GOP has little to learn from Catholics
In a recent column, Michael Gerson advised the Republican Party to embrace Catholic teachings: "a commitment to the common good and a particular concern for the poor and vulnerable." Apparently, he offered this advice to help the party win future elections. In my opinion, Gerson's advice comes from a misunderstanding of American Catholics.
Catholics in the U.S., including much of their leadership, have assimilated to pop-culture, which has a long history of anti-Catholicism. They reject Catholic doctrine on contraception and abortion. They reject the ultimate moral authority of the Pope. They have internalized the ideology of their oppressors. The poster girl for such Catholics is Madonna Ciccone, entertainer and, now, convert to Judaism.
These neo-Catholics have adopted the Democratic social agenda of socialism and sexual liberation, both of which make the problems of chronic poverty worse not better. Inflation ("Monetary Easing"), ever expanding taxation and regulation depress job creation. Sexual promiscuity and female headed households bring unwanted children into the population.
Rather than address these moral issues, the Catholic bishops have joined with the Democrats and funded their agenda through the money laundering scheme known as the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. They have yoked themselves with unbelievers like community organizer Saul Alinsky. In contrast, they have not instituted such a funding mechanism for Catholic anti-abortion groups and women's' centers. A survey conducted several years ago in Chicago revealed that 75 percent to 80 percent of Catholic priests vote Democrat.
In short, Republicans have little to learn from the American Church.
George Kocan
Warrenville
