Paradox

I follow the stock market because I am living on what is generally called a "fixed" income, meaning I don't earn money from working. (I do earn a little from my writing), and the stock market has a bearing on my fortunes. My father, who never earned a big salary, invested beginning in the early days of the Great Depression and saw his portfolio grow nicely, so he retired comfortably and lived a long life as a water color artist. He followed companies and decided where to put his money. It is a big mystery to me and I depend on an investment advisor to help me with my modest holdings. Or is it that I don't have the courage to decide?

Basically I have decided to agree to have my money invested broadly, in diverse instruments, believing that, although the U.S. is moving from sole super power to a player in the world economy among many others, we will remain a player longer than my lifetime. So I try not to fret through weeks like this one. I am glad my children don't ask my counsel about their own investing. I don't know how I would invest if I were their age. Life is the world economy is paradoxical for Americans.

At last we are seeing some honest debate over the legacy of Pope John Paul II. No one questions his character. Brave, smart, tough, honest. But the results of some of his insistence on holding the old line of authority lent to terrible results. Notably his refusal to take seriously the sex abuse scandals in the church, or reconsider condom use in the age of AIDS.

Yes, he was consistent. That was the problem. Many who say they disagreed with him and admired him need to look again at how admirable character can lead to tragedy. Paradox.