Thursday, April 26, 2007

Is Ignorance the Key to Burke/Crow/Costas Matter?

The latest story story in the Post-Dispatch has quotes of Allen Allred which tend to demonstrate how completely ignorant and out of touch the man is when it comes to his professed Catholic Faith. The comments can only be described as foolish, thoughtless, idiotic, ridiculous, and irrational.

Allen Allred, chairman of the planning committee for the fundraiser and a board member of the Cardinal Glennon's Children's Foundation — the fundraising arm of the hospital — said Crow is not coming to make speeches.
That depends on what she sings, does it not? Has the board reviewed and approved her song list? If not, how can he claim what she will do or say?

"This event is about helping sick kids," he said. "I'm disappointed and saddened there are people in our community who are attempting to use this event to further a political agenda. If we go down that road, do we start asking doctors for their positions on abortion? Do we quiz every single donor what they think of embryonic stem cell research before accepting their money?"

Archbishop Burke is certainly not "attempting to use this event to further a political agenda." So to whom does Mr Allred refer? Unfortunately, no reporter seems to have asked him. Maybe he would be forthcoming enough to enlighten the public and tell us who is behind such an agenda?

Then he begins speaking like so many other pseudo-Catholics and imposters of the faith, by throwing red herrings to the press. He asks the infantile question:
"Do we start asking doctors for their positions on abortion? "
If a doctor wishes to work for a Catholic hospital, is it not relevant what his beliefs in this matter are? What faithful Catholic would want to hire a doctor who believes that killing the unborn is in accord with right reason, let alone with saving lives? What faithful Catholic hospital administrator would want to hire an abortionist or one who supports moral evils?

He then follows one absurd question with another, which is even worse:
"Do we quiz every single donor what they think of embryonic stem cell research before accepting their money?"
This question is thoughtless and irresponsible. How many of those who contribute to support Cardinal Glennon make it known to the world they they support the murder of the innocent unborn like Sheryl Crow has done?

Allred is against the wall on this one, and he knows it, or he lacks even the most basic understanding of his faith. What else explains these embarrassing questions?

Archbishop Burke asks the proper question, the answer of which seems to have eluded Allred and others:
"What if, for instance, there were someone appearing who we discovered was openly racist and who made statements and took actions to promote racism?...Do you think that I would let that go on?"

Evidently, those on the board of the Cardinal Glennon's Children's Foundation would not seem to have a problem with such a person - as long as enough money could be raised to help the children...after all, isn't "tainted" money still money? And isn't raising money their job, regardless of its source or circumstances?

Perhaps there should be a litmus test for board members of Catholic institutions - If there were more faithful Catholics on boards such as these, maybe episodes like this would be non-existent.

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