Author: Thomas Fleming

1

Under the Shadow

This is a slightly revised version of an essay (published about 9 years ago) inspired by a re-reading of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. I had earlier exchanged letters with the author and published his brief introduction to a re-edition of his masterpiece.

3

Pius IX, Conclusion

When the  revolution broke out again in 1848, Pius IX had been Pope for only two years.  He had spent those two years well, reforming the government of the papal states especially the criminal justice system, rooting out corruption, imposing stricter discipline on the clergy.

6

Plain Talk

The demonstrations, in Minneapolis and other cities,  against the enforcement of US immigration law are a vivid illustration of what the American people, in their childish pursuit of what they imagine to be human right, have become.

2

Misery and Gin, conclusion

Simplifying ideologies drain the life out of most of us, and any form of subjectivism leads quickly to relativism, and thus indifference.  From “You say potahto, I say potayto,” the descent to every erotic eccentric’s defense, “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” is rapid.