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James Talarico Is A Counterfeit Christian

Not expecting him to appear in a local commentary to the PJ so soon (3-14), James Talarico was described as a “rare Democrat who, as a Presbyterian seminarian… is well versed in Christianity.” Not so fast, my friend. The commentary never told what seminary he attended. Take two Presbyterian seminaries. One seminary named Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary makes three statements on its webpage: 1.) We believe faith is boundless (“What faith is it?” I ask. 2.) We are bridge builders (A bridge to what? You’re left guessing.) 3.) We prepare Christrian leaders to ...

Bars Should Respect Diverse Views

The head of the New York State Bar Association, or NYSBA, has criticized a Trump-administration Justice Department official. *** Please read the criticism for yourself: NYSBA “denounces Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s declaration of ‘war’ on the judiciary and bar(-)association disciplinary bodies. “At a recent conference of the Federalist Society, (General) Blanche characterized the Department of Justice’s resistance to ethical oversight of its lawyers by courts and bar associations as ‘war.’” NYSBA “will always stand up for the rule of law and for ...

The Sweetness Of March

By Margot Russell In March, winter never really loosens its grip—not in Western New York. It just shifts its weight. One day the snow softens and slides off the roof in heavy sheets, the next morning it’s back again—hard, frozen, and stubborn as ever. The calendar says spring, but no one here believes it. Not yet. Still, something begins to change. You hear it first—the birds returning, tentative at first, like they’re not entirely convinced either. Then a warmer afternoon arrives, and for a moment, just a moment, you feel it—the possibility of something beyond all ...

From One ‘Middle’ Paul To Another

In 1969, Noel Paul Stookey wrote a song and first performed it at the wedding of his Peter, Paul and Mary folk bandmate, Peter Yarrow’s, marriage to the niece of Senator Eugene McCarthy, Mary McCarthy. In 1971, it was released as a single, later added to his solo album titled “Paul and,” and has become one of the most played songs at weddings. The song is titled, “The Wedding Song (This is Love).” It reportedly, came from divine inspiration in a time of Stookey’s religious awakening, from what he deeply felt was an answer to a prayer. The song references some of the words of ...

Anchors Aweigh – And All That Jazz

When the Fredonia Opera House announced this concert, I closed my laptop and picked up the phone. The U.S. Navy Band’s Sea Chanters were at the Opera House for an evening concert last Friday and I wasn’t going to miss it. It seemed a shame for just Richard and me to enjoy it, so we invited two musician friends to join us. No, we weren’t generous big spenders. All tickets to all military band events are complimentary. Our four tickets arrived in the mail two days later. My friend Ann grew up playing the piano. These days she makes music mostly at church in both the choir and ...

What’s A ‘Studshaker’?

In February 1852, two brothers began making horse-drawn wagons and buggies in South Bend, Indiana. They eventually transitioned to building automobiles, including electric and gas-powered vehicles. Nearly 160 years later my family attended an auto show in Western New York state where we experienced one of those vehicles for the very first time. Its shiny red paint, clean lines, and chrome trim, reflecting the sun and highlighting its recently waxed exterior, caught the attention of many onlookers. While exploring the car’s meticulous craftsmanship, its make, year, and model ...