News dump.

Wow, what a week. I had to laugh at NBC at one point, trying to pivot between the papal visit and the Boehner resignation. So much news, so little air time! Nothing the mass media loves more than information overload ... you can hear the squeak of joy in their voices. Not sure where to start, but I'll dive right in and let's see where we go.

Arbiter of American "values"Carson's law. Am I alone in thinking that Ben Carson is a truly creepy individual? He's way too quiet, for one thing. And when he does talk, he says stuff like this response on Meet The Press to a question about the importance of a president's faith:
DR. BEN CARSON: Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it's inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem.

CHUCK TODD: So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution?

DR. BEN CARSON: No, I don't, I do not. I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.
Consistent with the constitution? What faith is "consistent with the constitution?" What exactly are these "values and principles" that he's talking about? Anyone supporting Carson on the notion that he is not a politician is suffering from a severe delusion. This is just pandering of the most cynical kind. It happens that most of the Republican electorate agree with Carson - that's not an accident. The famous neurosurgeon may not know a lot about most things outside of his medical discipline, but he does know how to read a poll.

Boehner out. I haven't heard his reason for stepping down, and I'm not sure I'm interested, but my guess is that he doesn't want to negotiate another government shutdown confrontation, which is plainly on the horizon, fueled by the ludicrous uproar over these heavily edited Planned Parenthood sting videos. This must certainly go down as one of the least productive speakerships in the history of the republic. That may not be entirely a bad thing. Sometimes when Congress gets a lot done, it's terrible for the country and the rest of the world (like the bipartisan vote for the Iraq invasion). A more effective speaker may have delivered on more of the Republican caucus's priorities. So ... we may miss you, Boehner. We'll see.

Papal stances. Glad to see the Pope praising Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton in his remarks to Congress. (Martin King and Lincoln as well.) Christ, if he weren't the Pope, I expect the entire southern delegation would have marched out of there whistling Dixie.

luv u,

jp

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