Monthly Archives: September 2014

Seek the Truth

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As the September 11 anniversary approaches, I am glad that Cammy has recently brought up the topic of “what really happened that day.” It is possible that the unfolding catastrophe in the Middle East may lead to something good. Perhaps millions of Americans will finally demand a serious, far-reaching investigation of 9/11.

We know there was a coverup and that the government obstructed the investigators. My hypothesis is simple: if there had been a full, unobstructed investigation by trustworthy and determined people, the Islamic State crisis would not exist today.

Have you heard about the “28 pages?” Here’s a link:

28 Pages.org

Regardless of what you think about what “we” should do about ISIS, I think all Catholics, and all Americans of good will, can agree that this information needs to be declassified. Perhaps once this barrier is breached, we can move on further to demanding a full and truthful investigation of 9/11.

I hereby nominate Ron Paul to organize and lead that investigation:

Ron Paul on 9/11

 

Marine Sniper Found Dead

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Retired Cpl. Robert Richards, 28, was found dead in his home. He was one of the Marines in the infamous video of American soldiers urinating on dead bodies. The cause of his death is not yet known.

In reading this, I stumbled upon a video of him explaining his controversial actions and how war changes your mind: “I want to say you’re not killing human beings and I still don’t look at them as human beings. I never will.  You don’t feel any empathy or remorse for them…At the time it meant nothing. It was just funny.”

He also says, “It was the only thing I was really good at in life was being a Marine sniper. I’ll miss it every day. I still miss it to this day.”

My God have mercy on his soul.

This is a great series about dehumanization of the enemy in war.

The New Good Samaritan

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The following is an excerpt from a Commencement address given in May 2014 at Thomas Aquinas College, a Catholic college in California, by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, a former Catholic military chaplain and the former Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the US Military for ten years before being named a Cardinal.

Is it really okay, if you can’t find a story from the New Testament to support what you do, to just make one up?

“One of my greatest challenges and responsibilities was persuading 19-year-old Catholics, who instinctively feel that there is some conflict between the Catholic faith and bearing arms, that they need not feel that way. I use the example of the Good Samaritan. The story is of a fellow who is beaten half to death, left dying. Two pass by, and they are big shots in the religious organizations of the time, and the third is a stranger, a Samaritan, who stops and pours oil on and bandages the wounded man. We all know the story well. Well, I say, ‘What would have happened a half hour before, if that Samaritan saw that this man was being pummeled half to death’? Would he have a right to step back and say, ‘I will become a Samaritan about a half hour after this is over,’ or would he not have a right and obligation to step in and do what he had to do—and only what had to be done—to bring about justice there? That is what the military is.

Military service is a Christian vocation, if only our people were conscious of the potential to adopt it as a Christian vocation. That is the role of the Church, to remind them that there need be no conflict, and that the Church considers—and always has considered—military service to be a lofty call: an act of love. Christ defined Himself as one who came to serve and not to be served. ‘No greater love than this, to give one’s life for a friend.’ Our kids are giving their lives for perfect strangers. Peace I leave you.”

The Good News is now newer! Improved, with better stories more relevant for our times, like The New Good Samaritan. Brought to you by the Archdiocese of Military Services. Coming soon to a Catholic bookstore near you.

The Good News is now newer, improved, with better stories that are more relevant for our times, stories like The New Good Samaritan. Brought to you by the Archdiocese of Military Services. Coming soon to a Catholic bookstore near you!