2004-06-04 16:14:44.82355+00 by Dan Lyke 6 comments
Thigh-smacker of the moment: Bush praises the Pope:
...we appreciate the strong symbol of freedom that you have stood for...
Ummm... Yeah. Because there's no symbol of freedom and openness like the Catholic Church.
[ related topics: Religion Politics Current Events ]
comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: Karol Wojtyla made: 2004-06-04 19:47:14.806968+00 by: mvandewettering
As a former Catholic, I've certainly got plenty of beefs with the Catholic Church, but I think that JP II is well deserving of the Medal of Freedom, and you do Karol Wojtyla a great disservice by dismissing his accomplishments so quickly. No pope has worked harder for greater understanding and peace and to support basic human rights than he has. I'd watch carefully: when he is gone, we won't see anyone of his stature again for a long time.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-04 20:15:57.046996+00 by: Mars Saxman
As far as I can tell, Bush doesn't really mean anything when he says "freedom"; it's just a magic word denoting whatever he thinks the American Way is.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-04 20:46:52.095263+00 by: Dan Lyke
His work in Poland may indeed have been spectacular, but that's his work, not the symbol for which he stood.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-04 21:08:21.141649+00 by: Dan Lyke
I should also note here that I understand that freedom has different definitions, and that not everyone thinks freedom is a good idea. I've gotten into a discussion at least once over my "There ought to be limits to freedom" Dubya quoting bumper sticker because the guy involved (who was articulate and made a reasonable case for his feelings, within the framework of his premises) felt that too much freedom was harmful and bad.
And there have been some tremendous social and political reforms under repressive governments fueld by the Catholic church, but those reforms bringing about a different set of rules and restrictions should not necessarily be assumed to be freedom.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-04 23:30:03.1955+00 by: polly
yeah, the catholic freedom for *men*. catholic women are still repressed and treated as inferior; treated like children, let the *man* take care of everything...yep, just what women need, a catholic overseer.
#Comment Re: made: 2004-06-11 07:52:13.791861+00 by: skrubly
I guess I kind of feel conflicted about the Catholic Church. I am technically a Catholic by birth, but didn't go to church except for twice.
Which, in retrospect, is probably a good thing, because the boys that were my age, that went to my church, in my town, were molested by priests.
Yeah.
If there is a hell, I'm sure they'll find it just fine.