Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
From CUA Press: The Church and the Land: The National Catholic Rural Life Conference and American Society, by David S. Boveé
University of Chicago, In their Own Words
University of Chicago, In their Own Words
From PIMS: The Reform of Catholicism, 1480-1620, by Guy Bedouelle, O.P., translated and annotated by James K. Farge.
Orion Magazine: The Curse of Bigness
by Christopher Ketcham
by Christopher Ketcham
A dark journey into the corrosive and counterintuitive ideology of "too big to fail."
Richard Spencer reports: Goodwin Liu -- Our Next Supreme Court Justice?
Mr. Spencer writes:
If this is correct, then Goodwin Liu is another example of how the labelling of East Asians, such as the Chinese, as members of a "model minority" does not follow the right sort of model. It makes me angry that Chinese have been indoctrinated to undermine the old constitution, and fearful that a white backlash against East Asians (among others) may occur if the current order collapses.
Mr. Spencer writes:
While Sotomayor was a fairly straight-forward ethno-advocate, Liu is something different -- a theorist of the "Living Constitution." In this clip from a discussion of the prospect of giving African-Americans reparations for slavery, Liu seems to argue that everyone in the country should take on the burden of "white guilt," with the federal government redistributing Americans' wealth, forcing integration, and promoting blacks in the Ivy League.
If this is correct, then Goodwin Liu is another example of how the labelling of East Asians, such as the Chinese, as members of a "model minority" does not follow the right sort of model. It makes me angry that Chinese have been indoctrinated to undermine the old constitution, and fearful that a white backlash against East Asians (among others) may occur if the current order collapses.
After peak oil, are we heading towards social collapse? by Emily Spence
Nonetheless, Barack Obama and his cohorts have recklessly decided to try to extend our period of dependence on oil for "business as usual" instead of using a significant portion of it, along with a lavish amount of federal funds, to establish a firm foundation for alternative energy provision and the massive, societal changes that are on the way. In other words, they are still trapped in an all-out effort to support globalized industry (including its offshored job market and gargantuan transportation network) instead of their preparing the public for post-peak oil lifestyles in which human welfare and regionalized community development are emphasized.
Assuredly, facilitation of such a constructive switch would help America across the board. The reason is that the redirection of wealth away from horrific resource wars, macro-scale business and pernicious corporate bailouts towards the creation of robust decentralized economic bases would yield many benefits. The action could generate jobs, serve to protect the raw materials and the natural environments on which communities rely and curb fossil fuel use since many products would be created and used locally. It could, also, lead individuals and groups into gaining the necessary skills and understandings to create assorted merchandise, foster developments of co-ops and other innovative organizations like Simple Gifts Farm, as well as strengthen the U.S. economy at the grassroots level.
Guardian: US military warns oil output may dip causing massive shortages by 2015
I believe this is the report? “The Joint Operating Environment” on the Energy Crisis. Energy Bulletin article.
I believe this is the report? “The Joint Operating Environment” on the Energy Crisis. Energy Bulletin article.
The dark side of coal - some historical insights on energy and the economy
Ugo Bardi, The Oil Drum: Europe
The descendants of those men who pulled coal-loaded barges upstream in 19th century now drive shiny cars powered by oil and work in front of computer screens. But the problem of oil is the same as it was for coal: it is not infinite and there is not enough of it for everyone.
(original)Sunday, April 11, 2010
Rorate Caeli: An Interview with Monsignor Gherardini
Woody writes in the comments:
From Fr Hunwicke's Liturgical Notes: Canon of S Peter's calls for review of Vatican II
Franciscans of the Immaculate
Franciscans of the Immaculate
Academy of the Immaculate Bookstore
Mount Saint Francis Hermitage
Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
International
wiki
NLM: Holy Week with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, Castello
It is said that you are the last representative of the school of “Roman theology”, which was made famous by Cardinal Palazzini or by the dear and regretted Monsignor Piolanti. Is your voice as a theologian an isolated voice in Italy, or do you see in some university, some magazines, theologians who share your preoccupations and your analysis of the situation?
I do not know how far I may be considered as an epigone of the glorious Roman School. Even the illustrious names which you refer to belong to a descending stage of this school. After the Second Vatican Council, the voice of this school, increasingly weak, could still be heard through two Roman academies (the Pontificia Accademia di Teologia and the Pontificia Accademia San Tommaso d’Aquino), the reviews Divinitas and Doctor Communis, and the Thomistic Congresses. Today, if risking oneself still to be aware of it, it is just an isolated voice, admired by some, but more often despised and scorned. This is how I perceive the situation. However, listened to or not, it still resounds, and if you recognize the timbre of the Roman school in my voice, I am pleased.
Woody writes in the comments:
From Fr. H's blog it appears that "The Ecumenical Council Vatican II: A Much Needed Discussion" is available in English and someone had already sent a copy to Fr. Hunwicke, whose posts on it show its evident great value.
Another reader of that blog and I have corresponded and it will be of interest to Rorate readers to know that the book is being published by the publishing arm of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. My correspondent told me that he had contacted the US bookshop of the FI and was told that they had sold out of it here in the US. I am planning to call first thing tomorrow to put in my order for one copy from the next shipment to hit our shores.
One can also email the FI in Italy, but I have yet to hear back from them in response to mine.
From Fr Hunwicke's Liturgical Notes: Canon of S Peter's calls for review of Vatican II
Perhaps, amid all the press and hubbub of Easter, you might have noticed, with the Sovereign Pontiff at S Peter's, the 85-year old but sprightly figure of Mgr Canon Brunero Gherardini ... whose many distinctions include that of being a consultor of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and a professorship in the Pontifical Lateran University. Monsignore published last year Concilio Ecumenico Vaticano II: Un discorso da fare. This has now appeared in an English Translation as The Ecumenical Vatican Council II A MUCH NEEDED DISCUSSION. It is published by the Casa Mariana Editrice, who offer not an ISBN number but an email address: cm.editrice@immacolata.ws
Franciscans of the Immaculate
Franciscans of the Immaculate
Academy of the Immaculate Bookstore
Mount Saint Francis Hermitage
Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
International
wiki
NLM: Holy Week with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, Castello
Mr. John Médaille's lecture in Oakland for the Manhattan Forum
Mr. John Médaille was here in the Bay Area this weekend to give a talk for the Manhattan Forum of the St. Anthony of Padua Institute. I was happy to go out to Oakland yesterday afternoon in order to see him in person and meet him afterward. He corrected me when I addressed him as "Doctor"; nonetheless, he is worthy of my respect as I have learned much from him. I must admit that because of my messed up body clock and the lack of sufficient sleep the previous night, I did fall asleep during part of the lecture. I hope he didn't notice or if he did, wasn't offended. In the past I had fallen asleep from time to time during a talk or a class. I thought there might be something wrong with my energy level. Changing to the primal blueprint has helped with that problem to an extent, but the primal blueprint also prescribes an adequate amount of sleep. Sigh. I hope it is a physical problem and not a spiritual one involving a bad habit.
The lecture itself was very interesting. He briefly discussed the idea of a gift economy found in Pope Benedict's encyclical Caritas in Veritate, and how our first response to the benefits we have received should be one of gratitude. He talked about caritas, not justice, being the principle virtue of economics. He then went on to develop the practical implications for companies and business owners. The Q&A session after his lecture had many good questions, some asking for his predictions, others asking what responsibilities consumer/customers and employees have.
We are accustomed to thinking of justice as being the central virtue of economics (or politics)-- it is, after all, the virtue that governs exchanges (and relations) between people. It is also the virtue most related to positive law. It seems to me that the legislator and the virtuous man who is concerned with good laws will be thinking of economic matters primarily in terms of justice. Nonetheless, the Christian cannot stop with justice, since all things must be ordered to God, to the love of God and the love of neighbor. But, the observance of caritas as a virtue presupposes that a society has been successfully evangelized. Mr. Médaille reminded us that the laity are called to be the leaven of society. If our political economy needs to be reformed, this is the sort of work with which Christians should be engaged.
I was fortunate to be able to talk to him a bit after Mass at the reception. We talked a little about my education, and I mentioned my dissertation topic. He asked if I thought there was anything of an account of [subjective] right in Aquinas, as he did not think so. I brought up rights of the Anglo-American political tradition--he thinks that the Anglo-American political tradition is mostly identical to liberalism (with Jefferson being the exception?). Culturally I think Americans are liberals. But is there more to the Anglo-American political tradition than liberalism?
He does not think that the Austrian analysis of the business cycle or of the current economic crisis has much to offer. Moreover, the Austrian school puts most of blame on the Fed instead of fractional reserve banking. Mr. Médaille believes that that the problem lies with fractional reserve banking itself, and that given its existence some sort of institution like the Fed is required. The cycle between bust and boom is not caused by the Fed, but by usury. I'm always up for raising awareness of usury as a sin, one that hurts a political community.
He recommended one book dealing with fractional reserve banking: The Lost Science of Money. (See also the American Monetary Institute.) As the book is rather thick and expensive, he suggested that I take a look at the books listed in the bibliography in order to get something shorter.
Dr. Cordova asked him a question about academics and the question of remuneration -- they had an interesting discussion about self-interest. Mr. Médaille holds that the desire for self-respect a greater motivator for action than what is called "self-interest," referring to traditional societies in which honor was one of the important parts of ethical thinking.
He does not believe that the current system can endure much longer -- it is not sustainable, and predicts that things will really start to fall apart in 2012. He thinks that there will be false signs of improvement until August, as the stimulus package plays itself out, and then it will get interesting. Given the current price of oil with the economy as it is, he thinks we have reached the peak in global oil production. I didn't follow up with the objection I've read that the price of oil is more a reflection of the devaluation of the US currency, rather than production and supply.
While the US may be in bad shape, China is in even worse shape, and it is better to be in the US than in China. Chinese government policies should have focused on China's peasants and developing an internal market, instead of the export market. China cannot help but buy US bonds and spend money at home through its own stimulus packages in order to keep things going. If China hits a severe economic crisis, so will Australia, since its fortune is tied up with China's. I haven't read anything about this, though my friend told me that China is investing much in western Australia. Mr. Médaille explained that Australia is China's source for many natural resources.
I asked him if his judgments of the current situation ever got him down -- he said it used to, but now he sees it more as a time for opportunity. (Having an active faith life undoubtedly helps.) But the question is what we are made of, and he's doubtful about the character of the American people. What does someone who does not have much money do? He can't really be an entrepreneur.
He said it make take a while to persuade people, 5 or more years. There is much value in asking them questions they cannot answer so as to prompt them to reconsider their beliefs.
Mr. Médaille has new book coming out from ISI in the Summer: Toward a Truly Free Market:
A Distributist Perspective on the Role of Government, Taxes, Health Care, Deficits, and More
The lecture itself was very interesting. He briefly discussed the idea of a gift economy found in Pope Benedict's encyclical Caritas in Veritate, and how our first response to the benefits we have received should be one of gratitude. He talked about caritas, not justice, being the principle virtue of economics. He then went on to develop the practical implications for companies and business owners. The Q&A session after his lecture had many good questions, some asking for his predictions, others asking what responsibilities consumer/customers and employees have.
We are accustomed to thinking of justice as being the central virtue of economics (or politics)-- it is, after all, the virtue that governs exchanges (and relations) between people. It is also the virtue most related to positive law. It seems to me that the legislator and the virtuous man who is concerned with good laws will be thinking of economic matters primarily in terms of justice. Nonetheless, the Christian cannot stop with justice, since all things must be ordered to God, to the love of God and the love of neighbor. But, the observance of caritas as a virtue presupposes that a society has been successfully evangelized. Mr. Médaille reminded us that the laity are called to be the leaven of society. If our political economy needs to be reformed, this is the sort of work with which Christians should be engaged.
I was fortunate to be able to talk to him a bit after Mass at the reception. We talked a little about my education, and I mentioned my dissertation topic. He asked if I thought there was anything of an account of [subjective] right in Aquinas, as he did not think so. I brought up rights of the Anglo-American political tradition--he thinks that the Anglo-American political tradition is mostly identical to liberalism (with Jefferson being the exception?). Culturally I think Americans are liberals. But is there more to the Anglo-American political tradition than liberalism?
He does not think that the Austrian analysis of the business cycle or of the current economic crisis has much to offer. Moreover, the Austrian school puts most of blame on the Fed instead of fractional reserve banking. Mr. Médaille believes that that the problem lies with fractional reserve banking itself, and that given its existence some sort of institution like the Fed is required. The cycle between bust and boom is not caused by the Fed, but by usury. I'm always up for raising awareness of usury as a sin, one that hurts a political community.
He recommended one book dealing with fractional reserve banking: The Lost Science of Money. (See also the American Monetary Institute.) As the book is rather thick and expensive, he suggested that I take a look at the books listed in the bibliography in order to get something shorter.
Dr. Cordova asked him a question about academics and the question of remuneration -- they had an interesting discussion about self-interest. Mr. Médaille holds that the desire for self-respect a greater motivator for action than what is called "self-interest," referring to traditional societies in which honor was one of the important parts of ethical thinking.
He does not believe that the current system can endure much longer -- it is not sustainable, and predicts that things will really start to fall apart in 2012. He thinks that there will be false signs of improvement until August, as the stimulus package plays itself out, and then it will get interesting. Given the current price of oil with the economy as it is, he thinks we have reached the peak in global oil production. I didn't follow up with the objection I've read that the price of oil is more a reflection of the devaluation of the US currency, rather than production and supply.
While the US may be in bad shape, China is in even worse shape, and it is better to be in the US than in China. Chinese government policies should have focused on China's peasants and developing an internal market, instead of the export market. China cannot help but buy US bonds and spend money at home through its own stimulus packages in order to keep things going. If China hits a severe economic crisis, so will Australia, since its fortune is tied up with China's. I haven't read anything about this, though my friend told me that China is investing much in western Australia. Mr. Médaille explained that Australia is China's source for many natural resources.
I asked him if his judgments of the current situation ever got him down -- he said it used to, but now he sees it more as a time for opportunity. (Having an active faith life undoubtedly helps.) But the question is what we are made of, and he's doubtful about the character of the American people. What does someone who does not have much money do? He can't really be an entrepreneur.
He said it make take a while to persuade people, 5 or more years. There is much value in asking them questions they cannot answer so as to prompt them to reconsider their beliefs.
Mr. Médaille has new book coming out from ISI in the Summer: Toward a Truly Free Market:
A Distributist Perspective on the Role of Government, Taxes, Health Care, Deficits, and More
What sort of Southron accent is Timothy Olyphant sporting in Justified? It's deliberately muted (as his character has been in Miami for a while) but is it authentic? (Hulu)
I didn't see too many people in Kentucky wearing "cowboy" hats.
I didn't see too many people in Kentucky wearing "cowboy" hats.
I recall seeing the trailer for The Other End of the Line a while back... I just saw it again last week... while I was in KY? How realistic is the movie? An Indian woman traveling all the way to the United States for the sake of a potential romance with a white man? From what I know, Indian women are more likely to stick to their own kind than women of almost any other ethnicity here in the Bay Area, and I have read that this is true of women in India as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)