When You Vote - Distinguish Policy From Principle

In any political discussion there will be differences of opinion. Whether the debate is over off shore drilling or how to end a war, differing opinions are bound to surface. However, as we debate issues let’s be careful to make a distinction between policy and principle. As Fr. Frank Pavone points out, “Most disagreements between candidates and political platforms do not have to do with principle but rather policy.” Take, for example the matter of personal safety and the threat of crime. As Pavone points out, two candidates might disagree on policy - how to fight crime - but they’ll both agree on the principle, the right to personal safety. Therefore two people could in good conscience vote for different policies because “…as long as the policy doesn’t break the principle, both policies may well be morally legitimate.” (Pavone) The “right to life” is a principle, not a policy. The only policy consistent with this principle is to preserve the life of the unborn. A candidate’s policy regarding abortion should never break the principle. The right to life remains sovereign. As Pavone says, “…when a policy dispute involves questioning whether people deserve that protection in the first place, the policy is the principle. To allow abortion, which is the killing of a human child in the womb, is to break the principle that every human life is sacred and to deny the principle that life deserves protection.” Killing unborn children is legal in America. The coming election could have an impact on how long that continues. Please pray that the electorate will distinguish between policy and principle and elect candidates and judges that are committed to policies consistent with the principle - the right to life of the unborn. Thousands if not millions of lives depend on it. As Pastor Guy McGraw has said, "Nothing that is morally wrong should be politically right." (You can read Fr. Frank Pavone's compelling “Ten Easy Steps…to Voting With a clear Conscience” at: http://www.priestsfo...rconscience.htm)