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	Oh, Quit Catholic Bashing, Already By David Harsanyi Denver Post April 18, 2008 http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_8964733 Talk show host Bill Maher last week accused Pope Benedict XVI of being a "Nazi" in his youth and heading up a "child-abusing religious cult" — or more precisely, "the Bear Stearns of organized pedophilia." Now, undoubtedly, there is a treasure trove of amusement to be unearthed at the expense of fallen holy men. But Catholic bashing has gotten so obvious, so tedious, it seems only TV writers find it humorous anymore. But hey, it's a free country, of course, so feel free to ridicule any group you desire. * See disclaimer below. The thing is, the derision aimed at the Catholic Church, often using half-truths and over-the-top invective, unmasks a double standard. The hysterical critics of the Catholic Church are many of the same folks who lecture us endlessly about the need to "build bridges" and develop mutual "understanding" with theocrats and tyrants. They are the same folks who bristle at the very notion of labeling a nation "evil" — even if a nation happens to starve its people, threaten holy war, or allow death cults (like Hamas) to open embassies in their capitals. The Catholic Church, apparently, is so wicked that the pope is cut less slack than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. There are, according to most sources, around 65 million Catholics wrestling with guilt each day in the United States, making this nation one of the largest Catholic communities in the world. Surely, most of these citizens abhor child abuse. Yet, if we accept the fuming diatribes of folks like Maher, Catholics are being lured by tasty sacraments as they continue to send their children to vile pedophiles. The church, no doubt, has brought much grief onto itself. Before landing in Washington, Pope Benedict stated that he was "deeply ashamed" of the sexual abuse scandals. "It is a great suffering for the church in the United States and for the church in general and for me personally that this could happen," he said. The church, in many cases, defended, concealed and was basically an accomplice after the fact. The pope, despite his holy sway, (as far as I know) can't alter history. He can only apologize and move forward. The Catholic Church, for all its faults, is also one the most charitable organizations in the world. The church has likely helped more poor children than any government-run bureaucracy. In this country, for many decades, Catholic schools have offered scholarships to underprivileged kids who were quite often abandoned by public education. And speaking of public education: Nary a week goes by without a new report of an educator sleeping with or abusing a child. I've yet to hear anyone call government-run schools the "Enron of organized pederasts." The exaggerated attacks on the pope, in reality, are politically motivated, more about the church's positions on abortion and gay marriage than abused children. Though I disagree with the church's positions on those issues, frankly it's none of my business. Or, at least, none of my business until a papal representative is occupying a Senate seat or the Vatican starts buying centrifuges from Russia. Pope Benedict has not done anything to elicit the type of scorn we've seen directed at him. One speech in Washington this week was not only elegant, it in many ways was a more positive view of our nation than the ones we hear daily from our presidential candidates. A man who calls Vatican City home isn't a victim. But a little perspective on the church and its role in American life would greatly benefit those who view everything through a political prism. * Except Scientologists. Muslims. And Jews. (Don't make us drag your name through the mud for 3,000 years.) Actually, to be safe, avoid mocking all religions other than Catholicism. Or any ethnic minority (other than the Irish, of course). Also, the gravitationally challenged, the elderly, polar bears, the underserved, Fidel Castro, etc . . . . Reach columnist David Harsanyi at 303- 954-1255 or dharsanyi@denverpost.com.
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