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." (St. Matthew 23:2-3). Only in one case is a Catholic exempt from obedience to the State: when the law is clearly unjust and contrary to the Will of God. It then does not bind in conscience. As Pope Leo XIII beautifully summarized: The one only reason which men have for not obeying is when anything is demanded of them which is openly repugnant to the natural or the divine law, for it is equally unlawful to command to do anything in which the law of nature or the will of God is violated. (See Diuturnum, para. #15).
Conclusion
On November 3, 2020, the people of the United States have a choice to make. A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for Socialism, and with it, the murder of innocent unborn children, the destruction of the family by promoting sexual perverts, and the beginning of the end for private property. Joe Biden is the secular version of his wicked religious leader, Jorge Bergoglio. In a way, it could be analogized as the Antichrist and the False Prophet--with Satan as their infamous leader. You must not "follow your conscience" as the man-made Vatican II sect tells the world; you must follow your conscience correctly informed by the Magisterium. A vote for Biden would be a vote against the dictates of the Divine-positive Law and Natural Law. Sodomy and murder are two of the Four Sins That Scream to Heaven for Vengeance.
A vote for Trump is a vote for godly policies. A vote for Biden is a vote for Socialistic evil, and you will be held accountable to God. Remember well the words of Pope Pius XI, "[Socialism] is based nevertheless on a theory of human society peculiar to itself and irreconcilable with true Christianity. Religious socialism, Christian socialism, are contradictory terms; no one can be at the same time a good Catholic and a true socialist."(See Quadragesimo Anno, para. #111).
I hate those politicians who call themselves Catholics but whose actions and words do not conform to their so-called faith. They support abortion, "sodomite marriage" and euthanasia because it earns votes, and therefore opposing these crimes would lose them votes and their seats. And too bad for the doctrine of the Church ...
ReplyDeleteAt home in Canada, I canceled my vote in the last federal and provincial elections. I do not vote for politicians whose ideas are against the Catholic faith. I'm even thinking of not going to vote in the next election. Our respective politicians (and the Vatican II sect either) are not working for the advent of the Social Kingdom of Christ !
I visited your entire blog during the last week. I regret not having discovered it sooner. In my defense, I was a member of the Vatican 2 sect and I believed it was the Catholic Church. You expose very well the true Catholic faith and the errors of the evil Vatican 2 sect. We must thank God for this. Keep up the good work with God's help !
Simon,
DeleteThank you my friend! As long as good people like you profit from this blog, with God’s Grace, I shall keep writing!
—-Introibo
Introibo,
ReplyDeleteFirst off before there is any misunderstanding I am a registered Republican and voted for Trump previously. In your article you did not address the pandemic which I believe, is on the forefront of most people's minds. Pres. Trump in his 60 Minute interview states that "we have turned the corner" concerning the virus. Nationwide statistics show this statement to be untrue. In my State the numbers have doubled in the last 2 weeks and deaths and hospitalizations are up. He seems to think that the virus numbers are inflated and a hoax to make HIM look bad. This man had the virus, then stated it is nothing to "fear" after he had the best medical treatment in the world and was rushed to Walter Reed when first diagnosed. He calls scientists and infectious disease physicians "idiots". Employs a physician, Dr. Atlas, who is not an Infectious disease physician, to be his yes man and defy the CDC. By his actions, inactions and denial concerning the virus he is leading countless people down a road of death and destruction. How are deceit and denial Christian values? How are deceit and denial leading to right policies concerning this Pandemic? People are screaming about their freedoms being infringed upon and he feeds into it. What good are the so called freedoms, if you are dead from a virus that doesn't care if you are Democrat, Republican, or who you vote for? Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.
JoAnn
JoAnn,
DeleteA rise in the number of cases does not necessarily mean anything; the particular statistic to focus on is the number of deaths. Furthermore, in today's politically-charged environment, even the number of COVID cases can be considered suspect in terms of whether the cause of death was truly because of COVID, or it was caused by something else that was tangential and unrelated to the COVID a person may have had. (Consider also that seasonal flu cases are allegedly down sharply compared to prior years: https://justthenews.com/nation/confirmed-influenza-cases-hit-rock-bottom-amid-rising-covid-numbers )
"He seems to think that the virus numbers are inflated and a hoax to make HIM look bad." Given how many hoaxes have been pushed against him by a biased media/political class, he has good reason to think this (if he in fact does).
When the entire media apparatus and Democratic Party tried to condemn Hydroxychloroquine and restrict access to it as a prophylactic, despites its success in places like Africa, can you blame him for thinking that Democrats would utilize a pandemic (see the actions of Cuomo, De Blasio, Newsom, et all with regards to lockdowns and the placing of COVID-positive patients into **nursing homes**) for purely political reasons in light of their past behavior?
"Employs a physician, Dr. Atlas, who is not an Infectious disease physician, to be his yes man and defy the CDC." The CDC is not sacrosanct.
"By his actions, inactions and denial concerning the virus he is leading countless people down a road of death and destruction." As compared to Joe Biden's national lockdown/mask mandate plan, which has been statistically proven to lead to more deaths?
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=240499
http://market-ticker.org/akcs-www?post=240468
The absolute best tactic in terms of controlling the spread of any virus is the development of herd immunity, which
"What good are the so called freedoms, if you are dead from a virus that doesn't care if you are Democrat, Republican, or who you vote for?"
The President of the United States must make decisions with more than just a disease in mind. He must also consider economic and civic factors, and what will promote the common good.
How many people died of injuries or illnesses that could have been preventable, yet stayed away from hospitals and doctors due to COVID fear? How many people have suffered physical hardship or depression because of the mandated lockdowns which have rendered many destitute? How many?
True, the virus doesn't care what political persuasion you are. But the media and politicians think it does, based on how swiftly they locked down mass gatherings and people's ability to peaceably assemble, but permitted BLM protests and riots to go on.
With all due respect, I think your personal situation regarding COVID has impacted your sense of reason. For all your concerns (rightly or wrongly) with Trump's response to COVID, do you honestly believe the response of a Biden/Harris administration would be better?
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
A Simple Man,
DeleteRespectfully, I was addressing Introibo. I did not state, I was voting for Biden. For your information, for the first time in my life I AM NOT VOTING. I take exception to your statement that "COVID has impacted your sense of reason". Your arrogance is not all becoming or appreciated.
JoAnn
JoAnn,
Delete"Respectfully, I was addressing Introibo." In a public combox, individuals may freely respond to anyone's comments.
"For your information, for the first time in my life I AM NOT VOTING." This attitude was condemned by Pope Pius XII:
xxxx
"It is a right and a duty to draw the attention of the faithful to the extraordinary importance of elections and the moral responsibility which rests on everyone who has the right to vote. Without any doubt, the Church intends to remain outside and above political parties, but how can she remain indifferent to the composition of a Parliament, when the Constitution gives it power to pass laws which so directly affect the highest religious interests and even the condition of life of the Church herself? [...] It is a strict duty for all who have the right, men or women, to take part in the elections. Whoever abstains, especially out of cowardice, commits a grave sin, a mortal fault." - Pope Pius XII, Address to the Delegations of the International Conference of Emigration, October 17, 1951
xxxx
When comparing the objective policies of the two candidates, Trump and the Republicans are far more amicable to the Catholic faith than Biden and the Democrats, without question.
"I take exception to your statement that "COVID has impacted your sense of reason". Your arrogance is not all becoming or appreciated." When the entire content of your post focuses on:
- a matter which is quite honestly irrelevant compared to the social and moral hazards that the Democratic Party seeks to institute;
- a matter that has had varying responses and solutions which contradict each other from the same sources within a matter of months (Dr. Fauci has flip-flopped on the efficacy of masks; the World Health Organization, after pushing for lockdowns, now say they don't work; and so on);
- a matter that would be exacerbated by the party opposing Trump in terms of the damage and suffering of the common people, as a matter of public record;
then what other conclusion am I supposed to come to regarding your current position's reasonableness or lack thereof? If I were being unreasonable about something, I would want someone to tell me straight-up (because I am not immune from being blind to error or gaps in my thought processes).
Like it or not, the only alternative to a Trump re-election is a Democrat administration. Democrat measures on COVID will be worse for the health of the body politic of the United States, plain and simple.
All you have to do is look at the death toll of Democrat-run states compared to Republican-run states to see this. (Because, based on how America is set up, the great majority of decisions regarding pandemic responses are handled on the local and state levels, not the federal level.)
Charitably yours,
A Simple Man
Joann,
DeleteThe handling of the pandemic would have been worse under Biden who was against the Trump travel restrictions in the beginning. Trump is not in favor of people dying from COVID, but Biden is in favor of babies being murdered.
As the son of a WW2 veteran in active combat, I think we have a moral obligation to vote. (And as citizens, the Church agrees we must participate in our governance. There are other offices to be voted upon. May I suggest a write-in vote for yourself? That’s something I’ve done when all candidates I deemed unfit for office. At least you know you voted for a good person and faithful Traditionalist!!
God Bless,
-—Introibo
A Simple,
DeleteI am an independent thinker and I have always been and always will be. If I wasn't an independent thinker I would have spent yrs in the Novus Ordo which I always rejected from its inception. I am not drinking Trump's kool aid or anyone elses. You stated previously that herd immunity is the course of action needed to stop the virus. If you care about life and not propagating euthanasia, I don't know how you can be for herd immunity as countless numbers of people will die as a result. If Trump allows herd immunity as he is saying he wants to do, it will amount to murdering thousands of people. He has been warned by scientists,epidemiologists and infectious disease people that this will be the result. Both parties are off the rails and have gone to extremes. Think I will vote for Ronald Reagan.
JoAnn
Introibo,
DeleteA Simple Man stated above:
"With all due respect, I think your personal situation regarding COVID has impacted your sense of reason. For all your concerns (rightly or wrongly) with Trump's response to COVID, do you honestly believe the response of a Biden/Harris administration would be better?"
1. Due to your silence regarding the above exchange when I specifically addressed it to you, I am assuming that you agree with A Simple Man that my sense of reason has been impacted by COVID?
2. Also, I never said I was voting for Biden. This was presumed by A Simple Man. I am an independent thinker which evidently doesn't sit well with some. If expressing my thoughts is causing angst, please let me know, as it is not my intent to do so. Thanks.
JoAnn
JoAnn,
DeleteHerd immunity is ultimately the only way any virus is brought under control, simply by virtue of how viruses work and operate. They are not bacteria which can be eradicated with antibiotics. To assert that advocating for herd immunity is equivalent to promoting euthanasia is quite simply silly, particularly in light of how other countries like Sweden and Japan have handled things.
To quote my prior citation regarding Japan:
xxxx
Japan never locked down. Nor did they ever impose a mask mandate (there is no legal authority to do it.) They've recorded 95,138 cases and 1,694 deaths across a population of 126 million people.
We know a few things about Japan; first and foremost, they're an incredibly hygienic population by "Western" standards, and miles ahead of any of the "turd world" nations. Bidets are common in Japanese homes. There has been a significant "second wave" of cases in Japan starting early July, mirroring what we are seeing in other temperature climates worldwide.
But -- while there has been some death it's remarkably small.
This has led many people to claim that the nation simply hasn't had a spread of Covid and that their "social norms" protected them from the virus being transmitted between people, despite the fact that seasonal influenza has nearly 2-1/2 times the death rate in Japan as it does here in the US, and thus is an utterly illogical claim made without evidence.
This paper proves that claim to be not fantasy and illogic -- rather, it is a lie.
"Results: Six hundred fifteen healthy volunteers (mean + SD 40.8 + 10.0; range 19 - 69; 45.7 % female) received at least one test. Seroprevalence increased from 5.8 % to 46.8 % over the course of the summer. The most dramatic increase in SPR occurred in late June and early July, paralleling the rise in daily confirmed cases within Tokyo,"
The intent of the authors was to discover why Japan has had a very low death rate. The presumption is that they had a low spread rate; that is, that if infected your odds of death were reasonably-correlated with case numbers. Therefore, testing a lot is good, contact tracing for asymptomatic people is necessary to cut down transmission and this will suppress serious disease and death.
This paper falsified that thesis. In fact, it documented the exact opposite.
xxxx
Likewise, I'm not completely confident in the efficacy of a vaccine that would be developed at a much faster rate than any other in modern history, simply in light of how long prior vaccine trials ran before being authorized for public use.
For those who are in the most vulnerable populations (the elderly, possessing co-morbidities or compromised immune systems), self-imposed quarantining makes sense. Quarantining the rest of a largely healthy population - even those who are asymptomatic and demonstrate no harmful consequences from the virus - does not.
"If Trump allows herd immunity as he is saying he wants to do, it will amount to murdering thousands of people." This is simply emotional hyperbole.
"He has been warned by scientists,epidemiologists and infectious disease people that this will be the result."
Back at the end of March 2020, Dr. Birx stated that they were projecting 100,000 to 200,000 deaths as a *best case scenario*, if they did everything "perfectly" (source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dr-deborah-birx-predicts-200-000-deaths-if-we-do-n1171876). Initial projections, based on wildly inaccurate models, predicted upwards of two million deaths, which we did not get to. Was Dr. Birx inaccurate in her prognosis?
Consider also that you seem to imply that "scientists, epidemiologists, and infectious disease people" are all of one mind on how Trump should act. This is simply not true, as the Great Barrington Declaration shows as but one example: https://gbdeclaration.org/
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
A Simple Man,
Delete"COVID has impacted your sense of reason". Yes, I have first hand knowledge of the devastation that COVID is capable of doing as my husband had it. However, I really wonder if you would use the tone and verbage you directed at me in the quote above had I been a man whose spouse had come down with COVID instead of a woman?
JoAnn
Joann,
DeleteYou are one of my long-time readers and commenters. I have great respect for you and would hope that you continue to read and comment. I learn from all my readers who comment and we all learn from each other.
That having been said:
1. Simple Man was just expressing his opinion in a manner that was respectful. He is a kind person and was not calling names (he never does). His point was that sometimes a person gets involved in a situation so that they cannot be impartial. This is his opinion. What I do agree with is that Biden would have handled COVID much worse.
2. You are not being accused of voting for Biden nor are you causing angst. A write for Ronald Reagan? Why not?! Especially in a deep blue state like New York, where the electoral college makes it impossible for anyone but Biden to get electors. I wish we could adopt electors by Congressional District like they have in Nebraska and Maine.
-—Introibo
JoAnn,
Delete"Yes, I have first hand knowledge of the devastation that COVID is capable of doing as my husband had it. However, I really wonder if you would use the tone and verbage you directed at me in the quote above had I been a man whose spouse had come down with COVID instead of a woman?"
Given how many modern 'males' I've seen who act just as hysterically, if not more so, than women, my comment stands. Despite the female sex being stereotyped as the more emotional one (traditionally speaking), I've seen far too many examples of alleged men pitching a fit to restrict the charge of "emotional hyperbole" to women alone.
But allow me to clarify something, just for the sake of precision: I don't doubt that you sincerely hold the conclusion you've come to. However, based on the rationale you've provided, I honestly think it's an unreasonable conclusion to come to in light of not only the available evidence, but also in light of the alternative solutions of the party that would come into power if the President is defeated in the upcoming election.
Could Trump have done better? Of course he could have, as could anyone in an ideal world; my personal preferred method of action would have been a total shutdown of all incoming immigration, complete with sanctions against the communist state of China. However, I also have clear memories of Democratic figures (like Joe Biden, Cuomo, et all) criticizing Trump for daring to restrict travel from China, calling him xenophobic for daring to suggest that COVID-19 originated in China ("hug an Asian", "party on in Chinatown", and so on). That they would then, months later, criticize him for NOT wanting continued lockdowns, strikes me as politically crass at the bare minimum. I would not put anything past the modern Democratic Party.
Given the demonstrated lethality of COVID-19 relative to prior pandemics, the dubious means of how it's been accounted for statistically, the political language used by those opposed to the President (using exclusively apocalyptic language to a degree not used against Obama during H1N1, as but one example), and the demonstrated damage of the lockdowns (economically, socially, psychologically, or otherwise), I just don't find your conclusion credible. Nothing more, and nothing less.
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
JoAnn,
Deletesome time ago when we had this first round of corona discussion in the combox (http://introiboadaltaredei2.blogspot.com/2020/10/when-strangers-come-knocking-part-14.html#comment-form) I wrote two comments and addressed them directly to you, hoping for some reply but didn't get any. I hold no grudge but I did feel like I was being ignored. I can see absolutely no arrogance in what A Simple Man wrote - his polemic was extremely polite, sober and thought-provoking and I'd like to thank him for it.
Allegedly, my country is going into next lockdown this Saturday. The economic damage of the first one has been immense (record high public debt, a budget gap of PLN 110 billion - there was supposed to be no budget gap this year!) and Poland is much poorer than the USA. I live in a flat surrounded by neighbours who act like a cross between a psycho and an ape, where there's peace and quiet at night only. I'm having trouble finding a job, even though I've been applying for posts way below my qualifications. I cannot attend Mass because the only permanent sedevacantist chapel in Poland is 4 hours away. Had I not found the true Catholic Faith (also by means of this blog!), I'd have been in the spiritual gutter by now, given all the externals. Social unrest has finally hit my country after current abortion laws were declared unconsitutional (and rightly so) last week. If this next lockdown is executed in all its harshness, Poles will be dirt poor and loans from the European Union (which the Polish government has already been offered and accepted) are going to make us economic (and ideological) slaves.
I've written this not to elicit sympathy since everyone has problems and I realise there are many people in much worse circumstances; I only hope that you see how dangerous the hype built around this media-boosted virus is.
God bless you and everyone here at Introibo's,
Joanna S.
Joanna,
DeleteSpecial prayers for for you and I ask all my readers to do the same. May God protect most especially the Traditionalist in Poland.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Joanna,
DeleteSorry, but I didn't realize that the comments were specifically directed at me for my reply.
Sorry,you are going through so much turmoil in your Country. It seems everyone has their own opinions and thoughts on the virus. Unfortunately, not much is known concretely about the virus and there is much to research, discover and learn regarding it. While everyone has their own opinions and thoughts it is no reason to be disparaged and put down as A Simple Man did because my husband was a victim of the virus and, I have seen first hand the devastation it caused. I, therefore, don't want to see anyone becoming it's victim. If everyone wants to think my reasoning is off because my husband had the virus, so be it. Perhaps the people who disparage others for a difference of opinion are the ones whose reasoning ability is off. The virus is real. It is not just all media hype. Prior to my husband coming down with the virus, I was also thinking that perhaps it was just a flu and that it was media driven to inflict fear into people. After witnessing the devastation of this virus first hand, I no longer hold those opinions or take the virus nonchalantly. If my stance on regarding and protecting human life over the economy offends anyone, perhaps it is that person's reasoning ability that is off. It works both ways.
JoAnn
Joanna S.
DeleteIs better to be poor than to be a coward, just as it is better to die of covid than to die of starvation. Praying for you and your pole friends.
Those who are not voting don't know what they are risking. Kamala Harris, together with Biden, wants to force you to put sodomites in your church, he wants to take your guns, he wants to defend the green new deal and he wants to pack the court. Trump is not going to stop the revolution. But he will give you more time to fight against it. All of those who are not voting for this man are disobeying the precept to vote; even if it is a presbyterian heretic who supports sodomites (to a degree) he will maintain some of the freedom you still have, before the NWO. I don't want to remember my catholic companions as cowards who didn't want to vote even when the Pope (as quoted above by Simple Man) teaches you sin if you don't vote.
DeleteIntroibo,
DeleteMy expressing my opinions on the Pandemic a few weeks ago led to me being called a "moron, idiot and nitwit". This week my husband's experience with Covid has affected my "reasoning" ability. What an insult and put down whether anyone agrees with me or not. People can't seem to agree to disagree on opinions without resorting to name calliñg or now disparaging and insulting my reasoning ability since my husband had Covid. I am not a glutton for punishment, therefore, I am walking away. I am sure it won't take the bullies long to find other targets to put down and insult over a matter of opinion. Peace to all.
JoAnn
JoAnn.
DeleteGo and tell that to the unemployed
Joann,
DeleteThe comments you received calling you names last time was wrong and unacceptable. That has not happened this time (nor would I allow it).
Simple Man was politely disagreeing, not calling into question your reasoning ability. In like fashion, if a judge were to be involved in a car accident where he was injured, and had to hear a similar case, the plaintiff may ask said judge to recuse himself NOT because he “can’t reason,” be rather he may not be truly impartial. That may or not be the case with the judge—or you.
You are a valued reader and commenter. Please comment again next week if you wish to bow out this week.
—-Introibo
JoAnn,
DeleteIf you honestly believe that I was putting you down, then I truly am sorry you feel that way. However, my opinion stands.
As such, I would like to make one final observation:
"If my stance on regarding and protecting human life over the economy offends anyone, perhaps it is that person's reasoning ability that is off. It works both ways."
This is a misconception about what an economy is that I've seen from a lot of people.
An economy is not just about money; after all, long before currency was invented as a concept, people were trading and bartering food, clothing, shelter, and other goods. Even if all money disappeared tomorrow, the economy would still exist (albeit in an altered form).
The economy is about the choices and decisions made by people, businesses, and governments that affect the management of all tangible and intangible resources. As such, the health of an economy indelibly impacts the lives of people just as much - if not more - as a viral pandemic does.
You seem to imply that people who care more about the economy than the virus therefore don't care about the lives of people; on the contrary, economic downturns have a way of causing death and suffering through destitution. (For example, to cite the UN - no fans of Trump at all - put out a release talking about the loss of economic production from the lockdowns could result in far more people dying of starvation than of the virus: https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/20th-anniversary-campaign/covid-related%20hunger-could-kill-more-people-than-the-virus)
All you'd have to do is see the death toll inflicted by the horrendous resource management of any Communist country (the millions who perished as a result of Mao's agricultural policies during the Great Leap Forward in mid-20th century China come to mind) to see the truth of that.
Cordially yours,
A Simple Man
Anon @4:13-
DeleteGo and tell that to people whose relatives and friends are dead!
JoAnn
Just because a relative died that does not give anyone the right to close the economy. Dying of covid is better than dying of starvation or suicide. People who commit suicide go to HELL. They set the worse example to the rest of society. If my father died of covid, i would be consoled by the fact that 1: He is probably on Heaven/Purgatory 2: Nobody can avoid death by ANY disease. But if he killed himself i would be unconsolable.
DeleteThe government could have closed some things but they closed it ALL.
Because the lockdowns are bad for mental health!
DeleteNot everybody kills himself after a relative dies. But people's brains burst in front of a despairing economic situation and isolation.
A Simple Man,
Delete"I think your personal situation regarding COVID has impacted your sense of reason."
For the last time your above statement is putting into question my reasoning ability. No, if and or buts about it. We have a difference of opinion and I lack "reasoning ability" as a result. Couple that with the crude names I was called a few weeks back regarding a difference of opinion on wearing masks and both go down as the worst put downs and insults I have ever received. What I am still doing here is beyond me, except for the fact I have been a participant and reader on this blog for approximately 4-5 yrs. I guess it is my mistake for having any expectations of receiving better than what I experienced by sharing a difference of opinion.
(Part 1 of 2)
DeleteJoAnn,
Then perhaps I should have phrased it better and said that you're not being impartial in this situation.
Allow me to elaborate exactly why I phrased it that way, because I do think your conclusions are unreasonable based on the available evidence. (You have just as much right to call into question my ability to reason if you honestly think so, because there is such a thing as reasoning poorly or wrongly.)
1) Because of what your husband experienced with regards to COVID, it has heightened your sensitivity regarding its effects and how the body politic have handled it. (In the interest of full disclosure, the closest relation I know of who's passed away from COVID-19 are the great aunt and uncle of one of my father's co-workers, who were in one of the higher risk groups. I don't know if my feelings would be different if someone closer to me had suffered, which is why I'm trying to stick with objective facts and observations as much as possible.)
2) I previously provided citations regarding a Japanese study the conclusively disproved the thesis regarding mask mandates and aggressive asymptomatic testing being the reason for Japan's low COVID death rate.
3) Because of Trump's generally cavalier attitude towards the virus, you appear to be taking the word of various media/political/medical figures against his own despite a documented history of bias, incorrect actions, and outright hypocrisy for condemning the President's actions when they themselves pooh-poohed the President as overblowing his reaction months later.
4) Given the binary choice between who's going to become the President after this upcoming election - it's either going to be Trump or Biden - comparing their particular strategies is well within bounds, and your particular condemnation of the President's strategy came off as an implicit endorsement of the Democratic position, which I thought ludicrous. (This has since been proven not to be the case, given your subsequently disclosed intent to write-in.)
5) To quote you from further down thread: "Trump can't bully or wish or will or deny this virus away. It is here to stay." It very likely is. The President pretty much acknowledged this during the last debate, about how we have to learn how to live with the virus (just like we do with the seasonal flu or any other viral disease). However, the overall condemnatory tone of your posts makes it come across as though the President should be held personally liable for the death of every single person who contracted COVID-19 (which is hard to ignore when you say things like "If Trump allows herd immunity as he is saying he wants to do, it will amount to murdering thousands of people." This is a hyperbolic statement by any measure.)
...
(Part 2 of 2)
Delete...
6) Lastly, based on your posts, you appear to be making a false dichotomy between the economy and the virus, as if one can't care for one without disregarding the other, or that those who consider the damages from mask mandates (in terms of whatever accumulated gunk is on your mask gets inhaled into your lungs, notwithstanding the psychological effects a fully masked society has on social relations) or lockdown policies (in terms of sheer economic damage at the bare minimum; there are numerous small businesses that have shut down because of government fiat over the past several months, that will never be coming back) thereby don't care about the virus damage. This is all notwithstanding the documented evidence that some deaths are being erroneously attributed to COVID-19 (https://www.andrewbostom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FL_COVID-Deaths-Report-1.pdf ; note the particular portion on page 6 where it's disclosed that current CDC guidance requires reporting as a "COVID-19 death" both those who died *because* of COVID-19 as well as those who died *while* having COVID-19 in their system, even if the underlying cause of death was something entirely unrelated, like a heart attack or a motor vehicle accident. This guidance, at variance with long-established statistical and medical practice, is why a lot of independent thinkers distrust official data), which results in an exaggerated view of the virus's actual threat that does not warranted the aggressive government reactions in respond to it months later. (The line at the beginning was "15 days to flatten the curve." It's now over seven months later.)
If you think I'm being unreasonable, you are more than welcome to call my own ability to reason into question and point out where I'm wrong or am missing something. I just honestly don't consider being called unreasonable an insult to the degree that you seem to.
The names you were called on the other thread were inexcusable and uncalled for; however, I think the name-calling you experienced is an entirely separate issue from our particular discussion and the tone therein.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Novus Ordo Watch had a very good article on Catholic principles when voting from September: https://novusordowatch.org/2020/09/morality-of-voting-permissible-lesser-of-two-evils/
ReplyDeleteFr. Titus Cranny puts it succinctly: "Thus we may say that it is permitted to vote for unworthy candidates (that is, give material cooperation) if these are the only type of men on the ballot lists; in order to exclude the more unworthy; in order to secure the election of one who is somewhat unworthy instead of voting for a good man whose defeat is certain; and when the list is mixed containing both worthy and unworthy men, so that a citizen can vote for the former only by voting for the latter at the same time."
At this juncture, one of two individuals are going to be elected President: Donald Trump, or Joe Biden. There is no other probable outcome.
As such, the only realistic and practical option remaining to keep Joe Biden and the Democratic Party out of the White House is to re-elect Donald Trump, who - for all his character flaws - has been surprising in terms of domestic and foreign policy.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Simple Man,
DeleteThank you for sharing the information from NOW. I will say this: If you don’t vote for what you believe in you’ll never get what you want. I have not, nor will I ever, vote for a pro-abortion or pro-sodomite candidate. It gives politicians the idea that “a little bit of murder is OK.” If they lose by the number of votes given to a third party pro-life candidate or write-ins for pro-life, they will change position on a purely pragmatic basis.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Introibo,
DeleteIndeed; we've already seen what Roe v. Wade has done to the body politic in terms of culture. If it ever gets to the point where the major parties field such candidates, then we as a country deserve whatever reckoning comes our way.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Keep in mind Roe vs. Wade was forced upon our country and was never up for popular vote.
Delete-Andrew
"Trump is a womanizer, adulterer, makes fun of people, sends out obnoxious tweets"
ReplyDeleteAll irrelevant. Some of that might be a matter between him and his confessor, which he ought to have, but it's not of relevance to the American population. The Left uses attacks on people's personal faults to demonize people they don't like, even though what matters in a ruler is how he rules, not how he lives his personal life. Many good, strong Catholic kings had mistresses and illegitimate children, and the Faith thrived under their rule. In Catholic times people didn't pay any attention to stuff like that.
@anon7:19
DeleteWell, one would hopefully want a virtuous leader who also does well by the people, like King St Louis IX. However, you are correct that ultimately it is “how he rules.”
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Good morning Introibo,
ReplyDelete1. Trump is dividing the people with his policies. His policies reflect Christian values, such as being pro-life, anti-sodomite, and anti-Socialism.
Just for the record, Trump is certainly pro-sodomite. His policies, words, and actions clearly encourage it. He has literally done what no other Republican president has been able to do, change the Republican platform to accept a pro-sodomitic posture. With that said, he is still the better choice.
God bless.
Trump dances to song Y.M.C.A. in below link. I guess it doesn't matter if Trump is pro-sodomite as he is a Presbyterian who thinks he is pre-destined no matter what his sins are or what sins he supports.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/Zph7YXfjMhg
The Republican party has gone way too far to the right with their leader Donald Trump. This Country is in sad shape. There is no sane voice to bring it back to the middle. If the Republicans go any further to the right perhaps they will fall off the earth as many think the earth is flat anyhow.
DeleteCM7,
DeleteI disagree. He has allowed adoption agencies to reject sodomite couples (See https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1224911). As of tonight he has put three Justices on the Court, two of which will strongly oppose sodomites and possibly vote to overturn the morally unconscionable decision in Obergerfell. Biden would NEVER do this—he would escalate the sodomite Takeover of society.
@anon8:36
Dancing to a song from sodomites doesn’t make him one—or agree with them. See my response to CM7 above. I agree he is not a good man, but he DOES have good policies.
@anon8:49
Too far to the right? Well I’m in favor of the restoration of a Catholic monarchy (if we get a True pope back) where there will be no religious liberty and homosexuality will be subject to criminal penalties. There must be a move to the RIGHT (as opposed to what’s WRONG).
—-Introibo
Where will the "freedoms" be that everyone seems to be screaming about if there were a Catholic Monarchy?
DeleteJoAnn
Indeed, I would agree with the conclusion Introibo makes nevertheless, but to call Trump an anti-sodomite candidate does not seem to be in line with Trump's history and platform. I'll never forget in the RNC of 2016 seeing that man waving the sodomite flag in front of a cheering crowd of "conservatives".
DeleteKyrie Eleison.
Joann,
DeleteI believe if we had a Constitutional Catholic Monarch, like in several countries pre-Vatican II, we would have a godly government and true freedom (as opposed to “license to do as you please.”
Neyoriquans,
I agree with you. Trump is not a good man, and look how deep sodomites have embedded themselves in society in just 40 years. By “anti-sodomite” in Trump’s case, I should define it as “slowing down/stopping their takeover of our society.” He waves the flag, but undercuts them too. All major sodomite organizations are supporting Biden.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Thank you for that distinction Introibo, with it I most certainly agree now.
DeleteCatholic Monarchy is undoubtedly the proper way forward. As to the question of freedom, it is important for naturalists to understand the distinction between license and true freedom. License being the liberalism we suffer under today, and true freedom being the ability to do what is morally right.
This passage is quite enlightening in my opinion:
There is no unlimited freedom in the world, and liberty over-stepping its boundaries always leads to evil. Man himself is neither absolutely free, nor would he desire unbounded freedom. Freedom is not the greatest boon nor the final end of man; it is given to him as a means to reach his end. Within his own mind, man feels bound to truth. Around himself, he sees all nature bound to laws and even dreads disturbances in their regular course. In all his activity he gets along best by remaining within the laws set for him. Those judgments are the best which are formed in accordance with the rules of logic.
Those machines and instruments are the finest which are allowed the smallest amount of freedom. Social intercourse is easiest within the rules of propriety. Widening these boundaries does not lead to higher perfection. Opinions are free only where certainty cannot be reached; scientific theories are free as long as they rest on probabilities. The freest of all in their thinking are the ignorant. In short, the more freedom of opinion, the less science.
Similarly, a railway train with freedom in more than one line is disastrous, a ship not under the control of the helm is doomed. A nation that depreciates its code of law, that relaxes the administration of justice, that sets aside the strict rules of propriety, that does not protect its own industry, that gives no guarantee for personal and public property and safety is on the decline. Unlimited freedom leads to barbarism, and its nearest approach is found in the wilds of Australia.
From the "Catholic Encyclopedia" of 1907
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13598b.htm
Neyoriquans,
Deletethis excerpt is absolutely spot-on and another example how the Catholic Church has a right answer for each and every question a man can raise. Thank you!
Joanna S.
Neyoriquans,
DeleteA timely and excellent excerpt!
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Intro,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for publishing this article at this time. I have been pretty troubled these last few weeks about voting, what with so many posts by bloggers taking an almost doomsday position by saying candidates of any party are so tainted, and that there's so much matrix-type skullduggery in this world, that hardly any major candidate anywhere is worth voting for.
I had alternatively thought of choosing a write-in candidate, but your analysis helped me decide that in these times of the burgeoning socialist threat, it may not be wise to "throw away" a vote, as it were.
I think you've helped set my mind at ease in this regard. Much thanks, again.
Jannie
Jannie,
DeleteGlad I helped! I hope you’re in a “swing state”!
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Actually, I don't, it's solidly blue; but I thought: who knows what may happen, as this election season is a really unusual one in many ways.
DeleteThat leads me to ask your opinion on another question: do you think one may, in good conscience, vote for the "LOTE" (lesser of two evils) in a state that would not support that candidate anyway?
Jannie
Jannie,
DeleteAs long as the candidate does not support abortion and is at least not promoting sodomites, I think you may do so. You may, in my opinion, vote for Trump in the hope that he somehow carries the state. I will vote for him in New York, the bastion of modern day evil. If NY goes for Trump, I will consider it a bona fide miracle!!
God Bless,
—-Introibo
JoAnn says"I have first hand knowledge of the devastation that COVID is capable of doing as my husband had it." OK, enough of this. If nobody else is going to say something then I will, if Introibo will post it. First, what devastation are you talking about exactly JoAnn? Cough? Fever? Loss of taste? Weak and tired? I mean give me a break. These are symptoms of the flu. Whenever I get the flu I am bed bound for days. Same with most people. Fevers and coughs knock you down and out. So I think you could lighten up on the dramatic language a little. Furthermore, let's put this in perspective. The "devastating pandemic" is survived by 99.5% of people under age 70 and 94% over age 70. That is what we call a pandemic? I have heard it called a casedemic because if you believe the inaccurate test results we are talking about high numbers of cases but many of these cases have no symptoms and most who do recover within days, just as POTUS and your husband did. So, you are not going to vote for Trump because he didn't do enough to battle covid. What exactly did you want to see that would earn your vote? Not enough lock-downs JoAnn? Would you like to see more billboards, commercials, and politicians telling you to wash your hands and wear masks?
ReplyDeleteAnon @3:18,
DeleteYou have no idea what my husband experienced due to this virus or so called "flu" as you put it. I am not at liberty to disclose all the symptoms he experienced due to the sensitivity of them. You people would just disparage, mock or make fun anyway. Hope and pray you and yours never experience anything like it. Trump can't bully or wish or will or deny this virus away. It is here to stay. Unfortunately some people get hit harder with it than others, some die, some are asymptomatic. What made it harder on my husband was he thought he just had the flu and laid in bed for days and would not seek medical treatment and just got progressively worse until his organs started to shut down. But then again, according to you and the majority here it is only the "flu" he experienced and the attending physicians know nothing. How Trump like - he thinks he knows more than Drs too.
Hope you and yours are spared of the "flu".
JoAnn
Anon @3:18,
DeleteI never said I wasn't voting for Trump due to "not enough lockdowns". I don't like or want lockdowns. I never needed a "billboard, commercial and politician" to tell me to wash my hands, or cover my mouth when I sneezed or coughed for that matter. I am voting as Senate seats are up for election. I, however, will not vote for Trump or Biden. I will not vote for the least evil candidate. More than likely a write-in candidate for President which is my right.
JoAnn
You talk up face masks and social distancing and obedience to authorities and criticize those who oppose these things and yet your husband wore masks and practiced social distancing and still got sick. This proves they do not work. But instead of accepting the fact you double down along with the politicians and MSM and used this platform to pronounce it.
DeleteViruses have no cure. Look it up. Doctors prescribe “plenty of fluids and bed rest.” People recover from them through the immune system, which people like you think we need to suppress 24-7 by excessive hand washing, face masks, social distancing, and home quarantines. In a previous thread you mentioned that your husband was in and out of the hospital in a matter of days. Since there is no cure for a virus, we can deduce that the medical treatment he received was not responsible for his recovery. Again, that would be his immune system unless you are withholding information about other preexisting health issues he may have.
The stats are what they are. They simply do not support what has been going on and which you obstinately support to the detriment of free societies around the world.
You are attempting to equate legalized murder of unborn babies with Covid and I just can't let that go. American Christians are obligated to cast a vote for Trump because he is pro-life. Christians stand united against the evil and unjust law of abortion. The alternative is a baby killing liberal democrat. By not voting you still vote anyhow, against life. Every vote in favor of the sanctity of human life matters.
Anon 8:32,
DeleteIt is ok who you and everybody else on here "criticizes" or disagrees with. For your info my husband has no health problems or preexisting conditions whatsoever. It was not a matter of days that he spent in the Hospital. Where did I say anything about abortion being equal with Covid?? I did say I was voting, more than likely a write-in vote. Before attacking me, get your facts straight.
After being called names and having my reasoning ability attacked, it dawned on me where such behavior stems from, your narcissistic leader Trump. That is what he is noted for calling people names and telling some individuals they have "low IQ's". Great leader and role model that he is. Sorry I ever tried to share my experience of my husband having Covid or asking for prayers due to the vitriol and rhetoric I have received. I am not going to be reading here anymore so save your breath and don't comment to me as I won't be wasting my time reading the rhetoric directed at me. All I can say is this has been a very sad experience for me, but also very eye-opening.
JoAnn
JoAnn, I apologize for speaking about what you and your husband experienced. I was not there so I do not know. You did not do anything wrong sharing your experience and asking for prayers for your husband. I'm sure everyone here including me prayed for his recovery. While I disagree with you on these issues I hope you do not stop contributing to Introibo's blog. You have many friends here, even when disagreements arise.
DeleteThe truth lies in the middle. Plenty of those commenting sound like alt-right or headed in that direction.
DeleteJoAnn
ReplyDeleteI hope you know you have friends here who wish you well and pray for your intentions. Any person with a desire to do good and love God as a good Catholic needs only to consider what they believe is right in light of Church teaching regarding their civic duty. Other's opinions are what they are, but it seems Introibo captured the essence of the subject of the Catholic vote, in these strange times, very well.
Blessings to you...
Jannie
What do you say to the argument that Trump is basically an agent of Israel? That he is a pied piper, he was selected to be president over Hillary because people would resist the government under Hillary, but not Trump?
ReplyDeleteRyan,
DeleteTrump is using the Jews to further HIS goals. Here’s an example, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/opinion/israel-omar-tlaib-netanyahu.html
Does he help Israel? Sure. But in return he gets a boost for his policies. Trump is a shrewd businessman.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Well I don't have a subscribtion to the NYT so I'll have to take your word for it, but normally I dismiss offhand whatever comes out of that rag.
DeleteIMHO he is owned outright by the Jewish Lobby
-His son in Law and daughter are Chabad
-He was bailed out of his bankruptcies by who knows who
-Sheldon Adelson his top donor is on record as saying all he cares about is being a good zionist
-He moved the embassy to Jerusalem and has given Netanyahu the keys to the White house, and "our hearts"
-he flew to Epstien Island like 20+ times
-Under the Trump administration all the Silicon Valley firms are relocating their headquarters to Israel
-The Trump administration is spearheading the online censorship movement under the guise of fighting anti-semitism
Does that make Biden better than Trump? No
But I don't see how anyone could believe the Trump presidency is pro-America.
The Trump presidency is all about Trump.
DeleteFair enough, but however Trump's connections to the Jewish lobby may appear, it also looks like his recent brokering of a recognition of Israel by the UAE and some other Arab countries has had a calming effect on MiddleEast tensions for now. Most notably, Bibi has been pretty quiet since then. Maybe because it would be odd of him to continue to agitate for war over there in the face of this new "recognition"? Who knows, but there it is.
DeleteAs Intro said: he is a shrewd businessman who can cut deals.
So perhaps President Trump deserves the benefit of the doubt here, as he also went before the press and stated: "I've done a lot for Israel, therefore it's only reasonable that I have to do a lot for the Palestinians, too, or it's just not fair."
No he isn't the knight we'd all prefer to have, not by a long shot, but as Intro also stated, it is a binary certainty that only one of these two men will become POTUS, and if Trump's presidency doesn't come off as pro-America, then the administration of a Joe Biden, who is credibly accused of compromising himself, while holding high office, with a hostile foreign power that could and will use him to do their bidding as president, along with his other evil policy preferences, is something too repulsive to allow to happen.
Jannie
Excellent article!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
-Andrew
Andrew,
DeleteThank you my friend!
—-Introibo
Trump= pro life, pro 1st and 2nd Amendments, pro small businesses, anti-regulations, anti-globalism, pro lowering taxes, pro school choice, anti-lockdown, anti-communist/socialist agenda, anti illegal aliens, anti antifa, pro medical choice of individuals, anti war, pro peace with other nations, anti Paris climate accord, anti NAFTA, appoints decent (could be much worse) Supreme Court justices and federal judges, pro fracking and fair trade, anti sex trafficking, etc.
ReplyDeleteBiden= everything the opposite from above and much worse not to forget his running mate Kamala Harris.
Great article Introibo.
Lee
Lee,
DeleteYou’re spot on about Trump! Thank you for commenting my friend!
—-Introibo
I have to question and correct the parts: "Poverty will never be overcome... Government can never overcome poverty". That is NOT the teaching of the church and Catholic Social Doctrine and it sounds more like some John Galt libertarian law of the jungle rambling than a "traditionalist Catholic perspective". This dog eat dog capitalist mentality is NOT Catholic and Catholics CANNOT, in right conscience, hold or support such thinking or policies. Yes, Pope Francis is in error with his support of Marxism which is condemned by Catholic teaching but so is neoliberal/laissez-faire capitalism is condemned as well in the pre-Vatican II social encyclicals of Leo XIII and Pius XI.
ReplyDeleteWhilst it's indeed true that misfortune will never be completely eradicated, utopia is impossible and there will always be problems in this life but Catholics have a moral duty to take care of the poor and ensure everyone's basic and essential needs are met.
Pope Piux XI in his encyclical Quadragesimo Anno, says that the state has a duty to intervene in society and the economy to protect the poor and weak and ensure their basic material needs are met (whilst respecting the rights of private property owners) in article 25 of that encyclical. The link to it is provided below. Please open and refer to the articles I’m referencing here as they’re too large to fit in this com box.
http://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19310515_quadragesimo-anno.html
Pius XI then in article 57 of the same encyclical also says that there must be a universal destination of goods and an equitable distribution of wealth (though not necessarily equal) and he condemned the false notion that incomes can only be received via formal paid employment.
And then in article 75 he says that society has a moral duty to ensure that all meet their basic material needs to survive and flourish.
Catholic Social doctrine recommends a third way economic alternative beyond the capitalism-socialism dialectic and that is wide distribution of private property ownership, universal destination of goods, public protection of the poor and national control of the financial system.
Economic equity and social justice are not just modern post Vatican II ideas. They were developed by the popes and moral theologians of the Catholic Church at her finest before the V2 left wing modernist corruption. Many supposed trad Catholics, especially in the US, are embracing the errors and corruption of liberal corporate capitalism which has been just as destructive toward Christian civilisation as Marxism has been. They are selling themselves and the church out to Mammon. Heck, it was the financial oligarchs and corporate capitalism that bankrolled the first communist revolutions in the first place. Because as Pius XI also says in article 122:
"let all remember that Liberalism is the father of this Socialism that is pervading morality and culture".
Michael,
Delete1. I’m not advocating anything other than Catholic doctrine. The government has a duty to try and ensure basic needs are met. It does not logically follow that all such needs will actually be met. Even if basic needs are met, there will be those who have more than others.
2. Catholicism does not advocate distribution of private property. I might cover that in a separate post.
3. You admit Bergoglio supports Marxism. Marxism is based on heretical ideas. Bergoglio is therefore not the pope. He is teaching error; something the Holy Ghost would protect a real pope from doing.
—-Introibo
Michael,
Delete"I have to question and correct the parts: "Poverty will never be overcome... Government can never overcome poverty". That is NOT the teaching of the church and Catholic Social Doctrine and it sounds more like some John Galt libertarian law of the jungle rambling than a "traditionalist Catholic perspective". This dog eat dog capitalist mentality is NOT Catholic and Catholics CANNOT, in right conscience, hold or support such thinking or policies."
I refer you to the words of Our Lord, from Matthew 26:6-11 - "And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, There came to him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment, and poured it on his head as he was at table. And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, saying: To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. And Jesus knowing it, said to them: Why do you trouble this woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you: but me you have not always."
Although we are called to alleviate the circumstances of the poor in the spirit of charity, the utter elimination of the poor as a social class is - at the very least - statistically improbable this side of Heaven. Furthermore, as history has borne out, attempts to "eliminate poverty" have often unleashed consequences far worse than the poverty they sought to eliminate, notwithstanding the unjust means often utilized to eliminate poverty (see Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" and the horrific consequences it had on black families and black culture, as but one example).
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
Luke 18:22
Delete"Which when Jesus had heard, he said to him: Yet one thing is wanting to thee: sell all whatever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."
Philippians 2:4
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Deuteronomy 15:11
"For there will never ceases to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, 'you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and the poor in the land'.
In many ways capitalism has lead to the greedy, self-centered and selfish generation in which we live. We are supposed to "Love your neighbor as yourself".
Catholic distributism is the best
DeleteOf course some will always have more than others, I wasn't denying that reality. Advocating an equitable economic system does not necessarily mean having completely equal and flat distribution of wealth.
DeleteCatholic social teaching advocates that conditions need to be established so that there is ample opportunity for as many people as possible to acquire their own property. This doesn't mean using draconian redistribution policies akin to Marxism but some public regulations and policies (especially towards the financial system, banking, usury and lending etc) are a legitimate means to prevent property concentration in too few hands. How it is achieved is up to the laity but having wide property ownership among the people with a large middle class is strongly advocated for by CST.
Joanna S:
ReplyDeleteI see in news articles today where the troubles continue in your country. It saddens me so much! I am an American of Polish extraction and I know Poland's Catholics have had a great love of the Catholic Faith and have defended it well over the centuries.
I pray that you and your loved ones and countrymen stay strong and persevere in these times, and that you have good health and succeed in finding the position you are looking for.
God Bless you.
Jannie
Dear Jannie,
Deletethank you so much for your kind words! It really warms my heart to know that there are people who do care and there are plenty of them here at Introibo's!
Let us hope and place all of our trust in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary that our countries shall be spared in these troubled times.
Will be praying for America to do the right thing this coming Tuesday!
God bless Poland and the United States!
Joanna S.
What is fideism?
ReplyDeletePer NewAdvent (https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06068b.htm), fideism is "a philosophical term meaning a system of philosophy or an attitude of mind, which, denying the power of unaided human reason to reach certitude, affirms that the fundamental act of human knowledge consists in an act of faith, and the supreme criterion of certitude is authority." In other words, it implicitly denies intellectual knowledge and the capacity for human reason to reach certitude on things which do not explicitly require Divine Revelation to know.
DeleteSincerely,
A Simple Man
@anon4:18
DeleteAccording to Theologian Parente, it is a system which exaggerated the function of faith in the knowledge of truth. Usually an appeal to faith to affirm God Whom they claim cannot be proven by way of reason. Modernists draw close to Fideism which was condemned as heretical at the 1870 Vatican Council. (See “Dictionary of Dogmatic Theology” [[1951], pgs. 103-104).
—-Introibo
I got two ballets mailed to me do I have a moral obligation to vote twice?
ReplyDeleteRyan,
DeleteNo. That would be fraudulent. One person, one vote. Also keep in mind that it is potentially voter fraud, and don’t you think they would love to come after a Trump supporter?!
—-Introibo
Ok, ok I thought that would be the right answer. I'll go ahead and drop it off at the local republican office, I'm sure they'll do the right thing with it.
ReplyDeleteRyan,
DeleteMy recommendation would be to destroy it. If you have more than one ballot sent to you, the mere existence of duplicates is an opportunity for mayhem by the unscrupulous.
After all, as Project Veritas demonstrated with their recent exposes from Texas (where among other things, a woman working for a local Republican politician was essentially bribing the elderly to vote Democrat and admitted to it, for reasons still not yet fully known), not all Republicans are the same in terms of character or intention.
Sincerely,
A Simple Man
I would think Ryan is being sarcastic when he states: "I'll go ahead and drop it off at the local republican office, I'm sure they'll do the right thing with it."
DeleteAnyone who lives in Massachusetts should write in "Dr. Shiva" for Senate. I have been following his campaign and he seems like a genuine guy with great ideas. He is actually going after the "deep state" with legal action. If I lived their I would vote for him.
ReplyDeleteYou ever read anything about his campaign Introibo?
David,
DeleteI don’t know much about him, but my wife likes his politics, so he must be a decent candidate. A write in vote for him is a good option.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
Dr. Shiva claims to be the inventor of email.
Deletehttps://fortune.com/2016/03/07/who-really-invented-email/amp/
@anon9:47
DeleteI was not aware of this claim. However, in these perilous times, someone with an isolated whacky belief (Al Gore made a similar claim) can still have good policies.
—-Introibo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva_Ayyadurai
DeleteAyyadurai appeared on a livestream with Matthew Colligan, a white supremacist known for his participation in the 2017 Unite the Right rally. Colligan requested that Ayyadurai bless a small statue of Kek, the green frog that came to prominence as a symbol of the alt-right during the 2016 United States presidential election. Ayyadurai obliged and described Colligan as "one of our greatest supporters".
@anon9:52
DeleteAnything can be written on Wikipedia, but if true, I'd withdraw my support.
---Introibo
Cant say I know everything about the guy but as to pertaining to the alt-right association, I think he is much like President Trump. Trump has denounce racism, as has Dr. Shiva(he is an Indian so it makes no sense why he would want the support of an actual white supremacist). In regards to the interview I think it was made a big deal out of that "blessing" I think it was more of a ligh-hearted gesture in fun, not some blanket endorsement of alt-right white supremacist. He is going after the government in Massachusetts for election fraud with a 1.2 billion dollar lawsuit and has publicly called out many corrupt politicians. As to his claim to inventing "Email", I believe he makes a distinction in so far as he "invented" an interoffice electronic mail system which he named "EMAIL", I dont think he makes the claim of actually inventing electronic messages. He isn't perfect like Trump and he seems to want to genuinely fight the corruption. I could be wrong but even Trump eluded to him being a great candidate in one of his rallys.
DeleteDavid,
DeleteThank you for the information! It clears things up.
God Bless,
---Introibo
Hello
ReplyDeleteHow do you respond to the objection that the Church is the whore of Babylon?
@anon6:22
DeleteIt’s based on private interpretation. That’s the short answer. For the long answer, I’d need to write a post to do it justice. If one of my readers has a quick and valid response I would gladly publish it.
God Bless,
—-Introibo
The Novus Ordo sect seems to perfectly fit the description. Sits on seven hills (Rome), drunk on its persecutions on traditionalist Catholics, etc. But just only a private interpretation too.
Delete(John Paul II's name in Latin sums up to 666 too, but St. John wrote the Book of Apocalypse/Revelation in Greek, so it probably does not count)
But seriously, we should not act like conspiracy theorists who already mud the image of sedes
The term "Babylonian harlot" from the Book of Revelation of St. John does not refer to the Church. The term indicates the Roman empire in the typical (pictorial) sense, that is, an earthly empire hostile to Christ. St. Irenaeus of Lyons, St. Hippolytus, Cassiodorus and St. Andrew of Caesarea and virtually all Catholic theologians interpreted these words in this way. It was only Martin Luther and other heretics that defined the Roman Catholic Church as "the Babylonian harlot."
DeleteSorry for possible translation errors.
God bless,
Paweł
Pawel,
DeleteA very terse and excellent response!
God Bless,
---Introibo