Evangelization2.0

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Jerome Holtzman - A true legend.

Along with the late great Mike Royko, one of my favorite Chicago journalists.  For budding journalists (and bloggers) everywhere, here is the standard to beat.  Good luck. He set the bar high.

Santa Has A Dirty Mouth. No More HO! HO! HO!

PC Police Gone Wild aka Tales Of The Absurd

Did you know that Santa is a bad influence on our kids?  A company that hires Santas to work in shopping malls has advised its employees not to use the word "ho." It is unbelievable, but true.  An Santa trainer explained to a group of recruits in Sydney, Australia that "Ho, ho, ho" can be demeaning to women. An appropriate substitute is "ha, ha, ha."  I had no idea that Santa was such a potty mouth. 

My Catholic guilt is weighing on me. In fifth grade I dressed up as Santa and went around the neighborhood handing out gifts and performing acts of charity.  I can only imagine how ashamed my parents were of me for running around yelling Ho, ho, ho!  Mom, Dad, friends and neighbors, can you ever forgive me? 

Seriously, things have really swung far into the land of ridiculous.  Hey, here is an idea for the PC police, take a look at Rap lyrics, or prime time television.  Oh, I don't know, perhaps those are better targets than say, Santa!?   

Read this terrific editorial from today's Chicago Tribune and learn how Christmas seems to bring out the worst in the PC police.  A few highlights: The City of Fort Collins, CO is banning red and green lights as being 'too religous.'  Please help me here. I saw the Nativity Story last year and thought it to be pretty realistic.  My guess is that the civic leaders of Fort Collins felt otherwise since the birth of Jesus was depicted without red and green packages nor any Christmas lights.  Who is the mayor, Lucy from Peanuts?

Ever feel that the inmates are running the asylum? 

Broken Wing

Here is my brave little guy awaiting surgery. I am proud of him. He comforted himself by holding his rosary and praying the Our Father. Today he said, "Dad, right as I said 'Amen' the firemen walked in the door." He is doing great today, but a bit bummed at not being able to run around, ride his bike, and play soccer for about eight weeks.

 

Commentaries on Britney Spears and Anti-Catholicism

Here are two thoughtful commentaries posted by Deacon Keith A Fournier on Catholic Online.

Anti-Catholicism on the Rise - We Must Stand Firm: "Anti-Catholicism is on the rise in our day. However, Catholics must not cower when confronted by those who attempt to silence us. Our message is not our own. It is for the whole world and it still sets the captives free."

Britney Spears, “Blackout” and Anti-Catholicism: "The continued growth of anti-Catholicism is only one more sign of a culture corrupted. Sadly, the entertainment industry seems to be the medium of the last acceptable prejudice. Britney Spears' new album "Blackout" promotes the mocking of a Catholic Sacrament."

T's note:  I don't care what religion is being mocked, doing so is wrong especially if the motivation is commercial gain.  I am sure an army of handlers pushed Britney into this stunt, knowing that it would get a lot of play in the media and on the blogosphere. Bad choice Britney.  Personally, I am sad and concerned for Britney and a society that accepts her behavior as just part of a privileged lifestyle.  If there is an upside, it is that many people are expressing concern and are using this as a teaching moment for their kids.   After all, we as parents are the final filter.  We can't isolate our kids from the world, nor should we do so. We can however, be good role models, teachers, and influencer's.  It is upon us to teach them values, faith, and goodness.  I can't imagine anyone objecting to that philosophy.   

Catholics Call on Edwards To Dismiss Anti-Catholic Blogmaster

Interesting article by Bill Hobbs about the call for Edwards to fire his blogmaster.

"The national Catholic based advocacy group Fidelis has called on Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards to dismiss his campaign's blogmaster, Amanda Marcotte, because of her "long record of anti-Catholic bigotry," the organization announced today."....

Fidelis says Marcotte used vulgar and profane laden language to describe the church doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit, and derisively referred to Pope Benedict XVI as a "dictator," and has made other anti-Catholic statements.

Read the entire story here: www.elephantbiz.com/2007/02/catholics_call_on_edwards_to_d.html