Respect should be earned, not handed out with a title.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

I didn't like Ratzinger two hours ago and I'm not going to start liking him now because his title has changed from "cardinal" to "pope". It's not religious bashing any more than criticism of Bush is America-Bashing.

[CBGLuthier]

1. So long as it is civil, I agree

Your statement that you do not like him is one of the more civil comments.

Even though I am an agnostic and never was a catholic, I still think that now that he is pope, there may have to be a line drawn somewhere.

But for people to post statements saying fuck him. Sorry, that would be offensive to about a billion people and there should be no tolerance for it here.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. It is hard to tell someone to respect an individual who loudly proclaims

that you are inferior and that you are going straight to hell. People are frustrated and I can understand why. Some would say that "Fuck Bush" is offensive for 240 million people and it should not be tolerated.

[woo me with science]

3. i think it's just fine

to argue his positions and have an opinion that he wasn't the best choice for pope. it is the people screaming "nazi" and trying to smear in any way that they can who offend me.

i agree that respect must be earned. he is 78 years old with a long career, so those who elected him obviously felt he has earned it. we are all free to disagree. i wish people could do it without this disgusting rhetoric. it makes all Dems look bad.

[Zenlitened]

4. I'd argue that the apologists busy cooking up excuses and...

... rationalizations for this pope and the heirarchy that elevated him... I'd argue they make all progressives look bad.

[CBGLuthier]

5. And I would argue the opposite

That people posting fuck you to the pope on a prgressive board makes progressives look bad.

I never said anyone has to respect the man. I just think there should be a line that shouldn't be crossed to avoid the appearance of religous bigotry.