Faith and Values

Americans feel increasingly disheartened, and our leaders don't even notice

Peggy Noonan, Nov. 2, 2009 , The Wall Street Journal

Let me state upfront that I’m a Catholic; life long, practicing, serious. I love my Church, its doctrines, and its history. Tragically, especially in America today, there are a lot of nominal Catholics that leave many of us scratching our head in wonder.

Take for example Fr. John I. Jenkins, the President of Notre Dame. Jenkins sparked a national scandal by inviting Barack Obama to deliver the 2009 commencement speech and receive an honorary degree at the once proud symbol of Catholic higher education.

Liberals and trial lawyers are a dangerous combination. Colorado Rep. Gwyn Green (D-Golden) can't do enough to satisfy both groups, and if she cripples the Catholic Church and violates principles of the rule of law she apparently doesn't mind one bit.

We look in the mirror so often, but do we really see the reflection that is ourselves? Most especially, do we notice the changes that occur over time and notice what we have become? I don't mean just that there are more pounds and wrinkles and gray hair – although less of it. I'm referring to those subtleties that say we have grown more confident, or more conflicted – more wise, or more confused – more at peace, or more unsure.

Colorado voters spoke clearly in November approving Amendment 43 which added to the state's Constitution the definition of marriage as being only between one man and one woman. Voters also defeated a heavily funded effort known as Referendum I which would have advanced homosexual rights including domestic partnerships and gay adoption. Nonetheless, the Democrat majority at the state capitol is moving legislation to nullify the voter’s directive, and apparently it has the support of Governor Ritter [link].