THE VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM |
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Tuesday, April 12, 2005
VATICAN REWARDS INCOMPETENCE & ARROGANCE I've never been a fan of the late Pope John Paul II, because I think his refusal to modernize the Church set it back. For example, his staunch enforcement of the no birth control rule results in overpopulation, among those cultures that can least afford it. I also think that not allowing priests to marry is way out of touch with reality. I'm sorry, but despite the Church's arguments to the contrary, I don't see the sense in priests counseling married couples, or singles, on matters dealing with issues for which they don't have subjective experience. Priests live in protected environments with all their needs provided. They don't have to worry about food, shelter, medical care, clothing, transportation, etc. It's an unrealistic world in which they live. Worse yet is that they live unnatural sex-less lives, or at least they're supposed to. These guys can't possibly understand the day-to-day problems that married couples, and singles face trying to earn a living. Then, to top it off, Catholics are told that sex is out, except for married couples, and, only then only for purpose of the propagation of the faith. That's the Church's take on copulation. But, for those people who want the Church to remain true to its fundamental roots, and there are many, the late Pope's a hero, a saint even. Perhaps as a long time lapsed Catholic I have no right to comment but with Church leaders of all denominations taking an active role in politics I feel that makes them fair game for criticism. But here's my current gripe. About 2 years ago Cardinal Bernard F. Law resigned from his post as Archbishop of Boston, an impressive position, given the large number of Catholics he oversaw. The resignation was the result of the now famous scandal involving his shifting of perverted pedophile priests from one parish to another to keep them one step ahead of the law. Despite this infamous act, which should have been regarded as criminal, he was not however punished. It seems the Cardinal was rewarded for his behavior by being banished to Rome, to the Vatican. Law received what amounts to a plush promotion and has been appointed the Archpriest of The Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four most prestigious churches in Rome. It's no secret that he was always a favorite of Pope John Paul II, and has wielded considerable authority in the appointment of new bishops. He serves on more influential Church committees than any other American Cardinal. One would think he would have been quietly retired, given the heinousness of the crimes upon which he seemingly bestowed his blessing. At the very least one would expect that he would have been reassigned to some less than desirable duty station, such as, oh, I don't know, perhaps, Iran. But no, he gets the Vatican, and, in his current position, a lot more prestige and power. He celebrated a special mass, as part of the nine days of mourning masses in honor of the late Pope, something reserved for only the privileged, among the privileged few. He even gets to cast a ballot in the conclave for the election of the next Pope. We'll soon find out how much influence he really has if the next Pope adopts the name, Pope Pervertius I.  Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Sunday, April 03, 2005
THE SHOW IS OVER Terry Shiavo was finally allowed to peacefully complete her journey to death, after 15 years. Now what are the rabble rousers going to do? Where are all the self appointed experts, moralists, "do-gooders," and the rest of the pains-in-the ass going to go? Talk about a sideshow. P.T. Barnum would have had a spot for them in his freak show. The media would have you believe that there was a Super Bowl size crowd in attendance, when in fact there was about 100-200 sad sacks with nothing better to do than disturb the residents of the hospice. The camera crews are careful not to use a high angle view of the carnival lest viewers realize what a non-event this actually was. Instead they keep the cameras level with the crowds' chest area so it looks as if a sea of people were there. I spotted a weird looking woman brandishing a sign that read: "This is exactly how the holocaust started." Man does she need a history lesson, and a brain activity test. There were activists who think they're doctors, doctors who think they're God, lawyers who think they're God's gift to the world, politicians who are just, well, full of shit, not the least of which are Tom DeLay, and Rick Santorum, the future leader of The American Inquisition. There were preachers and priests in abundance, experts all of them, in every imaginable field, particularly bullshit. Most amusing were the throwback to the 12th century priests parading around in sandals, with a cord cinched around the waists of their hooded robes. Oh give me a break! How normal could a 21st century Friar be anyway? Someone who took umbrage at the fact that Michael Shiavo was with Terry as she died; he said that she didn't want to be with him, she wanted to be with her parents and siblings. Once, just once I'd like one of these news people, or interviewers or whatever they're called, news show hosts I think would be more appropriate, to ask one of these assholes, "How the fuck do you know?" No, that's too much to ask. They'll just continue to gaze at these pointless people with a look of awe. These clowns always act as if they're friggin' mind readers, they think that what they want, everyone would want. Why? Well, because they feel they're the best people on Earth, perfect, and all knowing, just like God. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito |
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