There was a time in my young life when I would have been considered a clergyman, those days have long gone, although I would accept identification with Liberation Theology which sprung up in Latin America. Gustavo Gutièrrez, a very courageous Peruvian priest--and many others, but he stood out for his stands and depth of thinking--died in October at the age of 96, never giving a centimeter to oppression, slavery, or the denigration of the poor, which he believed deserved a priority option or place in reform efforts and understood this was exactly the position the Biblical Jesus Christ did. I agree with Paul's analysis of the Reverend Budde's remarks to Trump, the were exceptionally courageous in a country where 30% of registered voters elected him in a weighted voting scheme meant to support a vile constitutional conservatism. Contrariwise, most including "liberalees" dance on their tiptoes as if passing through a field of mines, afraid to take a real stand for justice, or even the partial at best thing we claim to be democracy. It's amazing and offensive the extremes to which modern sophists (in ancient Greece, they were teachers and philosophers for a fee, today even more so most of the time) to paper over, deny, and refuse to confront the evil and fascism of our times.
The Rev. Budde for all of her exceptional courage descended to begging the emperor to do the right thing, and she fell for the trap of attempting to speak truth to power, as if they make minor mistakes and misinterpretations in their ignominy. Indeed, they and their minions know exactly what they are doing and hire the sophists they need to formulate and carry out their ignoble intentions.
And yet she politely shamed him for his actions and their effect. It was a bold and selfless act to bring attention to the horrific agenda he is espousing. I can only hope it deeply resonates with benign adherents to the Christian faith in contrast to the Christian nationalist sickness.
Certainly the Bishop showed courage, and the Furrher's response was despicable, but your critical appreciation is the context we need, "speaking truth to power" is not enough.
The last time she criticized him she received death threats. It was profoundly courageous. As another clergywoman, I pray for her safety now, and I’m deeply grateful for her witness. May it stir others to courage in the days ahead.
I wish there was a sentence in there to speak of the Palestinian Christians who have been killed by the empire. They are among the first followers of Christ.
Great column, Paul. I've long thought the notion of speaking truth to power was an inchoate exercise at best for the reasons you mention. A battle cry is worthless if it's not preceding a battle.
“If we look honestly at the realities of our national life, it is clear that we are not marching forward; we are groping and stumbling; we are divided and confused.” From Martin Luther King, 1968. I’ve wanted to thank you for your essay and to comment on the terrifying depiction of Chuan poo joken shiet. We, the we MLK references, are handicapped by a heart of Amerikaner darkness to paraphrase R. Parkinson’s work. I’m glad I read Ned Blackhawk “Rediscovery” first.
First, thank you for allowing free subscribers to comment. Great piece today. The bishop is far more brave than all the useless democrats are. Shining a spotlight on their complicity and enabling of the assholes Trump and Vance is an absolute necessity. You did it well today. Thanks again
PS: I joined the communist party last night because of your influence. I’m 69 years young, and was out in the streets in the 70s opposing the war in Vietnam, nuclear power plants and all sorts of other things. We got stuff done. I hope, somehow, that we all will get back out there again.
There was a time in my young life when I would have been considered a clergyman, those days have long gone, although I would accept identification with Liberation Theology which sprung up in Latin America. Gustavo Gutièrrez, a very courageous Peruvian priest--and many others, but he stood out for his stands and depth of thinking--died in October at the age of 96, never giving a centimeter to oppression, slavery, or the denigration of the poor, which he believed deserved a priority option or place in reform efforts and understood this was exactly the position the Biblical Jesus Christ did. I agree with Paul's analysis of the Reverend Budde's remarks to Trump, the were exceptionally courageous in a country where 30% of registered voters elected him in a weighted voting scheme meant to support a vile constitutional conservatism. Contrariwise, most including "liberalees" dance on their tiptoes as if passing through a field of mines, afraid to take a real stand for justice, or even the partial at best thing we claim to be democracy. It's amazing and offensive the extremes to which modern sophists (in ancient Greece, they were teachers and philosophers for a fee, today even more so most of the time) to paper over, deny, and refuse to confront the evil and fascism of our times.
The Rev. Budde for all of her exceptional courage descended to begging the emperor to do the right thing, and she fell for the trap of attempting to speak truth to power, as if they make minor mistakes and misinterpretations in their ignominy. Indeed, they and their minions know exactly what they are doing and hire the sophists they need to formulate and carry out their ignoble intentions.
with Trump 2.0 there is no point in shaming the beast; its way past that now.
And yet she politely shamed him for his actions and their effect. It was a bold and selfless act to bring attention to the horrific agenda he is espousing. I can only hope it deeply resonates with benign adherents to the Christian faith in contrast to the Christian nationalist sickness.
Certainly the Bishop showed courage, and the Furrher's response was despicable, but your critical appreciation is the context we need, "speaking truth to power" is not enough.
The last time she criticized him she received death threats. It was profoundly courageous. As another clergywoman, I pray for her safety now, and I’m deeply grateful for her witness. May it stir others to courage in the days ahead.
I wish there was a sentence in there to speak of the Palestinian Christians who have been killed by the empire. They are among the first followers of Christ.
Great column, Paul. I've long thought the notion of speaking truth to power was an inchoate exercise at best for the reasons you mention. A battle cry is worthless if it's not preceding a battle.
And, yes, she has mind-blowing guts.
Thanks. I labored here to balance criticism and praise.
“If we look honestly at the realities of our national life, it is clear that we are not marching forward; we are groping and stumbling; we are divided and confused.” From Martin Luther King, 1968. I’ve wanted to thank you for your essay and to comment on the terrifying depiction of Chuan poo joken shiet. We, the we MLK references, are handicapped by a heart of Amerikaner darkness to paraphrase R. Parkinson’s work. I’m glad I read Ned Blackhawk “Rediscovery” first.
First, thank you for allowing free subscribers to comment. Great piece today. The bishop is far more brave than all the useless democrats are. Shining a spotlight on their complicity and enabling of the assholes Trump and Vance is an absolute necessity. You did it well today. Thanks again
PS: I joined the communist party last night because of your influence. I’m 69 years young, and was out in the streets in the 70s opposing the war in Vietnam, nuclear power plants and all sorts of other things. We got stuff done. I hope, somehow, that we all will get back out there again.