The latest five-year farm bill continues a pattern of subsidizing corporations while squeezing every last drop of use out of farm families and cropland.
Polarized times tempt danger, such as the very real authoritarian surge happening around the world right now. But necessary changes often take place during periods of tumult, not tranquility.
Catholics have every right to demand action, but there must be discernment and prayer before making decisions. Then comes the courage to enact necessary change.
The author of a forthcoming book on the attitudes of U.S. Catholics finds anger over the sexual abuse crisis, but also the desire for a more active role for laypeople in the church.
A year of mandatory national service—an obligation regardless of gender and economic class—would preserve our heritage of individuality while forging a badly needed sense of common purpose.