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Washington Front Column

November 8, 2013

What You Can Do Blog Post

by John Carr

If cynicism is the sin of our age, then ongoing paralysis in Washington is a huge occasion of sin and a temptation to despair. Washington is “de-moralized,” unable to launch its health care Web site, keep government functioning, enact budgets or pass immigration reform. Washington is “de-moralized” by a House faction that paralyzes their party and the nation with disdain for compromise and for government itself. They did not repeal “Obamacare” but did divert attention from the administration’s failure to get its Web site working and state disputes over Medicaid and health insurance exchanges (and an unwise battle over mandates and religious freedom). We also learned that the House gym is “essential” and that providing nutrition to newborns is not.


November 1, 2013

A Saint for Our Times Blog Post

by John Carr

"A Saint for Our Times" blog post at America online

Today is the feast of All Saints. I have to say I relate more to All Souls Day when we pray for those in purgatory. I’ve always counted on purgatory… and liked the idea that difficult times here on earth could count as “time off” purgatory. I figure some of my time working for the bishops’ conference and raising teenagers has to count.