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STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I., ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I., ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO
Friday, May 30, 2008

Statement of Cardinal Francis George concerning remarks of
Fr. Michael Pfleger about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during
an address at Trinity United Church of Christ on Sunday May 25, 2008

The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.

Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged. Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger’s remarks about Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. I regret that deeply.

To avoid months of turmoil in the church, Fr. Pfleger has promised me that he will not enter into campaigning, will not publicly mention any candidate by name and will abide by the discipline common to all Catholic priests.

It is unfortunate that Barack Obama cannot clearly make a such a statement.

Via The Page:

Clinton Campaign Response to Obama’s Comments on Rev. Pfleger
Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson:

“Divisive and hateful language like that is totally counterproductive in our efforts to bring our party together and have no place at the pulpit or in our politics. We are disappointed that Senator Obama didn’t specifically reject Father Pflegler’s despicable comments about Senator Clinton, and assume he will do so.”

WHEN, BARACK OBAMA? WHEN?

JOHN McCAIN HAS STOOD TALL FOR HILLARY CLINTON IN A TELEVISED COMMENTARY just aired on Fox News.

WHEN WILL YOU STAND TALL FOR HILLARY CLINTON, you sniveling coward?

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Comment by Andy | 2008-05-30 13:17:06

What? No sanction??

Still better than BHO….

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 18:57:44

I just wrote the Pope again.

 

Comment by onmomnaturesside | 2008-06-26 20:51:34

Just revoke the tax free status.
I want to see a clean up of the religious political power grab. Churches espousing political rhetoric is too much for me.
Enough. No more tax free status. Bush and his “fixed” DOJ has decimated all sense of cred. Obama is more of the same only more in your face!!
I am sick. Things are worse now that the DEMS took over majority in Congress…not better.
UGH

 
 

Comment by Mandelay | 2008-05-30 13:18:26

Susan, the last sentence of your post is not part of Cardinal George’s statement. Perhaps quotation marks would be useful? That said, yes, it’s unfortunate that Obama cannot make such a statement. This priest should have his butt kicked. And the TUCC should be branded for the racist church that it is. Now, can someone tell us again why the Obamas need to go to this church?

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:10:32

Pleger is a Catholic Priest. Although I’m tempted to think he’s CINO. There’s something very odd about these Chicagoan men of God.

 
 

Comment by Andy | 2008-05-30 13:18:34

SusanUnPC: is the last sentence in the post yours or theirs? (yours I presume but please correct me if I ‘m wrong).

 

Comment by sinking ratboat | 2008-05-30 13:18:57

This is barely even a slap on the wrist.

Real action will have to come from the Vatican.

Email Pope Benedict:

benedictxvi@vatican.va

Comment by Andy | 2008-05-30 13:20:30

I agree !!

Thanks for the email. Hope everyone writes as well.

Comment by itzik Janowitz | 2008-11-09 20:43:44

I agree also, what do you think should be done with this Msgr Lisante that we inherited at Our Lady of Lourdes Massapequa Park New York, We are a group of concerned parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Massapequa Park who would like to make you aware of the developing crisis at our parish in an appeal for your prayers for a speedy and just resolution to this unfortunate situation.

Our Lady of Lourdes is well-known for its conservative reputation. Under our former pastor, the sacraments were widely available, Marian devotion was very strong, and we were accustomed to a firm adherence to Church doctrine in all matters.

Whether you are sympathetic or not to a pastoral agenda like this, we ask you to indulge us for just a moment.

When Msgr. James Lisante was appointed pastor of our parish, he immediately went on the offensive to eradicate traditional customs and expression from our parish life, without regard to the sensibilities or desires of the largely conservative parishioners. Within two weeks, he and his assistant, Fr. Matthew, had removed Our Lady’s statue, the altar crucifixes, the modesty sign and re-arranged our sanctuary to look like a VFW-hall, against all normal standards of aesthetics or taste.

Understandably hurt by these rapid and insensitive changes, several parishioners made inquiries about “Fr. Matthew,” and it was discovered he was a priest without faculties who has been living with Msgr. Lisante at his former parish for the last eight years. This information was given to Bishop Murphy at the request of Fr. Blockley’s bishop, and Fr. Blockley was instantly expelled from the diocese.

There was never a word of apology from Msgr. Lisante about this incredibly irresponsible and derelict action on his part. Instead, he continued to pursue his agenda, his next step being the employment of a music minister, Peter Rapanaro. On Peter Rapanaro’s own website, the stunned parishioners discovered that Rapanaro was the director of a blasphemous theatrical production in 2003 at a Greenwich Village playhouse, “My Big Gay Italian Wedding,” and was involved in a gay musical, “Rainbow Phi,” which enjoyed a successful run at a Fire Island playhouse.

Further investigation into “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” revealed that it was a blasphemous pro-gay marriage screed, and featured vulgar displays of gay camp, jokes about pedophile priests and oral sex. The second-rate production can be accurately described as an attack on the Catholic priesthood, Catholic marriage, and Catholic morality as well as on common decency and respect.

Complaints about Rapanaro’s appointment as Co-Director of Music have yielded the information from Sean Dolan, the diocesan spokesman, that Rapanaro is currently under investigation by the diocese for accusations of a serious nature, which have not been disclosed.

In addition to these shocking and irresponsible decisions, Msgr. Lisante has recently reduced the weekend Mass schedule and the hours of confession by half. In a particularly vindictive move, he is cancelling the retired pastor’s “Children’s Mass,” held for the past thirty-two years in the school chapel on Sunday mornings which many of the more conservative parishioners (and his harshest critics) attend. The pastor has told several parishioners this change was directed by the chancery itself, a fact which has recently been disputed by Sean Dolan, the diocesan spokesman.

It is also well known that Msgr. Lisante is rarely in the parish and resides at the parish rectory only one day out of seven, contrary to Canon Law (Canon 533) which requires a pastor to reside in a rectory near the parish church and which has been a special directive of Bishop Murphy himself.

As may be expected, many letters and phone calls have been directed to Msgr. Lisante, Bishop Murphy and to various Roman congregations about these matters, with extremely brief and limited response, so we are turning to you for your prayers and advice.

We would like to make it very clear that when our new pastor arrived, we were ready to welcome him and looked forward to a renewal and revitalization of our parish. Though we love our former pastor, Fr. Robert Mason, we were aware that there were defects in his management style, as there are with every pastor, and we expected changes and a fresh approach, which we were ready to accept with open minds and hears.

However, what Bishop Murphy sent us instead was a pastor with minimal to none conservative credentials and apparently no sympathy whatsoever for traditional Catholic practice and orthodoxy. If the bishop were indeed determined to bring this “ecclesiastical backwater” into the 21st century, it should have been done with patience, sensitivity and respect, and a wiser and gentler pastor could have accomplished what changes were absolutely necessary with wisdom and compassion, without making adversaries of his people.
iship William Murphy has done nothing about him.

Comment by Josphine the Plumber | 2008-11-09 21:05:54

Since he’s away so often, I’d think it would be quite easy to change the locks on all the doors. Individual parishioners or parish families could each “donate” one lock and set of keys.

In the meantime, you could all go in and set up the sanctuary the way it used to be.

Best Wishes and God Bless!

 
 
 

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 13:38:22

If Cardinal George disciplines Pfleger…He is not going to announce it in this kind of statement…The swiftness of this reaction is indicative of the kind of pressre the Cardinal is under…The Behmouth RCC does not usually move this fast unless it’s big…see what I’m sayin ?

*** KEEP UP THE PRESSURE…. PFLEGER SHOULD BE DEFROCKED ***

 

Comment by Donald from Hawaii | 2008-05-30 14:00:45

And what would you have Pope Benedict do?

The Archdiocese of Chicago has repudiated and reprimanded its miscreant priest, and Cardinal George has apologized to Mrs. Clinton for his cleric’s vile, race-baiting remarks. Further, it’s clear from the cardinal’s statement that he intends to keep the man on a very short leash indeed.

Again, what more would you have them do? Turn Fr. Pfleger over to Torquemada and the Inquisition?

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:06:10

Send him to Africa. They sent African Priests to the US and Europe. I’m sure Pfleger Ice would love the place.

 

Comment by JM | 2008-05-30 14:09:28

Remove him from his post. Let Pfleger (no Father of mine) join the Trinity Church which appears to be a great fit for him. As a Roman Catholic, I am disgusted by this moronic priest’s behavior. He needs to go, and the Catholic Church needs someone like our former beloved Pope John Paul to show him the door as quickly as possible.

Comment by ginamc | 2008-05-30 16:30:30

As an RC, I wholeheartedly agree. This guy needs to be shipped off to Catholic Siberia somewhere. I can’t believe he has been at this parish for so long, what’s up with that? Priests in my parish last 5-10 years MAX.

 
 

Comment by katmandu | 2008-05-30 14:10:42

Haha, no, send him to a public speaking class. His fake AA accent is terrible.

Comment by Carole G. | 2008-05-30 21:35:43

Hi — I agree (about his AA accent) — also — if he feels the only way he can communicate with his “people” is to use bad grammar, bad language and jump around, scream and gesture like a backward throwback — that’s what he must think of the people he is talking to.

I am Catholic — and for now — I am NOT going back to church until they do something about that man — the Catholic Church has to get a backbone.

 
 

Comment by AnninCa | 2008-05-30 14:17:44

They remove priests all the time from their posts. Why should this be different?

Good grief, what he said was incredibly offensive and inciting of political hatred.

This type of namby-pamby response is precisely why the Church is now facing collapse over the sexual abuse scandals. The response then was similar. No action.

Guess some things never change, eh?

He’s been around for years doing the same type of crap. It’s disgusting.

If I were Catholic, I’d insist he be removed.

Comment by dpvegas | 2008-05-31 00:26:04

My husband, who is Catholic, when he first saw the video tonight, said “Is he Catholic?” Then he said, “They (the church) should DEFROCK him.” And from the posts I’m reading of other Catholics’ responses, my husband is not alone in what he feels about FR. Pfleger. Pope Benedict was just admonishing all clergy to keep out of politics when he was here last. Looks like Fr. Pfleger chose to ignore the Pope.

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 19:00:18

Pope, he don’t need no stinking pope.

 
 
 

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 14:50:41

Gee Donald…. The Current Pope was as Cardinal Ratzinger in charge of the organization evolved from the Inquisition and he has no tolerance for Liberation Theology….could happen

Comment by Linda C. | 2008-05-30 15:53:34

I agree here. Cardinal Rotweiller,er ah I mean Cardinal Ratzinger, or rather I mean Pope Benedict in his previous post of Enforcer of the Faith will not tolerate this.

If the church does anything, then it will be after the election. The other issue is now with this statement by Pfleger may open up a tax investigation for IRS violation.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 16:15:57

Hmmmm…..Ol’ Bill had good relations with the RCC…he gained major points for Ireland….and Kennedy and Kerry are not very popular with the Vatican….Kidding….I think Pfleger will go on leave pretty soon….imho

 
 
 

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 18:58:30

 
 

Comment by Hedy | 2008-05-30 14:33:27

I live in a small town in MA and called my parish this morning and they gave me a number for a Fr.Canary in Chicago I called and left a message with my phone# but noone has called me back. I will send an e-mail to the Vatican now. Thank you so much for the info.

 

Comment by bert | 2008-05-30 14:35:29

Thank you for supplying this email address. It saves me the time of looking it up. :)

 

Comment by ginamc | 2008-05-30 15:53:23

Also, the Archbishop has a boss — a Cardinal in the U.S. I don’t know who that is off hand, but I’ll look into it.

 
 

Comment by kcfromtx | 2008-05-30 13:20:52

I still don’t see an apology from Pfleger or the church to Hillary Clinton. Have they no decency?

Comment by Lucinda | 2008-05-30 13:35:13

In a news conference that was just aired about 30 minutes ago, John McCain called it “disgraceful”. He said that he had a great deal of respect for Senator Clinton, and she didn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 13:40:03

I hope McCain milks it for all it’s worth….

 

Comment by AnninCa | 2008-05-30 14:21:57

I wondered when he was going to finally quit sparring with Obama over Iraq and get down to business.

He’s got campaigning to do here! LOL*

Obama isn’t worth it. Getting him to be accountable for his statements is like trying to nail jello to the wall.

Just say the truth, John. Just say, “We’ll see where Obama’s foreign policy stands today, knowing it will change by the evening news.”

 

Comment by HillaryMadamePresident | 2008-05-30 14:43:38

Good man! Comments like that will assure many votes, should things not go well this weekend.

 

Comment by thenana1 | 2008-05-30 15:45:05

Well it sure is nice to see the “opposition saying
something about this crap! It is just to bad that
no democraps have the guts.

 
 

Comment by AnninCa | 2008-05-30 14:28:17

Oh, I think we’ve got the “no decency” figured out. We’re now just trying to figure out just how low it goes.

Samantha’s “monster” comment was just a hint of what’s going on.

 
 

Comment by CLM | 2008-05-30 13:21:59

I hope the IRS shows up at the chancery. That should get the good Cardinal moving a bit more forcefully.
This is a disgrace. God help us all.

Comment by Mary | 2008-05-30 14:31:38

Agree. IRS or FBI.

This man took TAX DOLLARS in earmarks Obama reserved for him.

I think not.

 
 

Comment by thenana1 | 2008-05-30 13:22:54

Pardon my “unlady like” words, but what the f*** is wrong with Obama? This is the second preacher type, supposed man of GOD, that he claims advises him.This alone should tell any one who is not blind and stupid this person has nothing within.

Comment by sinking ratboat | 2008-05-30 13:37:26

Don’t forget ” Minister ” Farrakhan who is lurking in the background yet very much present in Obama’s circle.

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:16:28

There is something very wierd going on there.

I don’t personally have much of a problem with the NOI but when you see a Protestant and catholic Priest echo the style and content of that religion and shower praise on their leader, you are entitled to draw your own conclusions. Farrakan is obviously a big wheel in that neck of the woods.

this is why Democrats have treid their best to be secularists. Once you start being a verbose christian you offend quiet pious types, agnostics and athiests. We are not a brimstone party. And we don’t need to be either.

Comment by MEchelle Hates America! | 2008-05-30 14:43:15

Dan,

There is something very wierd going on there.

I don’t personally have much of a problem with the NOI but when you see a Protestant and catholic Priest echo…

this is why Democrats have treid their best to be secularists. Once you start being a verbose christian you offend quiet pious types, agnostics and athiests. We are not a brimstone party. And we don’t need to be either.

The weird thing is you! Unless you’re black, the NOI has a major problem with you Dan, but in your non-brimstone way, you just don’t care if they kill you or each other.

You may be a sweet guy, Dan, but don’t be such an idiot.

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 15:52:07

me weird?

As i said i don’t think that these guys are supposed to be our spiritual standard bearers for the election. They camn beleive what they like though.

i’ve not met any black people I don’t like.

 

Comment by Pittsburgh4Hillary08 | 2008-05-30 20:59:20

The Nation of Islam has no interest in killing whites. They believe in self defense but they have never had any issues with the Police in fact they are very respectful to whites. I am an African American and I am not making excuses for the NOI and yes they are racist but they are not dangerous. I am not an Obama supportor I am not voting for him nor do I agree with the Racism but they are not violent.

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 19:03:25

Oh Yeah? Who killed Malcolm?

 
 
 
 
 

Comment by cruz del sur | 2008-05-30 13:40:56

“supposed man of GOD” I have read a lot worse. And guess who said it? The freaking Pope himself

 
 

Comment by MikeB08 | 2008-05-30 13:23:44

“…will abide by the discipline common to all Catholic priests.”

Judging by the priest’s history, why are they just now getting this promise from him?

Comment by Jeremiah "God Damn AmeriKKKA" Wright | 2008-05-30 13:34:50

They have been too busy counting the cash they are going to make when they relocate the epicenter of the religion + governement insider pay for play revitalization projects from inner city chicago slums to the national stage via their man in washington.

 

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 13:43:42

Someone who lives in Chicago mentioned that Pfleger has been in a long standing fued with Cardinal George….Perhaps the cardinal finally got the exscuse he was looking for….He is probably liningup a replacement…Look for Pfleger to take a sabbatical or a leave….Perhaps to study….chuckle….
Maybe they’ll ship him off to a quiet little island….

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:03:00

They could send him to Africa. Harare, Zimbabwe would be a good home for him.

Comment by Mary | 2008-05-30 14:34:00

Kenya.

He can help Obama’s cousin Odinga install Sharia law.

 
 

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:38:45

lover’s spat

 

Comment by JSF | 2008-05-30 14:57:44

How about bringing back the Inqusition just for him?

Sorry! Just Kidding!

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 16:11:19

Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratzinger headed up the organization that used to be the Inquisition….It never disppeared…
The functions are still the same in that it is an office that primarily deals with heretics within the church. Ratzinger took on the priests and theologians who came up with Liberation Theology and after analyzing it smacked that puppy down….Usually the priests are disciplined….Sorry no more racking and oher torture..They just are’nt allowed to publish…

 
 
 
 

Comment by Jeremiah "God Damn AmeriKKKA" Wright | 2008-05-30 13:24:49

The taint that surrounds Obama and his campaign is palpable.

We can feel it in the air.

The Taint of Dirty Deals and Insider Contract scams.
The Taint of reverse Racial bigotry.
The Taint of mysogony.
The Taint of threats to those that oppose them.
The Taint of a complicit Press Corp.
The Taint of Superdelegate Hostage Taking.
The Taint of Pay for Play Politics.
The Taint of division and hate.

This is the legacy of the Great Divider.

NOBAMA 08

Hillary or McCain. No Other Option.

Comment by Jude | 2008-05-30 18:26:30

 
 

Comment by sister of ye | 2008-05-30 13:28:26

As someone who was once very active in the Catholic Church, I can say that the one thing it might hate more than liberation theology is liberated women.

That’s why I had to laugh when I heard Phleger’s charges of Clinton having a sense of entitlement. Because I’ve never met a group who overall has a larger sense of entitlement than Catholic priests. He struck me as someone who’d be right up there with the worst of them in expecting deference to his exalted worthiness and superior wisdom and judgment.

My apologies to those very caring priests and others I worked with during my time in the Church. There just weren’t enough of them to stay.

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 13:59:05

Pfleger just want’s to be black. It’s almost comical to see his perform.

I suspect half the congregation are laughing at him.

Comment by The Real Hope | 2008-05-30 14:41:27

The priest has no self-respect. If only he would watch himself on a video, he would plainly see how honestly silly he appears to the rest of us. This guy is bizarre, pathetic and nonsensical.

Personally I think he needs an upbraiding by the pope himself. But we can expect these kinds of rantings from the Catholic Church (and other churches for that matter ) with regard to women who dare to step out of their prescribed, societal positions and attempt to demand their full rights as human beings. Hillary has scared the hell INTO the priest and others like him. Good!

 
 

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:42:22

True words, i think the good father has a little bit of animosity towards women.

 

Comment by ginamc | 2008-05-30 16:59:52

That’s why I had to laugh when I heard Phleger’s charges of Clinton having a sense of entitlement. Because I’ve never met a group who overall has a larger sense of entitlement than Catholic priests.

Amen to that! I can say this as a RC woman too. Pfleger is a pig like so many priests are, there are exceptions, of course. But, this pompous ass is not one of them!

 
 

Comment by Ellen Tenn | 2008-05-30 13:30:55

I am disappointed in this response. I don’t think it was strong enough. The Catholic Church has been negligent in stopping priest abuse in the past and they need to take a strong stance against one of their own.
Fr Pfleger should be punished because there should be separation between church and state.

Comment by Jeremiah "God Damn AmeriKKKA" Wright | 2008-05-30 13:37:41

Think of all the poor little alterboys who are being ignored as a result of his time intensive shilling for obama in chicago.

That’s right I went there.

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 13:55:39

FOPMLMFAO
fall over peed myself…
maybe he cruises the AA churches for a little bit of the…

 

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 19:18:28

He adopted 3 kids? Are they boys?

 
 
 

Comment by Sugar | 2008-05-30 13:41:18

Fleger=Vanilla Ice of the pulpit.

Comment by beebop | 2008-05-30 13:47:58

What a great comment!

 

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:01:06

Fr Pfleger Ice.

 
 

Comment by Andy | 2008-05-30 13:47:37

JOHN McCAIN HAS STOOD TALL FOR HILLARY CLINTON IN A TELEVISED COMMENTARY just aired on Fox News.

What did McCain said ?? Please anyone.

Comment by Lucinda | 2008-05-30 14:17:30

I commented about it above. McCain called it “disgraceful” and said that Senator Clinton didn’t deserved that kind of treatment.

 
 

Comment by dp | 2008-05-30 13:49:25

Obama’s “church” is not a church. It’s obvious it is a political organization. Their tax-exempt status should be revoked.

As for Pfleger, he should be removed for his outrageous behavior which is unbecoming for ANY christian, nevermind a so-called “priest”.

As for Obama, the superdelegates should now have a clear picture of the longtime advisors Obama has surrounded himself with…hateful Wright (20 years), corrupt fixer Rezco (20 years) bomber terrorist Ayers (20years), freak priest phoney Pfleger (20 years). These chosen advisors are the best indicators of the views that he holds, the judgement he exercises, the choices he makes and how he would make decisions if elected.

Knowing all these facts, should the superdelegates disregard the will of the people and select Obama as the nominee, despite the fact that Clinton won more votes, (the way the Supreme Court selected Bush as President), the Party will get what it deserves which is a complete crack-up. Once the books are complete about how Obama tried to dupe America, the supers that supported him will all be sent packing.

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 19:08:32

To think, my husband and I left a church because the priest kept asking for money instead of preaching. How naive were we?

 
 

Comment by beebop | 2008-05-30 13:49:29

Sniveling cowards can only slink … no backbone. All lies.

 

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 13:55:45

A few years ago I preculated that a snycretic version of Islam and Christinaity would emerge.

I thought it would happen on the right wing though. Grover Norquist or somebody like that on the right.
Instead the Syncretic faith has landed on the south side of Chicago–and it’s been brewing for years.

This Frankencrislam involves a renegade Catholic church, a TUCC congragation that reachs 10,000 souls and the NOI.

people can believe what they wish, but it doesn’t strike me as good politics to tempt more orthodox faiths with this sort of challenge in the political arena.

Comment by Dan | 2008-05-30 14:08:19

speculated…not preculated. Although that could be a neologism.

 
 

Comment by DCDemocrat | 2008-05-30 14:02:34

I have been around Catholic priests all my life. In fact, I was in the Jesuits for six years, and I have never, never heard a priest say the things Fr. Pfleger was saying, and I have heard and seen things that could cause a great deal of scandal.

 

Comment by beebop | 2008-05-30 14:17:36

You have to love this quote:

NRO’s Jim Geraghty: “Words cannot describe the surreality of watching a middle-aged white man in a priest’s collar appearing like he is trying to imitate Jeremiah Wright at his most outrageous.”

Comment by Lucinda | 2008-05-30 14:24:26

It’s like watching the rejects from Last Comic Standing. If it wasn’t so tragic, it would be hilarious.

 
 

Comment by Gary McGowan | 2008-05-30 14:26:49

It is unfortunate that Barack Obama cannot make a such a statement as Hillary did in South Dakota Thursday, too, on a political and moral issue of the utmost urgency pretty much off the consensus reality “radar screen” right now.

May 29 (LPAC)–In response to a question by a LaRouche movement organizer about the global food emergency, Sen. Hillary Clinton said at a rally in Huron, South Dakota today that “we’ve got to help revolutionize food production” around the world, and that “my government will work with other governments to solve the food crisis.”

Senator Clinton appeared in four South Dakota towns {on May 29]. In Sioux Falls and Madison she had two impromptu appearances in cafes, and in Huron and Watertown she spoke in front of large crowds which LaRouche movement organizers has saturated with LPAC “Interim Report” pamphlets.

At the Huron event, LaRouche movement organizer Herman Eilers was seated on the stage behind the candidate, along with six other war veterans. As the rally was winding up, Hillary turned around to have a word with the veterans, and Herman asked her a question about the upcoming FAO meeting in Rome, and the need to double food production. She told him that he had asked a really important question, and asked her staff to turn the microphone back on, and asked him to repeat his question so the audience could hear it.

Eilers said: “I’m a veteran and a farmer. I grew up here in the breadbasket of America being a producer who could help feed the world. But now millions of people are at the brink of starvation. On June 3, the same day as our primary, the FAO conference opens in Rome and we want the agenda to be doubling food production. What would you say to give hope to the starving and to those government representatives who will be at the FAO?”

Hillary answered: “That’s a very good question. We can help feed people, but we have to really help them develop the technology to expand food production in their own countries.” She talked about the devastation in countries throughout Africa and in Haiti and said: “We’ve got to help revolutionize food production. We have got to work with the U.N. FAO and send our people trained in food production through the Peace Corps and other institutions. We have to work government to government. My government will work with other governments to solve the food crisis.”

Hillary then asked Eilers if he had anything else to say and he asked: “As a farmer, we’re putting a lot of acreage into ethanol. I wonder how we’re going to double food production, the way everybody is focused on biofuels for energy self sufficiency.” When Hillary answered by starting to talk about cellulosic research, etc., Eilers interrupted her: “How about going after the speculators?” The crowd clapped and roared their agreement, and Hillary responded: “Absolutely. We’re going to stop the speculators.”

– - – - –

You better believe farmers know about cartels and speculators. You should know that FDR did too.
This is the real war we are in. Obama is just our enemy’s toy.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 14:41:27

One more reason why Farmers love Clinton…She takes the time to study up and they know it…If she were the Democratic Nominee I think she could win Texas and bring it back into the fold…She had overwhelming support here and this is a big agricutural state….

Comment by ginamc | 2008-05-30 17:12:44

I know that to be true. As a S. Texan, there are just so many issues that only Hillary grasped. BOzo is just too naive and clueless to grasp it all.

 
 

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:48:37

Good one Gary,
The ability to think on her feet is one of the attributes that brought me around to HRC. I wasn’t a supporter of hers in the beginning, and as she fought harder, I read and listened more. She is more than a soundbite, more than a stump speech. Any one can repeat hope and change like a well-dressed parrot, but real leadership is the ability to think, consult and cajole.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-30 15:11:27

She’s even WONKIER than Bill….and that is sayin a lot…What I like most about her is that she is SUCH A GROWN UP….If she can work with Newt Gingrich to pass important legislation and meet with Sciaf face to face that woman can do anything….I think she has amazing stamina and a very sound ethical core which allows her to put Principles above Personalities and this is vital in an effective politician…I respect Sen. Clinton and she reminds me of some of our parties best…

Comment by troll free zone | 2008-05-30 15:25:03

Absolutely right.

 

Comment by ginamc | 2008-05-30 17:16:01

Hillary is one of the absolute best, even better than Bill — and, that says alot!

 
 
 
 

Comment by The Real Hope | 2008-05-30 14:34:44

This is just the beginning of all manner of rantings coming our way. Please let the next one be Michelle condemning all white people. That will be the last nail in the coffin.

 

Comment by kat in your hat | 2008-05-30 14:35:31

Complain a LOT more to the Cardinal, and provide other instances of Pfleger’s hate.

There is a quote of him saying that he would “snuff out” anyone who messed with Obama.

Also, he helped to organize the million man march, and he is anti-semitic, and he clearly follows black liberation theology and that is NOT Catholic.

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:51:14

Don’t you mean the “a small fraction of a million men march”?
If we could get the cardinal to fire Pfleger, then he would be free of the “discipline” (giggle) of the church, then he would probably go off like Wright did.

 
 

Comment by street_parade | 2008-05-30 14:38:05

Has are wonderful DNC had anything to say on the subject for Father Phlegm’s attack on Sen. Clinton?? *crickets*

Time to tear up another DNC solicitation and send it back to them — it’s their 42 cents postage.

 

Comment by PYW | 2008-05-30 14:43:04

In a news conference that was just aired about 30 minutes ago, John McCain called it “disgraceful”. He said that he had a great deal of respect for Senator Clinton, and she didn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

And Obama supporters wonder why many HRC supporters are considering voting for McCain. Why couldn’t Obama have said what McCain said? Would it really kill him to actually defend Hillary like that?

Comment by Arius | 2008-05-30 14:55:14

Why would he? we know where the Obama’s stand.. Now that Hill helped support and build his political career, his own wife Michelle said she’s not sure she’d vote for Hillary if she got the nomination.

We know what these people are.. they are elitest and black first.. they have an agenda.. a personal agenda.

 
 

Comment by Elizabeth Reilly | 2008-05-30 14:50:49

The man is obviously unhappy that he was born white. It’s always a little pathetic when you see a white trying to ‘jive’ like a black person, and he makes himself look silly and clownish.
The blacks can have him! There is no dignity in this kind of behaviour and certainly no moderation. I prefer to be in my own church, where we congregants sit, listen and learn, instead of hooping and hollering throughout. Each to his own.

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:52:54

reminds me of Gene Wilder in Silver Streak, satin jacket, boom box

Comment by mahaska | 2008-06-23 19:10:25

We bad, we bad.

 
 

Comment by Arius | 2008-05-30 14:56:25

“It’s always a little pathetic when you see a white trying to ‘jive’ like a black person, and he makes himself look silly and clownish.”

You mean like Obama?

:)

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:58:27

now that’s funny.
close your eyes and imagine eddie murphy doing his “white guy” voice “We’re not falling for that banana in the tailpipe trick.”
Do you see BO?
Or do you see Coupe Deval Patrick?

 
 
 

Comment by Arius | 2008-05-30 14:52:42

“I regret that deeply” BULLSHIT! the Archbishop’s response is cowardly and nonactive.

I hate religious organizations getting away with being tax exempt in this country. They are more wealthy than the public want to know and they all have agendas. It’s a rip off to the taxpayer that they get to keep millions , billions, in hidden investments around the world, running world banks and remain untouchable.

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 14:56:23

The RCC is the richest NGO in the world, hundreds of billions in cash, real estate and investments. Untold worth in art, most of which is in warehouses.
and every Sunday, around the world, the foolish put ttheir hard earned treasure into a basket or box.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-31 07:31:05

Hey Kevin….This does not have to turn into an anti-catholic rant….Guess what….THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS YOU DENGRATE HELP POOR CATHOLICS PAY UTILITY BILLS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES THAT EVEN IF THEY ARE EMPLOYED AT MIN. WAGE JOBS THEY DON’T DESERVE HELP IF THEY GET CAUGHT SHORT TO PAY THE MONTHS BILL….THOSE DONATIONS CLOTHE AND FEED PEOPLE ( MANY NON-CATHOLIC ) AROUND THE WORLD….CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS THE LARGEST CHARITY IN THE WORLD.

THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS HELP KIDS ATTEND CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES WHICH BTW WERE THE FOUNDATION OF CIVILIZATION AFTER THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE…

THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS AID IN THE CARE OF ELDERLY PRIESTS AND NUNS WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF ORDERS AND OTHERWISE WOULD BE LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES AFTER LIFETIME SERVICE…
THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS AID IN MISSIONS WORLDWIDE THAT EDUCATE AND TAKE CARE OF THE POOR…

THOSE CONTRIBUTONS HELP THE POOR GET WORK AND COUNSELLING PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT ARE NEW IMMIGRANTS…

THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS ENABLE PRIESTS TO TAKE SACRAMENTS TO THE DISABLED AND THE SICK…
THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS BUILD SCHOOLS WORLD WIDE….

THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS FED ME AND MY DAUGHTER AND KEPT THE HEAT ON WHEN I WAS NOT PAID FOR WORK I DID….

IT’S EASY TO PICK ON THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH….ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE NOT EVER BEEN INVOLVED AND WORKED TOWARD REFORM…

WHEN MY OWN ( ALCOHOLIC ) FAMILY TURNED IT’S BACK ON ME AND MY DAUGHTER THE GREATER FAMILY OF THE SMALLEST AND POOREST PARISH IN OUR CITY EMBRACED US…WHEN HER FATHER QUIT PAYING CHILD SUPPORT BECAUSE I HAD REPORTED HIM TO THE AG OFFICE…THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HELPED US AND KEPT MY KID IN SCHOOL…WHEN WE WERE HOMELESS IT WAS A CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THAT FOUND A DONOR TO PAY FOR HER UNIFORMS AND SUPPLIES SO THAT SHE COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP SHE HAD EARNED….

WHEN I NEEDED COUSELLING BECAUSE OF THE STRESS I WAS UNDER BECAUSE SOMETIMES LIFE JUST SUCKS AND IT OVERWHELMS A PERSON THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SET UP COUNSELLING SERVICES FREE THAT I COULD WALK TO AND STAY SANE SIMPLY BY HEARING SOME KINDNESS AND MUCH NEEDED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT….

WE ARE MORE THAN THE SCANDALS….WE ARE MORE THAN THE ATTACKS OF THE CYNICAL….WE ARE NOT THAT EASY TO DISMISS AND DERIDE….IT IS BECAUSE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF MY FAITH THAT I’M CATHOLIC AND BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THE SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES THAT ARE GREATER THAN POLITICS….

I’m just tired of the constant ranting on the church….there is a lot of good in the church….and a lot of good people in it….

 
 
 

Comment by connie floyd | 2008-05-30 14:59:47

I am Catholic and my mother before me is Catholic, I am greatful she is with Jesus and did not hear the hateful thing that came out of this Priest’s mouth.
As a Catholic, I am outraged at the hate that is in this man’s heart. How can he lead people in God’s ways when clearly he isn’t following them himself.
I sincerely hope the Catholic church defrocks him as they have the Pedo-file Priest. In Gods eyes sin is sin, there is no difference. This Priest is preaching hate and it has no place in the Church as does the Pedofile Priest’s don’t. I say fire him, he does not speak for Jesus!

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 15:02:09

e-mail the pope and express your feelings

 
 

Comment by Arius | 2008-05-30 15:02:41

Blitzer opened his show promo today with the ruckus of Pfleger’s comments.. they open the show with the misinformed delegate stuff..

but glad to see they opened the show with the promo of Pfleger’s behavior.

Comment by Kevin | 2008-05-30 15:11:25

that’s good. Not to sound defeatist, but it won’t change a thing. They’ll structure the Florida and Michigan deal to minimize their impact and pelosi will play kingmaker sometime in the next week, the rest of the borg will play along.
the only hope is that BO does/says something really outrageous between now and the convention, that is likely given the preponderance of bad choices he has made.

 
 

Comment by dugan49 | 2008-05-30 15:22:50

The Cardinal of Chicago (Bernadin previously, now George) have been trying to move Pfleger out of St. Sabina’s for a long time. He has butted heads with them, his superiors in the Archdiocese many times over his public antics and tactics in his various wars against tobacco and liquor companies, drug paraphenalia sellers, and sundry other miscreants in the black community. Pfleger has always been a publicity hound, but he is not crazy. He is just a misguided, dedicated individual who has lost perspective from any other direction than race grieving and racial identification politics.

If Cardinal George tries to make him leave St. Sabina’s, there will be huge AA protests at the Cardinal’s residence and all sorts of bad publicity for the church. In essence, George is being blackmailed by Pfleger’s popularity within the black community.

Comment by jangles | 2008-05-30 20:50:36

Well, doesn’t that sound familiar? Isn’t that what is going on with the SuperDs in the Democratic party and the Obama campaign? A failure to interrupt and refuse to accept racism, whatever the source, only feeds it.

 
 

Comment by breeze | 2008-05-30 15:30:24

RE: SENATOR MC CAIN’S REMARKS

I have been ’sensing’ that Senator McCain has been
increasingly angry at the way Senator Clinton has
been treated.

Aside the fact that they may truly be friends, I
would be very surprised if people of my age and his
aren’t PERSONALLY offended by the HORRIFIC treatment
that she has publicly endured.

ALL OF IT DIMINISHES US AS A PEOPLE!!

Not to mention how shameful the rest of the world
considers us.

Is this how we treat our wives, sisters, MOTHERS
and daughters?

Is this the way we want our children to be raised?

As if the rest of the world did not already think
of us as

“UGLY AMERICANS…..”

No, Senator mcCain has been taking harsh potshots
in everything he’s been saying to Obama and I don’t
think it was over politics….

This latest DISGRACE gave him the best reason, so
far. Watch for him to really go for the jugular -
publicly or behind the scenes – if Obama is really
nominated……

It may just be for the best, after all, he will be fully and PUBLICLY EXPOSED.

There will be no doubts in anyone’s mind after that and Hillary will be vindicated.

OBAMA may eventually wish he had never tossed his hat in this presidential race…..

Pity those who put him up to it…..

 

Comment by DianeJ | 2008-05-30 15:39:18

Father Phleger really seems to be a big unbalanced. His performance is a disgrace to the Catholic church. Please take a second and send an email to the Vatican and speak-up to the right source.

PLEASE WRITE THE VATICAN

benedictxvi@vatican.va

Comment by breeze | 2008-05-30 15:52:29

No, Diane, contacting the Vatican or anybody
in the Church is not going to do any good.

Didn’t you see their own’femaly bashing’ today:

Vatican sends threat over women priests

Vatican threatens to excommunicate anyone who ordains a woman as a priest

Women who are ordained also face immediate excommunication

Opponents predict church’s resistance will backfire

From CNN Bureau Chief
Alessio Vinci

ROME, Italy (CNN) — The Vatican announced Thursday in a general decree that it will excommunicate anyone who would attempt to ordain a woman as a priest and the woman herself.

The Anglican Church has taken a different
approach to ordaining women —
even accepting women as bishops.

According to the decree, the excommunications would take place with immediate effect.

The decree was signed by Cardinal William Levada, prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith.

It was not persuasive to Regina Nicolosi, a program coordinator for Roman Catholic Womenpriests (sic), who was ordained two years ago.

“We have come not to take that too seriously,” said Nicolosi, a 66-year-old married mother and grandmother who lives in Red Wing, Minnesota, and said her group is composed of 40 to 50 women priests, none of whom are recognized by the church hierarchy.

“It’s one of the very last patriarchal hierarchies in the western world, and I don’t know when they will be ready to let go of that.”

Though she said she wants to reform the church from within, she will continue her work as a volunteer in a nursing home who celebrates mass in small groups even if she is excommunicated, she said.

She predicted that the church’s resistance will backfire. “This is bringing more and more women into our group, and I think we’re getting more support from Catholics who are saying this is getting ridiculous,” she said.

Comment by workingclass artist | 2008-05-31 08:09:14

Breeze….The Anglican Church does not practice the sacraments…To compare the two is an illogical argument. The Roman Catholic Church is not Protestant in either Theology or organization….To expect the Roman Catholic Church to become Protestant reveals ignorance of the RCC theology…The Roman Catholic Church will not surrender any fundamental principles of the theology….
The RCC will not ordain Women because the theological case has not been convincing….This is political persusasion that has no bearing on theological arguments until the theological arguments can be made.
A stronger theological and historical case is being made to allow Priests to be married and I expect this reform to eventually happen but the foundation of the Roman Cathic Church is the equal importance of Tradition and Scripture which forms the theology….
The POPE is exersizing his authority and these nuns expected it in fact they took vows to support it….If the Pope chooses to discipline harshly anyone he judges to be a threat to the Church it is his job to do so as it aint a democracy it is a PAPACY…Pope Beneict XVI is a formidable theologian the likes of which we have not had in office for quite a while…
Whether the American nuns like it or not they acted against Papal authority, the cathechism and behaved as Heretics….They can leave the church and go to the Anglicans….of course they would have to do it their way which means giving up the sacraments and for a catholic this can be hard….I could not do it…And speaking as a Catholic , I do not want my church to become Protestant…. sacramentally speaking….and I understand the Theology and until the case is made it won’t change…
The RCC takes a harsh stand on HERESY and the ordaination of Women is heretical to the Cathechism and provokes schism within the Church…
Call it anti-feminist if you want but it is not a political argument it is a theological one and these folks just like other factions know it and are using this as a means to force a schism using the American Church to split from Rome…It won’t work as there are not enough dissenters….
The Roman Catholic Church is not a democracy…The autonomy granted to Bishops extends only so far unless Heresy or other actions threaten the church as a whole and contradict the cathechism and allow for dissent and confusion which cause schisms…This is mostly an American issue…and it is a theological issue that appears to be a feminist one…

 
 
 

Comment by Factcheck2 | 2008-05-30 16:02:15

Why didn’t Obama apologize to Clinton, you ask? He hates her – have you not been listening to his stump speeches for the last 5 months? Annie Oakley – panderer – OPEC comments in Indianopolis – flipping her the bird? He never even apologized for donating to the church whose pastor insulted former President Clinton and the senator both. The whole congregation cheers during these remarks, and he continues to be a member of the church.

The more pertinent question we should be asking right now is whether or not George Orwell wrote the script for this election and stuck it in a time capsule for Karl Rove to dig up 60 years later. Probably a third of Clinton’s pledged delegates at the convention will turn out to be Obama operatives in disguise.

Yet her team continues to talk about the electoral college with superdelegates, when they should be trying to get her on the ballot in 50 states as an independent candidate. Or is it 57 states? Seems the only thing we know for sure is that 2 + 2 = 5.

 

Comment by swanky | 2008-05-30 16:15:55

Catholic priests don’t talk politics because they’re not supposed to get into tax trouble (as many of you have alluded to above – sorry I was late); free speech comes at a price, and electioneering from the pulpit should cost them something.

 

Comment by kat in your hat | 2008-05-30 16:37:23

Oh, and more:

Pfleger, known locally as a community activist and organizer, was arrested in June 2007 with the Rev. Jesse Jackson during a protest outside of a south suburban Chicago gun shop. The criminal trespass charges were later dropped.

He also has hosted Louis Farrakhan, the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam, at St. Sabina and has called him “a gift from God to a sick, sick world.”

http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/priest-apologizes-for-mocking-clinton/20080530074409990001#cmntbgn

 

Comment by PITA | 2008-05-30 16:38:02

I would like to see the “good” Father sent on a long therapudic retreat. Here is the email to the editorial page of the News Paper for the Catholic Arch Diocese of Chicago: editorial@catholicnewworld.com
I think that they should get an ear full. The Cardinal has the authority to take stronger action against this renegade Priest. Who knows, he might see the error of his ways and come back a better person. Hopefully he will recieve some sensitivity training.

 

Comment by bmc | 2008-05-30 17:01:34

Fr. Phleger threatened a businessman in Chicago and has allegedly defaced billboards…moreover, his history of support for Louis Farrakhan, a clear anti-semite, is long-standing and public. With the Catholic church’s apology for its weak stand against anti-semitism during WWII, I should think the church would not allow a wacko like Fr. Phleger to further tarnish its reputation.

Who is Michael Pfleger? As we noted last month, he is a strong supporter of Louis Farrakhan and has been described as a “spiritual adviser” to Obama. He also publicly threatened the life of a Chicago businessman and, according to one report, “is known for climbing ladders to deface liquor billboards.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121207853534129667.html?mod=Best+of+the+Web+Today

Fr. Phleger has a very long history of behavior that should shame FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I., ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO into some action which befits this latest outrage.

After all, it is hardly the first time Fr. Phleger has violated the Church’s tenets.

 

Comment by ProudMilitaryMom | 2008-05-30 20:18:35

I actually called the Chicago Archdioces yesterday and talked with a very nice Sister. (like Sergeants in the military- the S’ters really run everything and know all.)She gave me the e-mail for the Vicar for priests, a Fr Costello, who I e-mailed. He got back to me post hase suggesting i contact Pfleger directly. I posted that info in a comment on anotehr thread.
From my converstion with Sister, she hinted that the Cardinal is all too aware of Fr. pfleger. Sounded to me like the Cardinal is about at the end of his patience with this maniac.

And to the comments above, they are quite correct- the Pop will be very, very, VERY unhappy with this priest and with any further scandal in the American Church.

E-mail the Pope! He needs to put a stop to this immediatley- he can call Pfleger to Rome immediatley and that should shut him up!

 

Comment by ProudMilitaryMom | 2008-05-30 20:19:28

Sorry about all the typos- must proof read must proof read!

 

Comment by politicsIsdirty | 2008-05-30 20:31:32

Father Phlegm should quit the catholic church and join Sen Obama’s congregation where he fits well.

 

Comment by jangles | 2008-05-30 21:05:02

This event has really had voice and legs. It has overwhelmed the Uncle story and just about everything else. I see however that it has not made a dent in Ms. Pelosi’s apparent undying commitment to the Obama One. It was great to see HRC enjoying herself with the press as these scheduled primaries wind down. She is the most inspiring person to come along in a long time. Kudos to McCain. I don’t even care if he is playing politics with this, at least he has the decency to play politics with it. The great uniter, Obama George Bush the III does not have that much sense.

 

Comment by Joe Opferman | 2008-05-31 08:13:32

I am a Catholic and the Sermon one our own church gave at Trinity is more than an embarrasment to our faith it is a betrayal of our faith

 

Comment by Nancy Riley | 2008-06-12 01:14:24

ArchBishop overlooks child abusers and a radical, racist, pro-abortion priest
(Pfleger) and lets him stay at the same parish for over 30 years !

Even allowing Pfleger to adopt 3 little boys !!

ArchBishop makes very bad decisions, he plans to reinstate Pfleger on June 16th,
inspite of a nationwide outcry.

Previous Poor Decisions made by the ArchBishop…

While ArchBishop George Francis of Chicago has had to deal with the fallout from
clergy sexual abuse cases from many years ago, he has come under fire for his
actions during a recent abuse case. George acknowledged that he had made
mistakes in the case of Rev. Daniel McCormack, who was charged with two counts
of aggravated criminal sexual abuse on January 21, 2006. It is alleged that
McCormack had abused two boys repeatedly from 2001 to 2005. Cardinal George has
faced criticism for allowing McCormack to remain at his post after allegations
first surfaced in August of 2005. At the time prosecutors were not able to move
forward because there was not enough evidence. Instead McCormack was told to not
have any unsupervised contact with minors and had a personal monitor assigned to
him. Cardinal George has since indicated that had he known several months ago
what he knew now that he would have removed McCormack from his duties right
away. Cardinal George took some responsibility for the matter, saying, that the
sins of priests and bishops destroy the church, and I think that is what
we are seeing here.

Despite claims of following the churchs’ procedures for dealing with
child-molesting priests, Cardinal George made no attempt to contact the police.
Following this incident, the procedures for reporting abuse in Chicago were
reportedly reevaluated by a panel and their importance was stressed.

 

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