ONE REAL CATHOLIC

George Offerman

Last night’s debate was unique and remarkable for many differing reasons, but the one that stood out for me was the huge distinctions between the two candidates when asked how their faith had personally formed them and how it affects their political decisions.  The moderator pointed out that this debate was a historical first, given both candidates are ‘Catholic’ and it would seem that Catholicism would have some influence on who they are as men, and how they go about making the political decisions that they do.  Outside of each candidate verbalizing they are Catholic; there couldn’t be more of a contrast than what was witnessed by their words.

Paul Ryan had the distinction of going first to this question, and the Congressman answered the question like one would if he believed in God as supreme being and accepted the fact that those who proclaim to being Catholic have certain tenets that are non negotiable and sacred.  Mr. Ryan’s position was very solid and articulate, and he was able to verbalize the Church’s teachings and positions on issues like abortion as one who claims to be Catholic ought to do.  Mr. Ryan was abundantly clear that if one truly believes life starts at conception, and that life is a divine right, that no one has the authority to take this from another.

Joe Biden also reiterated he was a ‘lifelong practicing Catholic’ and too, believes in the fact that life starts at conception.  However, where Mr. Biden fell apart and followed the ‘liberal logic’ is his insisting ‘I can’t inflict my beliefs onto others’ and have ‘no right to tell a woman what to do with her body’.  Mr. Biden then goes on to demonstrate how no one really has a ‘right to demagogue’ in matters of faith, and in essence attempted to separate personal beliefs from the duty to govern, or to be qualified to be effective in the political process.  So, for Mr. Biden, he can be Catholic when it comes to Sunday Mornings, and going to Holy Communion, but don’t bother him with anything that resembles faith when in the public venue.

Why this seems so remarkable on the surface is the fact that Mr. Biden and his crony criminal in chief partner have no difficulties at all ‘imposing their values and beliefs’ onto the American people.  What does one call mandatory participation in hell care?  What does one call all of the insane laws and regulations of getting on an airplane?  What about paying taxes?  Or, how about the ‘right’ to make over 1 million dollars per year and being forced to ‘pay a little more’ so the rest who are not as ‘lucky’ get a piece of the action?  Mr. Biden had no problem chastising those high income earners, and seemed to have no restraint in stating they will pay more.

It was also interesting (with the help of the ‘mediator’) how Biden sidestepped Mr. Ryan’s question about the criminal in chief’s administration ‘imposing’ onto the Catholic Church the requirement to provide birth control and other ‘reproductive services’ to its employees, as well as offer these services to their clientele.  Biden didn’t even attempt to answer this question, and immediately went onto a personal attack at how Mr. Ryan is ‘imposing’ his beliefs onto others, and he along with his crony administration is ‘proud’ of this.  So, according to Biden, the only requirement to be Catholic is to just declare it so, and then do whatever is on one’s heart to do.  (Isn’t that an imposition of Biden’s definition onto all believers?)

In Mr. Ryan’s view of Catholicism, one needs to fight for the less fortunate and those such as the unborn, who are unable to fight for themselves.  For Mr. Biden, Catholicism is something you do on Sunday and leave it in the church pew when exiting after receiving Communion.  The Catholicism of Mr. Biden is that of a social status; it’s merely out of habit of going and has little to no substance.  Mr. Ryan appears to take his faith seriously enough that he understands the causality and linkages of violating God’s laws to the very apparent consequences of this action.  It is in this distinction that we saw who the real Catholic was, and it happened to be the one who behaved himself and treated another who was being extremely disrespectful and disruptive when the real Catholic explained his position.

PROTESTING AT THE RED MASS

George Offerman


The annual Red Mass at St Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. this past Sunday had plenty of representation from the Supreme Court. Those present were Justices: Roberts, Scalia, Kennedy, Breyer, Alito and new Justice Sotomayor. Joe Biden, representing the executive branch was also present. The majority of these justices are Catholic, and therefore, would be able to present themselves for communion, which would present an opportunity for Arch Bishop Wuerl to enforce Cannon 915, which stipulates that a person that publicly violates church teachings, in this case abortion, cannot present themselves for Communion.

The protest, lead by pro life leaders Randall Terry, Missy Smith and Dick Retta, focused on getting the message to the Justices that the scourge of this land known as Roe vs. Wade must be overturned and that their Catholic Roots dictate they uphold justice for all. The team arrived at St. Matthew’s cathedral at 8:30 am, and set up our line that included graphic signs, bull horns, and fake blood on our hands.

We had about 75 minutes of preaching time, as all the people had to go through metal detectors to get inside the Cathedral, and also had an opportunity to preach to the justices, who came up individually in chauffeured vehicles. We then had a golden opportunity to preach to the Bishops, who were lined up in procession right across the street from where we were, and had quite a few of the Bishops look at us and our signs. We asked the Bishops to uphold Cannon 915 and to make a statement to those inside how they need to follow the churches teachings.

One of our group members, Joan Mckee, was arrested when trying to get into the mass, and the camera crews there to film the procession quickly went to get this arrest on tape. Joan Mckee was attempting to get into the mass, and was initially turned down due to wearing a pro life tee shirt. We protested her arrest, but they went ahead with it, and this caused a stir amongst the media present and was caught on tape.

After the mass finished, we had more opportunities to get our message out, and preached to the Justices as they left. Randall Terry focused on Vice President Joseph Biden, as Biden snuck out the side door. We then were able to get Sotomayer’s attention briefly by shouting “Woe to you Sotomayor if you do not protect the innocent lives by your judgments on the court.’

We had a priest come up and thank us for our witness. He stated “Many of us are with you, and God Bless You for taking the time and witnessing for the truth. I hope some of them heard your message”. It is gratifying to have some acknowledgment of our efforts from the clergy, and it helps to know some believe we are on the right path.

Overall, we managed to garner attention to the cause of legalized child killing to the Justices and other lawyers in attendance. It is mystifying that we had to do the job of the Church body and so few are willing to take the steps we did, and have been doing for months now. I continue to hope and pray that god sends more warriors to the streets, to finally end this scourging of our land.