Last week, the Trump administration released aliens.gov, a website built around a 1950s sci-fi theme that compares illegal immigrants to alien invaders from outer space.
This, exactly, right here. I see you’re already getting pushback in the comments, which is insane, because you are clearly correct
And the criticism Bishop Barron has gotten for maintaining communication WHILE still joining his voice along with the rest of the bishops in condemnation of some of Trump’s actions has been borderline deranged online
A fantastic write. It’s sad, but we have almost wholly disregarded a lot of what the USCCB thinks. We simply can’t trust them because they are so partisan. They’re like a figurehead at this point.
The current USCCB would put Margaret Sanger in their ranks if they could.
This essay was nicely done and well worth the read. While I am unabashedly, unredeemably conservative, I clearly understand that both sides of the aisle must come together to solve these big, national issues. As you suggest, there are solutions to the immigration question that do not have to be partisan. The same is true for caring for the poor, AI and data centers, voter integrity, protection of children, gender inequality, on and on. It sure seems like the Catholic Church is wildly supportive of one side to the detriment of the other. That view is probably not true but, my goodness, it feels that way a lot when I read the news.
What is required to actually solve problems is to insist that everyone leave their partisan flags at the door, turn off the cameras, and get to work. The was always my favorite way to solve problems in my career. I gathered the smartest people I could find on any issue and invited them to a meeting. I explained the problem to be solved, brought in pizza, and left them alone for a couple hours. It worked every time. Okay, sometimes I had to buy more pizza.
When I needed everyone to get on board and stay on board, I controlled the door. I invited every agency with resources related to issue we were studying. As long as everyone stayed cooperative and supporting, they could be part of the group. When any agency tried to go their own way, I explained that they would be removed from the group and lose access to all the information the others gathered. Again, this almost always works.
The last is the hardest but, coincidentally, is the most effective. To achieve collaborative success, it is critical to show how the overall goal supports the goals of the participants. By tweaking each participant group's of success, you can align all of them toward the big success.
I know this sounds like a fairy tale but I did it for twelve years in my government jobs. The second people stop pointing fingers and start talking, things get better.
This is great analysis and you offer insightful advice about how to respond. I am fairly positive about the Bishops’ emphasis on forming consciences before elections and at the same time agree that sometimes the rhetoric speaks past the issues or seems partisan, alienating good people.
This, exactly, right here. I see you’re already getting pushback in the comments, which is insane, because you are clearly correct
And the criticism Bishop Barron has gotten for maintaining communication WHILE still joining his voice along with the rest of the bishops in condemnation of some of Trump’s actions has been borderline deranged online
I’m used to it at this point lol
Also a great point - maintain dialogue and gently call out the errors that you find.
Better a pat on the back and a friendly correction than spitting fire from across the room.
A fantastic write. It’s sad, but we have almost wholly disregarded a lot of what the USCCB thinks. We simply can’t trust them because they are so partisan. They’re like a figurehead at this point.
The current USCCB would put Margaret Sanger in their ranks if they could.
This essay was nicely done and well worth the read. While I am unabashedly, unredeemably conservative, I clearly understand that both sides of the aisle must come together to solve these big, national issues. As you suggest, there are solutions to the immigration question that do not have to be partisan. The same is true for caring for the poor, AI and data centers, voter integrity, protection of children, gender inequality, on and on. It sure seems like the Catholic Church is wildly supportive of one side to the detriment of the other. That view is probably not true but, my goodness, it feels that way a lot when I read the news.
What is required to actually solve problems is to insist that everyone leave their partisan flags at the door, turn off the cameras, and get to work. The was always my favorite way to solve problems in my career. I gathered the smartest people I could find on any issue and invited them to a meeting. I explained the problem to be solved, brought in pizza, and left them alone for a couple hours. It worked every time. Okay, sometimes I had to buy more pizza.
When I needed everyone to get on board and stay on board, I controlled the door. I invited every agency with resources related to issue we were studying. As long as everyone stayed cooperative and supporting, they could be part of the group. When any agency tried to go their own way, I explained that they would be removed from the group and lose access to all the information the others gathered. Again, this almost always works.
The last is the hardest but, coincidentally, is the most effective. To achieve collaborative success, it is critical to show how the overall goal supports the goals of the participants. By tweaking each participant group's of success, you can align all of them toward the big success.
I know this sounds like a fairy tale but I did it for twelve years in my government jobs. The second people stop pointing fingers and start talking, things get better.
This is great analysis and you offer insightful advice about how to respond. I am fairly positive about the Bishops’ emphasis on forming consciences before elections and at the same time agree that sometimes the rhetoric speaks past the issues or seems partisan, alienating good people.
Thank you Father!
I do not trust the USCCB precisely because they are suspiciously partisan. Money talks with these people.
It's early morning where I live and I just can't believe I read this utter pile of garbage. I'm out.