Combating moral relativism I
"Today, having a clear faith based on the creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be 'tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine', seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognise anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires." — Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, April 18.
Combating moral relativism II
"Pope Benedict XVI faced claims last night he had 'obstructed justice' after it emerged he issued an order ensuring the church's investigations into child sex abuse claims be carried out in secret. The order was made in a confidential letter, obtained by the Observer, which was sent to every Catholic bishop in May 2001. It asserted the church's right to hold its inquiries behind closed doors and keep the evidence confidential for up to 10 years after the victims reached adulthood. The letter was signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected as John Paul II's successor last week." — London Observer, April 24.
Party animal
"[During a speech on Social Security reform] President Bush drew laughs from his audience today when he asked whether the Galveston area still hosts 'Splash Day'. The annual high-school beach party that dates to the 1950's does live on — but now as an unofficial gay and lesbian event ... Bush said you'd have to be a baby boomer to know what he's talking about." — Associated Press, April 27.
Making the case to bring 'em all home
"The more troops you have [in Iraq], the more targets you have and the more people you might get killed. The more troops you have, the more of an occupying power you are." — US war secretary Donald Rumsfeld, April 27.
From Green Left Weekly, May 4, 2005.
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