Inside the Capitol

  • Practicing Christ’s message: Antidote to bullying pandemic

    Posted by · September 28, 2011 9:45 AM

    As I have loved you, so you should love one another. This is how I will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.   (John 13:34-35)

    Although bullying has been around for generations, and affects nearly all children, solutions have been evasive.

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  • The economy and the justice owed to God

    Posted by · September 15, 2011 9:45 AM

    It has long been a tradition within the church on the anniversary of a noteworthy event or document to reflect on it and view its contents again with hindsight and some historical distance. This is especially true of papal social encyclicals — teaching documents that treat a specific topic or theme and apply ancient wisdom to “the signs of the times.”

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  • The DREAM Act and the need for moral creativity

    Posted by · August 31, 2011 10:00 AM

    American immigration reform remains a heated political issue. But it is not just a theoretical political issue; it is a humanitarian one that impacts the basic dignity and life of a person, and at a broader level, the common good. It is foremost a moral issue.

    Because of the grave humanitarian considerations of the debate, Catholics must welcome discussion about immigration and the challenges it presents.

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  • Stand up for marriage, the center of social life

    Posted by · August 17, 2011 10:00 AM

    In November 2012, Minnesota voters will have a chance to defend marriage as the union of one man and one woman from rogue courts and legislators who believe it is their right to redefine and undermine this vital social institution.

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  • School choice legislation enacted across U.S., but sputters locally

    Posted by · August 04, 2011 10:00 AM

    All parents, no matter the size of their pocketbook or where they live, should have the opportunity to send their children to a quality school that best serves their needs.

    Fortunately, this has been a banner legislative year across the nation for expanding parental choice in education. Unfortunately, Minnesota families will not be among those celebrating expanded school choice options.

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  • Adherence to ideology: the tie that blinds

    Posted by · July 21, 2011 10:00 AM

    The 2011 legislative session is finally drawing to a close.

    Many were surprised by the inability of legislative leaders and the governor to reach a compromise agreement be­fore a shutdown occurred. When the two parties did finally produce a budget framework, neither side was pleased with an outcome that few believe represents the beginning of a long-term solution to the state’s fiscal woes.

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  • Minnesota’s Catholic bishops ask legislature and governor to put the common good first in budget negotiations

    Posted by · July 14, 2011 10:00 AM

    Minnesota’s Catholic bishops have been watching the State’s budget negotiations unfold with great concern, and hope Gov. Dayton and legislative leaders overcome their differences and achieve a just solution soon.

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  • State government shutdown: A wake-up call to mend our civic culture

    Posted by · July 07, 2011 10:00 AM

    Now that our elected leaders have collided in a game of “chicken” and significant portions of state government are idled, a pall has been cast over Minnesota.

    Although there was a shutdown in 2005, it was a “shutdown light”  and solved quickly. This one will likely go longer and is more serious: More services and functions are suspended, and the divisiveness and vitriol are deeper and louder.

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  • The church will not remain silent in public square

    Posted by · June 22, 2011 10:00 AM

    We hear it in various forms. Some complain that the church should not be speaking out on divisive issues, but in­stead should spend its time and resources feeding the poor and spreading God’s love.

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