Bishop should broaden view regarding social justice

Bishop should broaden view regarding social justice

EDITOR:

Bishop Tobin’s discussion of social issues in the Sept. 6 Vindicator presents him as outspoken on political matters. He would appear brave when he says: “When we teach we don’t take a public opinion.” His motto of “no cowardly spirit” reminds Catholics they are expected to accept and obey. But as Gov. Don Carcieri pointed out, not all priests agree and many among the laity do not agree with his politics.

The governor and U.S. immigration authorities ordered a search for illegal immigrants to identify for possible deportation. According to the media, illegal immigrants are present in this country by the millions. The drastic drain on the welfare system and hospital services is causing a financial crisis and hospitals to go bankrupt. Most Americans would have no objection to holding out a helping hand to the oppressed or victimized. Rather than take the governor to task, I think Tobin would have done better to urge political forces to negotiate/pressure the government of these immigrants to help their own people. The social evil as I see it is the wealth of the nation in the hands of a few. This might have required courage.

Bishop Tobin ought to speak out and help victims/families of clergy sex abuse. Granted the cases currently in litigation in Rhode Island were not committed on his watch in Providence. Just last month four cases were settled in principle that were filed in 2003 having failed settlement in 2002. Why the long delay? Judge Vogel ordered the church to turn over records reflecting the church’s knowledge of complaints against the priests. From the secret files it was learned the diocese had reported only 56 priests of the 125 accused. Bishops across the country have fought vigorously to prevent any kind of justice for those victimized by their own clergy. Why would he not speak out on this public issue — and certainly a moral issue. Silence doesn’t take courage.

A Philadelphia grand jury (2005) harshly criticized the archdiocese for concealing hundreds of minors abused and for cover-up by Cardinal Bevilacqua, Tobin’s mentor while in Pittsburgh. Would that Bishop Tobin boldly spoke up for reform in the organization and justice for those it has harmed.

JOHN WIRTZ

North Jackson

Transplanted Golden Stater enjoys life as a Buckeye

EDITOR:

When I moved to Ohio from California a few years back, the most surprising reaction came from people in my new home town. Over and over again, they asked “Why would you move here from there?”

There were many reasons, and I tried to explain, but they seemed to think I was crazy. I now count myself as one of over 11 million Buckeyes. I live in the state that gave our country some of its greatest inventors, eight presidents, and is recognized as one of the nation’s industrial leaders.

I am honored to count among my neighbors and friends, farmers, retired auto workers, school teachers, construction workers and students, young and old.

On Election Day, I plan to honor the rich history of my new state while helping to build toward an even greater future. I plan to vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden, who will work to preserve and grow America’s free market, ensure economic opportunity for family farmers, protect Social Security and create new jobs right here in Ohio by investing in a clean energy future.

And hopefully, next time I tell someone I moved from California to Ohio, they will ask what took me so long.

TANYA M. ALSBERG

Champion