Catholic --- and voting for Kerry for president

[juajen]

This letter to the editor was published in The Daily Advertiser, Lafayette, Louisiana on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004. It's a wonderful letter and I wanted to share it with my DU pals.

CATHOLIC -- AND VOTING FOR KERRY FOR PRESIDENT

This Catholic is voting for John Kerry! Pro-life, I respect all life -- fromm conception to the moment of natural death.

Some candidates talk pro-life, but oppose programs to assist the poor, the oppressed, minorities and young mothers. They talk pro-life but won't spend a nickel on life.

Some politicians talk pro-life but spend billions of tax dollars not on life, but on capital punishment, wars of choice, and on the culture of fear and death.

Some politicians talk pro-life and use (actually they misuse) scripture verses to justify arrogance and hatred.

They've learned that one can be mean-spirited, hate filled, angry, cheap -- one can even kill -- all in the name of religion, and not feel guilty. They use and misuse religion.

John Kerry, on the other hand, consistently votes for life; he votes for fully funding prenatal care -- that is pro-life; he votes to fully fund medical care for young mothers and their newborns. Kerry votes for universal healthcare for all Americans -- especially for America's working poor. Kerry votes to fund programs ensuring our elders lives of dignity and self-respect. Kerry puts his money where his mouth is and is a pro-life Catholic (in its truest sense).

As I age, I better and better understand the lesson of the cross. Hanging on the cross, Jesus did not die to placate Satan or the Father; He died to placate and awaken us. Jesus crucified teaches -- Look at me! When you think that violence solves problems, gaze upon the cross. This is what happens when you fail to forgive. This is what happens when you think that you alone are right; Look at Jesus crucified. That's what happens when we seek simple-minded answers to complex questions.

I am voting pro-life. I am voting pro-family. I am voting for John Kerry for President.

Ron Bodin
Erath