The Pope issued that warning yesterday to those with blood on their hands.
What was Pope Leo talking about in his Palm Sunday message? His reference was Isaiah 1:15. Yes, this is directed at the masters of war and religious leaders, including those who believe this conflict is a divine intervention, and our leader is somehow the chosen one.
From Isaiah 1: 13-17 (The Message)
Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.
Powerful stuff! Maybe we should open our eyes and ears. The answer to what we should be doing is in the last few lines.
What distinguishes good leadership? Have a plan? Planning for all possibilities? Garnering advice from those you can trust?
According to The Center for Creative Leadership, it's all that and more. A good leader inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and drives results through integrity, clear communication, and empathy. They are self-aware, resilient, and adaptable, focusing on empowering their team while taking accountability for outcomes. Effective leaders lead by example, mentoring others to achieve professional growth.
Nowhere in there do I see, "I alone can fix this."
Ancient Wisdom
Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
- Proverbs 11:14
Voice of the day
A painting is more than the sum of its parts. A cow by itself is just a cow, a meadow by itself is just grass, flowers, and the sun peeking through the trees is just a beam of light, but you put them all together...and it can be magic.
- Richard Baker in “Flipped” (2014)
And in 2026?
Two political experts were blown away on Thursday after President Donald Trump proved he "paid attention to nothing" that his war advisors are telling him. -Raw Story
As of March 9, 2026, President Donald Trump's approval rating sits at approximately 38%–41%, with disapproval around 56%–58%, reflecting a net negative rating. Recent polling indicates low confidence in his ethics and leadership, with approval for his handling of the economy and immigration stalling near 40%–41% -pew research.
Support for his war with Iran is bumping along the bottom. Democrats (86%) and independents (61%) are largely aligned with each other in opposition to the military action. But 84% of Republicans support it according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll..
Who's to blame?
From the administration's perspective, it's always the victim, or the critics. After the fatal shooting of two protestors, the response was immediate. They were accused of threatening ICE agents.
After the video by six members of Congress urging members of the military to follow the law was posted, they were labeled traitors who should be shot.
The bombing of a school in Southern Iran is drawing sharp focus on Rules of Engagement. After the attack, which killed over 170 children, Trump blamed Iran. Investigators have found the missile used was a tomahawk cruise missile. The only military force using that weapon is the United States. The investigation is not complete, but it looks like our military targeted the school.
After the attack on the synagog in Michigan and the attack at Old Dominion, he blamed genetically inferior people. That's right in line with his blatantly racist presidential campaign in 2024.
Could Trump be called morally bankrupt? "Morally bankrupt" describes an individual, organization, or society that has completely lost or abandoned its ethical principles, integrity, and values. It implies a state where actions are taken without regard for right or wrong, often driven by selfishness, greed, or a disregard for the well-being of others. -Psychology Today
The Atlantic has published numerous articles and opinion pieces that strongly argue Donald Trump is "morally bankrupt?"
Key arguments presented by The Atlantic and its contributors include:
Character and Ethics: The publication has described Trump as a "depraved and brazen pathological liar," a "shameless con man," and a "sociopathic criminal" who lacks moral or social conscience, empathy, or remorse.
Business Tactics:The Atlantic has detailed how Trump used "ruthlessness, racism and cruelty" in his business career, often inflicting harm on real people and businesses while enriching himself.
"Moral Bankruptcy" in Business: Articles have highlighted that while Trump often avoided personal financial ruin, his casino businesses in Atlantic City went through four bankruptcies, leaving investors and contractors with significant losses while he continued to collect millions.
Presidential Conduct: The outlet has labeled his administration "the most corrupt in American history," citing conflicts of interest, the use of public office for personal profit, and a disregard for the rule of law.
"The Swamp": Some contributors argued that Trump did not "drain the swamp" but was, in fact, "the swamp" himself, characterizing his actions as a "grift".
Supporters often frame his actions not as a lack of morals, but as a disruptive, anti-establishment approach necessary to challenge entrenched political norms. They may see his business background as a strength and interpret his, at times, unconventional behavior as a sign of authenticity, or as a "smart" use of opportunities. -ussenate.gov
That's all well and good, but there's no due process, no accountability, no consequences for bad acts, no apologies. Just shoot first, and don't you dare ask questions. Is this important. Yes! He's taking us all down with him.
Biblical and Traditional Proverbs on Corruption
"Righteousness builds nations; corruption buries them." (Proverbs 14:34) - Emphasizes that integrity is the foundation of a stable society, while dishonesty leads to national decay.
"Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster." (Proverbs 22:8) - Suggests that corrupt actions inevitably lead to negative consequences.
"A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he prospers." (Proverbs 17:8) - Highlights the deceptive power of bribery, often used to bypass rules.
"The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice." (Proverbs 17:23) - Points out that corruption is often hidden but destructive to fair judgment.
"A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long reign." (Proverbs 28:16) - Links honest leadership with longevity and stability.
"By justice, a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes ruin it." (Proverbs 29:4) - Contrasts fair leadership with the destructive nature of bribery.
"A corrupt system survives only when good people stay silent." (Proverbs 31:8) - Highlights the role of complicity in allowing corruption to persist.
