Joan, it was obvious you sat this one out. After you said Paul Ryan exhibited leadership then said he didn't, I kept looking to these pages for yours and couldn't find it. Who cares if everyone already knew you "were for her"? My impulse is to say "Duh!", but I have too much respect for you. Perhaps "Why?" is a more appropriate question this season.  I thought people looked to you for a prophetic voice, not a political pick. Another response to your absence has been to wonder why your column isn't followed by "Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister is a SOMETIME NCR contributor". We need people, and certainly women like you, to provide the leaven. You and your sisters, more than ever, can capture the prophetic wind and be voices of peace.