Sal's Reflections

For years we were the envy of the world and the American Dream was vibrant and the economy had rewards for so many. Unfortunately it is not capitalism that is the problem, it is the lack of sensible public policy that has pulled the rug out from under millions that have played by all the rules. These are not the fictional takers that make the smug feel like they are stealing their taxes. The new jobless and often homeless may be the people you know, or may be friends or neighbors. The growing number of poor are not there by choice. Many are educated, were homeowners, great citizens and now they are in a vortex which is a nightmare. It is time for those who have food, electricity and a roof over their heads to embrace them, and argue loud and long for policies that foster the return of an economy that benefits all. It is time to invest in education, public housing and the rebuilding of the real middle class.

When people change their positions on major issues they are often shouted down as flip floppers. This is not necessarily true because I have changed on many issues during the course of my life. New information, more exposure to diverse ideas and new data have created many alternative beliefs. It is a sign of strength when one allows new information and various perspectives to be examined. Altering even major tenets that once seemed unchangeable may actually be signs of great maturity and growth. On a more mundane issue this Italian American has grown to do more around the house than to merely take out the garbage.

Being raped is not just a one time horrible experience. It may impact a person so badly that they carry this with them forever. No apology or contrition on the part of the rapist will magically whisk away the pain and trauma. It is critical that no matter what the circumstances we remind ourselves that no one deserves to be raped. Compassion is a marvelous trait, but when it tilts in favor of the rapist rather than the person raped it is misguided. It is sad when anyone feels more pity for the perpetrator of the crime rather than the innocent victim.

We all have stories about nuns that we have encountered along the way. Some were at times frightening, and we cowered when they called on us in class. However, many of us are successful in so many ways because of all the love and selfless guidance they showered on us. I am privileged to know nuns today that live truly the spirit of the gospels. Some work in soup kitchens,others in inner city classes or nursing the dying. They model the love that makes all of us desire to aid them in their hour of need. Currently the roles that they have taken have been investigated by the Vatican, and a Bishop has been given five years to get them back in line. They are being indicted because of their compassion and willingness to see the real world rather than some isolated view from an ivory tower.I support these committed women, and hope that the bulk of those who understand their precarious position will stand with them in this struggle.

It is relatively easy to identify what things I find disagreeable and protest against. However, it is more important to find out what I stand for in this world. I think about this a great deal, and realize that what gets my juices going are the causes that give people choices that enable them to more fully enjoy the wonders of life. I yearn for justice for every person, and a fair opportunity to follow one’s dreams. I want every little girl and boy to have an excellent education, and enough to eat every day. I search for ways to support and reinforce the right to partake fully of the right to marry and raise children. I want gender equity, and the recognition of the wondrous gift that diversity offers. Add less bellicose ways to resolve personal and government conflicts and my palate will be satiated.

Through the years I have encountered many charming people who held radically different views from mine. They were pleasant, cordial and warm in all of their interactions. It is important to be pleasant, but I will take substance over charm. You may smile when you tell me that the Church cannot change its’ stand on key issues like the roles of women and gays. I will respect your views, but I will never believe that these views are the concrete dogmas of the gospels, Tradition is valuable, but without the belief that spiritualty evolves it is a dusty approach to reality. Papal infallibility is merely a political evolution that is employed to contain diversity. Loving the church does not mean that I must place the legitimate concerns of the faithful solely in the hands of male clergy. I will draw my spiritual wisdom from the Beatitudes, and the spirit in which they were written.

The announcement made from the balcony creates a new path for the Roman Church. The positive hope here is that the new Pope has evidenced great compassion for the poor, and those who are marginalized all over the world I rejoice at this witness. On the other hand from a theological point of view, I fear it is more of the same.There will be no full acceptance of women as full members of the church, no support for the love of our gay brothers and sisters, and an intransigence on reexamining the church’s position on contraception. I am sure that Francis will be much more of a pastor, but the ability to reexamine so many critical issues will not receive the light of day. I wish him well, and applaud the voice that will speak for the little people, but I wish his voice would be different on many matters that are not dogmas of the faith.

I have two friends who model the future in their relationship. One is an Israeli the other a Palestinian, but despite their many differences they have become dear friends. Both of their husbands are displeased with the friendship, and have refused to be part of any family gatherings. The women have resisted this separate attitude ,and have conveyed to their children the need for dialogue and respect. It is people like them who are the hope for a land filled with pain and suffering on both sides. Only when people step forward to end the years of bitterness can their be any lasting resolution.

Sometimes I feel submerged by the deluge of bad news that constantly bombards me in the media. However ,on further reflection there are positive movements that are vibrant in our culture. The struggles for equality are gaining ground all over this land. The growing number of Americans who are for marriage equality, fairer immigration policies and the protection of voting rights grows every day. Also the commitment to better deal with our gun violence has fostered dialogue on both sides of the fence. There are millions of Americans who do not merely decry how bad things are by being open, generous community based citizens.