FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS At a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, President Trump said he would soon sign an executive order requiring free speech on American colleges and universities which receive federal funding. “We reject oppressive speech codes, censorship, political correctness and every other attempt by the hard left to stop people from challenging ridiculous and dangerous ideas,” said Trump. https://cvote.it/2XyUnf4
MORE ON TRUMP’S SPEECH President Trump conceded that he went “totally off script” in his two-hour address at CPAC. Politico selected what they called the 10 wildest CPAC quotes. https://cvote.it/2XB9GnN
ABORTION VS DOWN SYNDROME The Utah Legislature has passed a bill banning abortions sought only because the baby has Down syndrome. To avoid a costly legal battle, the ban would only go into effect if a similar law is upheld as constitutional elsewhere. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has not yet indicated if he will sign the bill. https://cvote.it/2SFlZLW
PENNSYLVANIA IN 2020 Democrats in Pennsylvania are worried that the leftward drift of their party could prevent the state from voting blue in 2020. “The more we have presidential candidates or newly elected congresspeople talking about the Green New Deal, talking about ‘Medicare for all,’ talking about socialism, the more that plays into the Trump campaign’s hands,” said former governor Ed Rendell. https://cvote.it/2XviFXz
MEDIA BIAS Too little, too late: The Washington Post finally admits it screwed up big time in its coverage of the Covington Catholic story. “It’s amazing, the difference a $250 million defamation lawsuit can make,” writes media critic Becket Adams. https://cvote.it/2XA2wAc
GENDER CONFUSION Initial reports suggested that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan were going to raise their child as “gender fluid.” But the Palace has said reports are “totally false.” https://cvote.it/2XxgHpH
ROOTS OF THE SCANDAL Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted cited three factors that have contributed to the current scandal in the Church: the sexual revolution, weak seminaries, and clericalism. https://cvote.it/2XAbYmX
SAINT SHRINE IN PHILLY The recently constructed tomb of St. Katharine Drexel at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul has been declared a shrine. https://cvote.it/2XB6Yi7
WRONGLY ACCUSED? Fr. Raymond de Souza says that the conviction of Cardinal George Pell was a “monstrous miscarriage of justice.” https://cvote.it/2SGksp5
SAINT OF THE DAY While Saint Casimir was born into a noble family, and was himself in line to be king, he opted instead for a life of prayer, and as a youth vowed perpetual chastity. Opposed by his family, Saint Casimir held fast to his ideals until his early death at the age of 25. In his native land and elsewhere, he is considered an example of perseverance. https://cvote.it/2SC9GA4
DAILY READINGS “Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.” (Ps 32:1) https://cvote.it/2SCa5CA