Fr. Casey Says Republicans Care Only About Abortion: Why I Disagree

I like a lot of what Fr. Casey Cole OFM has to say about the Catholic Faith. He recently put out a Twitter video saying he agrees with the dogmas and doctrines of the Church which is good.

I had an issue with a recent video of his where he speaks about abortion. He seems to basically be saying that people have their faith and politics mixed up, that they place politics above their faith. The example he gives is regarding abortion. Essentially he seems to be saying that because people are opposed to abortion, they side with the Republican party, but then they put that political party above their faith and use their faith as a sort of justification for doing that.

He says people will support the Republican party while overlooking the bad aspects of the party which are also threatening to life issues. 

Since there is no Catholic Party as such in Canada or the US which aligns perfectly with Catholic values, you probably will not find a party which fully supports the Church. However, I think the reasoning that he provides is faulty. It could come from the fact that in several studies, it showed that people who are left-leaning do not empathize with the viewpoints of those who are right-wing. When asked to explain the position of someone they oppose, conservatives were much better able to do so than liberals.

I'm not saying this to bash or mock anyone. But it's a fundamental mistake that I see often. Liberals assume that their position is the "right" one. It's not that there are other positions with which they disagree. There's is simply the right and good opinion and then all the others are bad ones. For instance, minimum wage. To liberals, you either support the minimum wage and workers or you don't. But if they were asked why a conservative may not support the minimum wage, they may say things like they don't think people deserve that much money, or that because conservatives are more racist, they don't want minorities to get ahead, etc.

I don't know if liberals think these things about conservatives, but that's how things come across. To be more specific to Fr. Casey Cole, he mentions a few examples in his video. He says people support the Republican party because of its opposition to abortion despite their bad economic and social policies.

He presupposes that Republican economic policies are bad for poor people and that anyone who supports the Republican party must be doing so while holding their noses about all the other issues. It's as if the Democratic platform is good for poor people and the Republican one is bad, and that there isn't even any disagreement on this. This, however, is untrue.

Often the people who support the Republican party on abortion, also support the basic economic policies of the party. The Democratic party tends to favor a large interventionist government that enacts many policies with good stated intentions.

The Republican party, on the other hand, favors individual efforts and less government intervention. The US began a "war on poverty" back with Lyndon B. Johnson and since then poverty, which had previously been decreasing, started going up. The policies with good intentions had the opposite effect.

Another example is minimum wage. To some, the minimum wage is a simple straight-forward question: Should people make $10 per hour or $15 per hour. Should people work and still not make enough money, or should we pass a law that people are compensated fairly?

Sounds simple. If there were no unintended consequences or negative side-effects, all people would be in favor of this. In fact, many would say the minimum wage should be higher in that case. Why not $40 per hour?

The difference is that right-wing people would say that the real minimum wage is $0, and if someone cannot get a job, that's how much they will receive. Minimum wage isn't designed to be peoples' full-time salary to support a family. It's meant to get people into the workforce and then they hopefully move into better positions. By removing the lower rungs of the economic ladder, you aren't helping people, you are preventing them from ever entering the job market. If someone's work is really only worth $12 per hour, no one will hire that person for $15 per hour. Are they really better off?

Taxing companies and wealthier people is another issue. To some it's simple. More taxes = better. The truth is though that higher tax doesn't have its economic impact after the money is earned but before. It comes into play when someone is deciding to start a business, invest, or carry out some other economic activity. If taxes are too high, the expected income from a venture is lower and thus the venture is riskier. All else being equal, if business startup is risky, then fewer will be started and fewer people will be hired and less money will be made.

Again, it's a complex issue. There is definitely room for debate. But to simply characterize one party's policies as "good" and the other's as "bad" and to say the bad one is only focused on abortion is incorrect. There are people with opinions on both sides of economic issues. The same thing goes for various other policies.

Another point is that many commentators seem to want to mix subjects all up together and create the appearance that they are equivalent. Abortion is the pre-eminent issue in our society at the moment because abortion involves killing thousands of innocent children. This simply cannot be compared to disagreements on economic policy.

Although I disagree with people who say economic issues are irrelevant, I do not think they are the very most important thing. The right to life trumps all other secular issues.

Overall, I think it's a huge leap to assume that Republicans care only about one thing. I would suggest asking them what they think and why. Let's be clear, I am NOT a Republican, I'm not even American. But the left must learn to listen to the right. As for Fr. Cole Casey, I think a lot of what he says is good. I commend him on his position of siding with the Church on matters of faith and morals. I simply felt this criticism was necessary. I am open to anyone's comments.

What does Joe Biden's Presidency Mean for Catholics?

First we must get something straight. Catholic politicians cannot simply put aside their beliefs as a Catholic when entering into the political arena. That is simply not an option. For major moral issues that everyone agrees on, this is an obvious statement of fact. If a politician were to say "I'm personally opposed to killing innocent people for no reason, but I'm not going to try to pass a law outlawing it!" most people would be shocked and dismayed.

Yet when it comes to controversial issues, there seems to be confusion. This is because of several distortions, but basically our morality comes from God, and God established his one true Church which is the Catholic Church and therefore the moral law is complete within the Catholic Church. Purposely violating any of these moral laws is a sin. It doesn't matter if an issue is controversial or whether or not others agree with you. You either believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church and follow them no matter what your role or you don't. You don't get to pick and choose.

We must now look at Joe Biden and some of the things he has promised with regards to being president. We will see that his presidency will not be good for the Catholic Faith. On top of the commitments that Biden has already made, we can conjecture as to other paths this president may take. Remember, some people are accused of slippery slope thinking, but who would have thought a year ago that the actual president of the United States would be banned from virtually all forms of social media while still in office? Who would have thought that credit card companies would stop conservative groups from using their payment system? If anyone had predicted these things, they'd be termed a conspiracy theorist, and an extreme one at that. So to just simply notice where things are heading isn't some kind of reckless activity.

Now on to the specifics. Much of the information that I will use for this article comes from a great article written by Peter Wolfgang for the Catholic Herald, which can be found here. I highly encourage you to check it out. But, as a loyal fan of this blog (obviously!) I would love for you to keep reading!

In the linked article from Mr. Wolfgang, he says the following:

He moved heaven and earth to put three originalist judges on the U.S. Supreme Court in four years and appointed hundreds more to other federal courts. He allowed states to defund Planned Parenthood, he defunded the pro-abortion U.N. Population Fund, he restored and expanded the Mexico City policy, he protected groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor against oppressive Obamacare rules, and he supported the nuns in their Supreme Court fight. He implemented the Protect Life Rule, which prohibits federal funds from going to facilities that perform on-site abortions.

Those are positive actions taken by Mr. Trump during his presidency which Joe Biden will seek, to the best of his ability, to undo as soon as possible. Donald Trump was the most pro-life president the United States has ever had. How can I make such a bold statement? Well I think it's probably true since prior to the 1970s, practically everyone thought abortion was wrong anyway. So to say they were anti-abortion or pro-life prior to that would simply mean they were normal people with normal morality.

The difference with Donald Trump is that he was pro-life in an era when doing so is politically and socially dangerous. It's not a topic for which there is automatic agreement among the masses. If he wanted to advance his political career more, he could have been a more standard pro-life-by-default Republican. But he wasn't. He went out of his way to speak about life issues, to defend the innocent. He spoke, in person, at the March for Life - the first time ever for a president.

With Biden, this goes out the window. He is blatantly ignoring his Church's teachings and will seek to increase access to abortion, rather than limit it.

Biden says he will not allow an exception for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the case of paying for abortion and artificial contraception. Think about that for a minute. He will not let a group of nuns with a vow of poverty to not pay for something they are morally opposed to. I can't believe anyone thinks that's okay.

Biden is obviously looking to end the Mexico City Policy which is an American policy of not giving foreign aid to groups in other countries who perform abortion. Basically not funding abortion abroad. If you read the misleading critics, they will claim that by banning this funding you are doing all kinds of other harm. That's an invalid moral argument and meant to muddy the moral waters.

Trump has done innumerable good things when it comes to preventing or slowing down abortion. Biden seems set to abandon them all.

When it comes to free speech and freedom of religion, Trump was one of the best modern-day presidents. Biden, in line with Democrat policies, will crack down on speech he disagrees with and will be a major threat to religious freedom.

In virtually any area that a serious Catholic cares about, Biden is set to make things much worse.

Some people bring up the detention camps on the border and the overall policies concerning refugees as reasons why Catholics should favor Biden. There are many issues with this proposition. First of all, the camps on the border (that were set up by Obama) are not torture chambers, they are processing facilities for people illegally entering into the country without permission.

Think what you will about these facilities, it is not a specific Catholic moral issue. There is legitimate debate about immigration policy. Catholic teaching has things to say about it, but it's not a cut-and-dry case such as with abortion, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Some people seem to think unless the US allows anyone and everyone into the country without question, Catholics must oppose it. This is simply not the case which is affirmed by centuries of writings by saints and theologians.

We have no idea how bad things can get. The plans which have already been announced by Biden are frightening and it will only get worse from here. Catholics have good reason to not be welcoming to a Joe Biden administration.

If you think we have it bad here...

Religious freedom in the United States and Canada is being threatened, we know of many examples. Yet, we must be thankful we are not being persecuted to the extent that our brothers and sisters in other countries have been persecuted.

Here is the story of a priest from Vietnam. Warning, the article contains graphic descriptions, but not pictures. It goes to show how horrible things were and continue to be in some parts of the world:

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/father-raphael-nguyen-profile

Shots fired in US Capitol Building - Pray for the USA

Apparently there have been shots fired inside the US Capitol Building which has been taken over by protestors. This seems like a very serious situation. In some of the photos released, security personnel are shown pointing firearms. There has been a report of gunshots, but I am not sure if anyone has been injured.

The Capitol Building has been locked down, and they are trying to get the situation under control. Tear gas has been used extensively and obviously there are firearms in the area.

The situation is still very much developing so there isn't a lot of information available. I know protesters unlawfully broke into the building. There is one image of the people who entered staying within a roped area that was shown on Twitter.

The mayor of DC Muriel Bowser has declared a 6pm curfew.

President Trump has tweeted telling his followers not to use violence. It seems the main people involved in this are Trump supporters who are dissatisfied with what electors are projected to do today as they believe there has been widespread voter fraud in the country.

I think as Catholics we must pray that people do not use violence in this situation. There are mechanisms set up and we must resort to those even if we feel there has been injustice committed. Even if the system is absolutely corrupt, firing shots or committing acts of violence will not bring about the outcome that these people are looking for. In fact, using violence will only undermine the position of the Trump supporters.

There has been significant violence coming from the Left and it has largely been downplayed. Sadly, if there is any violence on the part of the Right, it will probably be emphasized over and over to the point where people will think they are the cause of all political violence.

Let's all pray for a peaceful outcome that brings out the truth in terms of the political situation and the election.

Obama Nation? More like Abomination!

Every day we hear more news from the US concerning Obama's decisions. It seems like he sits down and asks how he can violate Catholic doctrine every move he makes. It almost seems too coincidental to be true. Here is a quick list of some of the stuff Obama has done:

1. Vowed to sign the Freedom Of Choice Act (or FOCA), which would make abortion a constitutional right which would be codified at the federal level. It would erase any good laws concerning abortion and any progress made by the pro-life movement in the past 35 years or so since Roe vs. Wade in the United States.

2. Obama will eliminate funding for sexual-abstinence-only programs. Instead he will promote sex before marriage, the use of contraception and abortafacients, abortion, etc. This programming of course will only lead to more STDs, infidelity, and abortion.

3. Obama has allowed federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Now babies will be brought into existence to be used as medical research tools. Using human persons as medical research tools is very contrary to divine law. It makes a person a mere object to be used by those who are physically stronger.

4. Obama has said that his worst decision as a politician was to support Terri Schiavo in her struggle for life. Terri was mentally hanicapped. She only required food and water to survive. She was not brain dead, she was fully alive with disabilities. Her husband wanted to her to be left to die. Her family said they would take care of her and pay all her expenses, but the judge decided to side with Terri's husband and let her die. Terri died of starvation after all food was refused her. No, she did not die because a machine stopped pumping her heart or because her lungs were not being artifically inflated. She died of dehydration, just like anyone would if denied food and water for an extended period of time. The Rule of Threes states that people cannot generally survive more than 3 days without water. Most the time it can be a week or 11 days. Terri lived for 12 or 13 days after being denied all food and water. She was left to thirst to death.

The list goes on. Obama has heralded the culture of death like no President before him. He has taken a somewhat cowardly path. He chooses to destroy the lives of the defendless. Instead of slaughtering people who can fight for themselves, he goes after the weakest and most vulnerable.

Let us pray that like Bernard Nathanson, who started NARAL, the National Abortion Rights Action League, Obama will see the errors of his ways and plot a new course for life. Although Nathanson performed thousands of abortions, he is now one of the top spokespeople against that industry and he promotes the cause of the Pro-life movement. Let us hope that Obama will see the light and work toward a society that cares about its most vulnerable.

Highest Percentage and Numbers of Catholics Worldwide

Catholics can be found in any country in the entire world. Usually countries where Catholicism is dominant, you can find peace and democracy. Which countries have the largest numbers and percentages of Catholics worldwide? The following is from adherents.com and gives an interesting picture. The country with the highest percentage of Catholics is, as you may have guessed, Vatican City. I will list the highest by percentage and by number (click the tables to see them larger).






As you can see, there are many countries in the world with huge numbers of Catholics, and many where we are the majority. In the entire world, there are well over a billion Catholics.

(Special thanks for this information goes to adherents.com)

The Basilica of St. John the Baptist

I am very excited about this blog posting, because it is number 50! I would like to thank everyone who has read this blog and is a regular visitor to this site. I appreciate your feedback and comments about this site, and I encourage you to send in your topic suggestions. Thanks. Now on to the article!

The Basilica of St. John the Baptist is located in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. This is where I am from and write my blog. This basilica, which is now considered a cathedral, has a very special place in the ecclesiastical history of Newfoundland, as well as Canada, and even North America.

The Basilica was completed in the year 1855 after 16 years of construction. Amazingly, at the time of its building, it was the largest church in size in all of North America, including all of Canada, the US, and Mexico. It was built under the direction of Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming, who came from Ireland in the 1800s. Bishop Fleming was integral to shaping Newfoundland culture in those years, and was even responsible for developing the old Newfoundland Flag, which today is used by those seeking an independent Newfoundland. The flag is divided into thirds: pink, white and green. The pink represents Protestants (English pink), the green represents Catholics (from Ireland mostly), and the white in between represents peace between the two. This flag is still in use today, although not officially, as the flag representing those who want an Independent Newfoundland.

The Basilica is the current seat of the Bishop of Newfoundland, Brendan O'Brien, and is the most beautiful structure in Newfoundland. Because of its importance in Newfoundland spirituality and worship, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist holds a special place in the hearts of everyone here.

How a Catholic Convert founded Amnesty International

In 1961, Portugal was being run by a dictator named António de Oliveira Salazar. Freedoms were stiffled, and the country was run as a dictatorship. A group of students in the city of Coimbra lifted their glasses in a toast to freedom in Portugal. They were found in the cafe, and put into prison for this act, and spent 7 years there. Fortunately for the world, Peter Benenson heard this news, and decided he must do something.

Peter Benenson was a lawyer by trade, who became quite ill. He went to Italy to regain his health, and while there, converted to the Catholic faith. While in Italy, Benenson decided it was necessary to start an International organization which was open to everyone. While in the tube in London, Benenson read an article about the Portuguese students mentioned above. He was outraged and wrote a letter to a newspaper called the Observer. He asked people to write letters concerning this injustice. The letters came in fast and furious, so much so, that Benenson started an organization known as Amnesty International.

Today, Amnesty International is the largest organization dedicated to helping those who are unjustly imprisoned, as political or ideological prisoners. It has been very active and successful in this endeavor so far. It has 1.8 million members worldwide who put pressure on foreign governments to release people who should not be in prison, as well as to end torture and abuse.

The work of Amnesty International cannot be overstated. This vast and strong organization came about because of Peter Benenson's, who unfortunately died in 2005 at the age of 83, conversion to Christ and His Church.

The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Last Rites (also known as Extreme Unction)

In a tragic event which took the United States by surprise was the assassination of John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963 at 12:30 pm. He was riding along in his Presidential Limousine in Texas, when he was shot in the head. He was obviously dead from the enormous wound he had sustained. Others, including the Governor of Texas were injured as well.

One thing about the assassination of which many are not aware, is that after being shot, a priest gave President John F. Kennedy his Last Rites, also known as Extreme Unction and more recently, Anointing of the Sick. This is one of the seven sacraments established by Christ.

The Priest who performed this sacrament was the Very Reverend Oscar L. Huber. Like all sacraments, Extreme Unction affects the soul of the recipient. According to the priest who performed the ceremony, although JFK appeared dead, his soul may still have been within his body, and although not visible to human eyes, the President could have accepted the sacrament before his soul left his body.

The following is taken from Time Magazine from Friday, November 29, 1963, and gives a lot of information.

At 12:45, two Roman Catholic priests went swiftly into the emergency room. A policeman came out. "How is he?" a reporter asked. "He's dead," came the reply. Assistant Press Secretary Malcolm Kilduff appeared. To a deluge of questions, he screamed, "I can't say, I just can't say!"

Last Rites. But he was dead. It was about 1 p.m. The Very Rev. Oscar L. Huber drew back a sheet that covered the President's face, and anointed John Kennedy's forehead with oil. He gave him conditional absolution—tendered when a priest has no way of knowing the victim's mind or whether the soul has yet left the body. In Latin, Father Huber said, "I absolve you from all censures and sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. If you are living, may the Lord by this holy anointing forgive whatever you have sinned. Amen. I, by the faculty given to me by the Apostolic See, grant to you a plenary indulgence and remission of all sins and I bless you. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Then he covered the President's face once more with the sheet and in English offered the prayers for the Dying and for the Departed Soul: "May the most clement Virgin Mary, Mother of God, the most loving consoler of the afflicted, commend to her Son the soul of this servant, John . . . Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I sleep and rest in peace in your holy company . . . Grant, O Lord, that while we here lament the departure of Your servant, we may ever remember that we are most certainly to follow him. Give us grace to prepare for that last hour by a good life, that we may not be surprised by a sudden death but be ever watching, for when Thou shall call that soul, we may enter eternal glory through Christ, Our Lord. Eternal rest grant him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen."

Jacqueline Kennedy stood next to the President's body, and with a clear voice, prayed with the others: "Our Father, Who art in Heaven . . ." and "Hail, Mary, full of grace. . . ." End of Quote from Time.

These are very beautiful prayers said during a solemn occasion. May we pray that the soul of John F. Kennedy is with the Lord, just as we pray for everyone who leaves this world for the next.