Catholic Vote: Not. Trump.

Catholic Vote ^ | 1-27-16 | Brian at Catholic Vote

[afraidfortherepublic]

CV cannot remain on the sidelines any longer.

As Iowans prepare to cast the first votes in the 2016 nomination process, we owe you our thoughts. While we are not officially endorsing a candidate at this time, we believe it is important to share some critical thoughts on the race, or at least on one candidate in particular.

As Catholics, we are called to participate in the democratic process. The Church does not endorse candidates for public office. That job rests with us, the laity. No candidate is perfect, and no simple checklist is sufficient. Prudence is a necessity. Some candidates ought to be disqualified from receiving the support of a Catholic voter. Others must be weighed in light of the moral principles given to us by our Church.

We have asked for your feedback on multiple occasions. Thousands of CV members have written. We've read them all. In addition we follow the daily news, analysis, polling, and have crafted our strategy for 2016.

And so today we begin with the elephant in the room.

Should Catholics support Donald Trump? No.

We have sifted through the most popular arguments in defense of Trump and listed them below along with our own take. Here they are:

1. "Trump is a leader we can trust"

While we share much of the frustration over the failure of the GOP to make significant progress, we are reminded of Republicans' once oft-quoted criticism of President Bill Clinton: character matters.

Donald J. Trump left his first wife and married his mistress, only to leave her a few years later for another mistress. Reportedly he left his second wife by leaking the news to a NY newspaper and left the headline on the bed for his wife to find. In his book, The Art of the Deal, Trump bragged about having sex with many women, including some who were married. He has appeared on the cover of Playboy Magazine with a model wearing only his tuxedo jacket. He has mocked the disability of a NY Times reporter. He belittled John McCain for being a prisoner of war. His casino in Atlantic City was the first in the country to open up a strip club. His Twitter account is a running barrage of insults, lies, and personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with him. And did we mention he famously cheats at golf? Now who does that remind you of?

Now ask yourself: does this man have the character becoming of the President of the United States?

2. "Trump can’t be bought because he is rich!"

Trump is a salesmen, and salesmen don't buy, they sell. So he won’t be "bought." Instead he will sell out everyone and anyone when it benefits him, as he has his entire career. He was a liberal democrat, pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, pro-universal health care, pro-government bailouts, and a financial backer and friend of Hillary Clinton until he decided to run as a Republican last summer. He is the definition of an opportunist with no guiding principles.

3. "Trump is a leader who will get things done"

Trump markets himself as an effective leader who will get things done simply by making "smart deals." He refuses to explain precisely how he intends to deliver results, and more often than not, promises to use force or work around or outside the law. Such a leader mirrors what we currently see in the White House. It would be incredibly harmful to our system of government, which is limited by our Constitution -- even if we like the policy outcome. We must be a nation of laws. For Trump, it is all about power. For a Christian, the presidency should be about service.

4. "Trump is a successful businessman who will make great deals"

If you believe the headlines, you would assume everything Donald Trump touches turns to gold. Not so. Trump has only demonstrated an ability to make deals that benefit him personally. Four times he bailed on his own casinos to shield himself from their impending bankruptcies. And then there is Trump Magazine, Trump Airlines, Trump Steaks/Steakhouse, Trump Vodka, and most famously Trump University, to name only a few -- all bankrupt or closed, and massive failures. "Losers" as Trump is fond of saying.

He has constantly cozied up to big government to trample the little guy, either by abusing private property rights, or selling out small contractors and vendors, many of whom lost their life savings. Just ask elderly widow Vera Coking, whom Trump attempted to displace via eminent domain laws to make way for a limousine parking lot for his New Jersey casino -- the same casino he put into bankruptcy. Vera stood tall against the politically-connected billionaire Trump for years in court, enduring his practice of belittling personal attacks. She eventually won and called Trump a "maggot, a cockroach, and a crumb."

5. "Trump will end illegal immigration"

Trump has pledged to build a massive wall on our southern border and to make Mexico pay for it. Meanwhile he has promised to deport 11 million+ illegals, without explaining how, then plans to allow them all back in legally according to criteria he has yet to fully explain.

We agree illegal immigration is a problem that must be solved. Trump's solution is delusional, strikes us as xenophobic -- and truthfully, will never happen. If anything, Trump's demagoguery on immigration showcases the emptiness of many of his promises. As President Obama has learned, American presidents don't dictate laws. The Senate and House would have to pass any change of this magnitude, and such a solution has little to no chance of being approved. Border security and immigration enforcement are realistic fixes. Rounding up 11 million+ people and sending them back to Mexico is not practical or realistic, let alone humane. Those who rightfully want to solve the problem of illegal immigration deserve more than crowd pleasing platitudes. And it's certainly worth noting that Donald Trump criticized Mitt Romney for being too harsh on immigration back in 2012. This is just another issue where Donald Trump had a very recent and rather convenient conversion.

Several other presidential candidates have outlined more realistic policies to deal with problem. And that's what real leaders do. They outline solutions and build consensus. Hyperbole and demagoguery are tools of salesmen (see above) out for your money or your vote. Trump's lack of detail reminds us of another famous politician who proclaimed: "we have to pass the bill before you can see what’s in it."

6. "Trump will fight the Establishment!"

This defense of Trump is somewhat rich, given the irony that Trump himself has boasted of playing the game, paying off politicians and enriching himself from the very system he now purports to reform. Case in point: in the past week a growing number of so-called "establishment Republicans" have warmed to supporting Trump, people like Bob Dole and Trent Lott -- including establishment Republicans in Iowa like Gov. Terry Branstad. Why? Because they believe, rightly in our view, that Trump doesn't have any principles at the end of the day. He's someone who will wheel and deal -- and you and I will be stuck with the bill.

Electing Donald Trump would send the pro-life movement back to the 1990s, when the Republican Party wanted to run away from defending the unborn. In fact, Trump recommended his own sister, Maryanne Trump Berry, for the Supreme Court. She's the federal judge who overturned New Jersey's ban on grisly partial-birth abortions. The next President may choose as many as three or more new justices. Trump's suggestion of his pro-abortion sister as an example ought to worry anyone who cares about the Court. And let's not forget he once said Oprah would make a great Vice President. Enough said.

7. "Trump is one of us"

Trump's political conversions have all happened at very convenient times. As recently as 2000, Trump was firmly "pro-choice," even refusing to oppose partial birth abortion! He was in favor of gay civil unions. He is open, even now, to subsidizing abortion giant Planned Parenthood with our tax dollars. He considers gay marriage a settled issue and has offered no plan to protect religious freedom. He is pro-universal health care, supported the stimulus package and government bailouts, supported gun control and a host of radical positions. Trump is like many Democrats we know. He is a political opportunist.

Conclusion

Trump is right about something -- it is time for a change. We do need to shake things up and make America great again. And his awakening of working class voters who are often sidelined by terrible policy and poor leadership is a lesson every Republican must take seriously or they will lose in November.

But the power to change does not require a fear mongering business mogul, appealing to our worst fears instead of our best hopes.

With other good candidates in the race, we encourage our members to look beyond Trump.

This is an historic opportunity to win back the White House with someone we can be proud to have as President.

Iowa, New Hampshire... we're looking to you to lead the way.

[Biggirl]

I do believe the bishops do practice prudence and that would include Archbishop Blair.

What it all comes down to is to “discern”. :)

[trisham]

Thank you, BlackElk. You’re very kind.

[Mrs. Don-o]

In sum: as citizens, we have the right to advocate or oppose candidates as we think right.

[Mrs. Don-o]

The disturbing thing is that Trump used her as his example of who would “make a phenomenal Supreme Court Justice.” Whether or not he would appoint her, what he said about her is indicative what he’s looking for in a Supreme Court pick.

[painter]

As a Catholic, I will proudly cast my vote for Donald Trump.

Same here!

[Mrs. Don-o]

Pope Benedict? He did abstain from endorsements of candidates or parties --- and he was right to abstain, that's just what a cleric shouldn't get into --- but he did speak out on issues of faith and morals which had both personal and political aspects.

I do miss Benedict. The best pope in my lifetime, in my opinion.

[napscoordinator]

If she wasn’t his sister, I’d be concerned but heck I’d praise my sister no matter what she did. If she was a horrible person, I’d find SOMETHING to praise her. Much ado about nothing. I am afraid you may not be too happy this general election season when you see Trump everywhere. I think he is actually going to run the table. A week ago I didn’t think that but this week pretty much comforts me that Trump will be the nominee. Iowa was concerning but Palin endorsement and finding out that Trump is using the same leader as Santorum in 2012 makes me increase his chances to take Iowa. And we all know if Trump takes Iowa, the primary is over.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I don't think there is any one issue that "qualifies" a candidate, but there are single issues that would "disqualify" him.

This is because some issues which starkly reveal the candidate's character, and thus they provide a window on his position on many similar issues and options.

If a candidate would allow the murder of one innocent person, when it's to his benefit, there's ho reason in principle why he wouldn't murder again, when it's to his benefit.

I see you don't pay taxes. To borrow a phrase, and with all sincerity, "Good luck with that."

[napscoordinator]

I do miss Benedict. The best pope in my lifetime, in my opinion.

Oh my. We are certainly on different sides this week....WHICH NEVER happens in 10 years I have been here. Ok Benedict was probably ok but I can't stand how he ruined the Mass. I went to Catholic School from K-12 and learned the Mass inside out and upside down and now he totally screwed up the words which angers me a lot. Oh it all angers many of my classmates (when we discuss it on Facebook). We had 209 in my high school graduation class and we still get together annually in the summer and trust me this has been brought up. What about the students who got points taken off for not knowing the old version of the Mass? Do they get their points back since Benedict decided to arbitrarily change the Mass. I hope Francis changes it back. The Mass flowed better the old way. By the way, I went to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and Allentown Central Catholic. So getting Francis was exciting for us because of what he represents (St. Francis that is). Anyway have a great day.

[Romulus]

Well, I was afraid to go there, but since you did, I’m willing to agree you may have a point.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I'm a little confused. Nor am I a Liturgy expert. My main reflection on Benedict and Liturgy is that he strengthened access to the Latin Mass, ruling in Summum Pontiicorum (LINKS) that any priest anywhere can say the Latin Mass without a special occasion or special permission.

That's why the Modernist Liturgy people were exceeedingly frosty toward Benedict.

Could you tell me when (year, or occasion, or name of document) Benedict decided to arbitrarily change the Mass? Google isn't helping me on this one.

[avenir]

Romans 13 includes no proviso that “order” involves abortion (pro or con). Rather, Romans 1 indicates that the acceptance and institution of abortion is a revelation of God’s wrath against us (for previously caving to sexual immorality). No politician will remove that FOR the people.

THEY will have to repent, a la Niniveh, for His wrath to be lifted.

IMO.

[Mrs. Don-o]

We’ll see. I’m discouraged because it looks like, as usual, we’re getting the candidates we deserve.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I agree with you in that abortion is not just a sin, it's also the judgment for sin. And our toleration of THAT abomination will bring on the next level of judgment: the scourge of Islam upon our backs.

No government has authority from God to permit or allow the kllling of the innocent. Yes, they have limited power to stop abortion, but nevertheless they must oppose it to the very limits of their power.

[SZonian]

I said “anyone”...didn’t speak about one candidate in particular, nor was I saying that each and every Catholic is in agreement either.

Don’t get twisted into any knots about my comment, I tried to make it as innocuous as possible without offending (if that’s even possible on FR anymore)...and the list of other “churches” that support illegal immigration is quite long.

[Mrs. Don-o]

OK.

[pax_et_bonum]

“Is there some reason to believe that Trump wouldn’t treat the USA the same way he’s treated his wives, mistresses, investors, employees, and business partners?”

Is there some reason to believe that you wouldn’t treat FReepers the same way you’ve treated your husband, neighbors, and the grocery store clerk?

[SweetAkitoRose]

Glad to see they are speaking out. Too often the conservative Catholic voice gets drowned out by the USCCB.

I know that I, my hubby & my in-laws (all non-sedevacantist traditionalists) will be voting Cruz in the primaries.

No vote for Trump, under any circumstances whatsoever, even if he wins the nomination.

[avenir]

We know from Sodom that God does not easily wash his hands of a people, whereas we would smoke them ASAP. He “must go down and see” if such is truly, finally warranted.

Until then, He will continue to use unworthy vessels to accomplish His will and yes, that can include Donald Trump (far from the worst He’s used).

[SZonian]

“It shall be life.” Ten Bears

FRegards,
SZ