Conservative Common Man

Inspiration is an amazing thing. Possibly the most amazing aspect of inspiration is where it can be found. I found inspiration yesterday at the most unlikely of places, Huffingtonpost.com. I go to this site from time to time because I think it is important to know what the left is saying, especially since sites like this are a source of information for many of the misguided. I am usually disgusted by the positions of the commentators as well as the vulgar way in which many of their positions are presented. Yesterday’s visit to this cesspool of “news” and opinion was no exception, but I was offended and disgusted more than ever before.

Bill Maher had taken the opportunity denigrate “The Business of The Catholic Church” in the wake of the large settlement made by the L.A. Archdiocese in the sexual abuse scandal. Maher seemed to paint all of the Catholic faithful as simple sheep that give monetary donations to an evil entity that uses our contributions to pay for the privilege to do terrible things to children. Of course Maher used the crudest of terms in his commentary to deliver the desired shock value. He also mentioned that the business of the church is “selling an invisible product.”  So in addition to painting the entire church with the pedophile brush, he implies that they priests and bishops are like sleazy salesmen in “the ultimate hustle.”

I am Catholic and have been for about six years. I am also a father and speaking as a father and as a decent (in my own opinion, at least) person, I can tell you my personal opinion on the sexual abuse of a child. I believe that any man or woman, regardless of stature or occupation that is guilty of molesting children should be punished beyond the extent of most current laws. I also believe that any person or entity that would cover up such atrocities should be subject to the maximum penalty. While nothing could excuse the behavior of the guilty, it is unbelievably tasteless to assign blame to an entire religion for the sins of some of its members. Did I miss the remarks by Bill Maher regarding the strapping of explosives to children or is that subject taboo since the acts weren’t committed by Christians?

I realize that people like Bill Maher make their livings by being outrageous and incredibly tasteless. I also realize that when one of these cretins sees an opportunity to dump their garbage on a powerful symbol of morality, they become even more ferocious. I haven’t watched any of Bill Maher’s shows (although I think he probably peaked in D.C. Cab) but I have been unfortunate to have heard and read some of his ranting. I hope that he is not taken too seriously by the people that for reasons stemming from some unknown mental deficiency, go to Huffington Post for news and enlightenment.

Here is where I get to the inspirational value of this filth. I read Maher’s words and felt my face grow hot. I saw his use of the “F” word as he related it to children and contributions of Catholic parishioners and was appalled that such a statement would be made. This experience stoked a fire somewhere inside me and made me want to fight. I felt the urge to do anything I could to counter this flow of sewage. I may not have an audience, but I will not stop speaking. Apathy can creep in at any time, but as long as I can go to Huffington Post and read the thoughts of the morally bankrupt, I am likely to remain inspired.

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