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AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON HAGEE AND PARSLEY
In his current round of rejecting and denouncing his radical cleric supporters John Hagee and Rod Parsley, John McCain was careful to note, "I've never been to Pastor Hagee's church or Pastor Parsley's church. I didn't attend their church for 20 years. I'm not a member of their church." In other words, my relationship with them is much less important than Barack Obama's relationship with Jeremiah Wright.
But we should take careful note of what this means. McCain's argument, in essence, is: Hey, this was just cynical politics. Sure, I begged Hagee for his endorsement, and stood next to Parsley and called him a "moral compass" and a "spiritual guide," but I didn't actually mean any of that. I didn't know anything about these guys, and until it became a political problem, I didn't really care. You tell me some preacher can bring in a few votes, and I'll kiss his ring, no matter how repellent his ideas are.
The reason this matters is that for so long, McCain's amen corner in the press has been telling us that he's the one politician who doesn't do anything for political reasons. And McCain and his campaign have always said that, too. How many times did we hear them say, "He'd rather lose an election than lose a war"? So maybe it's time reporters stopped acting as though McCain is Mr. Principle, and treat him the way they do any other politician: as someone whose motives are always suspect, and whose actions should always be seen through the most cynical interpretation possible.
Of course, the McCain campaign could have avoided this whole mess if they had just read Sarah Posner's book.
-- Paul Waldman
COMMENTS (7)
I think McCain is more wrong!
I do not like wright’s comments but I think there are 2 types of relationships for the media to explore
Obama had Wright in his life to build on his FAITH and commitment to GOD!
Media built their relationship as political views.
I am Catholic, my priest helps me with my faith but our world or political views are very different.
Example
I support gay rights!
While my priest is against any gay rights! Does that make less catholic for not following the church?
NO, I know were I stand in my faith and my relationship with GOD
While me and my Priest have different views, Why I do not leave my church is because he has strong guidance and wisdom about the spiritual faith that I seek.
McCain had NO spiritual connection with these men, so why seek endorsements from guys with these types of views?
Posted by: tx | May 23, 2008 12:06 PM
Tx, you are indeed less Catholic for flagrantly rejecting the Church's teaching on an important issue. The whole notion of a "cafeteria Catholic" is absurd, as if it were licit to pick and choose which truths you wish to believe and live by and which truths you deny. My solemn counsel is that you seek out moral clarity in the confessional. If your confessor is of the same reprobate mind as you, then find a faithful confessor pronto.
Posted by: Novena | May 23, 2008 12:20 PM
"So maybe it's time reporters stopped acting as though [Obama] is Mr. Principle, and treat him the way they do any other politician: as someone whose motives are always suspect, and whose actions should always be seen through the most cynical interpretation possible."
Somehow I'd be a bit more convinced of Tapped's sincerity if they were to issue the above call.
Posted by: sbj | May 23, 2008 12:51 PM
Catholics believe in NO SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE how’s that working out?
Sorry I don’t judge the church for their views or anyone with different views
And in USA- Separation of church and state
Like Pro-Choice, I support in general, but on my personal belief, I will NEVER have an abortion.
it would be outrageous of me to tell people how to live their lives and also condemn them.
I'M I THE JUDGE OR GOD
Remember about casting the first stone.........
Posted by: tx | May 23, 2008 12:54 PM
"You tell me some preacher can bring in a few votes, and I'll kiss his ring, no matter how repellent his ideas are."
This should be a clarion call for the evangelicals and megachurch devotees - McCain (as well as other GOPers) are using you for votes & money. Don't expect anyone to push your policies, unless there's some money in it!
Posted by: CParis | May 23, 2008 1:09 PM
A really interesting facet is the Democrats also have church support, but not for policy, etc., but because a black guy is running, and that's about it. To demonstrate this racism, the black community has dumped Clinton, a known voice for the blacks, jumped ship and went to Obama, who has little in the way of history. Only one reason, bebe.....RACE.
And the really funny part is they will still accuse the GOP or racism. HA!
Posted by: El Viajero | May 23, 2008 2:23 PM
Tx, I'm not casting any stones at all, I'm just insisting on clear definitions and truth-in-advertising. If I've chosen to play for the Red Sox, I willingly submit to the team's discipline, and I never declare my rejection of the Sox or pinch hit for the Yankees--that would be absurd (pardon the banal example in a case where the eternal fate of souls is at stake). Likewise, if one is a Catholic, one assents to the teachings of the Church, not the teachings of the world. That is the definition of a Catholic. No one is forcing you to be in the Church, so why do you stay if you don't accept what She teaches? Why do you arrogate to yourself the authority to change inalterable doctrines and dogmas stemming from the Magisterium? Are you His Holiness the Pope? Are you an Ecumenical Council? If not, stop trying to change what is not yours to change. The Church is a private institution and is indeed separate from, and above, any and all worldly authority such as the US governmnet. We render unto Ceasar that which is Caesar's--we pay our taxes, obey human laws to the extent our Catholic conscience permits--but we owe our highest allegiance to the Church. And just because some Catholics find themselves in a state of venal or mortal sin, does not mean that the unchanging truths the Church teaches are invalid--as if burglers could invalidate the law against theft. I'm not speaking on my own authority--I'm not His Holiness the Pope or the Lord God Almighty either. I am merely repeating for you what the Church teaches.
Posted by: Novena | May 24, 2008 12:05 AM