Bush as Gore?

In response to John Mallon's letter (“We're Halving a Party,” May 13-19): Mr. Mallon stated that “millions of Catholics voted for the candidate that advocated abortion while voting against a candidate that is against abortion.”

As published in the same issue of the Register, White House chief of staff Andy Card called abortion “a high moral priority for the president, but not a public policy priority.”

Explain to me again the candidates’ difference on abortion?

AL MURIUS Irrigon, Oregon

Contain Abortion Stateside

Regarding “House Upholds Ban on Funding Promotion of Abortion” (May 27-June 2):

Good: The House of Representatives voted 218-210 to preserve President Bush's “Mexico City Policy,” which prevents taxpayer funding of organizations that promote or perform abortions overseas. But why was it so close? Why do many of us insist on spreading our culture of death to other nations? Aren't we content with the 1.5 million children we slaughter each year in the United States?

Pro-choice leaders argued that the Mexico City Policy was a “global gag rule.” I agree with Rep. Henry Hyde, who said, “If you want to talk about abortions, talk away. But not on our dime.” Hyde noted that “federal appellate court has held that [the Mexico City Policy] is fully consistent with the first amendment. Everyone has a right to free speech but not a right to federal tax dollars.”

I believe there is little accountability for the money given to family-planning organizations unless the Mexico City Policy is in place. In the past, the International Planned Parenthood Federation repayed $700,000 in federal grants right before a federal audit because they were used for abortions in India and Uganda. It is estimated that the Mexico City policy will cost International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) over 25% of their operating budget.

IPPF is the world's largest and richest abortion provider in the world and spends millions of dollars every year trying to change various national laws against abortion

THOMAS V. MESSE, M.D. Groton, Connecticut

Don't Go Dutch

Mr. Benjamin D. Wiker is on target with his evaluation of the Dutch (“America: Decline the Dutch Descent,” May 6-12). Unfortunately, for most people, Nazis are simply a name to shout to end a debate. While many consider the evil of Germany irrational and crazy, the actions of the Germans were exquisitely logical based on false materialistic premises.

Most people are unaware of how corrupted the medical profession became in Germany. The Nazis always considered their killing therapeutic and healing (like a therapeutic abortion). Physicians were intimately involved in every aspect and provided a professional veneer for these killings.

What is even worse, the German medical community was very distinguished and well respected throughout the world prior to the war. If a highly respected medical community can be turned into killers, can any community be safe when healing becomes killing?

THERON BOWERS Houston

Concerned Parent

I have just read, with great concern, your front-page article concerning the IRPS program at the University of Dallas (“Resignations Rock University of Dallas,” May 20-26).

We are well aware of Doug Bushman's wonderful work at the college, and of the strong impact the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies programs have had. My husband and I are parents of two University of Dallas students. We are now questioning our decision to enroll our children in that university.

We chose the University of Dallas because of the Catholicity of its programs, its staff and its reputation as a solid academic university. Our concern with the situation at the school began earlier this year, when the provost, Glen Thurow, was dismissed suddenly by the president. Rumors flew, and many questioned the motives behind the dismissal. Now, again, certain staff have been targeted. Many other, more minor, incidents have concerned us as well.

I am hesitant at this point to contact anyone at the university because of my children's status there (and please, don't use my name, for the same reason), but I know that I speak for many parents and many students when I express my dissatisfaction with the administration of the college. Since there are so few truly Catholic colleges in the country, we would all be greatly saddened to witness the destruction of one of them.

Name Withheld

AT&T Ire

I have never written to the editor of a newspaper. The article on pornography (“Pornography, Incorporated,” May 13-19) was very educational. One wonders how many other companies invest in pornography without our knowing.

The fact that stands out: We all use AT&T; our phones, television and computers have links of communication provided by AT&T. Therefore, in a sense, I contribute to pornography. The question I have is, how do we stop this insidious trend? I only came up with one answer: Contribute funds to help the victims. I would like to know if there is an address to write to AT&T to show our dissatisfaction with their investment in pornography.

MARJORIE DAVIES Portland, Oregon

Editor's Note: Write: AT&T Broadband, P.O. Box 5630, Denver, CO 80217.

Video Venture?

I love the reviews of older movies on video that appear in your paper each week (“Weekly Video Picks” by John Prizer). Did you ever consider compiling them in a book?

ELLEN FINAN Cortland, Ohio

Editor's Note: Thanks for the compliment, which we have passed on to John Prizer. The idea of a book has been brought up before, and it is something we are still considering.

Gunning for Firearm Society

I am deeply grieved that a handgunners's society has set up St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows as their patron front man (“Pistol-Packin’ Piety: A Patron Saint for Handgunners?” March 5-11, 2000; referenced in subsequent classified ads placed in the Register by the St. Gabriel Possenti Society).

An insult to St. Gabriel and to Gospel values which teach forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Handguns, before they kill, are an occasion of sin.

The so-called “St. Gabriel Possenti Society” should not spread its worthless values to Catholics via the Register with the legend that a lone cleric drove looting soldiers out of town at the point of a gun.

Such a story, even if it happened, carries no weight in a country like the United States where, The Economist reports: “In 1996 handguns were used to murder two people in New Zealand, 15 in Japan, 30 in Britain, 106 in Canada, 211 in Germany and 9,390 in the United States.”

Each year in the United States, firearms are involved in about a half a million criminal incidents and some 35,000 deaths, including suicides and accidents. A constitutional right? Give us Gospel rights instead. Peace to you all.

PATRICK OWENS Calgary, Alberta

Correction

The Catholic Traveler report of May 20-26, “Precious Blood of Belgium,” was written by John M. Grondelski, a frequent contributor to the Register who lives in London.