So I’m back. Did anything happen in the last three weeks?
Well, we’ve got a new pope, an American who represents a continuation of Francis’ vision rather than a reversion to Benedict’s harsher culture-war positions.
In US politics, the conflict between Trump and the courts continues to escalate, pushing towards the crisis that has been coming since he took office: The Supreme Court makes a very precise order for Trump to stop doing something he really wants to do, an order he will have to either obey or defy. Then we’ll see if we still have the rule of law in this country. (I know what commenters are preparing to type: They already did that with the order to “facilitate” Albrego Garcia’s release from the concentration camp in El Salvador, an order that Trump defied. But that’s not exactly what happened. They gave an order they assumed the administration would interpret in good faith and instead it was interpreted in egregiously bad faith. The crisis we’re steaming towards is one where the Court stops assuming good faith and instead is very explicit.)
I spent my two weeks off driving from Massachusetts to Illinois and back, stopping to see a number of friends and relatives along the way (if Nashville counts as “along the way”). I wound up in my hometown, Quincy Illinois, to give a sermon about grief — something I’ve seen close-up these last six months — at the local Unitarian church. I’ve posted the text.
Something striking I noticed: Just about all my friends are more pessimistic and depressed about the political situation than I am. I’ll try to explain in the featured post, which should be out by 10 EST or so. The gist: The crisis we’re approaching has been inevitable since Trump was elected, and we’re in better shape to get through it than I had expected.
The weekly summary will cover the new pope, the recent court decisions, prospects for the FY 2026 budget, and a few other things. I’ll try to get it out by noon.
The Weekly Sift 
Comments
I appreciate your calm and Measured tone. I follow HCR for the same reason. You are doing a needed and important service. Thank-you.
Welcome back.
I read your link to the service you attended, and it was so moving and important. You will surely find that balance between the love lost and the love still here to find and the balance between past, present and future. It was a lovely read. The best to you as you continue to process the grief.
My Monday morning was not the same without you. I have been reading your blog since before 2012. Thanks for all you do, and welcome back.
Doug, I printed out and read in entirety your Life After (Somebody else’s ) Death. Very meaningfillled.
Without going into detail, I’m 85, and 60 years ago my first wife was about to be admitted to hospital for a kidney transplant. She was 22, and our entire marriage she had been critically ill. She died July 24, 1965, leaving me and our son, then 1 1/2 (he is now 61). I’ve walked the walk.
I’m going to try to attach a photo of Peggy Lee, a native of small town North Dakota, which I saw painted on a building in Valley City ND three years ago. KOVC radio, there, was her first on-air performance as an artist…. (Can’t do…if you’d like the pic, I’d need your e-address.). All best.
As a Star Wars fan, I’ll be happy if our prospects are not Generally Grievous. But as a Star Trek fan, I fear we’re heading further into the Trouble with Trumples. All of which is to say: missed this column and am glad that you’re back safe!