Tuesday-Jan 15-Charlie Brennan Show on KMOX 1120am

I have been informed that Charlie Brennan is going to devote a FULL show starting at 9am Tuesday, February 15, to the topic of whether Jamie Allman is good or bad for the Archdiocese.

Personally, I think it is about time that the St. Louis Archdiocese has a voice from the media world, to engage the media and the culture. I do not believe that the messenger, in this case, Jamie Allman, is in any way abrasive but that the message itself is difficult for many to accept.

I have tried to recall the instances in which the previous spokeman for the Archdiocese so clearly enunciated the views and positions of the Archbishop and the Archdiocese, but am a loss to recall any other than a few quotes in the Post. Perhaps, others have a different recollection. But then, the past few weeks have been rather different in certain respects.

Considering that Archbishop Burke apparently wanted someone with media experience and other desirable qualifications, and chose Mr. Allman for the position, it seems to me that we should support both Archbishop Burke's decision and Mr. Allman.

It is a fact of history that those who are charged with presenting the views of the Church to the general public will be criticized or even villified.

Lastly, after reading and listening to many, if not most, of the various interviews with Mr. Allman, especially during these past few tumultuous weeks of frenzied media attention, particularly about the St. Stanislaus issue, I have heard nothing but a solid and reasoned defense of Archbishop Burke and his policies and decisions. One wonders, then, why there is this sudden uproar over the new Archdiocesan Executive Director of Communications?

Perhaps those who have the opportunity to listen to the show might also take that opportunity to phone KMOX with support for Mr. Allman and the Archbishop. For those who are unable to listen or call, prayers would be a most worthy alternative.