Cardinal Cupich hides behind the seamless garment; healthcare isn't what Democrats want us to think it is; Joseph Lawler on American house ownership; and more!

Show Notes:Statement of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, on the Keep Hope Alive AwardPope Leo’s comments on Cardinal Cupich’s intention to award Sen. Dick DurbinThe Pope’s statement on the Durbin award: wrong, and irrelevant; if Pope Leo is quoted here accurately (and I have no reason to think otherwise), it’s a terribly disappointing statement for several reasons; Durbin’s decision to decline the Chicago award has the ‘look and feel’ of a negotiated solution; Pope Leo describes American immigration policy as “inhuman.” Well…Dick Durbin says he was ‘overwhelmed’ by pope’s support (Politico)Phil Lawler on the Durbin award: The Cupich assault on episcopal unity Cupich needs fraternal correction by Phil LawlerMaybe it’s a coincidence that the Archdiocese of Chicago was forced to cancel a meeting of the board of the Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI), right after a board member indicated that he would raise an objection to the plan to honor Senator Richard DurbinThe Faithful Departed by Phil Lawler (affiliate link)How the Government Built the American Dream House by Joseph Lawler, New Atlantis, Number 81, Summer 2025“Across the United States, it is functionally illegal to build housing like what you find on Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, one of the most photographed residential areas in the country, famous for its gorgeous row houses in the middle of the city. At the same time, the federal government subsidizes the construction of McMansions in greenfield locations miles from the nearest town center.” “This system is a deliberate creation of the government, going back many decades. It is not a product simply of demand meeting supply at agreed-upon prices. Ostensibly, it is meant to promote homeownership. But in reality, it does not. Instead, it encourages mass financial speculation on housing, urban sprawl, and widespread resistance to new construction.”Do you look forward to our podcast? Do not hesitate to subscribe! It’s free! Or you can choose to support us financially if you are able— either way, we appreciate you!Your paid subscription means a lot to us and helps us continue our work.Want to tell a friend? Please do!Don’t wish to take out a paid subscription just now? We understand!How about this, if you enjoyed this episode: Get full access to Happy Despite Them at leilamarielawler.substack.com/subscribe