In my mailbox at school today, I found a print-out of an article written by The Catholic Knight.
The Catholic Knight lists three essential “deal breaker” points of Catholic Social Teaching, issues that are so important, if a candidate opposes them, that candidate is unworthy of the Catholic vote. Pope Benedict highlighted these three issues in a speech he gave to Italian politicians in 2006.
These are (from the pope’s speech):
- “protection of life in all its stages, from the first moment of conception to natural death” (pro-life)
- “recognition and promotion of the natural structure of the family — as a union between a man and a woman based on marriage — and its defense from attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different forms of union which in reality harm it and contribute to its de-stabilization, obscuring its particular character and its irreplaceable social role” (pro-family)
- and “the protection of the right of parents to educate their children.” (pro-school choice)
The Catholic Knight then lists how major candidates rate on these issues. According to the Knight’s analysis, only one candidate satisfies all three: Mike Huckabee! I have to admit, I am a bit surprised. According to the Catholic Knight’s analysis, Obama and Hillary are both 0 for 3, but McCain is only 1 of 3, although he is closer to the ideal than either Obama or Hillary.
I was surprised to see school choice listed up there with being pro-life and pro-family.
I am not trying to start an all-out political war here, but simply presenting all of this for discussion and edification. Please let’s keep any comments/discussion civil and charitable.
David Bennett
Jennifer
asimplesinner
Fr. J.
Chad Toney
Jorge Flores
Jonathan B
carmelbennett
nicenehobbit
Jason S
jaybird68
papaz
March 1, 2008 at 4:43 am
I think Mike Huckabee is the best candidate! I like him a lot!
In my opinion, he is a very reasonable person.
After Huckabee, I pick McCain. After McCain, Obama.
Hillary Clinton, NEVER!!
Anyhow, it doesn’t really matter who I pick. I cannot vote! I’m just an illegal alien. :)
March 1, 2008 at 9:26 pm
You need to hear Alan Keyes before making your decision in the time of the primaries:
Pleade visit my blog.
March 3, 2008 at 1:39 pm
The USCCB has issued what I think is a rather good statement on the subject. It can be found here:
http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/