Category Archives: Writing

The Best Book About AI Was Published in 1971

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Where’s a Lorax when you need one? This “bossy” little creature with a bushy mustache spoke up for endangered Truffula trees in Dr. Seuss’s beloved 1971 book. We young readers learned, through the book’s villain, the once-prosperous Once-ler, that the … Continue reading →

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Idea for Pope Leo: A Holy Year for a Moment of Truth

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Imaginary and hypothetical, written seriously and wistfully: MEMORANDUM To: His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV From: Bill Schmitt | “Phronesis in Pieces” Re: Proposal for a new Holy Year Date: June 30, 2025 This memo proposes that you declare 2026 a … Continue reading →

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Politics, Parades, and All They En-gender

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

The Democratic Party’s “Speaking with American Men” (SAM) project has given Americans plenty to talk about regarding attitudes toward dudes—and even more regarding personhood in the political battlefield. CNN’s Michael Smerconish opened his June 7 program with this summation of … Continue reading →

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Two Popes Speak a Common Language on Communications

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Anyone tallying subject areas where Pope Leo XIV is on the same wavelength as his predecessor will find consistent and compelling themes in the Vatican’s 2025 message for the World Day of Social Communications. Pope Francis’ text for the 59th World Communications … Continue reading →

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Mr. Trump, Launch Synodality? Holy Father, Launch DOGE?

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

President Trump has at least one thing in common with the new pope who soon will lead the world’s Catholics. Particular managerial challenges have been building up for years—in America and in the Church—and now confront both men with a … Continue reading →

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The Fault is Not in our Stars, but in our Supporting Cast

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

If reading the latest batch of books about the 2024 presidential election has already made you feel “burdened by what has been,” plan to pursue a more timeless perspective, from a very different author, on April 23. This is when … Continue reading →

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New Media Can’t Afford to Think Talk is Cheap

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Newsmakers and their media enablers may or may not have valid ideas to express to the American audience, but the more obvious problem is their occasional failure to express those ideas civilly. One of our crucial democratic norms—authentic, informed public … Continue reading →

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A Personal Look at ‘Millennial’ Saint-to-be Carlo Acutis

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

By William Schmitt, Special to The Evangelist Published Feb. 6, 2025 Fr. Anthony Sorgie, Fr. Robert Hohenstein, Fr. Tom Morrette (pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish), with relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis A parish event in Troy is set to … Continue reading →

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Media, Trump & Budgeting: Whose Line-Item Is It Anyway?

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

President Trump first impacted the media during cathode ray tube days—before TV technology, and his career plans, changed. But the celebrity who loved to say, “you’re fired!” now can choose to use flatter screens and a grander stage to push … Continue reading →

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Pope’s 2025 Media Plea: Go Gentle into that Good Fight

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Bill Schmitt

Pope Francis says journalists face a tough assignment these days. In this polarized world, it’s never been more important for communicators to remind us of our responsibilities— and to help us carry them out. The media serve socieites which must … Continue reading →

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