Friday 28 August 2009

Political leaders must not whitewash anti-life Ted Kennedy

Following the death on Tuesday of Edward "Ted" Kennedy, the American senator with one of the worst anti-life records, Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, said:
"Senator Kennedy was a figure who inspired admiration, respect and devotion, not just in America but around the world. He was a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity ... [He was] a great and good man."
One has come to expect this sort of white-washing from Mr Blair, in which the deaths of countless unborn children through abortion and destructive embryo research are ignored in the name of vague ideas of social justice for those fortunate enough to be born. After all, Tony Blair has attempted to whitewash his own anti-life political record, firstly by being received into the Catholic Church and then by refusing to repudiate his record. Catholics in positions of leadership and influence do the unborn and other Catholics a disservice when they invite or otherwise honour people like Tony Blair and Ted Kennedy. That is why I am disappointed that Jim Dobbin, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group (APPPLG), signed in March a parliamentary motion which read:
"[The] House [of Commons] recognises the contribution [Senator Kennedy] has made over 46 years in the US Senate to advancing the cause of human rights, universal healthcare and a more just society; and acknowledges that his contribution to public service has established him as one of the finest and most effective US senators in the history of that august body."
The pro-life movement will never make any political or other progress as long as leading Catholics treat the sanctity of human life as just another controversial issue, or an optional extra, or a personal opinion, or a private religious belief. Until the inalienable right to life of every human being, recognised by international human rights law, is irrevocably enshrined and fully implemented everywhere, the right to life is the main political issue. If one's right to life is not secured, then one's rights to healthcare, welfare, education or anything else are nebulous. That is why SPUC is supporting a new petition to the UN General Assembly launched by Amnesty for Babies. Please visit the Amnesty for Babies website today to see how you can help.

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