Mailbag 5/20
Press commentary was hate speech In Monday's Baraboo News Republic, political commentator Bill Press crossed the line between commentary and hate speech with reference to Catholics who objected to President Obama speaking and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame. Press referred to 74 bishops and 350,000 petition signers as "a bunch of small-minded, ignorant and intolerant religious zealots ..." because they pointed out to the University's president and Board that they were violating a direct order of the church by giving an ardent abortion supporter a scandalous speaking platform. This "bunch" Press refers to is comprised of good Catholic citizens who are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and they number far more than Press counted. Press says Obama is "pro-choice," which of course means "pro-abortion" (the pre-born baby certainly has no choice). In fact, Obama is the most passionate abortion supporter of all presidents and probably most other people in public office, although his political appointments are filling up rapidly with noted abortion supporters. Press attempts to make cases that, like Obama, most Catholics favor abortion. No credible survey of practicing Catholics exists for him to come up with those manufactured numbers. A Catholic is either Catholic or not. In other words, a Catholic accepts the teachings of Christ through the authority of the church and the Papal Office. If not, they're not Catholic. By definition, if they support abortion, they cannot be Catholic. I am deeply disturbed that Press and the Baraboo News Republic can get away with this misinformation and hate speech. Put any other group behind the words "small-minded, ignorant and intolerant religious zealots," such as "gays" or "blacks" or "Muslims" or "Democrats," and you're likely to end up in jail. But apparently, and sadly, it's still OK to direct hate speech and discrimination against Catholics. Many other points in Press' diatribe are inaccurate or illogical, but that is typical of his writing. He wants free speech and he has that right. But the peaceful Catholic demonstrators at Notre Dame, who were praying and carrying pro-life signs, were not allowed free speech. They were jailed and had their signs confiscated by the special campus police. Contrary to Press' conclusion that it was a sad day for the Catholic Church, it was actually a sad day for Notre Dame's prestige as a good (certainly not great) Catholic University. And an even greater tragedy, a sad day for the millions of babies killed every year through abortion. Remember what Obama said during the campaign? He wouldn't want his daughter to have to suffer the inconvenience of a baby if she made a mistake in her sexual activity. Ah. There is the inconvenient truth of life. But the Baraboo News Republic would rather print hate speech than truth. I respectfully ask the Editorial Board to apologize to Catholic subscribers and advertisers for allowing this hate crime on the pages of what should be a peaceful, fair-minded hometown newspaper. Bob Penzkover,Rock Springs Proud member of WCTU The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is not affiliated with any church. In its 137th year, it is the oldest women's organization in our state, nation, and worldwide. It's purpose is "the protection of the home and family." Its motto is "educate, legislate, and if necessary, agitate." It appears by the response to my previous letter, the reader was agitated. The proposed legislation, LRB 0905 co-sponsored by Rep. Berceau and Sen. Risser, is to increase the tax rate on fermented malt beverages from $2 to $10 a barrel to offset the cost for treatment and prevention programs, to provide grants to counties and municipalities to reduce crimes related to alcohol use, and to be used for community aids related to alcohol and drug abuse treatment and education. Over 58 percent of those surveyed recognized there is a problem in Wisconsin and approve of the increase in the beer tax, which hasn't seen a change in over 40 years, while costs have escalated. Hard liquor taxes, while not enough, have seen increases. Interestingly, the phrase, "beer is the poor man's drink," was given by an alcohol lobbyist who was in opposition to the legislation, and felt that such a tax was regressive. Certainly, this controversial tax would not have been proposed if there hadn't been a need, and evidence that, because of the enormous sales of beer, it would be worthwhile. I serve on a county committee that is concerned with the alcohol problem in Sauk County, especially with under-age drinking. Since often parents sponsor such a party, during prom or graduation, unaware of the stiff penalties for this, signs have been placed about the community that say, "Parents who host, lose the most." This committee is made up of social workers, law enforcement officers, school personnel, and others who are in direct contact with the alcohol problems. These persons and those from Hope House, Home for the Homeless can testify that, while not all, many clients would not need special services if not for alcohol. Alcohol affects the part of the brain that makes decisions first, and that is why many fine people find themselves in trouble. This is not being judgmental — just relating facts. Hopefully, readers will look into other facts that tell how much of our Gross National Product is spent on alcohol and jails, versus schools and education. Also look into how much more our health and car insurances cost to cover the claims related to alcohol. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was instrumental in getting women the right to vote, (which happened after the saloons were closed), provided research on the dangers of tobacco, and works to educate the public on the false promotions and advertising of the alcohol industry. I am proud to be a member of this organization. Allegra Zick, president, Baraboo Woman's Christian Temperance Union