Outside the Beltway

The 88-year-old Bishop of Rome has died.

Don’t panic, it’s just a quote and an observation.

On Christian compassion (and hypocrisy) and a little bit of the Streisand Effect for good measure.

Pro-tip: Googling BEFORE posting a Hot Take can save a lot of embarrasment

Taliban Edition

The US Presidential election pits “two evils” who are “against life.”

The anti-DEI party is suddenly really concerned about identity

Bonus track: “I am not Christian”

A pending mandate in Louisiana

The “courage of the white flag” is a horrible idea.

A bizarre statement by the head of the Roman Catholic church.

Where religious zealotry can lead. (So, yes, a digression into American politics).

His critics are focused on the wrong problem.

A satisfying but unlikely explanation.

The abaya is now banned as well.

Shut it down for the day, because it isn’t going to get better than this one.

In a world of fixed positions, is debating in good faith really worth it?

The Pope is siding with evil.

Where do we draw the line?

The Pope Emeritus has died at 95.

Many young, progressive Jews are feeling unwelcome in young, progressive circles.

The intersection of politics, morality, and meaning.

The Pope is indeed Catholic. The rest is up for debate.

The only way to save our freedom is to destroy it.

A Manichean struggle between good and evil.

Since when is it a crime to say stupid things on “The View”?

An interesting argument, albeit about a tiny and vastly over-discussed segment.

A piece in The Atlantic inspires thoughts.

Thoughts on how we think.

What malarkey is this?

COVID vaccine hesitancy is just the tip of the iceberg.

What we know about those arrested for the 6 January insurrection.

Conservatives have lost it one generation at a time.

And linkages to broader US politics.

Well, nothing of course.

Brought to you by the son of Moon.

Stenography is not journalism.

An odd complaint from parents who voluntarily send their kids to religious schools.

National Review’s Kevin D. Williamson advocates for less democracy in America.

Is a de minimus standard too small?

He probably lacks the legal authority. And business interests in is state will fight hard against him.

Balancing practical considerations and religious observances.

A mass shooting in Atlanta draws attention to a problem of which I was only tangentially aware.

A rather odd non-ruling during the non-session from America’s highest court.

How should we balance public health and fundamental rights?

The right to worship trumps the public’s health.

It’s not a cult but not exactly mainstream, either.

Ignoring religious diversity makes polarization much worse.

A bizarre but possibly correct ruling by the Supreme Court.