April 3, 2009
Our Readers
Sadly surprised Steele invitation not withdrawn
To the editor:
Congratulations are due to Bishop Gettelfinger for the principled decision he made about not attending the upcoming Vanderburgh County Right to Life banquet which will have Mr. Michael Steele as its featured speaker. I know that others will join the bishop.
Mr. Steele’s comments in an interview recently published in the GQ magazine cannot possibly be interpreted as anything but “pro-choice” as regards abortion. His subsequent comments about truly being “pro-life” come across as disingenuous and patently political. Too many who hold political office — either elected or appointed — seem to think that they can walk both sides of the pro-life/pro-choice street without much notice. Well, the bishop’s decision to not attend this year’s dinner does indeed serve notice!
In light of all of this, it is sadly surprising that the leadership of Vanderburgh County Right to Life has not withdrawn its invitation to Mr. Steele based upon what he revealed in his GQ interview. VCRL has done so much good over the years. It is disheartening to see this truly fine and valuable organization stain itself by having Mr. Steele speak at the banquet. What principle is VCRL standing on to allow this? Bishop Gettelfinger has made an absolutely correct decision based upon a rock-solid, unwavering principle. Let’s thank him for taking a clear stand and let’s support him in it.
- Kenneth W. Krasavage | Newburgh
Bishop right, but he should be consistent
To the editor:
I wanted to voice my agreement with Bishop Gettlefinger in taking a stand and not attending the Annual Right to Life Dinner in Evansville for the comments made by Michael Steele. You must be 100 percent pro-life to be the keynote speaker, and even though Mr. Steele is a good man and probably misspoke during the interview, he needs to step back and think about his positions and how they come across before he answers questions in an interview. The answer he should have given was there is no choice involved, it is either right or wrong. Life is right and choosing to end the life of any innocent human being is always wrong.
I do, however, want to ask the Bishop why he is not consistent in this message of pro-life all the time, especially during election years. Why is there no guidance and a firm hand from the diocese and our catholic publications speaking out against this evil all the time, especially during elections? I read the Message weekly and I have not seen it. We cannot feign righteous indignation some of the time. If it was not for individual people and groups writing letters to the editor, I doubt we would hear much about it. This publication has the ability to spread this message or stay silent and let this culture of death continue. Our catholic leadership must speak up loudly and often and be heard.
Are we afraid that we might offend ourselves and make us think about how this action of choice is tearing the very fabric of life from our country. Shame on us for not doing more and speaking out against it more forcefully. I ask the Bishop to be more dedicated, consistent and outspoken on this issue in the future.
- Rick Flynn | Washington, Ind.
In praise of Michael Steele
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Bishop Gettelfinger, with copies provided to the Message, Catholic Charities and Vanderburgh County Right to Life.
As a devout Caucasian Catholic I am completely upset after reading the front page article in the Washington Times of 22 March, pertinent to your biased conclusion of Michael Steele’s pro-life stance.
I know Mr. Steele very well. I supported his campaign on account of his pro-life position when he was elected Lt. Governor of Maryland and in his bid for Maryland U.S. Senator, which he lost mostly due to his pro-life stance.
No one can challenge his dedication to his Catholic faith, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader in his parish. I don’t understand your attitude toward Mr. Steele.
What action are you taking to stop Obama from speaking at the commencement at our prestigious Notre Dame University in your state?
Obama’s position on abortion (baby killing) speaks for itself. He is not only endorsing stem cell research (baby killing) but is out to destroy our Catholic beliefs.
His socialist views are well known. Liberals say about the poor they help. It’s like saying we observe nine of the Ten Commandments, but we ignore the important one, Thou Shalt Not Kill. We conservative Catholics obey all 10.
So by the grace of God may you reconsider and harmoniously work with Mr. Steele.
- Donald J. Seibert | Berlin, Md.
Agrees with bishop’s banquet decision
To the editor:
I just want to state that I agree with the bishop not attending this event because of the church’s stand on abortion. Steele is a classic example of someone who says they are pro life but believes in pro choice.
- Louise Branch | Pro Life, St. Philip Neri, Bicknell