The Holy Father's political views are being misunderstood

[IronLionZion]

Overzealous, hysterical DUers in GD are throwing out the nonsense that he thinks we are "evil" for supporting pro-choice Democrats, but that is false. He said that is evil if that specific issue is the ONLY reason you are supporting that candidate. It's perfectly OK with him if we look at a candidate as a whole and support him for his views on a lot of issues even if he is pro-choice. He is OK with us supporting Democrats and will likely carry on JPII's views against the death penalty, war, and corporate greed.


"He was an important player in the American dispute last year over the church's attitude toward Catholic politicians like Sen. John Kerry, who favor abortion rights. With one bishop saying he would deny Holy Communion to Kerry, Ratzinger helped guide the U.S. prelates' discussion of the matter. The cardinal said that while bishops ultimately could decide to withhold the sacrament, they should meet with, teach and warn politicians first. Ratzinger also said that voters would be guilty of "cooperating in evil" if they backed a candidate specifically because he or she supports abortion rights or euthanasia."
http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=1021705&tw=wn_wire_story

I disagree with his views on withholding the sacrament of communion obviously, but you have to admit his views are more reasonable than our own partisan Republican neo-con clergy. It's shameful the way they treated John Kerry but have no issue with the pro-death, anti-poor Republican "Catholics" like Rick Santorum.

And remember that he was very liberal back in the 1960's and became more of a doctrinal traditionalist after repeatedly defending his Catholic faith from the secular left-wing socialists.

Look, a lot of corporate media whores are spreading the meme that he is "conservative" but what the hell does that mean? :shrug: He's not evil like our corporate Republicans here in America. His views are not even close to George W. Bush's.

Remember that our last Pope not only transcended labels, he also openly, vocally, and repeatedly denounced President Bush's actions. As his right-hand man, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger had to have shared at least SOME of those beliefs, if not outright influencing them or even speaking through John Paul II.

Give the Pope a chance.