Of all the pious prattlers in these United States, is any more annoying than Michael Gerson? Maybe it only seems that way on account of the megaphone he has at The Washington Post. These poor, trod-upon Christians. The heathens running America are keeping them from getting their message out. It is rare that you have to listen to one but the Post has made sure we all know what's on Gerson's mind.
Most recently, the Catholics: how Obama won their votes but is now double-crossing them on abortion. Where to begin? Gerson, anticipating the objection that Obama was a pro-choice candidate who is now governing as one, argues lamely that--it's quite disappointing to see him govern as one. It seems a lot of Catholics are less surprised than Gerson, for the polling figures he breathlessly cites do not appear to be particularly alarming to Obama's prospects. A full 41% of white, non-Hispanic Catholics disapprove of his job performance! I guess that means that 59% of white, non-Hispanic Catholics do not disapprove. No wonder Gerson feels obliged to add, "It could get much worse." Indeed it could!
Personally, I think it would be a good sign for Obama if his approval rating among Catholics were somewhat lower. What is he doing that so many of them like? The Church's leaders--I'm talking about the superannuated virgins in robes and funny hats--are, like Gerson himself, afflicted with a preening self-assuredness on moral questions. They know, and you had better listen, because they stand with God. To an outsider it appears that standing with God means never having to worry about the consequences of actions. Thus the pope blithely re-condemns condoms. That their use can save lives and lighten the load of suffering in the world is immaterial. He insists upon an impossible ideal. People will die but the Church will remain unsullied by the bleeding world. It sounds best in Latin.
Gerson is reprehensible but check out the comments below his column. Yech!
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