Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 04/25/25

The stars align for Francis. Following the pontiff’s death on Monday, ABC News offered this collection of celebrities offering their tributes.

Democratic senators Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey today announced the introduction of the New Start Act of 2025. The legislation would establish a five-year pilot program within the Small Business Administration to award grants of $100,000 to $500,000 annually to organizations for entrepreneurial development training to currently or formerly incarcerated individuals. The legislation is being introduced during Second Chance Month which supports the successful reentry into society of people who have served their time in prison.
IMHO: I’m all in favor of second chances, including for those who have run afoul of the law. None of us should be throwing stones. At the same time, let’s not forget hardworking Americans who unfairly lost their businesses due to the government-mandated Covid lockdowns and veterans who too often found themselves coming home from the war zones our political leaders sent them to live on the streets. They deserve second chances too. Also, how about introducing financial literacy into the schools so that the next generation might better avoid the sort of poverty that too often leads to prison time?

Is it time for Pedicare? From CNN: President Donald Trump has expressed some interest in the idea of giving new parents a $5,000 “baby bonus,” and a new CDC report shows the US fertility rate is hovering near a record low as younger people rethink parenthood.
IMHO: While the so-called “$5000 baby bump” addresses the very real problem of falling domestic birth rates as the American population ages, for such an idea to work it would have to be an annual payment (as opposed to a one-time incentive) that should probably be doubled to $10,000 a year and extend to at least 18 years of age, if not 25. The money could be used to pay for a young person’s health insurance, daycare, parental-empowering education programs (i.e. school choice), as well as college and trade school tuitions. Funding could be derived from efficiencies and fraud reductions discovered by DOGE (including in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) and redirecting education funding from public schools directly to the parents who could, if they decided it was in the best interest of their child, still opt for public schools. You’re welcome, America.

“Dark Woke” and the case against cursing. From Fox News: “Resistance” Democrats are starting to abandon civil politics in favor of a new provocative and combative “dark woke,” a new report says. The term “dark woke” refers to an online meme that gained popularity in January amid President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Under the “#darkwoke” tag, left-leaning X users share jokes and memes delighting in or wishing for the suffering of Trump supporters. Though the term is largely an online phenomenon, some members of the Democratic Party are beginning to see some benefits to the “crass” and “rude” attitude…Many Democrats have taken to injecting profanity into their vocabulary in response to MAGA and in an attempt at “authenticity.”
IMHO: If you’re cursing you’re losing the argument – and people know it. They also yearn to see our political debates elevated and for less overall coarseness in society. A curse word fills the need to yell something naughty when you hit your thumb with a hammer but it doesn’t belong in political discourse when restraint and self-control are critical assets when making a cogent point and seeking points of agreement.

Respect from Roseanne and Jay Leno. Both stars have endured some flack from their industry in recent years.

Roseanne, for her definitely ill-chosen online words to describe former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett which came amid the astonishing ratings for the revival of self-titled sitcom. As a result Roseanne, who was experiencing some mental health issues at that time, was fired from the show despite apologizing and was persuaded to give up all financial interest and creative say in the subsequent spinoff The Connors based on characters she largely created in order to preserve jobs for the cast and crew. To add insult to injury, the writers had her character die from an accidental drug overdose. While Roseanne’s apology was certainly called for, an episode about the issue of people posting over-the-top insults online would have been a better response than the merciless treatment she received.

On Wednesday the far less popular spin-off aired its final episode after seven seasons, the final one consisting of only six episodes. Executive Producer Bruce Helford told Deadline “She was very gracious in allowing us to continue the show because she had a say in that…When she realized it would be putting 300 people out of work when the initial reboot was cancelled, she gracefully allowed us to continue without her. It really was about these people.”

TMZ quotes Roseanne’s son and rep Jake Pentland Jake Pentland as saying that, while she was screwed over by ABC, she and her family are still happy The Conners crew got seven additional seasons.

Overall, I think the whole saga stands as a lesson about how cruel the entertainment business can be and of the need for more compassion when people make a mistake. I wish Roseanne a kind and successful future.

While former Tonight Show host Jay Leno found himself (unfairly, I think) on the unpopular side within the meme community (as opposed to the general public) of disputes with David Letterman and Conan O’Brien (who both considered themselves the rightful heirs to Johnny Carson), I have great respect for the man and miss his style of comedy that sought to get all of us laughing at the general absurdity of the political scene rather than pitting half the country against other half. The current crop of late night hosts could learn from him.

My respect for Leno has been strengthened with his People Magazine interview in which he talks about caring for his wife Mavis following her dementia diagnosis. It’s a good read and a reminder that, when it comes to what’s important in life, politics and show business are way, way, way behind true commitment and devotion to those we love.

Coming Attractions

The power of prayer. Abba Heart Films and Fathom Entertainment have released the official trailer for Show Me Your Glory set to launch in theaters nationwide from May 13th through May 15th. The documentary explores the phenomenon of miracles through eight stories where the supernatural meets human suffering and adversity.  Tickets are available now on the Fathom Entertainment website or at participating theater box offices.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.