China Part Four: Confucian

Before leaving Beijing, we had to see the Confucian Temple.  If China is noted for anything, it’s the sayings of Confucius.  Other than that, probably few non-Chinese could tell you much about him.  It is said that he was born on August 27, 551 B.C.E. to his father’s sixteen-year-old concubine

China Part Three: Lama Buddhist Temple

Editor’s note:  Dr. Donart submitted this article from Beijing, China, where he, his wife, and two of their adult children visited in Summer 2012. In our news media, the Chinese government is often portrayed as being hostile to religion.  I think this is primarily due to the fact that only

Republican Party–Soft on Crime?

Why would anyone think that the Republican Party is soft on crime?  Is it, because there are 67 Federal judgeships vacant and 34 nominees waiting to be confirmed?  One might ask, why hasn’t President Barack Obama submitted a nominee for every opening?  One possible reason he hasn’t is, because it

Thomson Super-Max Prison Finally Sold

Editor’s note:  Dr. Arthur Donart is a Trustee on the Thomson, IL, Village Board.  He was present when the following announcement was made in Thomson, Tuesday, October 2, 2012.  Dr. Donart submitted the photo to capture the occasion.  The first three men seated left-to-right are U. S. Senator Richard Durbin,

Obama’s War on Religion or Catholic Bishops Crying Wolf?

Before I start this article, I have a confession to make.  I’ve been a Roman Catholic now for over 76 years.  Worse yet, I’ve been an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon for the last 28 years, having retired from that position a year ago.  Prior to Vatican Council II, I had

Billionaires: A Threat to Democracy2

  Billionaires are people who have amassed a great fortune. I must confess, I’ve only met one and he is a nice old man who happens to be a partner in Berkshire-Hathaway. Charlie Mungerson’s partner is Warren Buffet, a.k.a. the Oracle of Oklahoma. I listened to Charlie explain his philosophy

Why Jesus Chose Women and the Roman Catholic Church Should Have!

When we were children, authority figures could give us an explanation for something and, because they were authority figures, we would likely accept whatever they told us as being true and real. While growing up in ethnic communities, unless given a reason to question what we are told, we are