Continuing Stubborn Ignorance

Having recently read this Op/Ed columnist’s article, I found the author’s remarks spot-on… so much so, that I am sharing them here for your benefit. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Within the past decade, I’ve written three columns titled “Deception 101,” “Stubborn Ignorance,” and “Exploiting Public Ignorance,” all explaining which branch of the federal government has taxing and spending authority. How can academics, politicians, news media people and ordinary citizens get away with statements such as “Reagan’s budget deficits,” “Clinton’s budget surplus,” “Bush’s budget deficits and tax cuts” or “Obama’s tax increases”? Which branch of government has taxing and spending authority is not a matter of rocket science, but people continue to make these statements. The only explanation that I come up with is incurable ignorance, willful deception or just plain stupidity; if there’s another answer, I would like to hear it.

Let’s look at the facts. Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution reads:

OUCH!! That stings!

Two of life’s truisms are that “the only constant is change,” and that “the more things change, the more they remain the same.” I suppose it would seem as if we’re caught in a most unfortunate, and never-ending cycle, reminiscent of a “Catch-22,” or “Groundhog Day” type experience. The only difference being, that is fictitious, this is real.

EDITORIAL

Don’t go easy on us, Father.

A standard formula for a good homily is to teach, witness and challenge.

In the first, the preacher would explain or amplify the readings. Then he would bear witness with his own testimony or the experience of others. Finally, he would challenge the congregation to accept and live the Gospel message.

Many of us treasure a good homily. But if we’re honest, we’re not so sure about being challenged. Pity the poor pastor who does so regularly; he’s likely to