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April 07, 2005
Group opposes lowering flag for Pope
This week I'd noticed that a number of flags around Our Fair City were at half-mast, and I couldn't figure out why. Then it occurred to me that it was probably for the Pope. Rather unexpected, given that he wasn't an American, but on the whole I think everyone would agree that it's a nice gesture.
Everyone except these people.
An anti-religion group is denouncing [Wisconsin] Gov. Jim Doyle's executive order to lower flags to mark the death of Pope John Paul II.Doyle's directive appears like "an endorsement of Roman Catholicism over other religious viewpoints," according to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
On Saturday, the governor praised the pope as both an inspiration spiritual leader and a man who has made "a significant impact on social justice." Doyle cited the pope's fight against communism, his opening of dialogue with other faiths, and his fight for peace around the world.
The governor's office today noted President Bush had directed that flags be lowered to half-staff at all public buildings. The governor's directive matches the president's order.
Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, saw the pope in a different light from the governor.
"The pope was the world's leading sexist," Gaylor said in a statement issued today. "Why should Wisconsin women be expected to revere his anti-woman, antediluvian teachings?" The pope also had been critical of gay marriages, the statement noted.
"Let's reserve the honor of half-staff for true American heroes," Gaylor said.
Hmmmm. How did she feel about flags at half-staff for Ronald Reagan? I wonder . . .
Anyway, here's a link to the group's statement. Oh, look! Reagan is mentioned!
Has there ever been anything like this media adulation? Whole front news sections were devoted yesterday to "His Holiness," as if the whole world were Catholic. It is hard to imagine the death of any world leader summoning the same kind of uncritical coverage, with the possible exception of an assassinated U.S. President. Former Pres. Reagan's death last summer certainly rated nothing like this.
Go to the link for the whole ridiculous thing. I shouldn't be giving these guys any more attention than they're already getting, because I know they just love it.
Posted by Drew at April 7, 2005 02:04 PM
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Comments
I almost have to wonder who she would consider to be "true American heroes". Almost.
Posted by: Mike Escutia at April 7, 2005 03:13 PM
I wasn't aware that the Pope's teachings pre-dated Noah.
Posted by: Mark Sides at April 7, 2005 06:12 PM
I almost have to wonder who she would consider to be "true American heroes".
We can start with the "American" part, Einstein. You're lucky you're not married to Michael Schiavo, cuz it sounds like you may be brain dead.
Posted by: brad at April 7, 2005 09:25 PM
The Pope is the Head of the Holy See, a city-state which is duly recognized in the international scene, with ambassadors all over the world and observer status in the United Nations, the European Union, etc.
This one Pope, in particular, took a very strong stand against Communism, one of the great evils of the 20th Century. His courage and determination in the face of this great evil was the first chisle that eventually became the bouldering down of the Walls of Lenin's city. His role in this extremely important part of our modern history (together with the role played by Reagan, Thatcher and Gorbachev) should never be forgotten.
And I say it as a Baptist - who, in all theory, should have no candle in this funeral. I say this because I've read plenty of history and have concluded that there was something very worthy of mentioning and praising in this man from humble beginnings in Poland - a man who saw the face of Nazism and Communism and its effect on his people, and faced them fearlessly, because he knew that those Great evils were already defeated - He that is in us is Greater than he that is in the world. (Words from another John, from 20 centuries ago, BTW)
If anybody deserves the title of "Hero", and in America in particular, it is Karol Wojtyla.
Posted by: newton at April 8, 2005 02:13 AM