[Dr. Eckleburg]

Looking at matters objectively, the Vatican is not much more extensive than the holdings of the First Baptist Church in down town Dallas.

That is objectively a ludicrous statement.

You have a bourgeois prejudice against the Renaissance decor and trappings on display at the Vatican.

ROTFLOL. Thank you, God, for giving me a "bourgeois prejudice" against the sickening opulence enjoyed by the false bishop of Rome and his toadies. lol. If that is supposed to be a slander, all I can say is "More, please." (And my personal preference in decor runs more toward 18th century English antiques, lots of mahogany, Sheraton sideboards, pewter, Minton china, Thistle crystal and tartans everywhere. If that's "bourgeois," so be it.)

But I will agree to let the clergy there to make a bondfire of them said garments if all the preachers at the First Baptist Church agree to imitate St. Francis and strip naked in front of their congregation, and walk out naked onto the streets and join the homeless sleeping—voluntarily under I-45. and depend on panhandlng for their daily bread.

Why do Roman Catholics always think in terms of bonfires?

Who looks more laden down with the gaudy trinkets of wealth, excess and hubris? This guy...?

Or this guy...

wearing this...

[RobbyS]

As I said, I would be much more impressed if your guy looked more like a homeless person and less than like the head of a law firm. After all, you ARE talking about apostolic poverty, are we not? BTW, the pope does not own the stuff he is wearing. Probably in terms of personal worth, Joe Ratzinger is worth much less than your guy. Lots of books and a grand piano. He is not even an art collector. Doesn’t have a wife and kids to support.

[caww]

Well the answer to who is who in tinsel and gold is pretty obvious Dr. E.... By the way is that headpiece the Popes crown? I noted three rows of Gems etc. so these would have to have some meaning. Is it worn for special occassions because the dome headpiece itself is pretty eye popping in itself. Or does the Pope have several headpieces?

I suspect there is some meaning to the whole outfit perhaps I should just look it up. I know the Jewish have certain Priestly garb where every stone had meaning as well as every tassle.

[TSgt]

There's more jewels in that hat than on a Porter Wagoner jacket!