Catholic Pro-Life Group Presents President Bush Award

[JimG]

Which makes the case for limited terms, does it not?

Yes, it does. But, on the other hand, we have term limits now: we are free to not elect any incumbent in any election.

And given the flak that politicians must take simply for being a politician, why would anyone want to run for office? I might be considered a great guy by my friends, but the minute I file for elective office, I’m nothing but a low-life who will do anything to get elected and re-elected.

 

[tafan]

Of course, Bush would be the first to say he isn’t a gilded saint! No one is claiming that he is, here, either.

I have to disagree with you about giving him the same award as others who may be more worthy. Worthiness has to be judged according to the circumstances. Did Bush stand up to those who were determined to undermine his every effort to promote any kind of pro-life program? Yes, he did. Did he take a chance in his political life for his pro-life stance? Yes, he did. Did he do what he could according to the Constitution he swore to uphold? I think he did.

Apart from that consideration, we have to admit that Bush receiving this award has focused attention on it in quarters that would never have thought it of any importance. Getting the message out is just as important as the message itself. If no one hears it, what good can it do?

So, was Bush perfect? No, of course not. Did he deserve this award? Considering the circumstances under which he labored, I believe the answer is yes.

Very good. I would only add that I have not heard anything about Fr. Pavone or Fr. Euteneuer expressing any discomfort with the award to Bush. No one wants to canonize/beautify Bush, I did not know that the O’Connor award did that.

 

[Della]

Yes, it does. But, on the other hand, we have term limits now: we are free to not elect any incumbent in any election.

True, but in reality it becomes a career instead of service because incumbents get re-elected over and over again. There’s something to be said for both positions, which is why the “debate” continues. Yes?

And given the flak that politicians must take simply for being a politician, why would anyone want to run for office? I might be considered a great guy by my friends, but the minute I file for elective office, I’m nothing but a low-life who will do anything to get elected and re-elected.

Yes, that’s a part of the reality, too. I’ve thought about how my life would be evaluated if I stepped out into the glare of public attention–it wouldn’t be pretty. Not because I am a low-life, any more than you, but because anyone who raises his head is demonized by the opposing side. That’s what’s truly sad, IMHO.

 

[markomalley]

JimG/Della,

Yes, the person running for office immediately goes under an electron microscope. And that is a pity.

But when a person is granted demigod status and becomes our “Great Leader” when elected, I think that it might be warranted.

Maybe the best alternative is to look on them as our servants and not as our gods (little “g” intentional).

 

[Della]

JimG/Della,

Yes, the person running for office immediately goes under an electron microscope. And that is a pity.

But when a person is granted demigod status and becomes our “Great Leader” when elected, I think that it might be warranted.

Maybe the best alternative is to look on them as our servants and not as our gods (little “g” intentional).

That was the original intention of the FFs. They envisioned a citizen led government in which people served for a while and then returned to their own businesses/occupations not the career politician we have today.

 

[Della]

Very good. I would only add that I have not heard anything about Fr. Pavone or Fr. Euteneuer expressing any discomfort with the award to Bush. No one wants to canonize/beautify Bush, I did not know that the O’Connor award did that.

I also think it telling that past award winners haven’t voice opposition to Bush receiving it.

markomalley mentioned canonization as a sidebar, so I responded to that in my post.