Afternoon Baseball

Well, the Catholic Church is not too happy with Loyola College. Seems we're greviously violating their policy on not inviting commencement speakers who do not share Catholic moral values. Giuliani, with his pro-abortion and pro-gay rights views, obviously does not fit their mold. So Cardinal Keeler is boycotting the commencement, and some Catholic groups want to look into stripping Loyola's official Catholic endorsement.

OK, I admire the Church for deciding it would rather bleed badly rather than jump its principles. It's a tactic that has hurt them but probably has a part in a nearly 2,000 year survival. However, this view, in this case, is narrow and foolish. Commencement speakers are just to get parents excited, make the school look important, and show students what they can aspire to be. If following the Catholic positions is so important, then we should apply it to the students who attend the school. After all, they have a much greater impact than some one-time speaker will.
Furthermore, by any reasonable standard, Giuliani is a huge success and has accomplished a great deal to be proud of. That alone is a fine example to demonstrate to graduating Loyola students, myself included. And if the Catholic Church and Keeler feel that's unacceptable, let's call their bluff. Take away the Catholic seal of approval. What would happen?

Loyola would probably have uncharted success -- freed from the shackles of a backward -thinking hierarchy and the image of such thinking -- and a holder of strong beliefs and morals but an understanding of their application that demonstrates awareness and understanding, not merely heavy-handed automation. So show your cards, Keeler, et al. But if you do so, let's also see this outrage when it comes to priestly child molestation and the like. Up for the challenge? Didn't think so.