Tom Faranda's Folly

Stepinac has a top basketball recruit - 20 division one offers and counting.

Only a junior, but even Kentucky has come calling.

http://westchester.news12.com/story/41198600/adrian-griffin-jr-stepinacs-super-recruit

And here he is last year as a sophomore - he plays guard -

"RNC Raising Money To Help Democrats Televise Five Debates A Week"

A great strategy for the Republicans and they have plenty of money to do it. FULL DISCLOSURE: I have only watched limited excerpts from these debates. If the Republicans are wrong about this strategy please let me know.

The Republican National Committee has launched an ambitious fundraiser to help the Democrats televise a debate every weeknight.The move is expected to drum up significant support for the Republicans, not on their own merit but on the wackiness of the Dems.

"Look, it's tough for us to raise money by just saying the same talking points we've been using for years," said RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. "Frankly, a lot of our policy positions are kind weird and not all that conservative. But if we can just let the Democrats talk for hours every night, we're sure to win."

The RNC is looking to raise over $100 million for the campaign strategy.

Proposed debate topics include The Evils of Capitalism: A Town Hall, When Should You Force Your Toddler To Change Genders?, The Merits of Men Beating Women In MMA, and A Bidding War on Taxes: How High Can We Go?

At publishing time, Republicans had raised enough money in the first hour of the fundraising campaign.

CNN pundit Jeffrey Toobin explains that Attorney General Barr doesn't understand the First Amendment

UPDATE: For an alternate view go here -    What Barr Got Right — and What He Might Add

Right. Toobin, what a dishonest fellow great mind. It's really those creepy Christians who refuse to cater gay weddings who are the problem. Barr's talk was given a few days ago at the University of Notre Dame Law School. This is Toobin's column in The New Yorker.

Historically illiterate, morally obtuse, and willfully misleading, the speech portrays religious people in the United States as beset by a hostile band of “secularists.”

 

USA Today eliminating print edition?

As it's doing a merger. I rarely looked at USA Today - always have viewed reading it as akin to chewing bubble gum...

"After a nearly 40-year run, USA Today and its digital sites are about to undergo a major restructuring that will include building up digital marketing while phasing out the print edition."

The deal for GateHouse’s parent, New Media Investment Group, to acquire Gannett, which owns USA Today, will not close for at least another month. Nothing much will happen — or legally can happen — until then, and don’t look for this to be the new company’s first order of business. Winding print down could take several years. But two knowledgeable sources, talking on background, said a move away from USA Today in print is part of the calculations for the new enterprise. It makes a lot of sense, given the print edition’s deteriorating paid circulation and minimal advertising.

St. Ignatius of Antioch Feast Day today

Fresco of St. Ignatius from Hosios Loukas Monastery, Boeotia, Greece

An important early Church leader who was martyred in 107. On his way to Rome he sent seven important letters which "correspondence now forms a central part of the later collection known as the Apostolic Fathers, of which he is considered one of the three chief ones together with Pope Clement I and Polycarp. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology." (quotation from Wikipedia).

Here is a little more interesting info from Franciscan Media.

Born in Syria, Ignatius converted to Christianity and eventually became bishop of Antioch. In the year 107, Emperor Trajan visited Antioch and forced the Christians there to choose between death and apostasy. Ignatius would not deny Christ and thus was condemned to be put to death in Rome.

Ignatius is well known for the seven letters he wrote on the long journey from Antioch to Rome. Five of these letters are to churches in Asia Minor; they urge the Christians there to remain faithful to God and to obey their superiors. He warns them against heretical doctrines, providing them with the solid truths of the Christian faith.

The sixth letter was to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who was later martyred for the faith. The final letter begs the Christians in Rome not to try to stop his martyrdom. “The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ.”

Ignatius bravely met the lions in the Circus Maximus.

 

New - "Smart doorbell" technology will argue with Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormon Missionaries for you!

I will have to investigate - could have come in handy in the past...

Security and smart home manufacturer Ring recently announced a new version of its innovative video doorbell. The Debate Ring Pro is designed to engage in theological arguments with visitors from other religious backgrounds.

“It’s one of the most common front-door conversations in our country,” said Ring founder and chief inventor James Siminoff. “So we knew we had to do something to address it. Now instead of having an uncomfortable religious discussion with strangers, you can let your doorbell do it.”

The response algorithm generates solid rebuttals for the most common heretical doctrines, like that of Christ being an angel. “Scripture clearly tells us to worship Jesus, yet as demonstrated in Revelation 19, angels do not nor should not receive worship.”

If the debate gets too heated, the smart doorbell simply backs down and says, “Listen, I don’t think we’re going to solve this issue today. Let’s just agree to seek the Scriptures faithfully and commit to praying for each other.”

"To Eliminate Churches' Unfair Tax Exemptions, Trump Declares Everyone Tax-Exempt"

Good news for all the 1%er's living in Westchester County. Not in my house of course...

Beto O'Rourke has sparked a discussion/lecture in our country about tax exemptions for religious organizations. O'Rourke declared in a town hall last night that any churches that oppose his LGBTQ positions should have their tax exemption removed.

Many pointed out that it was unfair that churches have a tax exemption at all, claiming that this shows unfair government bias toward religion, "almost like there is freedom of religion in this country or something."

President Trump caught wind of this discussion and quickly took action. "My Democratic colleagues are absolutely right that it's unfair that churches get a tax exemption," he said in a speech, "so effective immediately, everyone in the country has a permanent tax exemption."

*********************

The move immediately stimulated the economy as more capital was available to both consumers and businesses. Democrats scrambled to undo this damage. Unable to raise money via taxation, however, they were forced to turn to voluntary donations to fund their projects in order to prove that government is an integral and vital part of our society.

Progressive California becomes 1st state to eliminate electricity entirely

Working by candelight at his desk, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law that bans electricity, propelling the state into a progressive futuristic paradise. Newsom said he got the idea while experiencing the latest round of rolling blackouts in the state. He decided to make the blackouts the law of the land.

"Other, backward states still use carbon-heavy electricity, gas for heating and cooking, and wasteful air conditioning," he said proudly as people applauded around him. "But not on my watch. California has progressed beyond these archaic concepts."

The law also bans vehicles, forcing pedestrians to use innovative new horse-driven carriages.

Next on the legislative docket? The elimination of water-wasting toilets, to be replaced by just going on the sidewalk. A pilot program in San Francisco has been very successful, according to the homeless population there.

St. Teresa of Avila, Feast Day today

THE PICTURE: Is probably the closest image of her that exists. It was painted in 1576 when she was 61. Teresa did not like it; said it made her "look like an old hag."

One of the truly great Catholic mystics, and one of the first women - the other is Catherine of Siena - to be declared a Doctor of the Church, in 1970 by Pope Paul VI. Her mystical writings are very accessible to regular people (like me). Especially The Interior Castle.

Below I've lifted some material from Franciscan Media about her as well as their ad for a book about all four women Doctors of the Church.  The book is available  here and I will probably pick it up the kindle edition for the $9.99 cost. Or here's another option about Teresa - Saint Teresa of Avila for Every Day: Reflections from The Interior Castle.

Today is St. Teresa of Avila's Feast Day Pray for us!   Teresa of Avila had no desire to be set apart as “the holy one,” because she believed she was far from perfect. She told a priest, “During my lifetime, I have been told that I was handsome and I believed it; that I was clever and I thought it was true; and that I was a Saint, but I always knew that people were mistaken on that score.”   Teresa’s reputation for sanctity spread, in spite of her protests, among those who weren’t blinded by jealousy. Try as she might to bring her flaws to light, the Light of Christ shone more brightly within her. This holy radiance shone around her and all the saints because they carried Jesus within them. Saint Teresa’s life of prayer made this divine presence possible.

Use discount code Avila19 and get 30% off.   Simply click here to buy this book. Accidental Theologians Four women—Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Thérèse of Lisieux—have been honored with the title "Doctor of the Church." Elizabeth Dreyer examines the history-changing effect each of their unique theologies have had on our Church and our world.   Dreyer explains how our understanding of the cross, the incarnation of the Holy Spirit, and the human person have been enhanced by the work of these women. They may not have planned to be thought of as theologians, but reading about their lives, teaching, and writings will have a profound effect on how you live your faith.

 

Elizabeth Warren tells how she lost her teaching job when her fake mustache fell off

She was caught in another tall tale claiming she was fired from a part time teaching gig when she was 22 years old because she was a "visibly pregnant woman". Unfortunately (for her) a news outlet looked into her story and came up with paperwork saying she been renewed for another year. She made the decision to leave. 

“It was tough for a woman back then,” Warren said at a campaign stop. “You had to wear fake facial hair and talk in a deep voice, or people would fire you.” Warren then detailed an incident from back when she was 22 years old and holding a teaching position. Somehow the spirit gum wore off, and her mustache fell off in the middle of a meeting. She was met with cries of “That’s a woman!” before being chased out of the building followed by shouts of “Jobs are for men!”

Some right-wing news outlets have disputed the story, citing a 2007 interview in which Warren talked about losing the job. In it, she mentions problems with a teaching certificate but nothing about fake facial hair. Still, others have backed up Warren, saying it was very common for women to lose jobs in the '70s when a fake mustache or beard or other disguise failed, revealing the employee’s actual gender.

Warren says things have improved for women since, but they could still be better. To help the situation, she announced a plan to fund R&D for an adhesive that will easily keep mustaches in place all day.

Bloomberg News on the pending USA-China trade deal

Excerpt below; hit the link for the full story.

The U.S. and China agreed on the outlines of a partial trade accord Friday that President Donald Trump said he and China’s Xi Jinping could sign as soon as next month.

As part of the deal, China would significantly step up purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities, agree to certain intellectual-property measures and concessions related to financial services and currency, Trump said Friday at the White House. In exchange, the U.S. will delay a tariff increase due next week as the deal is finalized, though new levies scheduled for December haven’t yet been called off.

The agreement marks the largest breakthrough in the 18-month trade war that has hurt the economies of both nations. Importantly, Trump said the deal was the first phase of a broader agreement. The president indicated he could sign a deal with Xi at an upcoming November summit in Chile.

While the limited agreement may resolve some short-term issues, several of the thorniest disputes remain outstanding. U.S. goals in the trade war center around accusations of intellectual-property theft, forced technology transfer and complaints about Chinese industrial subsidies.

The Trump administration also said issues related to Huawei Technologies Co. aren’t part of Friday’s deal and will be a separate process.

Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge breaks the 2 hour marathon barrier.

On a designed course in Vienna on Saturday. See the article off the WSJ below the video.

Eliud Kipchoge Smashes Running’s ‘Last Great Barrier’ With Sub-2-Hour Marathon. Kenyan runner completes race in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds

The race against the clock, backed by the British petrochemicals billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, unfolded on a 9.6-kilometer (6-mile) circuit of perfectly flat, tree-lined road, handpicked for this attempt.

Although it was the quickest marathon ever recorded, the effort won’t count as a world record because it didn’t come in a race setting and he relied on rotating pacemakers.

But for all the assistance he received over seven months of preparation and nearly two hours of running, 34-year-old Kipchoge waved off the pacemakers with some 500 yards to go. It was clear to him then that he wouldn’t simply break the two-hour barrier but shatter it. His face creased into a grin and he finished solo, flashing thumbs-up at the fans, and pointing at the giant clock above the finish line.

Kipchoge jumped into the arms of his wife, who had never seen him run a marathon in person, and was then immediately hoisted onto the shoulders of his team, waving the Kenyan flag.

***********

“It’s the last great barrier in athletics after the 4-minute mile and the 10-second 100 meters,” said Ratcliffe before the 8:15 a.m. start.

***********

Compared with Saturday’s production, however, Bannister’s dash around an Oxford track 65 years ago seemed downright prehistoric.

With a budget estimated in the millions, the 1:59 Challenge had all the trappings of major modern sporting event, which Ratcliffe’s Ineos company knows a thing or two about. He also owns a dominant pro cycling team, the British America’s Cup outfit, and the OGC Nice soccer club in France. (Ratcliffe has been accused of trying to burnish Ineos’s environmentally unfriendly image through sports, but he insists these are just passion projects.)

 

America Magazine; short review of a biography of now Saint John Cardinal Henry Newman

It's five minute to read  & the reviewer liked the book.

Review: A brief life of John Henry Newman

WSJ: "Beto O'Rourke's Progressive Tolerance"

How is this guy still in the Democrat race?

Asked at a CNN town hall Thursday if religious institutions should lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage, Mr. O’Rourke said “yes,” eliciting cheers from the crowd. “There can be no reward, no benefit, no tax break for anyone or any institution . . . that denies the full human rights and the full civil rights of every single one of us . . . [W]e are going to stop those who are infringing upon the human rights of our fellow Americans.”

It wasn’t long ago that most Democrats opposed same-sex marriage. Barack Obama announced his change of mind in 2012. Hillary Clinton came around in 2013. But after Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court decision declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional right, progressives have become culture cops.

************

Mr. O’Rourke’s description of the tax exemption afforded to religious organizations as a “reward” makes it sound as though the federal government would simply be withholding an unmerited bonus. Wrong. The principle of exempting religious institutions from the burden of taxation is rooted in the belief that religious activity encourages virtues that benefit the whole nation—charity, honesty, industry. Some on the left would respond that “hate” isn’t a virtue. Neither is using government power to punish religious dissenters.

Fr. George Rutler on Cardinal Newman, who is being canonized today

Fr. Rutler's column - picture is of Cardinal Newman - and here is the miracle that was confirmed, leading to his canonization. Cardinal Newman miracle that lead to his pending canonization

Over forty years ago, I told a wise Protestant theologian that I had been reading the Apologia pro Vita Sua of John Henry Newman (1801-1890). He warned me that it is “a dangerous book.” That was just the sort of advice that makes a young thinker all the more eager to read it. And so I did, and so did countless others whose lives were changed by this book, whose passages are some of the most beautiful in the English language, and whose author’s the thoughts considering the psychology of the soul are undying.

   Newman wrote that book in four weeks, standing at his upright desk in Birmingham, England, in response to a personal attack on his integrity: “I have been in perfect peace and contentment; I never have had one doubt. I was not conscious to myself, on my conversion, of any change, intellectual or moral, wrought in my mind . . . but it was like coming into port after a rough sea; and my happiness on that score remains to this day without interruption.”

   Today Newman is to be canonized in Rome, a tribute to his unsurpassed gifts of grace as theologian, historian, writer, poet, preacher and, most of all, a pastor of souls. While preaching and writing immortal words, he also was meticulous in running the Oratory school he founded, even making costumes for school plays, paying coal bills, and playing his fiddle in the school orchestra.

   In his honor and in thanksgiving for the Church’s recognition of his holiness, of which the angels never were in doubt, we shall dedicate today a shrine for him in our church. As with all that we try to do in our church, this sculpture is the work of one of our own parishioners. Newman foresaw with uncanny prescience the various challenges of our own day, and this monument should be a reminder to pray for his intercession on behalf of our local church and the Church Universal in a time of spiritual combat, which is a lot like what he faced in his own age. 

   To Newman’s great surprise, and even “shock,” the newly elected Pope Leo XIII in 1879 created him a cardinal. He had been so attacked and calumniated for his religious views over many years, that he was satisfied that the “cloud” had finally been lifted. In his acceptance speech he said that his entire life had been consecrated to refuting the doctrine of relativism which held that “Revealed religion is not a truth, but a sentiment and a taste; not an objective fact, not miraculous; and it is the right of each individual to make it say just what strikes his fancy.”

   Today we sing Cardinal Newman’s hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” which his own life embodied and faith made bold: “I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me.”

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Father George W. Rutler

 

Catherine Borgia - my County Legislator - epitome of sleazy politician.

Thanks to Maria C. for sending me this.

Borgia Accuses Foe Unfairly Of Bigotry: Fair Practices Committee --There's no proof a mailer accusing her of letting brown people in to rape white girls existed or was sent, as she described in a speech. Her July 10 speech was captured in a You Tube video. YOU CAN SEE THE VIDEO AT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVSFFiWOPrs

Pathetic. You can here the accusation at minute 36 of the youtube video.  A Democrat and in a very heavily Democrat district, why resort to this sort of stuff? Catherine Borgia, lightweight.

In the YouTube video, Borgia told the group that Outhouse had accused her in a campaign mailer of wanting to let "brown people in to rape our white daughters in Westchester, our white blonde daughters." 

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE.

Her opponent is Robert Outhouse, a retired police detective with a long list of community activities. You can read about him HERE. 

Dems: Socialism Needed To Avoid Nightmare Of Prosperity

“We’re living in a hellscape—but there is an escape,” 2020 presidential hopeful Joe Biden said at an event Thursday. “Democratic socialism, which is socialism, with ‘democratic’ also in the name, you’ll notice, which makes a big difference—remember, Republicans gonna put y’all back in chains, which is something that could never literally happen under socialism—democratic socialism is what’s going to free us from our horrific, flourishing, present conditions. You do the math.”

Pelosi stepped up to offer a brief endorsement: “It’s true, I’ve been pushing back against the socialite uprising. But I want you to know I’ve seen the light, and I now agree that demographic social science is the future of our party.”

“Kill anyone who disagrees!” Maxine Waters bellowed from the background.

NBA: Now requiring all players to stand for Chinese National Anthem

In an effort to salvage its relationship with China, the NBA is now requiring all players to stand for the Chinese national anthem at the beginning of every game. The official song of the People's Republic of China, "March of the Volunteers," will be played at the start of all professional basketball games, whether at home or abroad. All players, fans, coaches, and employees will be required to stand and solemnly sing lyrics including the following

Millions of but one heart we run towards the Communist tomorrow!
Build our homeland, guard our homeland, and fight gallantly.
March on! March on! March on!
We, for tens of thousands of generations to come,
Hold high the Flag of Mao Zedong, march on!

"We hope this gesture of goodwill will show China that we love them and there is no need for our multi-billion-dollar deal to fall through," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "March on, Mao!" Silver then performed a soft jazz rendition of the tune and bowed low to the ground to show President Xi Jinping that he is very sorry.

Anyone who doesn't comply will be shot, a beloved Chinese custom that should further smooth things over with the authoritarian regime.

Excellent 4 minute vid: Gingrich-Cushman, "We're more divided than ever" with an antidote

I agree with this - but not an overnight antidote. Love the line about "the sportification of politics".

Baseball: Dodgers, with best season record in baseball, knocked out of the playoffs

What a game - unless you're a Dodger fan ... A late game rally by the Nationals, and then in the tenth...

 

Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg says she was not supportive of Roe v. Wade ...?

Considering that Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a super-strong defender of abortion, it shows just how extreme the decision - essentially legalizing all abortions - was. Of course she was not on the Supreme Court in1973 but since getting on in 1993 has done all she can to defend the law. This interview is two minutes long.

Trump handling impeachment - "heads explode"

Simple enough.

Joe Biden op ed defending using the VP office to help his son.

In the Washington Post over the weekend - and of course not explaining - simply attacking Trump.

Joe Biden: Trump won’t destroy me, and he won’t destroy my family

the first paragraph of the op ed -

Enough is enough. Every day — every few hours, seemingly — more evidence is uncovered revealing that President Trump is abusing the power of the presidency and is wholly unfit to be president. He is using the highest office in the land to advance his personal political interests instead of the national interest.

And the last paragraph -

And to Trump and those who facilitate his abuses of power, and all the special interests funding his attacks against me: Please know that I’m not going anywhere. You won’t destroy me, and you won’t destroy my family. And come November 2020, I intend to beat you like a drum.

Here's a commentary from yesterday's Best of the Web column in the WSJ.

Biden in Search of an Argument. His Washington Post op-ed offers a revealing look at his campaign and the impeachment drama.

If Joe Biden had a reasonable explanation for his family’s lucrative ventures in countries where he was leading U.S. policy as Vice President, he likely would have shared it in a Washington Post op-ed. Perhaps more alarming for Democrats—whether or not they favor Mr. Biden for the party’s 2020 presidential nomination—is his inability to make a concrete case for President Donald Trump’s impeachment. It seems that Mr. Biden is not alone.

“Trump won’t destroy me, and he won’t destroy my family,” is the headline on Mr. Biden’s piece. In fewer than 900 words, he finds space to mention a range of issues from education reform to “common-sense gun-safety legislation” to affordable health care to automobile fuel-economy standards.

******************

When it comes to an impeachment argument, Mr. Biden appears to agree with Rep. Adam Schiff and other leading Democrats that simply reporting what Mr. Trump said or did is not sufficient to make the case. So instead of complaining that Mr. Trump suggested China investigate a remarkable financial deal struck by Hunter Biden in Shanghai while his father was Vice President, Joe Biden simply presents the Trump statement as “openly calling for China to interfere in our elections.” Voters may not agree with the Biden characterization.

Voters are still waiting for a Biden characterization of the China deal that would persuade a reasonable person that it was legitimate.

 

 

Football: Stepinac v. St Anthony's

St. Anthony's, of course a powerhouse team from Long Island. But not this past Saturday playing Stepinac on Stepinac home turf...

Some really good video.

Stepinac 42, St. Anthony's 7

BB: "Forgiveness Added To Database Of Racist Gestures"

That's right. The Freedom from Religion Foundation.

U.S.—Forgiveness and hugs are among the 36 new entries recently added to a database of hateful gestures used by white supremacists and other far-right extremists.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, forgiveness became obviously racist after Brandt Jean forgave and embraced his brother's killer, ex-police officer Amber Guyger, prompting millions of white people to say things like, "this is beautiful" and other racially charged slurs. "While we do not think Brandt intended to use the racist gesture, it is obvious now that this was white supremacy at work. The KKK is known for their forgiveness and long, warm hugs," said Mosen Hemlock of the ADL.

The judge in the case, Tammy Kemp, also embraced Guyger, then handed the white woman her personal Bible. Investigators later realized that this book is full of racist gestures of forgiveness, and even some hugs. Judge Kemp is now being investigated for her heinous actions. 

 

 

 

Impeach Kavanaugh crowd goes with Marxist chant: "We have nothing to lose but our chains"

The accurate total quote is "Workers of the world unite - you have nothing to lose but your chains".  As a small group of women hate on SC Justice Kavanaugh ...

 

The Cardinal Newman miracle that lead to his pending canonization

Who was John Henry Cardinal Newman?  "John Henry Newman, C.O. was a theologian and poet, first an Anglican priest and later a Catholic priest and cardinal." Pretty famous author, he was beatified by Pope Benedict in 2010.

 

All Democrats drop out of Prez race; world is ending due to climate change so what's the point?

The recent U.N. conference on climate change and especially the words of 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg have had a profound impact on the Democratic presidential candidates, so much so that they are now turning words into action and dropping out of the presidential race since they now think there’s no point to it.

“We’re all going to die, so why am I wasting my time on this?!” cried Cory Booker as he collapsed to his knees. “There’s nothing we can do!”

“Why am I fighting for abortion on demand at 39 weeks when we’re all going to die anyway?!” screamed Elizabeth Warren. “It’s all pointless! All my plans are pointless!”

“Here I was worrying about billionaires when it’s the sun that’s my enemy!” yelled Bernie Sanders as he shook his fist at the sun. “I should have taxed the sun!”

The only Democrat not dropping out is Joe Biden, who seemed to not quite understand what’s going on, only remarking, “Yep. Climate stuff is pretty bad,” before going into a long story about his rival Corn Pop.

President Trump also seemed unfazed by it all. “So the planet is warming a bit. Who cares?” he said. “We got A/C. Losers.”

Economy: 50 year low for unemployment

I'd posted this yesterday - Tight labor market; hiring slows and wages are up

Now this off the WSJ, and below it Federal Reserve Chairman Powell speaks.

"Employers also added 136,000 jobs, suggesting the economy hasn’t been affected by global weakening"

The jobless rate dropped to 3.5% in September from 3.7% in August, marking the lowest rate since December 1969 when it also logged in at 3.5%. Employers added 136,000 jobs in September, and payrolls for August and July were revised up, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Job gains and historically low unemployment have helped buffer the U.S. economy against weakness in manufacturing at home and abroad that have stoked concerns of a deepening slowdown.

A falling unemployment rate should allay fears of a recession, said Josh Wright, chief economist at iCIMS Inc., a maker of employee-recruiting software.

“There were a lot of concerns that we were going to start rolling downhill and accelerating in the wrong direction, and the fact that we didn’t do that is itself a win,” Mr. Wright said.

U.S. stocks rose on Friday after the jobs report helped ease market fears about an economic slowdown.

Here's Powell -