I agree with the previous poster. A Champion of the Poor? For 35+ years he has been a champion of Planned Parenthood.

Re Kennedy’s death

As a member of the faithful, I understand our responsibility to lift up the dead and their family in prayer.

But with all the attention given to his death, It is dissappointing that your comment doesn’t utilize this as a teachable moment on the moral truths of the Faith many of which Senator Kennedy was blind to. Apparently, he was not always blind to these truths as a letter he wrote (copied below) from 1971 indicating his support for the unborn.

This letter should be used as a sign that maybe during the final days before his death, he was able to grasp again these truths which he had become blind to over the course of his political career.

From a letter to Mr. Thomas Donnelly of Great Neck, NY, dated August 3, 1971. Senator Kennedy writes:

“Dear Mr. Donnelly:

“I appreciate your letter containing your views on abortion. There are many moral and legal aspects arising from this complex issue which is gaining the acceptance of large numbers of women faced with unwanted pregnancies, while disturbing the consciences of a great many other Americans.

“Opponents maintain that abortion is wrong from every theological, moral and medical aspect. Proponents are firmly convinced that the woman, alone, has the right to decide.

“While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life. Wanted or unwanted, I believe that human life, even at its earliest stages, has certain rights which must be recognized — the right to be born, the right to love, the right to grow old.

“On the question of the individual’s freedom of choice there are easily available birth control methods and information which women may employ to prevent or postpone pregnancy. But once life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely by desire.

“I share the confidence of those who feel that America is willing to care for its unwanted as well as wanted children, protecting particularly those who cannot protect themselves. i also share the opinions of those who do not accept abortion as a response to our society’s problems — an inadequate welfare system, unsatisfactory job training programs, and insufficient financial support for all its citizens.

“When history looks back to this era it should recognize this generation as one which cared about human beings enough to halt the practice of war, to provide a decent living for every family, and to fulfill its responsibility to its children from the very moment of conception.

Sincerely,
Edward M. Kennedy”

Now that was a Catholic Democrat. But he grew, as they say, in office. Whatever happened to these guys? I’d like to consider giving them my vote. If they still existed.

As a Catholic trying to be faithful to all the Church teaches, it is more difficult when a prominent Catholic politician, such as he was with views on abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research oppossed to the Church’s teachings, is given only praise without even a whisper from you or other Catholic bishops in response.

Please guide us.

AMDG

Albert