« Ad wars continue | Main | About those stats.. »
October 20, 2004
Flynn takes on Ah-nold
Raymond L. Flynn, the former Vatican ambassador and Boston mayor, took California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to task over religion, abortion and stem cell research yesterday in a scathing letter.
``After reading your stance on stem cell research, I seriously question whether you understand the teachings of our Catholic faith on the importance of promoting a culture of life in our country,'' Flynn wrote the former actor.
``I implore that you reconsider why you are a Catholic and consider correcting your stance on authorizing tax-exempt, general obligation bonds to fund embryonic stem cell research.''
Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451be0d69e200d83458e79d69e2
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Flynn takes on Ah-nold:
» Ray's on the job from Catholic Light
Kudos to Ray Flynn: he's appealed to Gov. Schwarzenegger to reconsider his support for abortion and for research which destroys human embryos. (Thanks, Amy.)... [Read More]
Tracked on Oct 21, 2004 12:45:07 AM
Comments
California Catholic Conference on CA Prop. 71, "Embryo Cloning and Stem Cell Bond Act."
California Bishops Statement:
Proposition 71 involves the technology of human embryonic cloning, cannot be justified from an ethical perspective, promises what may not happen, and is a financial boondoggle. For these reasons, the Catholic bishops of California strongly oppose the Embryo Cloning and Stem Research Bond Act, which will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot.
It should be stated that we are not opposed to stem cell research. We approve and encourage research that uses cells derived from adults and umbilical-cord blood, and we rejoice at the phenomenal cures that some have experienced because of that research. Using the God-given talents of scientists to make breakthroughs like that can be awe-inspiring, and the work of these scientists brings glory to our Creator and new hope to people who are suffering.
However, we oppose this initiative for the following reasons:
* Proposition 71 will fund human embryonic stem cell research. Drawing stem cells from an embryo always directly kills that human embryo, and killing human life is never justified even when the intent is to benefit other humans. Obtaining even basic goods for oneself at the cost of innocent life is contrary to the deepest ideals of our nation.
* Proposition 71 will fund human embryonic cloning, what scientists call "somatic cell nuclear transfer." Such a technological procedure amounts to playing God with the mystery of human life, and it is morally wrong.
* Proposition 71, in its fine print, initially denies funding for adult and umbilical cord blood stem cell research (an area of research that is morally good), even though all the medical breakthroughs have occurred in this area.
* It is socially unjust to launch a $3 billion new state bureaucracy when vital programs for health, education, police and fire services are being cut.
We pray for scientists and politicians as they strive to discern the right way to use our resources in the important field of medical research. We pray that they will resist the temptation to abandon moral principle, in particular the principle that the end never justifies the means. That principle, a cornerstone of our Western civilization, has already been abandoned in the wording of Proposition 71.
For that reason we join with many other groups, liberal and conservative, Republicans and Democrats, medical professionals and stem cell researchers, in urging a no vote on Proposition 71.
Posted by: Zhou De-Ming at Oct 21, 2004 12:32:30 AM
Mr Flynn: "After reading your stance on stem cell research, . . . "
I think that every Catholic who seeks publicly to instruct anyone on the Church's position on this issue should be REQUIRED to use the word 'embryonic' before the words 'stem cell research.' Expressing oneself sloppily on this issue can foster massive confusion about what the Church really stands for. Mr. Flynn, though he does later in the reported statement to the Governor use the phrase 'embryonic stem cell research,' does not do so consistently, at least, if the report of his statement is accurate.
Posted by: Cornelius at Oct 21, 2004 2:53:03 AM
Cornelius I immediately thought the exact same thing... we must use the word 'embryonic' when discussing this issue. I am amazed at all the people I know (almost every one, come to think of it) who do not know the difference between regular stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research. They think it's the same thing.
Anyhow, other than that, Ray is on the ball.
Great letter from the bishops as well, concise and simple for once.
Posted by: Colleen at Oct 21, 2004 7:07:48 AM
Colleen, Cornelius,
Agreed. I'm glad Flynn is taking him on. Arnold will be stumping for Bush the next week or so. He deserves a very cool reception.
Posted by: Rich Leonardi at Oct 21, 2004 7:13:32 AM
Ray Flynn - now there's a democrat I could vote for.
Arnold Schwarzenegger - now there's a Republican for whom I wouldn't vote for dogcatcher (but I did think his convention speech was brilliant - "If you believe ..., then you are a Republican." Unfortunately for you, Arnold, if you believe in the right to abortion and embryonic stem cell research, you're probably better off joining your wife in the democrat party).
Posted by: Jay Anderson at Oct 21, 2004 7:43:12 AM
financial boondoggle?
OK, I agree with the first two reasons to oppose. But did I miss the encyclical Boondogglus Malus? I can even agree that, in the current financial situation California finds itself, such a program may not be a good idea. On the other hand, simply b/c something may result in financial gain does not make it evil (nor good). This last argument tends to weaken the clear moral arguments against prop 71. But, on the whole, well done.
As for using "embryonic", I don't know if Ahnuld's statement on prop 71 addresses all stem cell research, or specifically ESCR. If it addressed all, then I could understand saying "I read your statement on SCR". But if it was specifically limited to ESCR, then the term needs to be used.
Posted by: c matt at Oct 21, 2004 8:28:00 AM
As a cancer who lives in California and opposes Prop 71 because it cheapens human life, I can't be persuaded to give a damn what the bishops say because they would deny me equal access to health insurance. Their support for amendments banning same-sex marriage will make murderers of these bishops and those that obey them.
It's abundantly obvious that the Catholic right to life means only extends to non-thinking human life because, non-thinking human life can't disagree with the Church.
The Church taught that "error has no rights" -- apparently not even the right to life.
Posted by: Ignatius at Oct 21, 2004 9:54:59 AM
The previous post should read "As a cancer patient..."
Posted by: Ignatius at Oct 21, 2004 10:12:22 AM
Let's get something straight here.
Even though I could support many of the things Arnold has done as governor, there are no proportionate reasons to support Arnold. He is a pro-death candidate who is trying to change election law in California to get around the majority pro-life republican party.
He should be shunned, denied Communion and in fact excommunicated by our gutless bishops. I don't care if he can win, and I don't care if he and I share some similar ideas about how to create prosperity. He will never get my vote. Will the "supposedly" pro-life democrats here make a similar pledge?
Posted by: SiliconValleySteve at Oct 21, 2004 11:17:18 AM
