One step forward, two steps back

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Sep 16, 2004

Cardinal Martino condemns UN involvement in promoting abortion. One step forward.

But on the same day, the Vatican announces a stepped-in presence at the UN, conferring greater credibility on this international body, which is (see above) heavily involved in promoting abortion. Two steps back.

Cardinal Martino makes a practical, cogent argument: pointing to a clear statement of policy adopted by UN member-states, and appealing to the obvious interests of government that don't want to waste money. One step forward.

But just one day earlier, the same Cardinal Martino had made a hopelessly impractical, inane argument, when he called for disarmament as a way to fight terrorism. So today, when they read the latest headline, seasoned politicians probably figured that Cardinal Martino was blowing smoke again, and never bothered to read what he had actually said. Two steps back.

It's nice to know that Vatican envoys are welcome at the UN. It would be even nicer if we didn't have that sinking feeling that other diplomats welcome them in much the same way that Fast Eddie might welcome Rollo the rich kid into the pool hall.