I knew who the author of the NCR piece was before I even clicked the link, and was not disappointed to have my suspicion confirmed. Anything else I would add would certainly test my ability to remain charitable, so I will leave it there.
I hadn't clicked through, but when I read your post, I guessed too! Either I'm a mindreader or a certain NC Reporter columnist is something of a one-trick pony... sadly, I'm guessing the latter. In any case, the priests at my parish, though otherwise stellar, have an unfortunate habit of failing to identify the beneficiaries of each Sunday's 2nd collection. Which is a problem, as I'm the sort who tends to throw in a few bucks whenever a collection basket is in front of me. However, I have "creative differences" with CCHD and Peter's Pence, and I'm always averse to contributing thereto. As the collection basket approaches up the aisle, I sometimes find myself whipping out my phone to madly google "USCCB second collections schedule."
I don't bother. I give to my parish, I give to my parish's St. Vincent de Paul charity, and I give to Lepanto Institute-approved charities. If the USCCB wants me to trust their charities, they can start selecting only trustworthy ones.
Mostly the commiephilic stuff articles in their own magazine, and sermons I’ve heard - one especially egregious talk (during sermon time, of course) was from one of their sisters who witnessed a massacre of about a hundred people in Central America back in the 60s. She claimed it was the “worst atrocity” she’d ever heard of.
And this from a woman born in the 30s - but who apparently slept through the 40s and 50s, thus ignoring the tens of millions murdered by the third reich (I don’t capitalize it), by soviets, and by chicoms (I don’t capitalize them either).
To connect two stories together: Using "Right Wing" as a word of opprobrium has become so common as to lose its power. If 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 is Right Wing (exclamation point implied), then, to paraphrase Inigo Montoya, "You keep using that phrase. I do not think it means what you think it means." This is why both "Far Right" and "Extreme Right" have to be used ever more frequently.
It's, of course, happening with political parties - in France and elsewhere. I have family and friends in Belgium. In our political discussions, George Bush would get called Far Right. And, Trump is Extreme Right. Interestingly, when discussing any *specific* policy decisions, my European friends are likely to agree with these "right wingers".
The Overton Window on these issues has moved so far to the left that what would have been moderate or centrist a generation ago (maybe even 10 years ago) is now considered "fascist" (for whatever that word's worth nowadays).
Except that I see the pendulum starting to swing back. I teach high school (admittedly in a small, rural town), and in the last year or so, students seems to be waking up from the Woke Culture. And, even among the young Belgian relations, I sense a tiredness of all this political correctness.
(FWIW, having listened to Marion Maréchal - though not in-depth nor on all issues - I find her convincing and sensible. Maybe I'm "Far Right", too.)
The code is written in Latin, with a Latinate frame of mind. Fish =/= meat (carnem) in that framework. So, eating a fancy fish meal wouldn't violate the letter of the law. But it obviously wouldn't be ideal, would it?
For an analogy, the Church specifies that at a minimum, you must confess at least once a year, and receive communion at least once a year in the Easter season. If you do at least thar, you're not breaking the law. But clearly, you ought to be doing more than the bare minimum.
At least in current practice, the law sets the bare minimum, not the expected norm.
Fair point! That overlap of penance and festivity is an odd thing, but it does have precedence. Christmas Eve was a day of fasting and abstinence, which is why so many cultures have the tradition of a fish dinner on that night.
Indeed! I think the juxtaposition is particularly appropriate for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, since reparation for sins has always been part and parcel of that Feast, and devotion to the Sacred Heart in general.
Beat me to it. I read that paragraph in Jack's voice, too.
"They have the luxury of not knowing what I know — that Hernández’s career, while tragic, probably helped the game; and his existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to them, was necessary"
On subscriptions. As a happy subscriber I get mixed messages. You sometimes laud new hires and initiatives as if you have the revenue to expand and alternatively plead for the free loaders to subscribe to stay afloat. I think of the Pillar staff and its subscribers as family. Family’s share information more extensively within than without. Could , for example , you tell us why you do not give the free loaders a trial subscription . If you don’t cut them off they will continue to free load. Maybe you get a great conversion rate already . I don’t know. I know certain publications that have an advertising base sell their publication for little to nothing since the number of “ subscribers” enhances their advertising rates but that would seem not to apply here. Some explanation as to your business model would be helpful. Perhaps your subscribers could be more helpful. Why would you not for example ask your subscribers to give you 10 names of friends who they think might like the Pillar. The subscriber pays you X for 10 trial 6 month subscriptions. And you work on converting them. Alternatively, could you reincorporate as a non profit to allow wealthier subscriber’s fund good journalism.
We chose not to be a non-profit because we believe that the effect of relying on wealthier patrons for journalism is corrosive-- it leads to agenda driven coverage tailored to fit the pre-conceived narratives of the whales. you can already find that in Catholic media.
We also choose not to be advertiser-dependent because that creates an incentive for clickbait type reporting that we want to eschew. you can find that too.
So we choose to be subscriber-funded, to live within our means, to hire when we can afford it, etc. And we spell out two realities: subscribers have made it possible for us to do things like hire Edgar, and grow our coverage. But without continued growth, there's no safety net, so we need to encourage free readers (we're committed to keeping The Pillar's news coverage free) to become paying subscribers. Both things are true.
Whenever I read the National Catholic Reporter, it’s always so rhetorically powerful- expressive language, emotional appeal, the whole thing. It’s not really news at that point though honestly, and clearly driving an agenda. Good on y’all for doing honest reporting, it’s seriously so appreciated.
Outstanding opening piece on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Two very devout Catholics with deep devotion to the Sacred Heart are Admiral Jeremiah Denton and General James Dozier. They were each captured by communazifasciocialists, and both said their devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart was what got them through their ordeals.
This threw me for a loop at first, too. Then I had to reread it. It says that the *challenges* were upheld. In other words, managers believed that he made the wrong call; so , they challenged the call. And their challenges were upheld, with Ángel’s calls being overturned.
I am hopeful that the NCR risibly calling The Pillar "right-wing" will lead The Pillar to refrain from such unhelpful references as this:
"...42% of French Catholics are expected to vote for parties frequently described as far-right."
You understand that to a left-leaning organization (99% of the media), anything near the center is considered "far-right," no? Also, let's refrain from the passive voice.
Sorry that most of my comments here tend to be lightly critical, but when you're a paying subscriber you feel you have that right. :-)
I'm sorta with you on this point. But, the article says that the parties are "described" as being far-right. This is certainly true. The question is: Who's describing them? The parties (like Marion Maréchal's Reconquête! or Jordan Bardella's Rassemblement National) are definitely described as "far right", by Le Monde, for example.
Some context of who is calling them "far-right" and for what reasons would be helpful. My personal experience in talking politics with Belgian family and friends confirms that these parties are considered "far right".
(RN, fwiw, used to be called the Front National, founded by Jean Le Pen. FN would have been called "extreme right", until his daughter, Marine, rebranded the party. Le Pen, btw, is the grandfather of Maréchal. So, it's no wonder that the "far right" label extends to her, as well.")
Maybe as a member of a board of directors but as a subscriber I feel like I’m supporting the publication in toto. I can write letters to the editor as a reader, and I can subscribe or not, but never entered my mind that I’m some sort of shareholder.
I knew who the author of the NCR piece was before I even clicked the link, and was not disappointed to have my suspicion confirmed. Anything else I would add would certainly test my ability to remain charitable, so I will leave it there.
I hadn't clicked through, but when I read your post, I guessed too! Either I'm a mindreader or a certain NC Reporter columnist is something of a one-trick pony... sadly, I'm guessing the latter. In any case, the priests at my parish, though otherwise stellar, have an unfortunate habit of failing to identify the beneficiaries of each Sunday's 2nd collection. Which is a problem, as I'm the sort who tends to throw in a few bucks whenever a collection basket is in front of me. However, I have "creative differences" with CCHD and Peter's Pence, and I'm always averse to contributing thereto. As the collection basket approaches up the aisle, I sometimes find myself whipping out my phone to madly google "USCCB second collections schedule."
I don't bother. I give to my parish, I give to my parish's St. Vincent de Paul charity, and I give to Lepanto Institute-approved charities. If the USCCB wants me to trust their charities, they can start selecting only trustworthy ones.
I don’t give to CCHD, Catholic Charities or Marxyknollers. Simply because what they do isn’t Catholic.
Asking honestly, do you know of articles describing the problems with Maryknoll?
Mostly the commiephilic stuff articles in their own magazine, and sermons I’ve heard - one especially egregious talk (during sermon time, of course) was from one of their sisters who witnessed a massacre of about a hundred people in Central America back in the 60s. She claimed it was the “worst atrocity” she’d ever heard of.
And this from a woman born in the 30s - but who apparently slept through the 40s and 50s, thus ignoring the tens of millions murdered by the third reich (I don’t capitalize it), by soviets, and by chicoms (I don’t capitalize them either).
To connect two stories together: Using "Right Wing" as a word of opprobrium has become so common as to lose its power. If 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘳 is Right Wing (exclamation point implied), then, to paraphrase Inigo Montoya, "You keep using that phrase. I do not think it means what you think it means." This is why both "Far Right" and "Extreme Right" have to be used ever more frequently.
It's, of course, happening with political parties - in France and elsewhere. I have family and friends in Belgium. In our political discussions, George Bush would get called Far Right. And, Trump is Extreme Right. Interestingly, when discussing any *specific* policy decisions, my European friends are likely to agree with these "right wingers".
The Overton Window on these issues has moved so far to the left that what would have been moderate or centrist a generation ago (maybe even 10 years ago) is now considered "fascist" (for whatever that word's worth nowadays).
Except that I see the pendulum starting to swing back. I teach high school (admittedly in a small, rural town), and in the last year or so, students seems to be waking up from the Woke Culture. And, even among the young Belgian relations, I sense a tiredness of all this political correctness.
(FWIW, having listened to Marion Maréchal - though not in-depth nor on all issues - I find her convincing and sensible. Maybe I'm "Far Right", too.)
At some point, people will consider "Far Right" to be a compliment, due to its frequent application to decent, sensible people.
I for one was moved by the tribute to Angel Hernandez. Thank you for putting it in a more proper perspective. He will be missed ...
Today being a solemnity means it's a meat Friday, right?
Under the '83 code, yep. Under the '17 code, only HDOs dispensed from Friday abstinence.
Which code does sushi fall under? Technically meatless, also definitely feast-like and not penitential...
The code is written in Latin, with a Latinate frame of mind. Fish =/= meat (carnem) in that framework. So, eating a fancy fish meal wouldn't violate the letter of the law. But it obviously wouldn't be ideal, would it?
For an analogy, the Church specifies that at a minimum, you must confess at least once a year, and receive communion at least once a year in the Easter season. If you do at least thar, you're not breaking the law. But clearly, you ought to be doing more than the bare minimum.
At least in current practice, the law sets the bare minimum, not the expected norm.
Sure... but my point was that for a feast day, sushi shouldn't violate the spirit of the law either.
Fair point! That overlap of penance and festivity is an odd thing, but it does have precedence. Christmas Eve was a day of fasting and abstinence, which is why so many cultures have the tradition of a fish dinner on that night.
Indeed! I think the juxtaposition is particularly appropriate for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, since reparation for sins has always been part and parcel of that Feast, and devotion to the Sacred Heart in general.
Let the record reflect that Ed is perfectly fine with Angel calling that Code Red
Beat me to it. I read that paragraph in Jack's voice, too.
"They have the luxury of not knowing what I know — that Hernández’s career, while tragic, probably helped the game; and his existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to them, was necessary"
On subscriptions. As a happy subscriber I get mixed messages. You sometimes laud new hires and initiatives as if you have the revenue to expand and alternatively plead for the free loaders to subscribe to stay afloat. I think of the Pillar staff and its subscribers as family. Family’s share information more extensively within than without. Could , for example , you tell us why you do not give the free loaders a trial subscription . If you don’t cut them off they will continue to free load. Maybe you get a great conversion rate already . I don’t know. I know certain publications that have an advertising base sell their publication for little to nothing since the number of “ subscribers” enhances their advertising rates but that would seem not to apply here. Some explanation as to your business model would be helpful. Perhaps your subscribers could be more helpful. Why would you not for example ask your subscribers to give you 10 names of friends who they think might like the Pillar. The subscriber pays you X for 10 trial 6 month subscriptions. And you work on converting them. Alternatively, could you reincorporate as a non profit to allow wealthier subscriber’s fund good journalism.
Just Asking . Brainstorming is cheap.
Thanks Dennis,
We chose not to be a non-profit because we believe that the effect of relying on wealthier patrons for journalism is corrosive-- it leads to agenda driven coverage tailored to fit the pre-conceived narratives of the whales. you can already find that in Catholic media.
We also choose not to be advertiser-dependent because that creates an incentive for clickbait type reporting that we want to eschew. you can find that too.
So we choose to be subscriber-funded, to live within our means, to hire when we can afford it, etc. And we spell out two realities: subscribers have made it possible for us to do things like hire Edgar, and grow our coverage. But without continued growth, there's no safety net, so we need to encourage free readers (we're committed to keeping The Pillar's news coverage free) to become paying subscribers. Both things are true.
And thanks for being a subscriber.
and some of of your ideas are great ones!
Is there a way that I can buy someone, as a present, a 6 month subscription? Then after that the recipient is invited to continue.
There are some distinct advantages to living under the Sword of Damocles.
Whenever I read the National Catholic Reporter, it’s always so rhetorically powerful- expressive language, emotional appeal, the whole thing. It’s not really news at that point though honestly, and clearly driving an agenda. Good on y’all for doing honest reporting, it’s seriously so appreciated.
Outstanding opening piece on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Two very devout Catholics with deep devotion to the Sacred Heart are Admiral Jeremiah Denton and General James Dozier. They were each captured by communazifasciocialists, and both said their devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart was what got them through their ordeals.
Excellent portmanteau.
NCR is, and has been for decades, excrementally demonic.
Being attacked by them is a compliment to
The Pillar.
"...from 2016 to 2018 a whopping 78% of challenges to Ángel’s calls at first base were upheld."
Huh? You mean overturned, not upheld? Held up? Who's on first?
This threw me for a loop at first, too. Then I had to reread it. It says that the *challenges* were upheld. In other words, managers believed that he made the wrong call; so , they challenged the call. And their challenges were upheld, with Ángel’s calls being overturned.
Ahhh, I see now, thanks!
Just think of what the Reporter will say about you, Ed, once you get that hot bat and sully the good game of church league softball. 😉
He said he was tempted but wasn't going to use it if he got it.
I am hopeful that the NCR risibly calling The Pillar "right-wing" will lead The Pillar to refrain from such unhelpful references as this:
"...42% of French Catholics are expected to vote for parties frequently described as far-right."
You understand that to a left-leaning organization (99% of the media), anything near the center is considered "far-right," no? Also, let's refrain from the passive voice.
Sorry that most of my comments here tend to be lightly critical, but when you're a paying subscriber you feel you have that right. :-)
I'm sorta with you on this point. But, the article says that the parties are "described" as being far-right. This is certainly true. The question is: Who's describing them? The parties (like Marion Maréchal's Reconquête! or Jordan Bardella's Rassemblement National) are definitely described as "far right", by Le Monde, for example.
Some context of who is calling them "far-right" and for what reasons would be helpful. My personal experience in talking politics with Belgian family and friends confirms that these parties are considered "far right".
(RN, fwiw, used to be called the Front National, founded by Jean Le Pen. FN would have been called "extreme right", until his daughter, Marine, rebranded the party. Le Pen, btw, is the grandfather of Maréchal. So, it's no wonder that the "far right" label extends to her, as well.")
Maybe as a member of a board of directors but as a subscriber I feel like I’m supporting the publication in toto. I can write letters to the editor as a reader, and I can subscribe or not, but never entered my mind that I’m some sort of shareholder.
Well, I guess I consider constructive criticism as part of that toto.
It’s fine with me!
What’s it like to watch a baseball game with Ed?
It’s great. And quiet, sometimes.
Any criticism from NCR (Never Catholic Reporter) should be worn as a badge of honor!
Bring on the robo umpire
Awesome, awesome Post, Ed!!! Thoroughly enjoyed my read today.