Lots of interesting things in the news today . . .

First, in the New York Times, an article about how French is making a comeback in Maine. Does this remind you of anything:

People of French descent poured into Maine and other New England states from Canada beginning in the 1870's and became the backbone of textile mills and shoe factories. But resistance developed, and people began stereotyping the newcomers as rednecks, dolts or inadequate patriots. In 1919, Maine passed a law requiring schools to teach in English.

. . . . .

"There was just a stigma that maybe you weren't as bright as anybody else, that you didn't speak English as well," said Linda Wagner, 53, of Lewiston, who takes classes to reclaim language lost as a child.

Yes, I believe there is a parallel to today's "anti-Spanish" movement. I'm sure that an "English is the official language of the U.S." proclamation cannot be far behind Bush's recent "no gay marriage" push, given that he appears to have completely discarded any notion of the federalism principles that were supposed to be the cornerstone of his party.

It's a shame that I was under the weather this weekend, as it appears I missed a rollicking good time at the Texas state Republican convention in San Antonio. There, a party leader declared that God "is the chairman of this party." Also:

The party platform, adopted Saturday, declares "America is a Christian nation" and affirms that "God is undeniable in our history and is vital to our freedom."

Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, you could be free, too, if you would convert.

In another Dallas Morning News story about the convention, we learn that the Repubs adopted a new platform, which clearly reflects this "faith-based" leaning of theirs:

The platform, a statement of the party's principles, calls for constitutional amendments to outlaw abortion and gay marriage. The party calls for denying benefits to domestic partners and making it a felony to issue a marriage license to same-sex couples. In addition, the party would bar homosexuals from adopting children.

. . . . .

The party also advocates making English the official language, withdrawing membership in the United Nations, banning homosexuals from serving in the military and allowing display of the Ten Commandments.

Finally, for those of you interested in the "church shaming" story I wrote about last week, here is an update, with more detail. Among the facts revealed: not only is this "minister" trying to "out" its own (now former) member who confessed having an affair (allegedly because the guy agreed to be subject to discipline in papers he signed upon joining the church), but he also wants to report the guy's paramour to her employer, even though she was never a member of the church, saying:

Mr. Wagner said this week that he believed he was obligated to contact the woman's boss even though she never signed up for Watermark's discipline, because all Christians are obligated to one another.

"If a sister sins, she is a sister in Christ," he said. "We are commanded to love our neighbor."

Give me a break. I'm curious, though, if that stance will cost them their "no interference in church business" defense at the Court of Appeals, as it does not, in the paramour's situation, turn on a congregant's agreement upon joining a church.

Finally, your Sunday photo: trophy wife, Dallas style (go to the second photo in the show).