Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 4
The Georgia Bulletin
October 30,1980
Vote
Who Wears The Presidential Pants?
Dave McGill
At every election time it seems we
are able to truthfully say that our
nation and the world is experiencing a
crisis. As election day draws near we
are justified in repeating that same
line. Our nation stands in the shadow
of crisis as this decade begins.
The hostages are still held. War
looms on the horizon as a fight in the
Middle East erupts. Economic
conditions plague the marketplace and
leadership is being questioned. Again,
it is time for good men and women to
come to the country’s assistance.
Next week we can, should and
must do it. Voices of indecision tell us
that the fishing season is here and we
should all go. None of the pleading
contenders are worth an hour away
The Great Santini is a superbly portrayed
dramatization of an American family caught
in conflict. It is a sensitive handling of
“machismo” and its effects on the family.
Because “macho” is such an acceptable role
model, many American males, perhaps a
majority, are victims of this limiting
“disease.” And, needless to say, not a few
American females also fall prey to reverse
machismo. The movie presents a challenge to
all of us and to youth especially; it shows
another way to be “All-American.”
In the movie, the father, who is growing
progressively more ill due to alcoholism, is
called upon to shape up a new command of
Marine fighter pilots. But this is only the
backdrop for the real subject of the movie -
the conflict that grows between father and
son.
The young man is caught between his
natural love for his father and his hate for all
that his father is becoming - a man who
cannot say “I love you” without throwing a
punch and whose flight from intimacy drives
him down the blind alley of alcohol abuse.
The plot called for a noble death for the
father, but the young man who drives away
at the end of the movie knows that such a
death was truly fitting. He knows that real
nobility was dying in his father. The mother
and wife of both protagonists is the one who
points out that responsibility and gentleness
can co-exist and the combination is the
winning game plan.
The movie is a parable of our national
family life because we feel the same bind as
we face crises, great and small, in our daily
life. Our nation is growing progressively
more ill and, like the family, its microcosm,
it is disintegrating while in headlong flight
from reality. Machismo is the
defense-mechanism of the insecure and
American insecurity makes it the butt of
insult and injury. Now we must decide
whether we respond to our national
insecurity with gentleness and compassion or
a last desperate bullying to bring the world
into conformity with our self image.
The role that America has played in the
past, that of the “grand patron” of the
Manifest Destiny philosophy, is deeply
from the office or home. Those voices
are mischievous mongrels that must be
excommunicated from our good
intentions. Our vote will count in the
overall national need.
Surely in a world where a nuclear
holocaust is merely a button away,
proper leadership must be assured.
Therefore a moral obligation presses
heavily on every voting citizen to
dutifully answer the call to exercise
the franchise.
In the spirit of community in
action, in the spirit of making
practical everyday sense out of the
word charity, let us determine that
this presidential year we will vote.
resented around the world by developed and
developing countries alike. It is no longer
acceptable to play the role of “The
Greatest,” and if we do not pass on the
mantle gracefully, it will be taken from us
by forced isolation.
It is important that we play a major role
in the transition and make it gracefully with
a broader vision of the new world of
interdependent nations rather than that of
just two major teams in the league and a
juggle for the better players in the field to
join our side.
We can look at reality and see that
smaller nations want their place in the sun
and will not tolerate being bought or bullied
into shifting and unstable alliances. We can
choose to invite brotherhood among equals
now or continue our resented
“godfatherhood” that can only bring sudden
death in the playoff.
We are called as never before in the
history of the United States to understand
the real meaning of strength, leadership and
our American identity. In the context of the
new geopolitical reality, our alternatives are
to react egotistically to those “who insult
and calumniate us” or to interact as a true
leader of nations with a capacity to discern
the spirit of the world around us.
The Great Santini could have learned
with a little humility that “weakness” is not
all that it is cracked-down to be and learned
love from his untarnished children. The loss
of world domination is not the great
American tragedy, but the loss of moral
fibre may well be just that. Robert F.
Kennedy reminded us that:
“Past error is no excuse for its own
perpetuation,
Tragedy is a tool for the living to gain
wisdom
Not a guide by which to live.”
There is a great American longing that is
still largely undefined because we and the
world are still in crisis. There is a Catholic
longing that would perhaps choose the way
of triumphalistic isolation. But in the midst
of trying times, we might pay heed to
Abraham Maslow, for it is a time for
“making the growth choice rather than the
fear choice.”
It’s a little risky to write about the great
1980 Presidential debate, because at this
writing it hasn’t happened yet, and by the
time you read this, it’ll be over.
Nevertheless, I think I know what’s going to
happen. I have figured out what Carter’s
October surprise is going to be, and I am
sure that he’ll spring it on Reagan in front of
millions of us in the TV audience, near the
end of the debate. And it has nothing to do
with the hostages in Iran.
Jimmy Carter (JC) is speaking: “ . . . and
mah opponent, as ah have said many times
in recent weeks, will, if ah lose, separate
black from white, Jew from Christian, North
from South, and rural from urban. What I’ve
saved for tonight, mah fellow Americans, is
that this man sitting here before us will, if
elected, cause a far worse separation - he
will separate MAN FROM WOMAN.”
Ronald Reagan (RR) replies: “Now just a
cotton-pickin’ minute there, Mr. Peanut.
You’ve gone too far this time. I didn’t think
even YOU would stoop so low as to bring up
my divorce of long ago-”
(JC): “You’re right, not even I would
stoop to that (unless I thought it would get
me more votes than it would cost me). I’m
St. Paul of the Cross Parish hosted the
Ninth Archdiocesan Rosary Rally on
October 19, which happened to be the Feast
Day of their Church’s patron. “The Blessed
Mother is our ray of hope in these difficult
times,” stated Father Vincent Brennan,
S.M., the homilist. He called for Catholics to
imitate her virtues as well as to pray through
her intercession, challenging each of us to do
what we can in our little sphere to offset the
godlessness of our society. Hearing Father
Brennan brought back pleasant memories
because he had addressed our 1948
Graduating Class at Sacred Heart High
School.
After reading Robert Akerman’s
marvelous column in the Oct. 21 Atlanta
Journal, I called to thank him. Mr. Akerman,
who is not Catholic, credited the Pope with
saying words of importance regarding
marriage. In part, he wrote: “Read in the
context of other papal statements praising
love and marriage, it is clear that he (the
Pope) was saying no person should be
treated merely as an object.” Mr. Akerman
continued with some other lovely thoughts
on marriage ... a rarity in the daily paper.
Father Morton A. Hill, Jr., S.J., president
of Morality in Media announces a new,
edited version of the television special,
Pornography: You Are Its Victim, aired in
Atlanta earlier this year on WXIA-TV. The
film has been shown twice in New York City
referring to your public statement that you
would definitely appoint a woman to the
Supreme Court.”
(RR): “But how in the world can you
argue that THAT would divide man from
woman? It seems to me that would bring
them TOGETHER.”
(JC): “All right, let me explain it to the
American people. You see, after Gov.
Reagan beat me to the draw, I told reporters
that I too would certainly seriously consider
such an appointment of a woman to the
High Court. And then my boss, er, WIFE,
said to reporters on the campaign trail, ‘I can
ASSURE you he’ll appoint a woman.’
“When she got back to the White House, I
raised sand about that guarantee she had
made. I said, ‘What’re you trying to do,
Rosalynn? People will hear that crack and
ask themselves who is running their
government. They may even get the idea
that YOU’RE in the driver’s seat.’ ”
(RR): “What did she say then?”
(JC): “She said, ‘WELL? ’ And that’s
when it hit the fan.”
(RR): “She hit you with a fan?”
(JC): “No, no, but almost as bad. She
broke a Presidential dinner plate over my
and will be shown again in Houston. Perhaps
local Knights of Columbus members could
check into the possibility of a second airing
here. The recent Knights of Columbus
Convention in one of its major resolutions
urged local members to fight pornography in
every way possible, particularly by joining
and working with Morality in Media.
Planned Parenthood in a full-page ad in
the Oct. 16 Buffalo Evening News featured a
huge photo of a very young girl with the
caption: “WHAT IF YOUR BABY IS
GOING TO HAVE A BABY? ” The ad then
accused the “right to life” movement of
forcing her to have a baby. It goes on to tell
the public we don’t stop with her . . . that
we are also challenging the public’s rights in
the following areas: the right to have any
number of children they want; the right to
use contraceptives; the right to have an
abortion. Then it brazenly asks the public
not to “stand by silently and let outrage
become law.” It asks them to fight back, to
send a contribution to P.P. or give
generously of their time.
We should not forget that a good portion
of P.P. funding comes from tax money and
in many areas, United Way collections, as
they are considered in some strange way as a
“charitable” organization. It is my
understanding that the local P.P. group will
be allocated $93,100 from this year’s United
Way drive. Father Paul Marx, O.S.B.,
Director of the Human Life Center, has put
it well: “Enemy Number One of the child in
head. Shattered the seal and all.”
(RR): “I was wondering why you had
that imprint of an eagle on your forehead. I
thought you were just trying to look
American for the TV cameras.”
(JC): “No, I’m afraid I’ll be wearing this
eagle until it grins. Just like the permanent
skull mark the Phanton’s ring leaves on the
crooks’ noggins after he socks them in the
comics.”
(RR): “Was that the end of the fight?”
(JC): “I’m afraid not. It went on like
Jiggs and Maggie for a good half-hour. It
didn’t end until she clobbered me with that
famous bust of Harry Truman.”
(RR): “The buck stopped there, huh?”
(JC): “Yep. She did to me what I did to
Ted Kennedy, I’ll tell you that. I’ve got it
straight now who I’m voting for, and it’s not
me, or thee, or John Anderson.”
(RR): “You’re voting for Rosalynn?”
(JC): “Yes indeed, I think she deserves
four more years. And in conclusion, you
people out there watching on TV can judge
for yourselves by the lumps and knots on
mah head that mah opponent will stop at
nothing to start a war in the White House.”
the womb, is Planned Parenthood.”
As Respect Life Month comes to a close,
may I unload a heavy burden on my heart?
Could some priest, rabbi or minister please
explain to me why a prayer regarding the
abortion massacre is not mentioned at every
Eucharistic celebration or religious
ceremony? We pray for other intentions
which are vital and praiseworthy. I am not
criticizing any other intention. But the
4,200 babies that are being sent to an
incinerator DAILY - day in and day out -
must not be forgotten. Of course, we realize
their souls are not lost. . . that a loving God
will take them to His Heart. But what about
a petition for a Human Life Amendment; or
for all the unborn, that they may have life;
or for the conversion of the mothers,
doctors and others involved in abortions; or
for some woman that day to have a change
of heart and not go through with a
scheduled abortion. Just a fourth of a
minute of remembrance every time we
gather in Christ’s name ... am I asking too
much?
Again, in memory of Birty Mion, who
worked so hard for pro-life, I am promoting
the idea of wherever lay people are asked to
give prayers of petition, that they mention a
prayer for the unborn or some aspect of the
abortion dilemma.
“Life is a flame that is always burning
itself out. .. But it catches fire again every
time a child is born.” (George Bernard
Shaw)
--NCB
The Great Santini -
An American Parable
by Father Liam Tuffy
Potpourri
Teresa Gernazian
Resound ... Resound ...
Working Women
Sheila Mallon
To the Editor:
We are responding to several articles in
the Sept. 18 edition. We begin with Msgr.
Burtenshaw’s questions concerning the
“Catholic Vote.” We totally agree that
abortion is A major issue but we assert that
it is not THE single issue of concern.
Cardinal Medeiros also singled out abortion
as THE measure by which to judge
candidates for public office.
We find Msgr. George Higgins’ approach
more inclusive of the many issues which we
Catholics must consider seriously. Not only
abortion, but arms control and disarmament,
capital punishment, health care, gun control,
food and agricultural policy, the economy,
family life and more are issues which
demand scrutiny in the light of the Gospel.
Fundamentalist groups dictating THE one
and only Christian voting response commit a
grave injustice to both politics and religion.
We would like to see and hear more from
leaders in the diocese to guide Catholic
voters away from a simplistic identification
with such fundamentalist thinking.
Some topics from the Rural Ministry
Workshop as described on page one seem
applicable to many areas in metro Atlanta.
We urban and suburbanites need to know
and love our Catholic identity. We should
not become too easily swallowed up in the
“moralizing” majority.
Please continue to print articles
concerning the many issues involved in the
forthcoming election, defining the Catholic
values on important issues and clarifying the
much-publicized and misnamed “Christian”
stand. It is then the responsibility of each
voter to study, reflect and decide to vote as
his/her conscience directs.
Dear Son:
Several months ago you asked me to
consider very carefully how I planned on
voting in this election. Then you told me
that you would be supporting John
Anderson and you gave me your reasons.
Evidently, his proposal to add 50c a
gallon tax to gasoline as a means of curbing
inflation and conserving energy was one that
appeals to environmentalists like yourself.
The attraction of a new face, voice and
ideals at the national helm is appealing.
You asked me to carefully consider all
the issues before voting and not just the
“life” issues and I said that I would.
I cannot support Mr. Anderson, for
several reasons. In the first place he tells us
that his 50c a gallon tax on gasoline would
cut payroll taxes in half. That might help the
people who don’t drive, but for those of us
who have to it wouldn’t do “diddly squat.”
My gas tax would run over $11.00 a week -
this would still be more than I would save by
having my payroll tax cut in half. His
economics are very fuzzy and extremely
misleading.' In fact, pretty much what he
accuses his fellow candidates of doing.
The other and more important reason I
cannot vote for Mr. Anderson is his support
of abortion. I read a fundraising letter which
he wrote recently for one of his
contributors, the National Abortion Rights
Action League. In it he calls right-to-lifers
“zealots and fanatics.” In fact he delivered a
diatribe against pro-life so vicious that it had
to be read to be believed.
No other candidate for the presidency has
ever been so blatantly supportive of abortion
and scandalously critical of any attempt to
limit the killing of the unborn.
We then come to President Carter. There
are certainly enough economic issues with
which to lambast him, including the increase
of the federal bureaucracy which he vowed
to curb. An incumbent is always easy to pick
on because he has four years for us to look
at and appraise while his opponents do not
usually have as visual a record for us to
examine.
However, (that “one issue” again),
President Carter has said that he is
“personally” opposed to abortion, “but” he
supports the law of the land (the 1973
Supreme Court decision).
In fact, Mr. Carter does a good deal more
than that. At least two of his choices for top
government jobs have been Patricia Harris
and Sarah Weddington, both of whom are
avidly pro-abortion.
More than that, in 1972, a book was
published by Macmillan Publishing Company
titled “Woman In Need.” The authors
(strong pro-abortion advocates), were James
Trussell Jr. and Dr. Robert Hatcher. The
book flatly called for abortion on demand -
prior to the 1973 Supreme Court decision.
They asked that abortion be made legal
and available as a basic method of birth
control. The foreword to this book was
written by Governor Jimmy Carter. He
specifically pointed out that each chapter
concluded with a series of suggestions for
the reader who wishes to accept a more
active role in making sex education,
contraceptives, abortion and sterilization
more freely available in our society.
I simply cannot vote for someone who is
in favor of the use of this method of birth or
population control.
That leaves me with the third candidate,
Ronald Reagan, who has openly committed
himself to a Human Life Amendment, and
who had a very good economic record as
governor of California - which you as a
Californian have admitted.
I agree with Mary Meehan whose column
in the New York Times on Sept. 25
castigated those who complain that those
who speak out on these issues in the Church
are dangerously treading on the line that
separates Church and state.
“Politics in this country does not suffer
from too much free speech; it suffers from
far too little. And those who try to
intimidate church leaders and discourage
them from speaking out do not advance the
cause of civil liberties, they betray it.”
I am certainly not a leader in the Church
or anywhere else, but next Tuesday I am
going to the polls to vote for Ronald Reagan
for President - because among many other
things he is opposed to the taking of
innocent human life.
Love,
’SuAAimvw.
"OH,COME ON, HARRY/ IT lON'T
LI KELT YOU'LL SIT NEXT TO THAT
E50PYE5UI LITER AGAIN [TURING- THE
SIGN OF PEACE/'
JOHN AND SUE CLARK
MORROW
\~\The
\ Gebraia
Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
Most Rev. Thomas A. Donnellan — Publisher
Rev. Monsignor Noel C. Burtenshaw — Editor
Gretchen R. Keiser — Associate Editor
Thea K. Jarvis — Contributing Editor
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