Editorial

Peace is not just the absence of war, says the the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The above passage from the catechism points to the link between respect for human life and peace in our world.

As we Catholics begin our annual Respect Life Program observance in October, it seems especially appropriate that we reflect on the connection between respect for all life and peace. The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th have given a new dimension to our thoughts, discussions, and prayers.

Lack of respect for life. We see a lack of respect for human life throughout our world. It is not only the radical Islamic terrorists who show disregard for human life. While we condemn their actions, we should take a hard look at ourselves as well.

What have we done to help the poor and powerless in our country and throughout the world? Have we really shared our wealth with others, or have we hung onto it selfishly? Have we helped -- either directly or indirectly -- to kill the unborn, to marginalize the disabled, to segregate those different than us, to forget the elderly?

Renounce all violence. We must renounce all acts of violence against human life. Of course, this includes any terrorist acts. It may be morally permissable to use some limited military means to defend ourselves against terrorism, but we must be very careful to avoid involving innocent people.

I hope the United States and its allies continue to use any and all other means -- diplomatic initiatives, economic sanctions, investigation/arrest -- to defeat the terrorists. We must also examine the root causes of terrorism and look for ways to safeguard human rights, provide aid to poor nations, and support democratic initiatives. The food drop on Afghanistan was a positive step in that direction.

Pray for peace. We must pray that respect for human life at all stages will lead to peace throughout the world. On October 11 and every day, join our Holy Father and Bishop William H. Bullock in praying the Rosary for peace. Ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for us and our world in the days ahead.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

To the editor:

Msgr. George Higgins in his columns of July 5 and Aug. 16 defends his recommendations made to the AFL-CIO executive committee in 1990 that the union "remain neutral on the abortion issue." According to the monsignor, the union adopted the recommendation overwhelmingly and remains neutral today.

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It can be assumed that Msgr. Higgins was asked to testify before the panel because it was seeking guidance from a man of the cloth regarding issues of ethics and morality. But his advice invites many questions, first and foremost of which is: How can a Catholic priest suggest that anyone under any circumstances remain neutral on the issue of abortion?

In defending his recommendation, Msgr. Higgins states that if the union were to deviate from its policy of neutrality on the abortion issue, "it would seriously disrupt the movement's unity and solidarity at a time when it needs the fullest measure of internal unity and solidarity if it hopes to survive and prosper."

But what about the survival of the unborn child? What is more important -- the survival of the AFL-CIO or the lives of millions of unborn children slaughtered by abortion since 1990?

With the union remaining neutral on the abortion issue, the pro-life cause loses. Planned Parenthood doesn't admit that it promotes abortion -- it insists that it merely wants the woman to have a choice, to abort or not to abort. By waiving the opportunity to take a stand against abortion, the union in effect is agreeing with Planned Parenthood's position, i.e., leave it up to the woman to decide.

Msgr. Higgins stated that the union's decision was final and "applies to the AFL-CIO and all of its state federations and local control labor councils." But if the union "remains neutral today" and the decision applies to local labor councils, how is it that in Janesville on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2001, a pro-life float was denied permission to participate in the U.A.W. Labor Fest parade because its "literature was offensive"?

James E. Brennan, Janesville

Reader grateful for family column

To the editor:

Thank you for carrying Monica and Bill Dodds' column, "Your Family." I especially want to commend you and both of them for the honest-straight-forward column on "Living with an Alcoholic."

Affected family members and friends of persons who abuse alcohol can find hope at one of many Al-Anon meetings available seven days a week in the Madison Diocese. For a meeting schedule dial 608-241-6644, available 24 hours every day.

A grateful member of Al-Anon, Mary S.