Editorial

Beware of words. Words, you ask? Didn't we learn when we were kids that "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"?

We know that old adage isn't true. Words can indeed hurt us. Words of ridicule, condemnation, hatred, and violence can cause deep wounds in our minds, hearts, and spirits. On the other hand, words of support, praise, love, and gentleness can bring healing and wholeness.

Powerful tools. Besides their personal uses, words can also be powerful tools for knowledge. But there again, we must beware. We can't always believe every word we hear or read - especially in the 21st Century.

Words bombard us on radio, television, movies, the Internet, and cell phones. We see billboards and signs on buses. We read newspapers, magazines, books, and newsletters. We still get mail, particularly advertising fliers.

These days many of those words are altered by "spin doctors." People try to change the words to fit their point of view. We saw the height of spin during this recent election season. But spin is happening all the time.

How spin works. A case in point. There is a debate waging in this country about embryonic stem-cell research. This research destroys human embryos. Tiny human beings are being killed. There's no way to get around it. The end - finding cures for diseases (although none so far) - justifies the means.

But wait a minute. There is a way to get around this moral dilemma. Don't call them "embryonic" stem cells. That sounds too much like babies.

Instead, call them "early" stem cells. That doesn't sound so bad. "Early" could mean anything. If scientists use the word "early," before long we'll forget what "early" means. We'll forget that human embryos are involved.

Fortunately, not all scientists are buying the "early" stem cell jargon. But just "Google" the phrase "early stem cells" and you'll get plenty of hits.

This is similar to using "pro-choice" instead of pro-abortion. Or "fetal demise" (as talked about in the recent Supreme Court arguments on the partial-birth abortion ban) instead of fetal death. Or "euthanasia" instead of mercy killing. Or "collateral damage" for killing civilians in war.

Back to the truth. George Orwell warned about the twisting of words in his novel 1984 - words that meant the opposite of what they said. It doesn't sound too different than what we're experiencing with the use of language today.

On the other hand, Jesus was called the Word of God. His words, we learned, were the words of everlasting life. Perhaps our society needs to stop spinning and get back to the truth of the Gospel. We also need to use words carefully, truthfully, and well - and don't let the spin doctors rule our society.

Mary C. Uhler

Mailbag

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Please include your city or town of residence. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

Readers appreciate bishop speaking out on moral issues

To the editor:

What a pleasure to see our bishop take a stand on moral issues affecting all Catholics today.

I've lived in many areas of our country and have been used to parishioners and clergy alike running for cover when controversial issues arise. Our bishop's recent letter to all parishes in the diocese was a breath of fresh air.

To the Catholics who walked out of church in secularist Madison, I say, "You need to re-study your Catholic faith and your church's teachings."

God bless you, Bishop Morlino. You've made me want to stand up and shout for joy.

William Bartz, Westfield

To the editor:

Thanks be to God for blessing our diocese with a good bishop like Bishop Morlino. His decision to share his thoughts on the major social issues of the day with the Catholic faithful in the pews demonstrates that he takes his responsibility of being a Catholic bishop very seriously.

It is a sad commentary that in some isolated cases some of our own priests disagree with his preaching in defense of marriage. Let us pray for our bishop that he continues to be a courageous shepherd of souls in our diocese.

Fritz Kopp, Monroe

To the editor:

The Diocese of Madison, and the greater Madison community, is privileged to have the intellectual and moral leadership of Bishop Morlino. In respect of his teaching office his clarity and courage are exemplary. This is a benefit not only to the Pilgrim Church but also to all who accompany it on our temporal journey.

James M. Roherty, DeForest

To the editor:

About the bishop's letters . . . Bravo.

We should be one church, with one voice. I think your letter(s) in tone and direction was "right on."

Publishing the letters in the Catholic Herald was also a great move. It took all the "interpretation" out. We now know first hand what was communicated.

God bless you.

Dave Grzybowski, Madison

To the editor:

Whoever leaked Bishop Morlino's "personal and confidential" letter to the media displayed stunning arrogance and an egregious lack of integrity. They also displayed an appalling lack of knowledge of the natural moral law, to say nothing of common sense and courtesy.

What is even more amazing, they would enforce that same level of ignorance and misinformation on everyone else. From their point of view, morality has now become immoral, evidence is irrelevant, and they are totally intolerant of true tolerance and compassion.

A bishop is responsible to God for the leadership he gives his flock. He does not answer to politically correct wolves in sheep's clothing.

Judy Winter, Platteville