Mr. Obama: A Few Moments, Please

Barack Obama has occupied a lion's share of my thoughts these past few days. I've often said that I wish we conservatives had someone like him--someone whom inspires and rallies unprecedented support from every walk of life. While I've vocally disparaged his political and ethical positions, I have never doubted his sincerity. I truly believe that he believes what he says. By his own admission, he's no saint. But I get the sense that he's the type you could probably trust with a secret. Something tells me he's likely to keep his word when it's critical to do so. I'm especially impressed by his commitment to his family, which by every indication, is genuine and unwavering.

As of late, I've often thought about what I would say to Obama if given the chance. Forget about lottery fantasies. My windfall daydreams are all about having a good chat with Barry. You know--the guy. Not the politician. No reporters, no cameras. No calculated talking points or "gotcha" questions. I would, however, bring along a few photos--images that belie the Obama who has justly earned the scorn of conservative America. Here's how it would go...

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Mr. Obama. Barack. My fellow American, my brother in Christ...

When I see these clear expressions of tenderness

and of whimsy

reflecting an unfeigned enjoyment of children....

I can only wonder why you have chosen to actively and staunchly support abortion. I ask this not in a rhetorical, argumentative way. I'm not asking for a well crafted, special-interest-group kind of answer. What I genuinely yearn to know is how a man of your intelligence, your empathy, and your compassion, can so obviously display concern for one young life...

and simultaneously reject the worthiness of another?

You've told us that determining the starting point for humanity is "above your pay grade". I'll trust that you simply fumbled with an unintentionally glib response in an attempt to distance yourself from the question that has become the political Achilles' heel of our time: When does life begin?

So, I humbly submit...If you, like so many others, are unsure when human life is deserved of full legal protection, might we agree that there is at least the possibility that our humanity begins at conception? As such, if there is even the slightest possibility that life does indeed begin long before a child leaves her mother's womb, wouldn't the most prudent course of action be determined by a willingness to err on the side of caution--in this case, on the side of life?

If not, help me understand, why not? Please. I've yet to hear a remotely convincing argument when I have posed the question in this manner. So, I hand it to you, Mr. Obama. I know you are capable of great reflection and intellect. I'm told you are a man of character. Please use these gifts when you respond. But first, do me a favor. Remove your presidential candidate armor. Base your answer in the courage you've mustered as a father. Root it in the respect you developed as a grandson. Couch your answer in language that honors the love you have known simply because you are your mother's child.

I can only hope, only pray, that the answer you now provide will reflect far more of the sentiment we see in your mother's loving gaze...

and much less of the political rhetoric we have come to expect...

May God bless you and inspire you to truly hear the pleas spoken on behalf of those with no voice at all.

Pro-Life Means All Life

It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who claim to be pro-life and yet are in favor of the death penalty. Such a position seems patently inconsistent to me. I'm even more dismayed at the number of Catholics who don't realize the inconsistency or disregard it entirely. I think as Cardinal George has said many, many times, we really have to change people’s hearts.

Pope John Paul II forcefully stated that a consistent ethic of life must oppose a “culture of death.” This culture is one in which . . . the powerful predominate, setting aside and even eliminating the powerless . . . unborn children, helpless victims of abortion; the elderly and incurably ill, subjected at times to euthanasia; and the many other people relegated to the margins of society by consumer-ism and materialism. Nor can I fail to mention the unnecessary recourse to the death penalty. . . . This model of society bears the stamp of the culture of death, and is therefore in opposition to the gospel message. (Ecclesia in Amer-ica, #63, Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, January 1999).

On the day of Timothy McVeigh’s execution, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, President of the United States Catholic Conference, issued the following statement:

In an age where respect for life is threatened in so many ways, we believe it is important to emphasize that human life is a gift from God, and no one or any government should presume to kill God’s gift. Rather all of us have the responsibility to protect human life from conception to natural death. . . . We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for all those touched by this horrible crime, especially those who lost family members and friends. . . . We pledge our best efforts to reverse this culture of violence and replace it with a profound respect for the inherent value God confers on every human life.

Sometimes, this is a very difficult concept to internalize. So many crimes are unthinkable, unspeakable. Yet, when I'm feeling especially angry or perhaps even vengeful about some act that some apparent MONSTER has perpetrated, I try to to think back to when that child of God was first born. How perfect and sweet and full of potential. Then somehow in the course of life, something or a series of things goes seriously, seriously wrong. Fate, genetics, poor choices, poor parenting, neglect, abuse, all come into play. These factors don't excuse behavior but they often explain it. When you stare in to the face of Richard Ramirez (Night Stalker), think of him as a sweet, innocent baby who, like my own children, smelled of baby lotion and had had a gummy smile, and who had nothing but trust that someone would protect him from the evil of the world. I'm not blaming the parents, per se. Rather, my point is that we were all beautiful, perfect little bundles and the Devil works really hard to undo all of the love and beauty in the world. Unfortunately, with some individuals, he succeeds. But God tells us that His creations are always worthy of forgiveness.

Our culture often views forgiveness as something that one deserves or is somehow earned. Rather, we are all REQUIRED to forgive, even when it's hard, even when it seems impossible. EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO REPENTANCE. Forgiveness does not mean FORGET. It does not mean OVERLOOK. It simply means that no matter what any of us have done, there is always a chance for renewal though our Father's love. Certainly, there are individuals who are so dangerous that they cannot be trusted to live among us ever again. Understood. I get that. Killing these people, however, cannot be the answer. I, for one, want this evil to end.

Culture of Death?

I heard an alarming statistic the other day. It is estimated that nearly 85% of positive prenatal screenings for Down's Syndrome(and other genetic disorders) result in abortions. This is so very scary and disheartening. When did we decide that we can pick and choose life this way? And more importantly, why do we want to?

I can only imagine how hard it is to raise a child who has numerous challenges and disabilities. Yet, when you talk to the majority of parents with special needs kids, they consider their children a blessing. At times, they may need the Lord's assistance to endure their gift, no doubt. But a blessing nonetheless.

And where does it end? Should you abort a child that is missing a limb? How about the "wrong" sex? Unsuitable hair color? Nose too big, eyes too small. How about the "wrong" sexual orientation? Let's make 'em in a petri dish and if too many "take" we'll eliminate them through 'selective reduction" (This euphemism for abortion is rich indeed).That "clump of cells" that some slate for elimination is a living, breathing human, with a soon-to-be family and all the rest.

Of course there is always the "quality of life" argument. The problem is, who gets to set that standard? The folks on the wrong side of this issue thought it was better to let Terri Schiavo STARVE TO DEATH then to allow her to live life in a vegetative state. Her parents had no problem caring for her and believed that she showed signs of lucidity. Maybe this was just delusion on the part of two, loving parents. Who knows? Then again, if there was zero awareness and the parents were willing to assume all care, what was the harm in letting her live? Apparently, her quality of life didn't meet the proper standards with those entrusted to her care. A travesty beyond words is the only post script I can muster.

Just in case there are any questions folks, let me make it clear. If I'm in a vegetative state and I am NOT on extraordinary life support (ventilator), could you spare me the favor of FEEDING ME? Nothing fancy, just the basics so that I don't die a slow, painful death. A death actively hastened by willful dehydration and starvation? Excuse the presumption as I now offer my "thanks a heap" in advance.

I'm with George W. on this one. When in question, I'll err on the side of life. Period.