Posted on 08/06/2016 1:50:55 PM PDT by Kaslin
TORONTO -- I arrived in the Canadian capital from Krakow, after a week of being asked by anyone who spoke English about what is going to happen in the U.S. presidential election.
Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus offered some guidance during his yearly report at the annual convention of the largest fraternal organization in the world.
He talked about the targeting of Christians in the Middle East by ISIS terrorists, and the relief efforts the Knights have been leading to meet the basic needs of displaced people fleeing religious oppression and violence.
But that was not what much of the press was interested in. It is, after all, an election year.
Repeating something he said eight years ago, Anderson told those gathered: "The right to abortion is not just another political issue; it is in reality a legal regime that has resulted in more than 40 million deaths."
He asked: "What political issue could possibly outweigh this human devastation?"
People are angry and disgusted about politics. But is it of any wonder?
And yet, around the world, people look to us, still. And with some worry. Will the United States continue to be a world leader? Will we keep Vladimir Putin from acting out? These were some of the questions Poles were concerned about. The Little Sisters of the Poor fighting for their religious freedom at the Supreme Court was not on their radar so much as things closer to their border. And the implicit message as we talked was, clearly: You Americans have had a great thing going that has been of benefit to the world. Don't blow it. Don't disappoint us.
So of course, the leader of a preeminent Catholic organization would deride the state of our politics. Especially now. It's exactly because of Catholics and other religious believers not being as bold and courageous as they need to be on life issues that we are where we are today, mired in shrill rhetoric and facing two bad choices for president. Taking the Gospels and Catholic social teaching seriously in the civic life of America would help heal us and lead us to a more fruitful and healthy politics.
Anderson emphasized what Catholics cannot vote for -- "We will never succeed in building a culture of life if we continue to vote for politicians who support a culture of death " -- but did not endorse a candidate.
The next time I'm asked about the election -- abroad or at home -- I will try to stress the power we have to transform our home, preserve the gifts we have and help each other flourish. What Anderson said can be applied ecumenically: "Catholic voters have the power to transform our politics. Faithful Catholics can build a new politics that is not satisfied with the status quo but one that is dedicated to building up a new culture of life."
He added: "If we truly hope for a culture of life and a civilization of love, then we must first think, and then act, in new ways."
One of those ways is to be instruments of healing in the midst of violence and tension in our streets. Love doesn't stop at wanting to help the innocent to live. It's a way of life that helps foster gratitude, promote charity and inspire hope.
This is all why Pope Francis talks so incessantly about mercy: because it is needed; because it, at times, seems like a foreign concept; because our politics and culture are merciless and are in need of healing. No one can tell you who to vote for, but cynicism, anger, indifference, manipulation, and resignation will simply not do.
As the Polish not that long ago had to struggle to take their country back, so we Americans have to do the same, take our country back.
Mercy is important, but so is justice.
I’m sorry, but what pap...this pope is a commie, and he doesn’t care about abortion, and wants redistribution of wealth and lgbt rights and stuff and illegal immigrants’ rights...I’d be surprised if he knows the difference between a muzlim and a Christian.
Very well said.
You are so ignorant, it’s unbelievable. Communists don’t believe in God.
To paraphrase TR: Speak softly, but carry a big stick, and don't hesitate to use it.
Those who preach justice, and have the resources to afford that big stick, must also have the will and courage to swing it, as often as necessary, else there's no point in having it.
When you're being led by pvssies, bullies thrive.
Amen. Kathryn Lopez is a sweet person, but the fact that she still writes a regular column for National Review is prima facie evidence that that publication is moribund. Rome is burning and Lopez turns in tripe — and does so sincerely, which is perhaps more alarming than if she were do to so cynically.
Supposedly, Pope Francis told the Polish bishops he thinks the Catholic bishops should decide what Catholic teachings are — e.g., whether divorced and remarried and NOT living-as-brother-and-sister-couples should receive communion — country-by-country. Also supposedly, the Polish bishops responded, “No way, Holy Father.” Now, these stories may be bunk, but does Lopez have info or insight into any of this? No, she doesn't.
I've posted objections to Lopez's columns in NR comments and been rebuked, and often, the rebukes have been accurate in asserting I've lacked charity. So, I'll state again that Kathryn Lopez is a sincere, smart person. However, the Catholic Church is in crisis right now — at least as far as any honest orthodox Catholic will admit, yet all we get from Lopez are columns such as this, which are hearts and flowers about sweet kids in Krakow singing syrupy songs to a Pope they have teenage crushes on.
You are so ignorant, it’s unbelievable. Communists don’t believe in God.
...
While it may make one feel good to defend him, please consider his quotes over the past few years. Splitting hairs on definitions of socialism won’t rescue him from which cloth his beliefs are cut.
Sir I have respected your views on here for many years. You are a true patriot and we may have to agree to disagree.
I am many things, ignorant or uninformed are not on that list.
Donald Trump is a very GOOD choice for President of the USA.
The Democrats became agents of Satan in 1974; they have gone more and more to the left with same sex marriage, atheism, abortion, using their power and government agencies to punish conservatives.
Clinton’s home email server that she lied to the American people about was a profound national security risk.
Hillary Clinton Pledges She Will Raise Taxes On Middle Class ($1.3 Trillion). Hillary supports globalization along with the EU. Continued globalization means no borders, no language, no culture, fewer jobs, more terrorism, …
All Hillary can talk about is Trump. She will NOT talk about her negative accomplishments (she created ISIS), the failure of Obama’s policies like health care, job losses in the energy industry (promises government training), use of government agencies (IRS, EPA, FBI) to punish conservatives. The Democrats are lawless.
Why is there more violence under Obama? Why are there more and more illegals in our country? Why do our jails have 30-50% occupancy by convicted illegal criminals? Why aren’t they being deported?
Not to mention abortion: Apparently the University of Notre Dame, proported Catholics like Cuomo, Kaine, Biden, Boehner, and other Democrats are unaware that the first human to acknowledge the presence on Jesus on earth was an unborn child.
Luke 1:41 "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb"...
Can Democrats call themselves Christians or Catholics when they permit the killing of the unborn? They may be racists because most aborted babies are black.
At most, hundreds show up at Hillary rallies; tens of thousands show up at Trump rallies.
Trump in a positive manner will deal with ...the economy, security, jobs for Americans, and the corrupt abortion industry.
Trump will defeat ISIS and get rid of RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM, secure our borders and fix illegal immigration, repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild the military and refocus the Veterans Administration to serve our nation’s veterans.
And more...
BTTT
They keep hammering away at “two bad choices” but notice the folks saying this have not produced a better choice. Whose fault is that?
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