Another great e-mail blast from Father Leo!!
Rhetorical or Constitutional Vote for Life!
I realize that many people try to avoid discussions about politics at the dinner table. I say go for it! Try not to have a discussion that causes useless controversy, but one that raises awareness of the issues. Be respectful and understanding of other people’s opinions and try to have a conversation that helps bring the family to a deeper consensus of important issues which can be dramatically affected by politicians. In this week’s blast, I’d like to encourage thoughts about how to approach political discussions as a family.
It’s important to consider non-negotiable issues when making a decision. The constitution calls them “ unalienable rights,” which means they can’t be taken away because these are rights given by Almighty God.
In today’s political climate, too many issues cause confusion for voters, especially if politicians and news media do not categorize issues within a hierarchy of truth. If everything is subjective and there is no objective good, then immigration and the economy are just as important as healthcare, public schools, same-sex adoption of children, the war in Iraq, and a woman’s right to an abortion . As important as these issues are, they are not equal issues. There are some issues that are more important than others.
Recently, I had another opportunity to share a meal with the Grassr oots Films family in Brooklyn, New York.
This group produced Fishers of Men, a new movie called The Human Experience , and a great clip about Catholic voting. It’s a beautiful video that simply encourages viewers to consider the most important issue: the protection of human life from the very beginning . At the end, it encourages people to vote their conscience. I pray this election season helps us better form our consciences , rather than have them be deformed by ignorance and the ignoring of the important issues .
When I met them for dinner, they told me that since they aired that video clip they received over 2 million hits on their website. Many comments were favorable, others were not. Yet, what this video tries to do is put into perspective the importance of life as a central issue to forming an opinion about politicians. This group of young men, all of whom know what it’s like to live tough lives, believe that if we begin to waiver on the most important non-negotiable issue, i.e., the sanctity of life, then our society is headed to a reversal of Constitutional values.
Consider what the Constitution says about our rights. All too often we think that government, much like the stock market, can solve all our problems . Unfortunately, that mentality makes us expect more than a president can – and should – promise. A president’s job is to uphold the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, America is becoming a very confused nation, blinded by wealth and unbridled pleasure. Now, many Americans think our rights are the reverse of what the framers intended: the p ursuit of happiness and liberty. The right to life is no longer given to the fetus, a word meaning “small person” in Latin . We are confused because we think that the pursuit of happiness requires government to solve all of our problems, particularly economic ones.
This socialist mentality creates a slippery slope welfare system that makes government the all-important power that exercises sovereign authority. However, government should not elect leaders who give pharaoh- like handouts, but rather leaders who offer true Christian assistance that provides opportunities for true self-help.
By becoming so powerful, politicians actually think they are gods who can solve all problems. At least, they sure start acting like omnipotent gods, who can take care of all evils and change the world no longer according to God’s plan, but according to their legislation. I hear that bogus rhetoric from both political parties, from the presidential candidates, senators, congress, and governors, down to local community organizers.
Perhaps a discussion about the Constitution or other government documents may be a good conversation for the dinner table. This will make for a much more peaceful conversation, rather than turning dinnertime into a political debate of uninformed pundits. It will hopefully show that some things aren’t given by legislation of man, but by the sovereignty of God. An honest discussion of what the Constitution actually says will show just how a limited government can’t replace God.
Another thought for the family discussion of politics should include a leader’s character. Does a politician say one thing while practicing another? Have you critically analyzed what the person does or hasn’t done, rather than how well he talks the talk? All too often, media glitz tries to influence popular opinion with pop culture stars endorsing one candidate or another.
Another thought for the family discussion of politics should include a leader’s character. Does a politician say one thing while practicing another? Have you critically analyzed what the person does or hasn’t done, rather than how well he talks the talk? All too often, media glitz tries to influence popular opinion with pop culture stars endorsing one candidate or another.
An interesting audio clip shows just how people are easily fooled by fast talkers. It may sound frustrating, but at the same time, it’s amusing to hear just how we could be like people who agree with issues but know nothing about the substance of those issues.
I become very weary and worried when candidates associate too much with Hollywood figures who, despite living morally confused lives, are now dictating political morals as if they know it all. Although every person is entitled to an opinion, I think some opinions are more valuable and informed than others. Families should seriously consider who is forming the opinions of those sitting at their dinner table. Is truth, as unpopular as it may be, informing opinions or are pop culture personalities telling your family how to vote?
As you can tell, I’m trying to stay away from endorsing a candidate. But, I’m sure you can see that my vote will be for a president who wants to protect human life from pro-abortion choices. Please know, I’m not telling people how to vote. It is your right to cho se who you think would be the best president. But I do have a responsibility and a right to my opinion. And, since we’re a family, I’d like to share with you my rationale for political decision-making.
Whether you vote for one candidate or another, at least you know where I stand. I encourage families to make sure they are willing to learn more about their civic duties and responsibility to get involved in their community, lest the government begins to take it over and organize the perfect community for you.
This blast simply aims to help families have an important discussion at the dinner table without becoming so hostile the family is no longer united. If the family is not united, how can the states of America be one nation under God?
Recently, the two U.S. presidential c andidates came together for a Catholic fund- raising event, called the Al Smith Dinner. It is interesting to note the only other times these ferocious political candidates came together were for their debates and a tribute to September 11th . It shows the real power of the Catholic Church to bring polarized parties together for a dinner.
It is my hope that no matter who becomes the President of the U.S. in November , that he sees himself as a true public servant who works to realistically protect our country from terrorism and tries to provide opportunities, not handouts, so that the less fortunate can experience the power of making good decisions for themselves. Above all, I pray that he tries not to take God’s place. It would also be good if the President doesn’t stand in God’s way, but works with God to protect the most important right we have: the right to life .
While I would rather have one person become president over the other, I have to make sure that people put into perspective that four years of one person isn’t going to change the world. A president’s influence is great, indeed. But, I pray that whoever serves the next four years will see that the only person who can really change the country is the one who can change the hearts of each citizen. I pray that American citizens will always remember that we are one nation under an eternal God , not a nation under the laws of a man who will one day return to dust.
God bless our country with true public servants instead of politicians .
Political Pizza
These days, we find politics everywhere. People debate all the time about everything. They even have votes about food – who has the best crab cakes, cheesecakes, cheese steaks, etc. If there is one food that everyone has an opinion about, it’s pizza. From New York to Chicago to California style , for the Italians who set up shops in New England and Florida, pizza is something that often gets everyone’s vote .
One evening in the seminary, I saw Dan, from Fargo, North Dakota, making pizza from scratch. Since I’m a terrible baker, I shy away from making dough ( although I can make pretty good fresh pasta). But Dan’s recipe was so easy. It produced a uniquely flavored pizza, because instead of using traditional yeast, Dan used the yeast contained in a bottle of beer.
Remember, you can top your pizza with any ingredient you like, but it has to go on the dough. If the dough isn’t good, it’s definitely not going to win votes. So, consider this pizza dough recipe a “ sleeper candidate” from North Dakota, who just may surprise some New York and Chicago pizza lovers.
Please click here for the recipe.
Prayer for Public Servants
Lord, bless all those who seek to serve the public good. Make them good examples of sincerity, upright morals, truth, and give them a willingness to sacrifice all things to protect the rights of the people they represent. Make them good examples both in public life and private life, people of character who don’t make decisions based on popular opinion, but what is true, good, and right. Help them to lead with courage and give them strength to keep our nation under You! Amen.Sphere: Related Content
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