# Prayer and Politics in a Pandemic
*2020-10-03*

> Bill Young and co‑host John O’Rourke open with a prayer to guardian angels and then discuss the political fallout of COVID‑19, focusing on the Trump hospitalization, the Supreme Court vacancy, and concerns about a Democratic agenda.

## A Prayer to Our Guardian Angels

We begin with a prayer to our guardian angels, asking them to be helpers in our minds, comforts in our difficulties, lights in our darkness, and protectors from evil. We invoke them for ourselves, our families, our parishes, our country, and the whole world, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

## Current Political Landscape

John updates us on the latest news: President Trump is in the hospital with COVID‑19 but appears to be improving. Judge Barrett tested negative, and the Senate is working to confirm a new conservative nominee for the ninth seat on the Supreme Court. The hosts stress how crucial a conservative justice is amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.

We also discuss the debate over “court‑packing.” Biden’s answer was to deflect, but the hosts explain that expanding the Court to twelve justices could lead to a 6‑6 split, effectively dead‑locking the Court and threatening fundamental freedoms, including religious liberty.

## The Threat of a Democratic Agenda

The conversation turns to concerns about a potential Democratic takeover. The hosts argue that if Democrats control the presidency, Senate, and House, they could pursue policies that undermine the Constitution, such as restricting the First and Second Amendments and limiting religious freedom. They warn of a slippery slope toward socialism and communism, citing examples of church closures and school funding cuts.

They also criticize what they see as dishonest campaign tactics, including large donations to influence votes and misleading advertising that promises tax credits while planning to eliminate them.

## Economic Impacts and Tax Policy

Bill outlines how proposed Democratic tax changes would affect the middle class: eliminating the Trump tax cuts, raising the standard deduction, and increasing property tax write‑offs for everyone. He argues that these measures would raise taxes for most families, not just the wealthy, and that corporate tax cuts would simply be passed on to consumers through higher prices.

The hosts also mention the impact on small businesses, minimum‑wage hikes, and the potential for job losses.

## Education, Public Safety, and the Way Forward

The hosts discuss the challenges facing schools in Broward County, where funding cuts threaten layoffs of thousands of employees. They criticize the lack of thorough cleaning protocols and the broader Democratic approach to policing, including proposals to defund police and replace officers with social workers in domestic disputes.

Finally, they call listeners to focus on Mary and Jesus, recalling Father Michael Gaitley’s book on the 33 days of devotion to Mary, and invite them to listen to future episodes of Prayer & Lunch for more prayers.

*In uncertain times, we are called to pray for divine guidance, protect our Catholic conscience, and stay vigilant about policies that affect our faith and freedom.*