I don't agree with Douthat's view of what is happening in the debate over communion. I think he presses his case too strenuously on thin grounds. That said, the constant attempt to dismiss or de-legitimize Douthat on the basis of some kind of psychological or spiritual deficiency (i.e., he's a "convert", is "brittle") as opposed to the more "mature" or "healthy" position ironically re-affirms the very view of Catholicism so many here say they object to.

Finally, I noticed you conveniently skipped any reference to Gerson's column on the Rex Tillerson nomination. To quote you above, this oversight is regrettable, if not entirely unforeseen.