I guess I'm what you would call an old fashioned, Irish Catholic politician from Boston. I've seen American politics at its best and (unfortunately) at its worst. But I never gave up on it. On Friday, I was amazed at the announcement and the sincere, down to earth comments by Governor Sarah Palin in being selected by Senator John McCain to be his running mate. I don't know how she'll do on the campaign trail, but American politics is much better today for it.
Raymond L. Flynn is the former Mayor of Boston, U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, author and a lay Catholic political activist.
Tuesday's Washington Times article (
Denver archbishop not among Democrats' invited clerics) once again focuses attention on a matter of deep concern to pro-life Democrats like myself. Chaput is one of the most respected leaders of the Catholic Church in America and his record is a strong commitment to social and economic justice and the principles of the Catholic faith. He's also a strong patriot. Pro-life Democrats who are proud Catholics like myself feel this is an insult to our values.
The party should be aware there are strong pro-life people who are politically successful.
The mere mention of being accused of playing the "race card" is the third rail of American politics. Your campaign can come to a screeching halt if it is even implied that a candidate is invoking race.
However, the "race card" can be used effectively by a candidate. It can invoke intense sympathy and support.
This divisive issue continues to drive a wedge between the races in America. A few things we know for sure: Both Obama and McCain are good and decent men. And, certainly John McCain is not a racist.
This is a competitive campaign for the highest office in the nation. The people of the country deserve better than this.
Both candidates have to distance themselves from the radical fringes on their respective sides. The media should stop exploiting the issue of race for better ratings. The bias in the media is the problem, not racism by either candidate.
Class discrimination, on the other hand, is a major problem in America today. However, the media is afraid to address this critical American problem.
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