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THE ATHANASIAN of Amer ica + Edito r: Fr. Fran cis E. Fenton, STL + Volume XII, No. 7 t October 15, 1991 e@. publ icat ion of Tradi tiona l Cath olic s

Disarming America John Kenneth Weiskittel the aye over two years ago this newsletter carried “Gun their foes. In the drive to pass the Brady bill, however, Control: The Coming Showdown” (September 1, antigun fanatics have surpassed themselves in the amount of 1989 issue), a study that showed the way in which the disinformation they’ve managed to circulate. American people were being psychologically conditioned to The bill — officially named the Brady Handgun Violence seek the passage of new gun laws. Among the antigun myths. Prevention Act in the House of Representatives cited in that article were those destined to elicit emotional (corresponding legislation in the Senate was part of the responses, the propaganda equivalent of having a loaded Biden Crime Package) — draws its name from James Brady, revolver shoved into one’s face. press secretary for former President Ronald Reagan. When Further evidence of the deceitful way the gun control lobby an assassination attempt occurred in 1981, Brady was struck operates was in full display earlier this year in its push for in the brain by an errant bullet and has spent the past ten passage of the Brady bill. This federal legislation seeks to years confined to a wheelchair. In The Unseen Hand: An establish a nationwide waiting period for the purchase of Introduction to the Conspiratorial View of History (Publius handguns and to penalize states that do not impose Press, 1985), A. Ralph Epperson writes: “There are many background checks on prospective buyers. As this article who believe that one of the reasons that John Kennedy, goes to press, the House’s version of the bill (a seven-day Robert Kennedy, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King were wait) and the Senate’s (a five-day wait) must be reconciled assassinated by gunfire was to develop popular support for before a final vote can be made. When this takes place legislation to either register or confiscate the weapons of the passage is probable, and the showdown mentioned in the American citizen.” (p. 394) It is difficult to believe that the earlier study will grow nearer. (By the time our subscribers assassins took this into consideration although conspirators read this article Brady may already be law.) did later use the killings to promote gun control. Whatever the relative degree of validity of such a theory, the use of the The Brady bill is significant for a variety of reasons: the Brady tragedy is one that the antigun lobby has successfully extraordinary means used to secure its passage presents a used to generate support for its cause — and it is doubly veritable textbook lesson in the use of propaganda; the effective in that the object of pity is not in a grave somewhere surprising — or seemingly surprising — support it received, but is able to speak out on behalf of the lobby. And speak as well as the genuinely surprising counterproposal made by out is precisely what James Brady has done. One way has the opposition; how its supporters include advocates of an been to appear in a newspaper advertisement for Handgun outright ban on privately owned firearms; the dangers Control, Inc. (HCI), a group whose current chairperson ahead if the forces behind the Brady bill are allowed to happens to be Brady’s wife, Sarah. The ad, entitled “This proceed unimpeded to future projects. The following article handgun statistic just broke his silence” and carried in such seeks to provide our readers with some background material papers as the New York Times, features a photo of Brady that can be utilized to fight any attempt at gun confiscation. sitting in his wheelchair and a statement attributed to him. “Ever since I was shot,” the text reads, “I have watched Without Warning from my wheelchair as the gun lobby blocked one sane @rie history of the gun control movement in America has handgun control proposal after another…” Brady goes on to make the point that he is now supporting the “sane” been a chronicle of deception. Proponents of such legislation have regularly resorted to factual distortion, proposal bearing his name, adding that 95 percent of all manipulation of feelings and slanderous allegations about Americans (87 percent of handgun owners) and “every al told the panel that law enforcement organization in the country” also proposal,” a Justice Department offici major l, favor the law. President George Bush’s Administration opposed the bil , e Ca mp ai gn To Di sa rm Am er ic a, ” Th e New American (“Th to he Gi pper” made a,r} Although the figures cited above might not stand up June 4, 1991 , p. 7) Bu t th at wa s be fo re “t in more closer scrutiny, it is the overall impression that is special appearance. immediate need of a challenge. The implication of the ad is by throwing that it is reasonable to endorse such legislation — later in On March 28, Ronald Reagan shocked many me the text he refers to “sane handgun laws” — as if there is his support on the side of the measure. After longti something sick or evil about anyone who doesn’t support opposition to federal gun control, he made a complete them. Is this overstating it a bit? Hardly. Consider the about-face in a speech at George Washington University, a following: “In fact, it seems the only people against the declaring: “It’s just plain common sense that there be Brady bill are psychopaths, criminals, drug dealers and the waiting period to allow local law enforcement officials to gun lobby.” It is sad to think that Brady’s injuries have left conduct background checks on those who wish to buy a him so embittered that HCI can persuade him to lump handgun. .. I support the Brady bill and I urge Congress to groups representing millions of law-abiding Americans with enact it without further delay. With the right to bear arms assorted kooks and crooks. comes a great responsibility to use caution and common sense on handgun purchases.” (Cited, James J. Drummey, But the brunt of the Brady bill blitz was yet to come. In mid- “Review of the News,” The New American, April 23, 1991, June, Home Box Office (HBO), Time-Life’s cable television p. 11) What made this all the more surprising to many is the subsidiary, broadcast “Without Warning: The James Brady fact that Reagan is an NRA member, but it was not, Story,” a “docudrama” starring Beau Bridges in the title however, a spontaneous change on his part. Lee writes: role. Allen R. Hodgkins, III, reporting on the film in the _ July, 1991 issue of the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) … His turnabout at such a crucial point in the debate lagazine, American Rifleman, notes that it was to premiere caught many gun owners by surprise. But it had actu- in April but this “was postponed by HBO so that it would ally been carefully orchestrated over many weeks. In ‘coincide with debate in the U.S. Congress on the Brady January, Mr. Reagan had called Sarah Brady to ex- bill.” (“Made-For-TV Movies Shill For Handgun Control, press support. Later, when Mrs. Brady learned that he @ Inc.,” p. 60) (The House passed the bill on May 8; the would be coming to Washington, she called him and Senate, on June 28). HBO claimed the film was a “family secured his firm commitment to endorse the bill. (p. 7) story” and nota political one but, given the crucial timing, it is hard to discount Hodgkins’ allegation that it has, in fact, Joining Reagan in support for the Brady bill were former “provided millions of dollars in free advertising to… (HCI), Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, both of whom and its chief propagandists, Sarah and Jim Brady, are commonly perceived to be “moderate” to “especially when he quotes its producer, David Puttnam, as “conservative” in their political philosophy. (Such a saying “it would be marvelous if this film would put… perception, however, is untenable when their political change into motion.” (Jbid. Hodgkins also reveals that the careers are given close scrutiny — moderate, as in NRA vas tar-brushed as an “evil empire” by Brady when he compromising, perhaps; conservative… never.) testified before lawmakers on Capitol Hill.) Naturally, such backing of the bill duped many ordinarily Neutralizing The Opposition pro-gun people into believing that Brady was merely an anticrime measure. This was followed by a typical flip-flop The propaganda barrage described above was very effective by Bush. Donald S. McAlvany, writing in the May, 1991 in rallying the support of the general populace to the Brady issue of his McAlvany Intelligence Advisor, gives a bit of the bill. But the gun banners sought to target even those who background behind it: would naturally be heavily in favor of Second Amendment rights. The group in question? Well-meaning, but ultimately For years George Bush has pretended to be pro-gun gullible, conservative Republicans. rights and against gun controls. Asa lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, it was supposed During a “hearing” conducted in March, which, writes that he was a pro-gun advocate, He was, in fact Robert W. Lee, “was… heavily stacked to favor the , courting the vote of the Republican right — @

THE ATHANASIAN OCTOBER 15, 1991 it’s called conning the gullible. In 1989, he endorsed The Staggers bill simply provided that there be a a ban on semiautomatic weapons and helped kick background check in every place in the country, off the campaign to abolish so-called assault rifles. along with a statement that — though there was no ® With Ronald Reagan’s endorsement of the Brady provision for penalty for not complying — the police Bill, Bush has found the excuse, or cover, to would not keep a registration list. So we had the support that legislation as well and, on April 18, same problem with both bills, a gun registration Bush came out publicly in support of the permanent opportunity for anitgun police. (“Gun Owners Fight banning of nine types of semiautomatic weapons. Brady Bill,” The New American, June 4, 1991, p. 12) (“Guns & Silver: To Have & To Hold,” p. 7) How, then, one may ask, did the NRA come to back The effect of such apparently unlikely advocacy on conserva- Staggers? That question can only be answered in part here. tive Republicans is to have them asking themselves, “If he’s In the April, 1984 issue of American Opinion, contributing for it, how can I be against it?” Through this same neutraliz- editor Alan Stang wrote an article entitled “There Is Serious ing tactic, used again and again by those bogus conservatives Trouble Brewing At The N.R.A.” which told of a faction in the White House — from higher taxes and more socialistic inside the group that sought to see that “(t)he political government programs to recognition of Red China and the battle against the subversion called ‘gun control’ was to be weakening of our national defense by way of a series of muted.” (p. 24) Stang recounts a supplement in the April treaties with the Soviet Union — a plethora of leftist policies 22, 1983 issue of Gun Week by the Federation for the NRA is being foisted on our country because “conservative” that challenged an amended version of the McClure- Republican presidents have been able to persuade their Volkmer gun bill. According to the ad, Warren Cassidy, followers that there were “good reasons” for embracing director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (ILC), them. As often as not, they were able to use their personal proposed “one that substantially modified or nullified every popularity, charisma, position, or a mixture of these, to significant provision in the original bill; the N.R.A. proposal convince GOP faithful to cast better judgment to the wind. contained a 14-day waiting period and police background “The Brady bill is a prelude to confiscation,” contends the check on handgun purchasers.” (Cited, p. 25) Cassidy is no NRA, “because it would start a nationwide list of gun longer ILA director but there is reason to fear that owners.” Certainly concern over this influenced the group infiltrators may still be at work within the NRA. (Indeed, is to support an alternative bill by Representative Harley there any reason to believe they would not be at work to Staggers (D – West Virginia). On this subject Lee writes: pervert its true purposes?) H. Wayne Sheets, writing in American Rifleman for August, 1991, states: “NRA’s many … The Staggers alternative would have established and diverse programs recently received a boost when the a system for conducting instant background checks Internal Revenue Service… approved the NRA Foundation for handgun purchases. It had been endorsed by as a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization.” (The NRA the NRA, but many gun enthusiasts were urging Foundation Receives Approval From IRS,” p. 57) lawmakers to support it only as a lesser-of-evils Whenever such government acceptance is granted, there is alternative to the Brady bill. (p. 10) inevitable speculation over what strings are attached. NRA members need to be vigilant concerning the direction in It is amazing to find the most influential component in the which their group may be being steered. An emasculated gun rights lobby coming down on the side of a gun control NRA or one that is actually subtly pushing for gun control is bill sponsored by a less-than-conservative legislator. (In the capable of doing as much or more harm to Second August 27, 1991 issue of The New American, Staggers fares Amendment rights than any openly antigun group. no better than a lukewarm 42 percent in the magazine’s “Conservative Index.” The higher the percentage, the more Brady And Beyond the congressman “voted for constitutional principles of limited government.”) This article has not contained a refutation of the Brady bill per se. Why? Well, most of the arguments put forth in favor The similarity between the Brady and the Staggers bills is of gun control were examined in the earlier article. It hardly exposed by Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of seems necessary to remind readers that, if the past quarter @arnarica (GOA), in the course of an interview: of a century has proven anything, it is that gun laws

THE ATHANASIAN OCTOBER 15, 1991 thout a able to enter a home, car or business wi emphatically don’t deter violent crime. In that period, literally ty, fi- search warrant or court order and seize proper thousands of gun control measures have been passed at every level of governmentin our country, yet the rape, assault, armed robbery and murder rates have all increased at alarming levels. nancial records or firearms. This legislation, says that it will rely on the “good faith of which local and ¢ to abuse Waiting periods have no significant effect on these statistics federal police performing their duties not Amend- simply because the vast percentage of legally purchased guns their power,” totally nullifies our Fourth (over 95 percent) are never used in the commission of a crime, ment protection against unwarranted search and rs while most guns used criminally are illicitly obtained (stolen, seizure. In cases where law enforcement office – black market, etc.). Then again, maybe it isn’t the criminals the suspect the commission of a violent crime, drug Brady bunch wants to control. related activity or violation of gun laws, Fourth Amendment protection will be completely eliminat- While the lion’s share of attention has focused on the Brady ed and no good faith by police is required. Never be- bill, others being proposed are no less dangerous — perhaps fore has a single group, like U.S. gun owners, faced even more so! For example, House Resolution (HR-19), states such an attack on their most basic constitutional McAlvany, is “a comprehensive ban on nearly all rifles and rights. [Let’s not forget the unborn’s rights, Mr. shotguns since itis cleverly worded to ban all semiautomatic or McAlvany — JKW.] Noncourt-approved wiretaps single shot firearms which are not suitable for ‘sporting are likely to follow on a widespread basis. (Ibid.) purposes…’ ” (p. 6) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) will be Anyone convinced that we can rely on the “good faith” of determining what constitutes suitable use. (Ibid. The BATF police not to abuse their power would do well to ask a defines this use as hunting.) Anyone not complying with HR-19 member of Operation Rescue about this. would face fines and prison sentences. McAlvany writes: Gun prohibition is something that is seldom spelled out, It is important to understand that this is not a gun though in recent years some of its advocates have dared registration bill. This is a gun confiscation bill open avowals. Democrat Michael Dukakis, in the 1988 designed to confiscate almost all rifles and shotguns presidential campaign, was accused by the NRA as having in America as well as most ammo magazines. Tens of millions of honest, patriotic Americans who declared: “I do not believe in people owning guns, only the e police and military.” (That charge he never was able to believe in defending their families, their homes and refute.) Former HCI chairman Pete Shields once admitted the U.S. Constitution, and who believe in the to the CBS program 60 Minutes: “Yes, I’m for an outright Second Amendment…, will not turn in their rifles ban (on handguns).” (Cited, Lee, p. 5) Liberal and shotguns if this bill passes. Therefore, tens of Representative William Clay (D – Missouri), two days before millions of Americans will overnight be declared by he voted in favor of the Brady bill, called it “a minimum our government to be criminals and tens of step. We need much stricter gun control, and eventually we thousands will be jailed as well-publicized examples should bar the ownership of handguns except in a few to intimidate the rest… (Ibid.) cases.” (Cited, “Brady Bill Vote in House Emboldens Anti- The impact of HR-19 is that the number of firearms Gunners,” American Rifleman, July 1991, p. 61) available to American citizens would be greatly reduced. Sentiments like these are to be expected from such sources Another unconstitutional measure that has been proposed is but, when a journalist widely perceived to be conservative HR-1400, known as the Bush Crime Bill. Among its echoes them, there is more cause for concern. And this con- provisions is one that would “(o)utlaw all pistol or rifle gun cern was voiced by New Dimensions magazine reporter David magazines with over a 15-round capacity.” (McAlvany, p. 5) Kupelian, noting in an article about recent attacks on the Bill This, however, is almost a minor inconvenience compared to of Rights (during that document’s 200th anniversary): another one, which would further secure the underpinning of a totalitarian society. Again, Don McAlvany observes: In a recent column entitled “The embarassi ng Second Amendment,” nationally syndicat Police or government agents of the FBI, DEA, CIA, ed columnist and TV commentator George Will BATF or CID will, under the Bush Crime Bill, be struggled to reconcile the fact that he favors both e THE ATHANASIAN OCTOBER 15, 1991 strict gun control and strict construction of the much crime today, there is talk about gun control Constitution.” Will suggests the only legitimate approach for laws. Gun control laws might mean more laws will “gun control advocates who want to square their policy have to be made about who can own guns and why preferences with the Constitution” is to “deconstitutionalize they need to own guns. The Constitution may even @ the subject by repealing the embarrassing amendment.” Will need to have another amendment about guns.” reasons this way: “The Bill of Rights should be modified only (Cited, ibid., p. 23) with extreme reluctance, but America has an extreme crisis of gunfire…” (“An American Celebration: But who’s Another textbook, Our Constitution: A Working Plan for spoiling the party?”, July, 1991, p. 23) Democracy, redefines “militia” as follows: “The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to ‘keep and bear Shocking? Only to those who ignore the fact that Will is a arms’ as part of ‘a well-regulated militia’ That means the member in good standing of the New World Order Club, states can have their own troops and those troops can have better known as the Council on Foreign Relations. Repeal- weapons.” (Cited, ibid.) ing the Second Amendment fits the CFR’s plans perfectly. A Signpost To Slavery Speaking of the Bill of Rights, a new book ostensibly praising it succeeds in very nearly squeezing the life out of The right to keep and bear arms by private citizens is an the Second Amendment. Kupelian states: essential part of any free nation. This is a lesson of history that both the friends and enemies of liberty have learned. It …dn Our Defense: The Bill of Rights in Action, by is a lesson, however, that the gun control people want Ellen Alderman and Caroline Kennedy (daughter of Americans to forget. Using the pretext of “fighting crime,” the slain President), claims that the Second they would have law-abiding citizens voluntarily lay down Amendment confers no right to private gun their arms, much as in the way U.S. treaties with the ownership whatsoever. In an interview Kennedy Soviets, which involve scrapping weapons systems, are done declared simply: “There is no right to keep and in the name of “world peace.” In this sense, the antigun bear arms pertaining to the individual.” The lobby can be said to be advocating domestic disarmament. r) Second Amendment, insist the two authors, refers only to a “collective right” to self-defense. In other Registration of guns as a step towards their ultimate words, Americans have the “collective right” to confiscation was utilized by both the Nazis and Communists. defend themselves by means of an armed militia, (In Holland the Nazis and in Cuba the Communists simply such as the police, Army, and National Guard, but used registration lists prepared by the preceeding not to defend themselves personally with firearms. governments when they began to round up weapons.) They (p. 22. Kupelian makes the good point that, if assured the populace that their only interest was in “fighting Second Amendment rights can be interpreted to crime.” In None Dare Call It Conspiracy, (Concord Press, apply in only a “collective” sense, there is nothing 1972) authors Gary Allen and Larry Abraham listed to stop the enemies of freedom from arguing that fourteen “signposts to slavery,” those being warning signals “the First Amendment, by the same reasoning, of abridgements of freedom on the way to a police state. The must confer only a ‘collective right? but not an list, compiled with the assistance of Mike Djordjevich, a individual right, to freedom of religion, freedom of refugee from Yugoslavian Communism, includes as its the press, and free speech.”) second signpost: “Abolition of private ownership of handguns.” (Cited, p. 132) How much more ought we to And schoolchildren no less than their parents are being con- suspect, then, attempts to ban semiautomatic weapons, ditioned to accept unquestioningly repeal of the Second weapons which would be essential if private citizens ever are Amendment in textbooks such as The Constitution & the Bill called to resist the imposition (from without or within) of a ofRights. How it does this is seen in the following quote: totalitarian government on our shores? (So far, attempts at state and local gun registration in Colorado and California –.Amendment 2 gives the people the right to own have, thank God, met with virtually no compliance.) guns. Today there’s not much reason to fear an army taking over the country, so there’s no need to And this very point is the most crucial of all in the gun Se own guns for that reason… Because there is so debate. David Kupelian underscores this quite well when,

THE ATHANASIAN OCTOBER 15, 1991 calling the Second Amendment “‘the linchpin for the entire Certainly there is cause for real concern when the actions of Bill of Rights,” he writes: President Bushi are examined. Donald McAlvany observes: “Gun control in America is apparently to be a major ..-As the Founding Fathers constantly asserted, cornerstone of George Bush’s and Mikhail Gorbachev’s New citizens relinquish a part of their own right to self- World Order, It will be very difficult for the globalists to determination when they form a government. The establish their world government under the United Nations ultimate check on that government they retain — without first disarming the American people.” Clearly the one that history has shown to be absolutely issue is one that is rapidly reaching the critical stages and it necessary — is to deny government a monoply on may be time for American gun owners to begin to exercise the means of force. A large, well-armed populace some mental reservation when asked to volunteer historically has exerted a powerful influence on information about their firearms. governments, preventing potential tyrants from even entertaining certain dastardly ideas, let alone As for Catholics, there is a saint who might legitimately (if not implementing them. (p. 23) officially) be called the patron of handgun enthusiasts — Saint Gabriel Possenti. He was born in Assisi in 1838 and was Similarly, syndicated columnist Walter Williams has noted a skilled marksman from his youth. While a Passionist semi- that the “Second Amendment is not a deer-hunting or narian, Saint Gabriel rescued the town of Isola from terrorists duck-hunting amendment. It affords us some protection by taking a gun from one of them and ordering the others to against “wanna-be” tyrants. The people leading the attack drop theirs. He quickly commanded their respect by killing— on the Second Amendment are the very people who want to witha single shot — a lizard that had darted across the street. control greater portions of our lives and restrict our Pope Benedict XV canonized him in 1920. May Saint Gabriel freedoms. Therefore, part of their agenda is to first disarm Possenti, by his merits and prayers, move God to come to our us.” (Cited, Lee, p. 10) aid in this hour of greatneed for our country! +

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SUBSCRIPTON RENEWALS The date on the envelope address label indicates the “The unholy trinity”: month and year in which the recipient’s subscription is due for renewal. At the proper time, a subscription George Bush envelope will be enclosed with the newsletter. One may Mikhail Gorbachev enter a new subscription at any time, of course, and John Pe LI will then receive the eight following newsletter issues. au

THE ATHANASIAN Published by Traditional Catholics of America

Eight issues a year: (Jan. 15, Mar.1, Apr. 15, June1, July15, Sept. 1, Oct. 15, Dec. 1) Subscriptions: $12 per year (via First Class Mail) for the USA, Canadaand Mexico; $16 per year (via Air Mail) forall other countries, Additional Copies: Single copy – $1.50; 10 copies – $12.00; 40 or more to same address – $1.00 each Mailing Address: _ P. 0.Box 38335, Colorado Springs, CO 80937 Telephone: (719) 636-1575 Articles appearingin this newsletter may be reproduced providing no changes of any kind are made in those articles and adequate creditis given to The Athanasian for them. The adequate credit preferred would be the inclusion with the articles reproduced ofthe information contained inthis box. Manuscripts sent to us for possible publication in The Athanasian should be typewritten, double-spaced and no more than in Ifnotaccepted, they will be retumed to the sender. sera pees ey CAPSULE COMMENTS Fr. Francis E. Fenton é (As is quite evident from a reading of the following items, they are no more than what the above title indicates: brief observations on a few subjects of current interest and importance. No attempt is made to document any of the statements. From my own reading and study, however, I believe them to be true and simply offer them for what they may be worth to the readers of The Athanasian.)

To hold that John Paul I is not a valid Pope is not a denial of newsletters of this kind can only have a distorted notion of the Papacy. A person cannot be or ceases to be a Roman Cath- the reality of the situation. They are, in effect, being deceived olic who rejects the Church’s teaching on the Papacy. This, through a selective type of journalism which excludes almost however, is not the position of a sedevacantist. As a Roman entirely any reference, say, to the sedevacantist position, Catholic, he firmly believes in the Papacy while firmly believing much less any objective treatment of it. Even though a very as well that John Paul II is a non-Pope — and the two positions strong case is made — an irrefutable one, I contend — to are perfectly compatible. “Where Peter is, there is the prove that John Paul Il is a non-Pope, publications of the Church.” (Saint Ambrose) True enough. But, where Peter kind noted above simply ignore it. Not very honorable on (thatis, a true Pope) is not, there the Church is not. their part, it seems to me.

PEETEETETE TT ttt t DEPT tt Tt

Over the past two or three years a number of articles have A survey taken some months ago reveals that 91 percent of appeared promoting the thesis that, at the papal conclave in Americans routinely lie. Not surprising but a sorrowful 1963, the one who was really chosen as Pope was not Paul VI commentary indeed on the generality of the population of but rather Cardinal Siri of Genoa (died in 1989) — and that the USA. And, because of the power and influence they ardinal Siri knew this very well. I certainly have no desire exert, among the foremost purveyors of falsehood are the whatsoever to get involved in this matter but bring it up mass media and the federal government. No intelligent, well- merely to make one observation, If indeed it were true, then informed individual will unquestionably accept as true the this would mean that Cardinal Siri — even though he was statements of the national news media on vital current personally convinced that he was the authentic Pope and events. Nor will he accept as true the words of official that, consequently, Paul VI and his successors were spokesmen for the Bush administration in similar matters. antipopes —~ remained silent about it for 26 years President Bush himself is, of course, the primary case in (1963-1989)! Despite the ongoing and utterly horrendous point here. While his dishonesty is of a subtle kind and so not tragedy (surely unparalleled in history) that the Church was apparent to the naive or uninformed, it is readily obvious to experiencing throughout that period, the true Vicar of Christ those who know the score. Although he employs such noble refrained from publicly identifying himself as such! I, for one, terms as morality and principle and patriotism in some of his find this most difficult to believe, to say the least. speeches and statements, one is grossly deceiving himself who takes those words from Mr. Bush at face value. As for ttttt t ttt ttt tt ttt the Constitution of the United States, “our” President, while occasionally giving it lip service, couldn’t care less about it. Conservative and self-styled traditional “Catholic” His beloved One World Order is what really counts — and Publications (The Wanderer, The Remnant, Fatima that Order will, for sure, obliterate the Constitution. Crusader, The Angelus, New Jersey Catholic News, The Catholic Voice, etc.) do inestimable harm to the cause of PEETE ETE E TET TTT Senuine traditional Catholicism, Whatever may be their good intentions, they mislead their readers on the most In their treatment of the subject most conservative writers fundamental issues involving the Church, primarily John and publications seem to be of the mind that, if the trend or Paul Il and the Conciliar Church. Those whose reading on drive towards the New World Order continues at its current @iuticcis relating to the Church is limited to newspapers or pace, that objective will be accomplished by the end of this

THE ATHANASIAN OCTOBER 15, 1991 ly century. In my opinion, that abhorrent global tyranny will be at powers that be in the American government are undoubted least substantially realized much sooner than that unless, per- among the principal activists and promoters in the formation haps, there should develop in the near future a massive protest ofthe One World tyranny — and given the fact too that the vast by the rank and file of the American people in opposition to it, majority of Americans (thanks primarily to the mass media is a prospect which appears highly unlikely at the moment. The disinformation) remain in blissful ignorance: of what m at USA is, I submit, the only country in the world which may still transpiring — the chances, I contend, seem very sli have the potential to halt the movement towards the satanic present that the USA can prevent the imposition upon the New World Order, a movement now in high gear despite any ‘American people of the godless, amoral, inhuman One World appearances to the contrary. Given the fact, however, that the Order being prepared for them.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Fr. Oswald Baker (Fngland)

Question: humans? This question was not raised at that time. It has Given the conviction that death is the gateway to eternal been since, in, for example, the writings of the Jesuit scientist bliss in our true home, is there not something wrong with a Teilhard de Chardin, who maintained that a number of pre- Christian who lives in dread and fear of death? human individuals crossed the threshold of humanity at the same time. It was in our own day that the Church condemned Answer: the works of Teilhard. Besides the Council of Trent, the other Fear of death is natural. It is natural precisely because the key document on the subject is an encyclical of Pope Pius XII, disruption of the union of body and soul is most unnatural. in 1950, which stated that it is difficult to reconcile with Body and soul have been united since the first moment of Catholic doctrine the theory that the human race is our existence, and their separation — which is what death descended from a number of first humans. Thus the Church means — is a physical evil, a punishment brought upon still accepts (but not with an absoluteness and finality ruli mankind by sin. It is understandable that we shrink from it. out all speculation) that Adam and Eve were two individuals We also usually think of death as an event which overtakes — not general names for male and female but two real others, not self. persons — from whom the whole human race has inherited original sin. The fear is natural. To recognize death as the gateway to our heavenly home is supernatural. Consequently, the Question: holier your outlook and way of life, the less your fear of What of the charge that the Church is too much concerned death, fear giving way to joy, till you say, with Saint Nicholas with the next life to be of much help for social justice in this of Tolentino, “I love life only because it leads to death.” life? If priests are not to be active in politics, how can they To be obsessed with the thought of death is unhealthy, but implement the Church’s social teaching? we must keep death in mind so that we may live well and merit the heavenly destiny which, Our Lord revealed, awaits Answer: us hereafter and for which alone we exist. The Church is indeed primarily concerned with guiding us to heaven because this was Our Lord’s dominant care and Question: purpose. On special occasions He fed the hungry and cured Has there been any change in recent years in the Church’s the sick, but he issued a general command, “Labour not for teaching concerning Genesis chapters one through three — the meat which perisheth, but for that which endures to the account of the creation of Adam and Eve and the first everlasting life.” (John VI, 27) The Apostles arranged human pair, and their sin, with its effect on the whole collections for needy communities, but they appointed human race? deacons for social welfare work so that they themselves could attend to their duties as priests. The duties for which priests Answer: are ordained are to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass, to preach, The Church has spoken infallibly on this subject only once. and administer the sacraments, to teach and to sanctify This was at the Council of Trent, in 1546, which declared bless, absolve, console and pray. To engage in politics is for that the entire human race was involved in the sin of our the layman. A priest must never, even remotely, be identified first parents. Trent did not pronounce on the question: were with any political party. His concern must be with principles our first parents one human pair, or were there several first rather than politics.