Memories of Lepanto

In my last post, I told you to tell someone, just one person, about a hero of the West. Today, I have been given an excellent chance to follow my own advice. For today is the four hundred and forty third anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto; when the forces of the Holy League, led by Don John of Austria, defeated the Ottoman Empire in a five hour naval battle which utterly crushed the Turkish navy, freed thousands of Christian slaves, and bought the west the breathing room that it required to bring about the greatest period of prosperity this world has ever known. 

photo credit: Lawrence OP All photos via photopin cc

7,500 Christian men gave their lives that their brothers might know the blessings which that had brought. Fighting for faith and freedom, they exhibited the love of which Christ says there is no greater. Let us never forget their memory. Let us never dare to dishonor the blood they shed.

Caliphate

So ISIS has declared a Caliphate under Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al-Samarrai, previously known by (what sadly for the historical irony isn't his real name) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi... Karl von Habsburg, now's your chance! The Lands of the Holy Crown of St Stephen are in danger! We're going to have to make you take swimming lessons first though.

Does anyone remember back in the early 2000's, when claims of impending Caliphate were big in the anti-Islam internet? And how the left pooh-poohed those claims, saying that it would never happen? Well, now we're treated to a Caliphate declared by the left-wing media and the RIGHT attempting to explain it away! What interesting times we live in.