Benedict XVI -questions arise about his perspectives

Without courage all virtues lose their meaning.
Winston Churchill

Jeanne, at Body and Soul (http://bodyandsoul.typepad.com/blog/) wrote a spectacular, thoughtful blog regarding Pope Benedict XVI and his views on relativism titled, The German Shepherd and the Salvadoran Pastor (23 April 2005)

I highly recommend you read her comparison and contrast of the new Pope with the slain Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador who was assassinated during Ronald Reagan's administration by people whom the President called 'Freedom Fighters.' Romero's murder marked the death-knell for Liberation Theology movement, largely at the hands of then Cardinal Ratzinger who used his influence to reign in Priests throughout Latin America that were taking a stand against brutal dictatorships. This is my posting;

I find Ratzinger's argument of futility in resistance as specious at best. Regardless of his age, there are universal absolutes period. Moreover, steadfast adherence to policies that have little regard for the weak and poor people who already populate this planet indicate to me just how out of touch the Vatican machine is with Christ's teachings. Jesus was a radical who railed against injustice and one does not have to look to far to find examples of where he stood on compassion for Human suffering. I suspect he would most definitely have preferred to be in El Salvador along with Archbishop Romero rather than to have been dining on chicken cordon bleu and drinking spumante wine at Benedict XVI's dinner with the Cardinals in Rome after Joseph's rise to the seat of Peter. How can it be that the Church, "free" of sin can have strayed so far from being a voice for tolerance and social justice?

As a Catholic who has no intention of leaving the Church, I find myself at odds with blatant contradictions coming out of the Vatican and, more specifically from Joseph Ratzinger. Is it just me or am I seeing variations on the theme of Pharisees of Jesus time all over again? The Church seems to do anything but follow Jesus' words to his disciples,

"I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." ( Luke 6:27-38)" [note: emphasis mine]

Thank you Jeanne for your thoughtful post. I lament Oscar Romero's death, I respect his accomplishments and I strongly disagree with the stonewalling that has occurred in Latin America regarding Liberation Theology.

Alan Armijo for Mayor

Funny how in the Valley, an old truck symbolizes prestige, in the Heights, poverty.
Jimmy Santiago Baca - Martin & Meditations on the South Valley

I originally posted this on Albloggerque's blog (http://albloggerque.blogspot.com/). My reason for believing Alan has the makings of a great Mayor is because he knows what he is doing and he is definitely more invested in the city's wellbeing. Martin Chavez arrived on Albuquerque's political scene about a decade ago. As a native son whose father also was involved in local politics, Marty showed a tremendous amount of promise but, time passed and his politics turned out to be more directed at appeasing wealthy land developers on the west side of the city. It is amazing how this man can be promoting unlimited expansion of the city's borders with no regard for future water conservation. He has aligned himself with the city's financial elites and consequently forgotten the people who put him in office.

Alan Armijo, a Bernalillo County Commissioner was a City Counselor as well. He is from Albuquerque's predominantly Hispanic and economically challenged South Valley. I believe he has a vision that is sensitive to the issues that affect the poor and moreover, he has the capacity to, 'walk with kings.' He is a good man and seems more genuine and less driven by hidden agendas. He does not strike me as the kind of man that makes back-room deals. At any rate, here's my posting;

AbqAvgJoe said...

Hit and Run Marty

Sitting here watching the discussion on gov-tv regarding discussions about the jail funding; I so appreciate the spanking Alan Armijo gave Marty. I also appreciate the depth of knowledge Alan has because he was also once a City Councilor (thanks for the "reminder' you put out to Marty about funding there Alan!!!) It is great that someone has the cojones to remind that pudgy runt of a mayor that we all are represented by people other than just Marty Chavez.

I am ashamed to admit that I voted for Mayor Chavez both times when he was elected into office. Time has passed and it turns out that Marty cares only about Marty. I, for one am tired of his grandstanding and making himself out to be Albuquerque's only hope for salvation. Its time for re-election so, like clockwork Marty shows up to pander to the public by painting every other elected official as being out of touch with the public's needs. He is a media hound. It is interesting to note that Marty made is presentation and then "suddenly" had to leave - what a coward! It is evident he is more adept at spitting out a sound byte for the local news media. Good old Hit and Run Marty!! It is time to vote this self-serving politico out of office. Were does he get the idea that he can unilaterally dispose of JPA commission? Apparently the City Council has no say-so in this matter!

Now Marty thinks he has found a way to garner votes by cutting funding. Apparently he thinks that he can screw Correction's Officers out of what is due to them now. He did this with city personnel (refuse department) and they remembered when he ran for Governor and LOST!

I will make one prediction and you all can rub my nose in it if it does not come to pass - MARTY CHAVEZ WILL NOT BE ALBUQUERQUE'S NEXT MAYOR.

POINT OF INFORMATION: I am not, nor have I ever been, an employee of either the City of Albuquerque or Bernalillo County.

Come Monday, I will be knocking on Alan Armijo's door to offer my help in getting him elected. Go get 'em Alan!