I wonder whether he has been to Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. I have been there and there is a presence there. People were murdered there and they weren’t ready to die. They were the last of the Lakota on the reservation. Even if Hegseth went to Wounded Knee he probably wouldn’t feel a presence there. Why was the subject of Wounded Knee brought up? It happened in 1890.
Lloyd Austin, as Biden's SecDef in July 2024, had asked a commission to examine these medals. Their report has not been made public, and Austin did not announce a decision, but the story is notorious—accounts from the time make it clear—and it was widely assumed the medals would be rescinded.
Hegseth just announced that he's throwing out that reconsideration.
Hegseth is a shameful individual, deeply unworthy and unfit to hold office of any sort.
What I write does not reflect the fire burning within me, though the Gospel restrains and gentles my sharp edges.
People of goodwill of all Christian groups of South Dakota — not only Catholics — are shamed by the cruelty, and the bleak, bitter winter memory thereof, shown by American troops at Wounded Knee.
“On September 25, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that following the recommendations of the 2024 report, the awarded Medals of Honor would not be revoked, calling them "brave soldiers" and saying: "We're making it clear that [the soldiers] deserve those medals" and that "their place in our nation's history is no longer up for debate."
“Brave Soldiers.” Of course. How could it have been otherwise?
Peter Hegseth wears his ignorance and prideful arrogance like the town idiot shouting out that fool’s gold really does have great value.
Fools will eagerly keep company with fools. Peter is pitiable, treasonous, and should be escorted from office.
I have been to Wounded Knee, where I was able to honor the memory of American Horse, who is the spitting image of a cousin’s grandfather.
As I recall, any number of those murdered at Wounded Knee were laid out at a nearby Episcopal Church.
Round about Christmas time.
The snow fell.
It is a sad place, Wounded Knee.
It is a place of pilgrimage, a place of eternal but gentle repentance, and of grace. One of the most beautiful words in the English language as I contemplate it, “grace.”
I will go back.
The presence of Christ is ever felt in places where grave wrongs have been committed, and deep suffering has occurred. The Holy Spirit pleads within us as we pray, for the suffering of the world, then, now, and always.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:30
Beautifully and poignantly written especially about the presence of Christ in Pine Ridge Reservation. I left my home state of South Dakota in the early ‘70’s and when returning, it was often convenient to travel between I80 and I90 through Pine Ridge. I would feel that presence, maybe the tears of many souls when traveling through the area. The poverty was evident and the deep culture, but it was more of a solemness and need to respect the area that I believe I felt as I traveled to the eastern side of SD. These resilient and courageous people deserve so much respect and acknowledgement of their unbelievable sacrifices 🙏🏼😢
Yes, it is an interesting place to visit, is it not?
I remember so much of Indian alcoholism from when I was a kid, and it scared — still scares — the dickens out of me.
When I was a little guy I did not understand these family friends coming by the house after dark — whose humanity was completely transformed by what was in a cheap bottle.
So anytime I go around a reservation all those childhood echoes hit pretty hard.
That said, there are other really pleasant memory wisps.
When I sit with friends outside a trailer/RV/what have you, over tied up to the back end of the trailer are usually two or three horses.
Now you do not see that much of anywhere else, but I was/am really very much at home with it .
There are mixed memories, ones that are cherished, others that are of travail.
It’s been said amongst military service members that if a military operation is suspect, award a bunch of medals with flowery commendations for the recipients.
Those who were there will keep their mouths shut to prevent embarrassing their mess mates.
That’s one reason the Department of War, as it was then called, authorized proportionally more MoHs than the action warranted.
Acknowledging what actually happened isn’t dishonoring America; it’s living up to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Another great book is “Black Elk Speaks” by American author John G. Neihardt who with special permission was able to actually interview Black Elk, who had been only 13 at the time of Wounded Knee Massacre. His 1932 book focuses on the traditional stories and spiritual beliefs that inspired the Ghost Dance movement which was intended to restore the Lakota indigenous identity in some mythical future when the bison had been restored. The U. S. government then mistook the Ghost Dances as war dances, which had been banned. The massacre was an unprovoked attack on men, women, children and elders who had been rounded up by the military, and resulted in the killing of more than 300 Lakota people, with Lakota only able to defend themselves by picking up discarded weapons.
And yet, the Pope and Church continue to look the other way while members of the Democratic Party continue to advocate for abortion rights while claiming to be practicing Catholics. They are allowed to still partake in the sacraments as Leo and the church leadership act like meek mice with not so much as a squeak of admonition. Further, they continue to oppose enforcement of our nations laws and let the flood of illegal immigrants permeate the country while many are violent criminals and oppose our nation’s values. And, of course there’s the whole LGBTQ issue that the church conveniently ignores for political expediency! The Democrats are NOT the party of Christian values. In fact they purposely took any reference to God OUT of their party platform when Obama was running for reelection. Not sure about this issue since then, but the fact they ever did that at all should be a cause of consternation by the Church leadership. If the Catholic Church continues to voice positions that are clearly political and demonstrate a blatant bias against conservatives or the Republican Party (particularly under Trump), they are going to significantly increase the number of active Catholic Church members who will seek alternative sources of religious fulfillment and spiritual guidance.
No gaslighting Bob. Just the truth. Tell me what I said was not true? It is a shame the hate from the left is destroying every facet of humanity. Who’s really gaslighting who here?
Hate from the left? Oh u must mean murdering individuals in boats bc they might be drug running, or ICE violently assaulting suspected immigrants as well as citizens, or rounding up the homeless and confining them to facilities, or gassing and shooting (lethal and non-lethal rounds) peaceful protesters. Oh wait- thats the current regime carrying out these violent actions. Not very "christ like".
More bullshit! The gate from the left??? You better look in the mirror and call out the stench that is emanating from the WH and his MAGA minions in the administration and Congress. Wake up dude. He’s destroying our democracy.
And by the way Bob, the MAJORITY of your fellow citizens obviously disagree with you and the leftist loon brigade. He was REELECTED by a modern day political tsunami! And the Dems can’t get out of their own way because of TDS! It’s really hilarious if you had a sense of humor, which I seriously doubt. Vance-Rubio 2028👍
He won with less than 2% of the popular vote against a candidate who campaigned less than 4 months. He didn’t even win the popular vote. Hardly a tsunami, and certainly not a mandate. #NoKings #LibertyAndJusticeForAll
What planet are you living on Mary? Nothing you say even makes the slightest sense. Get your facts straight before you make a fool of yourself please. Kamala did campaign for 4 months, trying to duck interviews with even the most friendly leftist media tropes. She could’ve campaigned for 4 years and still would’ve gotten shellacked. How are the Democrats and midterms looking right now there madam? Stop your gullibility and wake up dear. No Kings, Families over Billionaires and Justice for All? You’re supporting the wrong side if that’s what you espouse.
Get some professional help Bob. Your TDS is seriously destroying your brain. But then again, you can’t help those in denial. Wake up and get well soon!
I've come to respect Pope Leo XIV.
I believe his wisdom comes from a soul of vision and love of mankind.
I believe he wants the World to survive the hatred surrounding us.
Hatred seeks to destroy life.
Love seeks to preserve life.
NOW IS that time to discover just what we have faith in and share our faith in Love and Perseverance.
Amen
I wonder whether he has been to Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. I have been there and there is a presence there. People were murdered there and they weren’t ready to die. They were the last of the Lakota on the reservation. Even if Hegseth went to Wounded Knee he probably wouldn’t feel a presence there. Why was the subject of Wounded Knee brought up? It happened in 1890.
Lloyd Austin, as Biden's SecDef in July 2024, had asked a commission to examine these medals. Their report has not been made public, and Austin did not announce a decision, but the story is notorious—accounts from the time make it clear—and it was widely assumed the medals would be rescinded.
Hegseth just announced that he's throwing out that reconsideration.
Thank you for clarifying.
It is important to rebuke that national sin, yesterday, today, & tomorrow! Forgiven when possible, but never forgotten!
I have been there as well. And, yes, there is definitely a presence there.
I’m glad someone else noticed it.
Hegseth is a shameful individual, deeply unworthy and unfit to hold office of any sort.
What I write does not reflect the fire burning within me, though the Gospel restrains and gentles my sharp edges.
People of goodwill of all Christian groups of South Dakota — not only Catholics — are shamed by the cruelty, and the bleak, bitter winter memory thereof, shown by American troops at Wounded Knee.
“On September 25, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that following the recommendations of the 2024 report, the awarded Medals of Honor would not be revoked, calling them "brave soldiers" and saying: "We're making it clear that [the soldiers] deserve those medals" and that "their place in our nation's history is no longer up for debate."
“Brave Soldiers.” Of course. How could it have been otherwise?
Peter Hegseth wears his ignorance and prideful arrogance like the town idiot shouting out that fool’s gold really does have great value.
Fools will eagerly keep company with fools. Peter is pitiable, treasonous, and should be escorted from office.
I have been to Wounded Knee, where I was able to honor the memory of American Horse, who is the spitting image of a cousin’s grandfather.
As I recall, any number of those murdered at Wounded Knee were laid out at a nearby Episcopal Church.
Round about Christmas time.
The snow fell.
It is a sad place, Wounded Knee.
It is a place of pilgrimage, a place of eternal but gentle repentance, and of grace. One of the most beautiful words in the English language as I contemplate it, “grace.”
I will go back.
The presence of Christ is ever felt in places where grave wrongs have been committed, and deep suffering has occurred. The Holy Spirit pleads within us as we pray, for the suffering of the world, then, now, and always.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:30
Beautifully and poignantly written especially about the presence of Christ in Pine Ridge Reservation. I left my home state of South Dakota in the early ‘70’s and when returning, it was often convenient to travel between I80 and I90 through Pine Ridge. I would feel that presence, maybe the tears of many souls when traveling through the area. The poverty was evident and the deep culture, but it was more of a solemness and need to respect the area that I believe I felt as I traveled to the eastern side of SD. These resilient and courageous people deserve so much respect and acknowledgement of their unbelievable sacrifices 🙏🏼😢
Yes, it is an interesting place to visit, is it not?
I remember so much of Indian alcoholism from when I was a kid, and it scared — still scares — the dickens out of me.
When I was a little guy I did not understand these family friends coming by the house after dark — whose humanity was completely transformed by what was in a cheap bottle.
So anytime I go around a reservation all those childhood echoes hit pretty hard.
That said, there are other really pleasant memory wisps.
When I sit with friends outside a trailer/RV/what have you, over tied up to the back end of the trailer are usually two or three horses.
Now you do not see that much of anywhere else, but I was/am really very much at home with it .
There are mixed memories, ones that are cherished, others that are of travail.
Every American should read “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” preferably in middle school.
I enjoy it when white christian nationalists attempt to justify their decisions. While wearing a cross and claiming to be Catholics.
Be like tRump. Take away that food from the starving like Jesus would.
It’s been said amongst military service members that if a military operation is suspect, award a bunch of medals with flowery commendations for the recipients.
Those who were there will keep their mouths shut to prevent embarrassing their mess mates.
That’s one reason the Department of War, as it was then called, authorized proportionally more MoHs than the action warranted.
Acknowledging what actually happened isn’t dishonoring America; it’s living up to the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Another great book is “Black Elk Speaks” by American author John G. Neihardt who with special permission was able to actually interview Black Elk, who had been only 13 at the time of Wounded Knee Massacre. His 1932 book focuses on the traditional stories and spiritual beliefs that inspired the Ghost Dance movement which was intended to restore the Lakota indigenous identity in some mythical future when the bison had been restored. The U. S. government then mistook the Ghost Dances as war dances, which had been banned. The massacre was an unprovoked attack on men, women, children and elders who had been rounded up by the military, and resulted in the killing of more than 300 Lakota people, with Lakota only able to defend themselves by picking up discarded weapons.
I'm loving Pope Leo! And I'm not Catholic !
I stand with Pope Leo and his church.
Grateful for the Catholic Church’s public criticism of Mr. Hesgeth’s scandalous decision. The Secretary’s actions bring dishonor to our nation.
God bless Pope Leo!!
Love Pope Leo's ethics💕
Great Read. I shared it on fb.
Pope Leo - you came along at exactly the right time! We needed you! If I was sure that God existed I’d be certain He sent you!
Thank you Pope Leo. ❤️❤️❤️
And yet, the Pope and Church continue to look the other way while members of the Democratic Party continue to advocate for abortion rights while claiming to be practicing Catholics. They are allowed to still partake in the sacraments as Leo and the church leadership act like meek mice with not so much as a squeak of admonition. Further, they continue to oppose enforcement of our nations laws and let the flood of illegal immigrants permeate the country while many are violent criminals and oppose our nation’s values. And, of course there’s the whole LGBTQ issue that the church conveniently ignores for political expediency! The Democrats are NOT the party of Christian values. In fact they purposely took any reference to God OUT of their party platform when Obama was running for reelection. Not sure about this issue since then, but the fact they ever did that at all should be a cause of consternation by the Church leadership. If the Catholic Church continues to voice positions that are clearly political and demonstrate a blatant bias against conservatives or the Republican Party (particularly under Trump), they are going to significantly increase the number of active Catholic Church members who will seek alternative sources of religious fulfillment and spiritual guidance.
Wow! What a load of bullshit! Stop the gaslighting. The pope is standing for those for whom Jesus would stand. Can’t get any more Christian than that.
No gaslighting Bob. Just the truth. Tell me what I said was not true? It is a shame the hate from the left is destroying every facet of humanity. Who’s really gaslighting who here?
Hate from the left? Oh u must mean murdering individuals in boats bc they might be drug running, or ICE violently assaulting suspected immigrants as well as citizens, or rounding up the homeless and confining them to facilities, or gassing and shooting (lethal and non-lethal rounds) peaceful protesters. Oh wait- thats the current regime carrying out these violent actions. Not very "christ like".
Hey Kim, wanna buy a bridge?
Back under your bridge, troll! Haven't you got some pedophiles to make excuses for?
More bullshit! The gate from the left??? You better look in the mirror and call out the stench that is emanating from the WH and his MAGA minions in the administration and Congress. Wake up dude. He’s destroying our democracy.
And by the way Bob, the MAJORITY of your fellow citizens obviously disagree with you and the leftist loon brigade. He was REELECTED by a modern day political tsunami! And the Dems can’t get out of their own way because of TDS! It’s really hilarious if you had a sense of humor, which I seriously doubt. Vance-Rubio 2028👍
He won with less than 2% of the popular vote against a candidate who campaigned less than 4 months. He didn’t even win the popular vote. Hardly a tsunami, and certainly not a mandate. #NoKings #LibertyAndJusticeForAll
#FamiliesOverBillionaires
What planet are you living on Mary? Nothing you say even makes the slightest sense. Get your facts straight before you make a fool of yourself please. Kamala did campaign for 4 months, trying to duck interviews with even the most friendly leftist media tropes. She could’ve campaigned for 4 years and still would’ve gotten shellacked. How are the Democrats and midterms looking right now there madam? Stop your gullibility and wake up dear. No Kings, Families over Billionaires and Justice for All? You’re supporting the wrong side if that’s what you espouse.
STFU, you ignorant asshole!
Aww Bob. That’s awfully “Christian like”. Did I hurt your “wittle pwecious feewings”? Truth is bitter medicine.
Get some professional help Bob. Your TDS is seriously destroying your brain. But then again, you can’t help those in denial. Wake up and get well soon!