February 6, 2009 3:47 PM
Should MommyLife ignore politics?
Hey Barbara, I know this is your blog and you're free to post whatever you want, and will continue doing so. It's just that with all due respect, I had the understanding that after the election, the anti-Obama posts were going to stop (and I say this as someone who voted Republican for pro-life reasons but believes that "there is no authority except from God") and that the blog would return to being about "mommy life" -- i.e. offering encouragement to parents. It seems like we can get the political criticisms by visiting political sites. I really appreciate when you share your parenting journey and helpful hints for those of us who, whatever our political persuasion, are living it now. Thanks for listening.While I did expect to stop talking so much about politics after the election - when I was probably doing 5-10 posts per day on politics - I NEVER expected that Obama would be as arrogant and manipulative as he has been in just the first three weeks in office. Like Charles Krauthammer, who wrote today in the Washington Post, an article called The Fierce Urgency of Pork :
Hannah
"A failure to act, and act now, will turn crisis into a catastrophe."-- President Obama, Feb. 4.
Catastrophe, mind you. So much for the president who in his inaugural address two weeks earlier declared "we have chosen hope over fear." Until, that is, you need fear to pass a bill.
And so much for the promise to banish the money changers and influence peddlers from the temple. An ostentatious executive order banning lobbyists was immediately followed by the nomination of at least a dozen current or former lobbyists to high position. . . .
And yet more damaging to Obama's image than all the hypocrisies in the appointment process is his signature bill: the stimulus package. He inexplicably delegated the writing to Nancy Pelosi and the barons of the House. The product, which inevitably carries Obama's name, was not just bad, not just flawed, but a legislative abomination. . . .It's the essential fraud of rushing through a bill in which the normal rules (committee hearings, finding revenue to pay for the programs) are suspended on the grounds that a national emergency requires an immediate job-creating stimulus -- and then throwing into it hundreds of billions that have nothing to do with stimulus, that Congress's own budget office says won't be spent until 2011 and beyond, and that are little more than the back-scratching, special-interest, lobby-driven parochialism that Obama came to Washington to abolish. . .
After Obama's miraculous 2008 presidential campaign, it was clear that at some point the magical mystery tour would have to end. The nation would rub its eyes and begin to emerge from its reverie. The hallucinatory Obama would give way to the mere mortal. The great ethical transformations promised would be seen as a fairy tale that all presidents tell -- and that this president told better than anyone.I thought the awakening would take six months. It took two and a half weeks.
I am also surprised at how ugly it's gotten and how quickly. And I think everyone needs to be informed about this.
While I am all about being a mom and helping other moms, as I've pointed out before, I think it's vital in the times we live in for moms to be savvy politically. The elites count on your sleeping through the years between elections and then stumbling through the campaign hype as slanted by the media to vote the way they'd like you to.
Since I believe moms really do have more power than they know, I also believe they should be informed. If you look at my tagline, it says I will be dishing up parenting, cultural, political and spiritual wisdom. I get up each morning and go through my Inbox and blog about whatever is on my readers' minds and my mind.
With the news lately, I have tried to take enormous amounts of information and synthesize them into a summary with links to the longer stories to give those who like the opportunity to study more of the background for each assertion I make. I really thought I was doing a pretty good job of it :)
While I am interested in knowing what everyone else thinks about this, I have to say that being who I am I would continue to blog about what I thought was important even if not one person liked it. Anyone who knows me would probably not be surprised that I'm not the sort of person who would pay attention to polls.
Hannah, if there is anything of interest to you here, I suggest that you just pick through and choose what to read. Don't feel obligated to read every post. You can click on the Categories above and go back to read hundreds of posts exclusively on parenting. There are also many worthy blogs that never touch politics - you can click through my Blogroll to see if there are some that are more pleasing to you.
Even if there is a small number of people out there aho are mommies like me - spending their days running between the laundry room and the kitchen and the computer but wanting to know what's going on in the larger world where what powerful (and arrogant) men do will affect their children for years to come - I feel compelled to continue combing the political blogs and saving their time by communicating what I learn in a concise manner that connects the dots between disparate stories.
Comments
Barbara, I think I said this a few days ago, but I really appreciate your spin on political news. Lately, you've done a great job of putting several news pieces into one post with links. Awesome!
Like you said, I don't read every piece that you write. I'm not Catholic, so many of your posts regarding Catholocisms do not apply to my life. I just skip those and keep going. Easy enough to do.
I just wanto to say, Don't stop doing what you're doing.
Posted by: Miriam | February 6, 2009 4:22 PM
NO!!! Please don't stop the politics. We can make our own choices of what we would like to read and I for one LOVE your political perspective. I also get a lot out of the parenting posts, but for me the political ones are the ones that reignite the fire within me ;)
Posted by: Margaret | February 6, 2009 4:24 PM
Yes, I suppose I could go to political sites for political discourse, but what I like about you Barbara, is the fact that you embody the "total mommy". I love that fact that your blog is so diverse in topic, and representative of the modern mommy, who does have to think about child and home issues, but is also concerned about/interested in things such as politics. I enjoy getting a political view from someone other than political news junkies. It is sites like yours that make the issues of the day relevant for moms and their families.
Also, I find that your post are many and varied, so avoiding certain topics should be easy for someone who is disinterested in politics.
My very best friend, who is now so far away from me, was adept domestically and always open for the most juicy discussions about religion and politics. :) I miss her, and her amazing carmel rolls.
Posted by: Kelly | February 6, 2009 4:42 PM
Absolutely, positively...NO.
These times require one to be informed despite the fact that certain topics may make one uncomfortable.
We will see one crisis after the other as the current administration employs the "politics of fear" to get their power fix.
Like PJ O'Rourke said: "Giving money and power to Congress is like giving whisky & car keys to teenagers."
Citizens have a responsibility to be informed. Your blog informs.
Thank you for your voice and willingness to share information in a timely fashion. We are all in this together.
Posted by: Amelia | February 6, 2009 5:08 PM
I love the perspective you bring to these topics as a mom and a woman of faith. Please keep it coming!
Posted by: Anne | February 6, 2009 5:12 PM
I agree 100% with you Barbara that "...it's vital in the times we live in for moms to be savvy politically."
So thanks for your work!
Posted by: Lisa | February 6, 2009 5:15 PM
Barbara,
No! Don't stop blogging about politics. I am a stay at home mother and still want to be informed.
I get my news from 2 sources: You and Fox!
-Shannon in Austin
Posted by: Shannon Best | February 6, 2009 5:42 PM
I appreciate the political updates. Course, I love the mommy / teaching stuff, too :-)
bless you
Posted by: Tracy | February 6, 2009 5:43 PM
I think your advice to Hannah is right on--just read what interests you. I do not usually agree with you politically, but I respect your opinions as an informed Christian and do appreciate reading "the other side" sometimes. If I'm not interested, I skip it, though. Easy enough. This is your blog! Write what you care about.
Posted by: Amanda | February 6, 2009 5:53 PM
Well said Barbara. I liked your response. We all have the ability to pick and choose what to read and what to apply...I love it all. Thanks for your educated insight. I look forward to your posts everyday. You provide an invaluable service. Women and mommies need to be "in the know" in order to make informed decisions regarding this world we live in, which is crucial to our survival.
Posted by: Kim O. | February 6, 2009 5:58 PM
I read many things that do not mesh with my opinions. If you just read what you believe all of the time, you are not going to learn why these other ideas that may be repugnant to you are attractive and reasonable to others.
I have noticed that there is a tendency for those who criticise others often feel that the same traits in their "heroes" is all right. It's a tendency I see in both sides of highly polarized arguments.
It is important for mothers to know what is happening in the world of politics. Today, more important than ever, as our families are in precarious positions with the economy the ways it is.
Posted by: Cath Young | February 6, 2009 5:59 PM
I'm glad you won't stop. I really respect your opinion, politically and otherwise.
Posted by: Sandra | February 6, 2009 6:01 PM
As Christian bloggers, I believe we have a responsiblity to speak up and tell the truth about politics and anything else the Lord lays on our hearts. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Carol | February 6, 2009 6:07 PM
Barbara, politics has as much to do with mothering as diapers and ABC's. I say write as much as you can about it, especially now.
Obama's policies, if unchecked by the voices of millions of mothers, will destroy our freedoms, our choices, our children, our lives.
His radical Marxist background goes against everything America has always stood for.
His associations with criminals shows an egregious lack of judgment.
His stance on abortion is repulsive.
Every mother should know exactly who this man is and what he intends to do.
After all, 'the hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world'.
We need to know!
Posted by: Julia | February 6, 2009 6:08 PM
Barbara,
PLEASE keep the politics coming. What Obama does has a huge influence on the world my children are going to inherit. Us mothers need to be keep informed on the important issues. You filter everything for me...thus saving me time. =) I am very grateful for your work.
Posted by: carolyn | February 6, 2009 6:20 PM
While I understand where that commenter is coming from, this quote from you post describes me to a T.
"Even if there is a small number of people out there who are mommies like me - spending their days running between the laundry room and the kitchen and the computer but wanting to know what's going on in the larger world..."
Please keep it coming!
Posted by: Sue | February 6, 2009 6:22 PM
Barbara,
Please keep up the great work. Being politically informed is part of being a great mom.
Posted by: Carrie | February 6, 2009 6:25 PM
I appreciate the political posts. We need to stay informed and encouraged in all aspects of our lives. Thanks !!
Posted by: dee | February 6, 2009 6:26 PM
Funny you should ask this, because I was thinking about it just this morning. I used to read your blog a lot and actually linked to you a number of times when I first started reading. I thought your mothering advice was so good and it was very helpful to me a number of times.
I found your conversion to Catholicism a little disheartening and I read less frequently. I live in an area that's 80% Catholic, and while I know some Catholics who are Christians, I also constantly encounter Catholics, by far the majority, who have never heard the Gospel. I have many formerly Catholic friends who have been disowned by their families for accepting Christ. Many families in my community have been shattered by the priest scandals. So in light of all that, I read here less frequently and frankly trusted your judgment less. Please don't take that as a mean-spirited comment, just an honest one.
I was really encouraged when you started your political blog and left a link here each time you posted there. It seemed like a good way to keep moms informed without overwhelming a mom blog with political stuff.
Now that you are writing so many political posts, though, I find that I read your blog less and less. Apparently I am in the minority based on the comments above. However, I believe that our hope is in Christ, not in political action or militant reproduction.
While it's important to be informed and to be politically involved if led by God, the only true cultural transformation comes when Christ invades hearts. Conservatives have continuously lost ground in the "culture war" over the past 20 years and yet continue to preach that lasting change will come by aggressive political means. I am not at all surprised at the direction the Obama presidency has taken in the first weeks of office. He is doing what he promised to do, and there are lots of political sites where I can get that information if I wish.
So that is a long answer to your question, but I hope a kind one, even as I disagree. Your site used to be one of the first on my daily reads. now it's one of the last.
Posted by: CharityGrace | February 6, 2009 7:09 PM
Mommy Life is all about caring about the world we turn over to our children, our grandchildren, and the generations yet unborn. Failing to watch, form opinions, and act in our world and concentrating on things inside our four walls is ostrich mentality. Thank you, Barbara, for helping us see the bigger picture!
(I'm currently teaching your Laundry Room book to our homeschool support group.)
Posted by: Cathi Warren (Granny) | February 6, 2009 7:11 PM
Please don't stop the "political" posts. I hate the false ghettoization of issues that affect our daily life as "political." Life is political. We can't just put our heads into the sand.
Posted by: Sheila | February 6, 2009 7:42 PM
Barbara, you are my go-to person for politics. You state it quick and simply and I can go on and read more if I want. I also read your mothering posts too, like be open to your children's music picks, which I wasn't at all, but now am. So, I say, keep on doing what you're doing and THANKS!
Posted by: Lela | February 6, 2009 8:10 PM
Barbara-
Please don't stop the political posts. I am far too busy with a large homeschooling family to read several political commentary sites everyday. Your summaries are informative and convenient.
Thanks a bunch-
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon | February 6, 2009 8:22 PM
I read here primarily for the political info. I take it (as most blogs) with a grain of salt, but agree with you on most things. I find you offer a balance of various areas of interest, and this makes your blog more rich.
Politics doesn't end with the election. And for conservatives, this is especially true now. For us "rabid" pro-lifers, this presidency must be a time of vigilance.
I'm sorry there seems to be Catholic/Protestant tension here. I'm sorry there seems to be distrust and resentment expressed on both sides. There's no reason why the two shouldn't band together as Christians now, to speak strongly, and in unity, in a world in which Christ's church is under such attack.
Posted by: mary kathryn | February 6, 2009 8:51 PM
I like the politics. I think it has a lot to do with mommies. It affects how we live now, how we raise our children, and how our children will live.
Posted by: Milehimama | February 6, 2009 8:52 PM
Barbara, your blog is one of my political blogs. You link to articles I would otherwise never read.
I honestly have to say that I do get a little depressed coming to mommylife. That's not your doing. It's the truth that you're presenting. I had to stop blogging on politics and really appreciate your heart and mind to continue. And I believe you have a clear and profound understanding that politics/government is not our god. It is not our salvation. This is what keeps me going - knowing my future, my children's is in His hands and He is good all the time.
Posted by: Barb | February 6, 2009 9:24 PM
Please, DON'T stop including politics on your blog!
Politics IS mommy stuff!!!
As a busy mom who wants to stay informed, I can't afford the time to go to or listen to many different sources to keep up. I appreciate that you have been and still are in the "trenches" of motherhood to dependent children and that you understand just how important it is to "hit the high spots" or get "to the meat" of what is going on in the world.
Honestly, I think the majority of our political leadership has gone wild and that our nation is asleep. I pray everyday that the people of our nation will wake up, get wise, and start screaming from the roof tops in an effort to turn the tide of current politics.
We MUST be informed! Again, politics IS mommy stuff!
This isn't just about money (and our children being taxed into their senior years to pay for what is happening now), but more about personal freedom.
Just last week when I was talking with a family member about the founding history of Planned Parenthood and the amount of money in the stimulus package for PP and STD education, etc., she told me that she didn't know anything about such stuff and really couldn't understand it all. I truly believe that Washington knows and is counting on the fact that a lot of Americans are clueless to the ramifications of what they are doing.
Barbara, I think you do a good job of keeping us informed.
Thank You! and please continue to do so.
Now, I will stop ranting and go catch up on my evening since the child that I believe will go into politics needs some "life training"......important stuff to conquer if he is going to help influence and change the World!
Posted by: von | February 6, 2009 9:27 PM
I love the political posts...I check here several times a day for updates. I think staying abreast of politics is very relevant for stay-at-home-mommies (and everyone). Thanks for all of your research and concise analysis!
Posted by: Haley | February 6, 2009 9:36 PM
You are absolutely right, and please don't stop! It makes me very sad when I speak to other moms about an important issue, such as abortion and what is currently happening with that issue, and they are clueless. It makes me sad because their informed voice can make the difference between life and death.
Posted by: Elan | February 6, 2009 9:36 PM
I just have to p.s.....
No one is questioning Obama's authority or the fact that all authority comes from God.
Personally, I (we, husband, too) question Obama's judgement.
For heaven's sake, this man is trying to silence talk radio. Don't we have freedom of speech?!?
Okay, I've really got to stop now.
We really need a "Mr. Smith" or "John Doe".....
Posted by: von | February 6, 2009 9:36 PM
Anyone who isn't paying attention to politics at the moment is going to be in for a rude awakening, if not a shock, in the not-too-distant future.
I don't agree with everything you say, but do agree with quite a bit of it. Sometimes you're rougher on the other side than I would be.
I think Obama has a tough job. It's not the one he originally applied for, when he started down this road, two years ago.
I think the "stimulus" package is more of a Democratic pork bill, that's putting unnecessary debt on the backs of our children adn grandchildren. I don't think Democrats understanad what makes the economy work.
Posted by: Julana | February 6, 2009 9:42 PM
1. Your blog is a beautiful exercise of freedom of speech! Hurrah!
2. CharityGrace, I am a little disturbed that you said Catholics don't accept Christ. If you go into any catholic church, he is hanging on the cross.
Posted by: anon | February 6, 2009 9:42 PM
Barbara, I'm sorry (and very surprised) to see a couple of anti-Catholic comments here ... don't despair! I only learned of your site through other Catholic blogs and I love it ... so perhaps one reader lost but another gained!
Posted by: Elan | February 6, 2009 9:47 PM
Please continue posting on all the subjects you do, including the politics.
Blessings,
Julie
Posted by: Joyful Days | February 6, 2009 10:19 PM
Thanks for your political perspective. I love that you serve up a smorgasbord. Thinking about our children and also the political world they will grow up in is very important.
Posted by: Laura | February 6, 2009 10:55 PM
Please don't stop with the politics coming in every now and again. I'm homeschooling, in the country, not in town, don't get the paper, and don't trust the MSM. I appreciate the updates.
Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Rachel | February 6, 2009 10:58 PM
Hardly a need to comment with so many excellent thoughts ahead of me... BUT, I wanted to de-lurk and tell you how much I appreciate your blog, including the polical posts. Well done, Mom.
BTW, I hope you're warm and toasty today.
Blessings,
e-Mom @ Chrysalis
Posted by: e-Mom | February 6, 2009 11:29 PM
Keep up the political stuff, I say. I enjoy reading your thoughts on a lot of other things, too. When I disagree, I usually skip the post. I also did not expect Obama's presidency to be so awful, so quickly. I didn't expect good things from him, but I hoped the office would sober him a bit, and I certainly still pray he'll do a good job. All authority is, of course, from God, but when a human being abuses authority given by his creator, we other human beings owe our alliegance first to God, and then to human authority.
Posted by: Elizabeth B. | February 6, 2009 11:39 PM
Hi Barbara, Your blog is one of the few blogs I visit daily. I appreciate that your blog offers such a variety of content...political and otherwise. I candidly don't know how you find the time to offer so much to your readers. I am very grateful! Keep up the good work! And...thank you for your commitment to keeping your readers so well informed.
Blessings,
Diane
Posted by: Diane | February 7, 2009 1:48 AM
I appreciate the politics - I often quote your articles when discussing/arguing politics with my husband who is a staunch democrat. It gives me great come-backs based on FACT!! Thanks again - your Blog rocks!
Posted by: Kim Moore | February 7, 2009 9:23 AM
With a busy toddler, I find it hard to visit all the blogs and sites I would like to (which is probably a good thing). So I really appreciate the "one-stop-shop" aspect of MommyLife. I'm a mother, I want to grow in my faith, I want to know what is going on in the world, I want to raise my children right, I want to laugh sometimes, too. And it is all here!
Posted by: Elissa | February 7, 2009 9:49 AM
Sadly I find I am reading less. I skim through searching for topics on parenting, large families, your spiritual journey and how families can affect culture (guerilla parenting). They are sometimes hard to find amidst all the political topics. I so enjoy your perspective as you speak about your personal growth and your family and it makes me think deeply about how I am treating and reacting to my kids, hiding my own selfish sins, and doing God's work in the world.
I am very conservative politically but find some of your verbiage about Obama to be offensive to me. I was taught to respect and pray for our leaders. God was not caught by surprise that Obama was elected, it's still part of His plan. While there are many things that I disagree with President Obama I feel my ministry is to pray for him and our country. I understand we have different personalities so I in no way expect you to change your style to accomodate me and my desires. I'm just adding my thoughts since you asked how your readers feel.
Posted by: Joy | February 7, 2009 10:00 AM
barbara- i have three preschoolers and i love reading your website so i can be in the loop about the world around me, particularly national politics. i don't have time to listen to talk radio, but i do make the time to read your blog! keep up the GREAT work!
Posted by: Carrie | February 7, 2009 10:12 AM
Barbara,
I have a political question that has been bothering me a LOT lately...maybe you have an answer.
I, like yourself, am appalled at what has been going on in government locally and nationally. I hear one atrocity after another reported on the radio news, in the paper. I'm bothered by the fact that reporting the atrocity doesn't STOP IT from happening. The politicians can just say "oh, so...it was in the paper" and do what they want anyway. Everyone knows about it, disagrees with it, but there is no system in place to stop them from doing it. It's obvious that past scandal or egregious errors doesn't stop ANYONE from getting re-elected or posted to a high position in the new administration so that is no deterrent.
My question is, what are we supposed to DO? I agree with every political post you have made of late. As angry as everyone is over the stimulus package, it will go through pretty much as is with all kinds of stuff wrong with it. What are we supposed to DO to stop it? Any of these things? Who do we call?
My in-laws send me political e-mail forwards every day and I just delete them. I'm tired of hearing about all the horrible decisions and having them happen anyway. Why keep reading over and over how awful it is? (I'm NOT writing this particular paragraph in reference to whether or not you should post politically, that's your business, your decision, your blog, I'll choose to read what I wish to read each day). I have gotten to the point where I need to do something. When I hear that a local agency is mishandling money to be spent on disadvantaged children. Once they've been "outed" what do we do? Do we keep track and call these places and ask to see the books to make sure they have fixed it? It just seems to go on and on...
Advice please.
Posted by: myboysteacher | February 7, 2009 11:41 AM
Barbara, Your conversion to Catholicism is what led me here. But it's your political commentary that keeps me here.
Posted by: Siobhan | February 7, 2009 11:44 AM
Yes, it's about the world I am handing down to my babies! I read a very urgent email from HSLDA regarding parental rights the other day, and left my computer to pick up the baby. I looked at him with tears in my eyes, imagining him as a grandfather, and wondering what kind of world it will be like for him in the years to come....That is why I got on the phone and contacted my senators regarding Obama's nomination of a poor leader. ( go to www.parentalrights.org)
Frankly, it is a temptation to just ignore all this stuff. It's a mess...but like I said yesterday in another post, we need a balance between fighting the good fights, and finding our peace from God. Psalms 37 is full of verses that every scared american ought to read right now.
Posted by: Lisa | February 7, 2009 12:15 PM
Have no idea how everyone else feels but I personally appreciate every informative post you give on politics!
Keep 'em comin'!
Posted by: Renee | February 7, 2009 3:34 PM
Barbara- Do not stop what your posting! I love being informed on all aspects of your writing. If some people can't handle that Obama isn't the Messiah he was cracked up to be then that is their problem!
Posted by: AmKree | February 7, 2009 5:48 PM
another vote to keep up the political posts--i like reading an informed opinion that has the same foundation as i.
thanks, barbara!
jodi
Posted by: jodi | February 7, 2009 8:42 PM
Keep doing what you are doing!!!
Politics is part of all of our lives! It effects us being mommys!
Posted by: kathy | February 7, 2009 8:45 PM
In response to the poster who commented that I said Catholics don't receive Christ--Just want to clarify!!! I specifically stated that I have Catholic friends who have received Christ. Obviously I have no question that people like Barbara are Christians just as I am, although I am puzzled by her conversion. I have really enjoyed the work of Catholics like Jennifer at Conversion Diary.
However, the majority of my Catholic acquaintance (in an area that is 80% Catholic, so that includes most of my neighbors and those I interact with) have never heard that repentance and faith in Christ's sacrifice brings salvation. Instead, they are taught that their good works will bring salvation and that they should not read the Bible because they are not smart enough to understand it. A Catholic friend was just telling me this again Tuesday night. I hear it all the time, both from former Catholics and those who are currently committed to Catholicism.
So my comments were not in any way intended to be anti-Catholic, only to communicate my own experience, which has definitely influenced my view of MommyLife. Hope that clarifies.
Posted by: CharityGrace | February 7, 2009 11:04 PM
Thank you for all of your political posts.
Thank you for pushing me out of my little mom-world and getting me thinking again!
Thank you!
-Jo
Posted by: Jo Isley | February 8, 2009 12:24 AM
I spend enough time online as it is; if you didn't include news and opinions about political goings-on and the repercussions over there, I'd have to surf all morning to search what I would otherwise have read on your blog -- with a sound Christian and human perspective at that.
So, just keep at it. Someone has already said it -- it's easy enough to pick only the topics that one prefers to read about.
Good day!
Posted by: sunnyday | February 8, 2009 7:39 AM
Charity Grace,
I share your frustration that many Catholics do not take their relationship with Christ seriously. I have to say, though, that I think this problem plagues Protestant denominations as well (especially mainline denominations). I am sorry to hear that so many of the Catholics you've met are not giving the witness that they should be. Let's pray for all Christians, that they will passionately desire a loving relationship with Christ!
That said, any Catholic who has attended mass and paid any attention at all knows the importance of the Bible (we hear it each Sunday, and most parishes offer Bible studies of some kind), and knows that Christ has saved us. We hear "This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world" at each mass. I'm not saying your experience is false, just that if the Catholics of your acquaintance really believe what you say, then they are simply not good Catholics. Since the problem of Christians being lukewarm or in error is not unique to the Catholic Church, I'm not sure I understand why someone becoming a Catholic (particularly if you do think they are already a good Christian) would be so discouraging to you. Do you think that the Catholic Church really teaches the errors that your acquaintances believe? If you direct them to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, they'll quickly realize that they are mistaken.
Posted by: Elizabeth B. | February 8, 2009 12:09 PM
Barbara,
Thanks for ALL you write about!!! I have purchased a couple of your books for my daughter. We are using many of your ideas with her daughter.. and are loving it.
I do appreciate the concise way you take us through Christian concepts and politics. At this time I find it difficult to watch/listen/read anything from any of the politicians.. or people who show/tell/write about it all... sigh. But I do appreciate what you do -- please keep it up.
Posted by: Kathryn | February 8, 2009 7:14 PM
Because it is SO "popular" right now to support "The Messiah" and say NOTHING against him, it is important that those of us who do not agree with what he is doing support each other and hear from each other so we do not feel so "alone." I have heard some say they feel alone in their feelings, but I think it could be that some just aren't really speaking out about it for fear of what might be said in response or about them. Thank you for being one of those, Barbara, willing to share. I agree with you that I never thought Obama would take such drastic measures in such a short amount of time in office. It is really sickening and gets harder to accept and we are ONLY in the first month of this Presidency. It is going to be a LOOOONG 4 years.
Posted by: Anne | February 8, 2009 9:01 PM
Barbara,
I, too, just wanted to say, "Keep it up!" I really appreciate the way you keep us informed of what is going on in the political world. I couldn't agree more that it is the 4 years BETWEEN elections that is important . . . not all the hype and false statements we get during an election year. And, just because he's our president does NOT mean that we shouldn't keep an eye on what he's up to . . . and let our congressmen and representatives know what we think about it!
Posted by: Amy | February 9, 2009 1:35 AM
Keep up with the political posts!! This is where I come to read those details, almost more than anything else, because you do create a wonderful summary of what is going on. This helps me, a busy mom, with not having to spend a huge amount of time searching numerous sites. Thank you!!
Posted by: Kim | February 9, 2009 8:11 AM
Barbara~
I know you won't stop the politics, because you are a citizen who stays informed and feels it is your duty to inform others. I am also that kind of citizen. I do not feel you are Obama bashing, you are just telling it how it is and it is important for others to hear the truth~ especially when the media and our government leaders don't find that truth necessarily tops their agenda.
The more we know about the going-ons of our government, the more we are able to know how to make our voices heard. We cannot trust our representatives to "represent" our opinions if we don't take actions such as phone calls, emails, letters or even rallies to let them know what our opinions are.
Keep of the good work!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | February 9, 2009 9:27 AM
Please do NOT stop the political commentary and news. I love it. Thank you for helping to keep everyone informed so as they know how to pray!
Posted by: Libby | February 9, 2009 9:41 AM
NO! NO! NO!
Please don't abandon politics!
Barbara, you give great insight to what's going on around us, and beyond us!
Keep up the good work.
Liz Brach
Posted by: Liz in D.C. | February 9, 2009 11:01 AM
Please keep informing us! Thanks for your hard work!
Posted by: Pam | February 9, 2009 2:54 PM
Thank you for all that you contribute in your blog as a mom, especially the political posts, which are just as important to our families as posts on Faith, health, and education. "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world," and we have a responsibiity as moms to be informed with the current events in our homes, our cities, our states, our country, our world. It's a huge task that can only be done well as we walk together and help each other. God bless you for your courage, insight and willingness to share, especially in the political arena.
Posted by: Karen | February 10, 2009 5:37 AM
Barbara, thank you for continuing to inform us all what is happening in Washington. As a mommy of 3 dear sons (down with the flu and 1 broken arm) I do not have time to pour over information and get the details that you so concisely provide. Thank you for continuing to provide this information as if we are not armed with information, we cannot figt the good figt and abolish abortion and so many other wrongs that happen in Washington and this world. Your posts inspire me to dig deep and discuss these issues with others because now I feel informed.
Thanks again, Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | February 10, 2009 10:14 PM
I enjoy the political parts. Even though I do keep up with politics via my Google Reader, I also enjoy seeing that others share my shock or outrage or just find the same thing incredible.
Posted by: Rachel | February 14, 2009 7:04 PM
