There have always been tensions and conflicts between agricultural and pastoral practices but desertification has accentuated them.

In terms of votes, the populations that are most affected by desertification may not be the most important ones. With a few exceptions, the authorities, including at the state level, show little interest in this struggle.

I don't want to see agricultural pursuits unfairly restricted because of conflicts with residents who choose to live in rural areas. This has to be balanced with the fact that Americans pride themselves on our liberty, freedom and respect for others and property rights of others. Government and taxpayers have the right to expect that those profiting from development must also pay for the infrastructure expenses arising from such development.

Solitude is a chosen separation for refining your soul. Isolation is what you crave when you neglect the first.

Where difference of opinions arises, to retract our words is a sign of a wise man.

The bishop has to show in each and every case that he is in a very serious posture of pastoral care and concern for that politician -- and that has to be seen by the Catholic people. When something is a public scandal, it has to be remedied publicly, but there are many different ways in which bishops might exercise that pastoral care and concern,