President Obama had barely finished his first week in office (which wasn't a full week at that) when the Vatican spokesperson blasted him for one of several executive decisions made with moral implications. No matter that our new Commander in Chief stated with rhetoric and orders to back it up that torture will no longer be used or tolerated even in situations of severe threat, that various inhumane and immoral practices initiated or expanded by the Bush administration such as extraordinary rendition, holding prisoners indefinitely without trial, various other human and rights violations at home and abroad will no longer be the policy of the United States of America. So regardless of what anyone thinks about the lifting of the "Gag Order" re family planning in the third world for recipients of US Government aid, why has the Vatican chosen to punish the one stated immoral action rather than congratulating the four orders that restore morality to government policy. At the very least, why wasn't there a mixed review. Even in Catholic schools, if a student misses one question out of five, he or she at least earns a C, not an F.
The irony is that while most Catholics would say that President Bush's policies were more moral, Pro-Life and pro-Catholic/Christian than President Obama's, if you look at them side by side it is clear the opposite is true. In making the following comparison we are not endorsing one political program over another. We leave that to you-- the thinking Catholic-- to think it through for yourself. However, we do want to point out the contrast.
Typical Catholic/Christian/Moral/Pro-Life Positions Who's On Board?Anti-abortion, Pro fetal rights Bush
Opposing embryonic stem cell research Bush
Opposition to war in general and pre-emptive war in particular Obama
Opposition to Capital Punishment Obama with qualifications
Proactive Position on Poverty Obama
Proacative Position on Healthcare (care for all) Obama
Conciliatory Approach to Enemies Obama
Respect for all faiths and no-faiths Obama
Respect for Human Rights and Civil Rights Obama
Opposition to Torture Obama
Economic Liberty Bush
Economic Equality Obama
So who's the most Catholic, Christian, Moral, Pro-Life President, all things considered? If you think this list is unfair, please
respond. If you agree please
respond.
Double Disappointment: Pope Rehabilitates a Holocost Denier?Just days prior to the retraction of his excommunication, Bishop Williamson said on Swedish television that he didn't believe the Holocaust took place and said that between 200,000 and 300,000 Jews died in Nazi concentration camps instead of the commonly accepted 6 million. The resulting scandal has led to doubts about Benedict's
leadership of the Catholic Church, though Benedict last week demanded that Williamson recant his statements.
Are you serious Holy Father? Details The government of Argentina does what our own Pontif has undone. Our challenge to all Catholics. Pray about this out loud during
Intentions at
every mass you attend.
Suggested intention: "Please inspire Pope Benedict to reconsider his decision to rehabilitate Holocost Denier, Bishop Richard Williamson, Let us pray to the Lord."